Travel updates

In response to the current coronavirus infection originating in Wuhan, China, we have suspended our two direct services to/from mainland China (Sydney-Beijing and Sydney-Shanghai) from 9 February until 29 March 2020.

We are also offering flexible options to customers booked to travel to/from/via mainland China between 24 January and 31 March 2020 (inclusive).

Find out more information on these options and immigration changes affecting customers.

Customers with bookings made directly through Qantas and impacted by travel restrictions, complete the waiver form to expedite your booking changes.

Read the press release.

Following outbreaks of measles in the region, the Solomon Islands Government has issued a Travel Advisory, requiring visitors from countries including Australia, and Solomon Islands residents travelling to Australia and other destinations, to show proof of vaccination.

From 28 December 2019, to enter the Solomon Islands you'll need to show proof you have been vaccinated against measles at least 15 days before your arrival. Bring your official vaccination record with you in your carry-on bag. Travellers without evidence of vaccination may need to undergo a medical examination.

Read more on the Australian Government's Smartraveller website.

Information on the recall of a limited number of Apple Retina 15 inch MacBook Pros, sold between September 2015 and February 2017, is available on the product-safety-recall-15-inch-macbook-pro.pdf  and on Apple Support. Affected devices must be carried in cabin baggage and switched off for the duration of the flight. Devices that have had their battery replaced by either Apple or an Authorised repairer, may be carried without restriction.

For travel from 1 October 2019, the New Zealand Government requires some visitors and transit passengers to have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

• Apply for your NZeTA at least 72 hours before departure through the official mobile app or website.
• Visit Immigration New Zealand to find out if you require a visa for your travel.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) processing timeframe for travellers to the United States.

Customers travelling to the United States must apply for an ESTA no later than 72 hours prior to flight departure. Applicants who apply less than 72 hours before travel risk not having an approved ESTA prior to departure and will be unable to travel on their scheduled booking to the USA.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of certain countries including Australia can travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less without a visa, provided they meet eligibility requirements and obtain an ESTA prior to travel.

Previously, eligible travellers were able to obtain an ESTA any time prior to travel to the USA, however customers are advised that real-time approvals will no longer be available and they should apply as early as possible, ideally at the time of booking their trip.

ESTA applications will continue to be submitted via the official government website.