March 11, 2022

Travel Essentials: Do These Four Things Before You Head Overseas

Even before COVID-19, there was a good amount of preparation required before travelling overseas. But today, there are a few more steps to take before you board an international flight.

Fortunately, as long as you’re organised, you don’t have anything to worry about. In this article, we’ll go over four things that you need to do before you go abroad, including getting the right visa, familiarising yourself with entry requirements, and investing in travel insurance.

Check your passport and visa

Before doing anything else, find your passport and check its expiry date. It should be valid for six months (if not longer) after your trip ends – otherwise, you may be denied entry to certain countries. If you need a new passport, make sure to allow at least six weeks for it to be processed and delivered.

Similarly, you should also check the visa requirements for every country that you’ll visit on your trip. Getting a tourist visa is usually fairly straightforward and can often be done online. However, applying for a work-related visa is more complicated (and will likely need to involve your company).

Get your COVID-19 vaccine and proof of vaccination

Like everything else in the world, international travel has been changed by COVID-19. These days, many countries require foreigners to be fully vaccinated against the virus – either to enter the country or to visit public places while you’re there.

If you got jabbed in Australia, you can prove your vaccination status with an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. Before you travel, download your certificate by logging into your Medicare account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app.

Familiarise yourself with entry requirements

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, countries are constantly updating their entry requirements. If you’re travelling overseas, it’s critical to understand the rules of each country that you visit so you don’t get caught up at the border.

For example, Singapore requires that visitors be fully vaccinated and receive a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country. In France, tourists need to have received a booster dose or get a negative test result in order to visit pubs, restaurants, cinemas, and other public venues.

Purchase travel insurance

Over the past two years, countless trips have been delayed, disrupted, and cancelled due to COVID-19. Yes, it’s frustrating – but it’s also part of travelling during a pandemic. Luckily, there are several ways to prepare, including purchasing travel insurance.

By taking out a travel insurance policy, you can protect yourself and cover some expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 and have to cancel your trip. However, not all policies cover COVID-19-related issues, so make sure to read the fine print before signing up.

In today’s climate, it’s important to come prepared and stay flexible when travelling abroad. It’s also advisable to work with a professional travel agency that can help you navigate the ever-changing state of travel.

At Airfare Geeks, we’re passionate about delivering unforgettable travel experiences for our clients. Whether you’re interested in round-the-world airfare deals or a luxurious journey in business class, we’re here to help.

Call us today on (02) 9188 7823 to learn more or get inspired by checking out our sample round-the-world flights itineraries.