Everything You Need To Know About The Travel Bubble
After a crazy year (potentially the understatement of the century), we deserve, more than ever, a break to relax, re-energise and forget all about the dreaded C-word! Luckily, the New Zealand to Australia travel bubble allows us to do just that and, to ensure your holiday is stress-free and enjoyment-full, we’ve collated the must knows for this travel arrangement. From decoding complicated guidelines to the do’s and don’ts, to where to stay – we’ve got you covered with our no-nonsense guide.
Can I travel from New Zealand-to-Australia?
Answer in short: Yes. If you have been in New Zealand for 14 days or longer, prior to your trip, and you plan to travel by air, then you can enjoy a quarantine-free holiday to Australia, with no need for an uncomfortable Covid test.
With it also being in place for your return to New Zealand, you can unwind knowing a peaceful journey lies ahead. If you don’t meet this criteria, all hope isn’t lost, as if you are wanting to travel by sea or before completing the 14 days in New Zealand, you can apply for a travel exemption.
What are the current travel requirements?
As well as the requirements above, 72 hours before you depart you will need to fill out the Australian Travel Declaration, collecting your contact and flight details and your health status. Besides the obvious high standards of personal hygiene, you will be required to wear a mask on the flight and within Australian airports.
Do I have to get a different visa?
Normal visa rules for Australia still apply, so if you would normally need a visa to enter Australia, then you will need one to enter whilst using the travel bubble. Don’t forget to make sure you have a valid New Zealand visa or NZeTA to return to New Zealand.
Can I still get travel insurance for travel to Australia?
Yes, many providers are offering Covid-19 inclusive insurance, with exclusive benefits when travelling between New Zealand and Australia, such as cover if you are ordered to self-isolate in your holiday accommodation and if you are unable to make the trip due to a positive Covid-19 test.
Any particular travel warnings?
Although there are no current plans to change the agreement, you should bear in mind that the Australian and New Zealand governments and individual states can change their policies or enforce other measures at any time. We’d advise taking out insurance and creating a back-up plan so that you are covered just in case this happened.
What are the requirements whilst I’m in Australia?
When you arrive, download the Australia-wide contact tracing app and the app for the particular state or territory you’re in. Checking the rules for your particular area is vital, as each has its own individual guidelines, for example regarding face coverings and gatherings. Keep up with all personal hygiene (wash those hands!) and if you are feeling at all unwell, stay in your accommodation and contact a doctor.
Where can I stay in Australia?
Since the travel bubble means quarantine-free bliss, you can stay in all hotels throughout Australia. If you fancy sticking to Ovolo, we have a variety of unique, luxury boutique hotels located within Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Canberra. With regular cleaning and disinfecting, plus all the classic Ovolo perks – think complimentary happy hours, all-day snacks, loot bags, and more – we are here to ensure you have an incredible experience like no other.