PRE-DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL IN NSW

With Australia’s international borders set to reopen on December 15 , a door of opportunity has opened for international students. Many of you have been waiting for a long time to fulfill your desire to have a great experience in this amazing country, and the time has come. Australia awaits you with open arms.

One of the states that is ready for his arrival is New South Wales . But before we get there, there are some really important things to keep in mind.

To help you prepare for your arrival, please review this checklist to ensure you have all the relevant information and required documentation. It is very important to plan ahead and read each item carefully to ensure you have a smooth journey and transition into the NSW community.

1: Make sure your passport and student visa for Australia are valid – Required

Check that your passport is valid for at least six months before your arrival in Australia.

All international students must ensure that their student visa for Australia is valid.

Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for more information. Apply for your visa at least six weeks before your course starts.

Please complete as soon as possible.

2: Make sure your vaccination certificate meets Australian requirements – Required

You must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Good Association (TGA) approved or recognized COVID-19 vaccine:

• Two doses at least 14 days apart from:
  • AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
  • AstraZeneca
  • CovishieldPfizer/Biontech
  • ComirnatyModerna
  • Spikevax or Takeda
  • Sinovac Coronavac
  • Bharat Biotech Covaxin
  • Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (18-60 years).
• Or a single dose of:
  • Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.

For more information visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade .

Note: Travelers vaccinated outside of Australia must present certificates that meet the following criteria:

• Issued by a national or state/provincial level authority or an accredited vaccination provider
• Written in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
• Containing at least:
  • Name as it appears on the traveler’s passport
  • Date of birth or passport number
  • Vaccine Brand
  • Date of each dose o Date on which a full course of immunization was completed.

Printed and digital certificates are equally acceptable.

Please complete as soon as possible.

3: Submit the Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) online – Required

You must submit your Australian Travel Declaration online with a copy of your vaccination certificate prior to your flight.

You will then receive an email confirmation with the details to be displayed (either electronically or in print) before you board your flight and upon arrival in Australia.

Please complete at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

4: Obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test before traveling – Required

Visit your local COVID-19 testing center to receive a test before you travel.

Read more about the Australian Government’s advice on providing evidence of your COVID-19 PCR test prior to departure .

Please also check your local authority and airline requirements for pre-departure testing, as criteria may vary depending on your departure location.

Please complete the test within three days of scheduled departure, unless otherwise directed by your local authority/airline.

Note: If you are participating in the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Scheme and test positive for COVID-19, you must notify your education provider immediately.

Please complete the test within three days prior to scheduled departure.

5: Verify vaccination certificate at the airport – Mandatory

Before boarding, airline staff will check:

• that your vaccination status is valid for travel to Australia
• that his COVID-19 test was negative.

Please have a printed copy of your vaccination certificate handy to prove that you are vaccinated.

The certificate must meet Australian Government requirements (see step 2).

Complete at flight check-in.

Note: If you are participating in the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Scheme, please refer to your airline’s website for airline-specific guidance.

• Singapore Airlines
• Sri Lankan Airlines
• China South Airlines

6: Organize your accommodation in Sydney – Recommended

It’s best to book short-term accommodation before you arrive in Australia and look into longer-term options when you arrive. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods, view properties, and can help you choose the option that best suits your needs. Temporary accommodation includes cheap hostels and hotels.

Study NSW has a list of student accommodation options in Sydney and regional NSW.

Pursuant to visa condition 8533 on your student visa grant, you must inform your education provider of your residential address within seven (7) days of arrival in Australia. If your residential address changes, you must inform your education provider within 7 days of the change.

Complete two weeks before departure.

7: Arrange your transportation from Sydney Airport – Recommended

Contact your education provider for transportation options or visit the Sydney Airport website .

Complete one week before departure.

8: Obtain a COVID-19 nose and throat PCR test within 24 hours of arrival – Required

Go to your nearest NSW Health free testing clinic to get a test. Visit the NSW Health website to find the clinic closest to you. Read the NSW Health requirements for mandatory testing here .

Please complete within 24 hours of arrival in NSW.

9: Obtain a COVID-19 nose and throat PCR test on day 5 or 6 after arrival – Required

Go to your nearest NSW Health free testing clinic to get a test. Visit the NSW Health website to find the clinic closest to you. Read the NSW Health requirements for mandatory testing here .

You should not go to any high-risk settings (elderly care, disability care, medical care, and correctional facilities) until at least 7 days have passed and you have received a negative day 6 test result.

If you are traveling with a dependent, a test on the 12th day after arrival in New South Wales is strongly recommended for children who are not fully vaccinated.

Complete on day 5 or 6 after arrival.

10: Obtain a COVID-19 nose and throat PCR test on or after the 7th day of arrival – Required

Go to your nearest NSW Health free testing clinic to get a test. Visit the NSW Health website to find the clinic closest to you. Read the NSW Health requirements for mandatory testing here .

Complete on or after day seven of your arrival in New South Wales.

11: Download the Service NSW app – Recommended

Download the Service NSW app on your phone. This will allow you to check in at places like supermarkets or restaurants and receive COVID-19 updates while living in NSW.

Download the Service NSW mobile app .

Complete at any time before you start moving around New South Wales.

12: Add proof of your COVID-19 vaccination to the Service NSW app – Recommended

If you are not eligible for Medicare, you can still add your digital COVID-19 certificate to the Service NSW app using the Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) through myGov . This means you can register quickly and show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination where needed.

The ACE Australia team is on top of every detail and we are here to help you on your journey. Australia is waiting for you, what are you waiting for? Contact us, start the process and #LiveTheExperience .