Plan for emergencies

Travellers need to consider some ‘What if?’ questions before travel.

In the event of a pandemic, it is possible that some countries may close their borders. It may not be possible to leave a particular country, or it may be that a border is open for exit, but destination countries are closed. The timeframe for these closures is unknown, although it is thought that these would be relatively brief measures to slow transmission of a pandemic, not stop it. These possible situations are not clear and remain speculative

It is unlikely that countries will close their borders to their own citizens, but rather may temporarily halt entry of foreign nationals. Citizens returning to their home country may be required to undertake some form of quarantine procedures, including daily reporting and monitoring.

Travellers should:

• attempt to keep as flexible ticketing as possible.
• travel with comprehensive travel insurance, and 
• have access to money if plans need to be changed urgently.

Prospective travellers should keep informed about the current status of the pandemic threat.

Remember that Australian Missions overseas may not be able to provide normal consular services through a pandemic peak, and travellers may have little support around them. Careful planning of itineraries will be required in early stages of any pandemic to avoid active transmission areas.

Travellers who are unavoidably travelling in the presence of an early pandemic should have access to a N95 mask and antivirals. The decision to commence medications preventively or wait to treat a flu-like illness should be made in consultation with medical expertise.