Australia is a country known for its political stability, low crime rates, high standards of health care, good education and a well-maintained infrastructure. Despite the fact that it is safe and relative easy to explore, let’s not forget that a new country usually means new people, places, traditions and different ways of doing things.
Moreover, depending on your geographic location, you might discover many new things that are not permitted in Australia. For instance, if you prepared a snack for your family that contains cooked or raw ingredients, you need to declare it or else you could be liable for severe penalties. To make your voyage as enjoyable and incident-free as possible, here is a checklist to help you plan and prepare trip to Australia.
Visa
All visitors require one of the three accepted types of visa in order to enter the country. While it is true that you can apply for other visas with specific functions, customs will typically ask you to present an ETA (Visitor), Tourist Visa or a Sponsored Family Visitor Visa upon arrival. In most cases, the airlines, travelling agency or other third party can help you meet your visa requirements.
Vaccines
Even though vaccination is not mandatory to enter Australia, take note that you might be asked to provide proof of vaccination if you visited a country with a perceived high risk of infection within a week of your arrival. Australia is a country free of disease compared to the rest of the world and hence, you don’t need to vaccinate yourself after the trip.
Airports and flights
Because flights’ prices to Australia vary from airline to airline, it really pays off to shop around. You will be happy to learn that all major Australian airports ensure shuttle buses to help you reach your accommodations. Moreover, the airports include regular public transportation and private services to the city centres.
Customs and quarantine
As previously mentioned, Australian customs doesn’t allow you to enter the country with drugs, certain prescription steroid medication, weapons, packaged foods, skins, feathers, seeds or pets that are considered protected wildlife in Australia. There is no limit as to how much cash you can bring with you, although carrying a sum of over $10,000 must be declared when entering the country.
Insurance
Although the Australian authorities have reciprocal agreements that cover certain healthcare services, it is wise to take out a travel insurance policy as well. This way you can be sure you’re protected in case you plan on doing any adventure sports as well as against theft, accidents and loss.