The Australian Government has relaxed the pre-departure COVID testing rules for passengers about to board an Australia-bound flight. As of last weekend, passengers can travel on a rapid antigen test (RAT) result rather than a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result.

Changes to testing regime and wait times

In addition, the time between receiving a positive test result and being cleared for travel to Australia will be reduced from 14 to seven days. The changes came into effect at 01:00 Sydney time, on Sunday, January 23.

"While PCR tests remain the gold standard test, a RAT within 24 hours is an acceptable indicator of whether a traveler has COVID-19 before flying to Australia," says an Australian Government Department of Health statement.

The Australian Government says the changes give travelers more flexibility and are consistent with moves within Australia to accept RATs for diagnostic purposes.

Previously Australia-bound travelers had to have a PCR test within three days of traveling. Now they can have a RAT within 24 hours of flying out. However, it's not quite a do-it-yourself free-for-all. The RAT will need to be supervised and certified by a medical officer (including nurses, pharmacists, or pathologists). Alternatively, travelers can utilize an authorized airport testing process just before departure.

"These are very common around the world, and this change will make it easier for Australians to return home," said Health Minister Greg Hunt. "Around the world, we know that the PCR testing systems or equivalent testing systems in other countries are also under challenge with the Omicron wave. And so this is a recognition of that. It also brings it in line with Australian domestic arrangements."

Australia-Drops-PCRs-International-Arrivals
Even for users of Singapore's Vaccinated Travel Lanes, two tests are currently mandatory. Photo: Getty Images

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests.

Australia still closed to many travelers

Australia remains closed to many travelers. Those who do have the green light include fully vaccinated Australian citizens. Also on the approved list are permanent residents of Australia, immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents. New Zealand citizens can enter along with eligible visa holders, and other passengers holding an approved Australian travel exemption.

While those entry rules come from the Australian Government, individual states can add their own entry restrictions. However, Australia's three key states - New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, presently allow inbound international travelers per the Australian Government rules.

The policy change is particularly helpful for passengers flying to Australia from locations where PCR tests are difficult (and expensive) to obtain. Other passengers to benefit include those who've had COVID but are no longer infectious. The more sensitive PCR tests can often return positive results, effectively barring them from travel.

Australia-Drops-PCRs-International-Arrivals
Australian airline Qantas is also changing some of its COVID-related travel rules this week. Photo: Airbus

Simultaneously with the Australian Government relaxing its COVID test requirements, Australian airline Qantas is also winding back some of its COVID-related travel rules this week. These changes benefit passengers who've recently had COVID.

Until now, passengers who've had COVID have had to apply to Qantas for medical clearance at least 14 days after their first clean PCR test and at least seven days before departure. That meant passengers could wait weeks after recovering from COVID before Qantas would allow them to fly. Qantas told Australian Frequent Flyer they are dropping this requirement this week.

Greg Hunt calls the changes sensible but important. He adds that Australia's pre-departure testing requirements will continue to be reviewed regularly. The reviews will take into account the most up-to-date domestic and international epidemiology.