How soon after COVID recovery can you fly back to Australia?
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OzDocB
OzDocB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 05 Feb 2021
Total posts 2
Hi - apologies if I have missed a thread that already covers this. I was unfortunate and tested positive for COVID on my pre-flight PCR last Wednesday (had been due to fly QF104 back to Sydney on Friday). I have been in hotel isolation since then and am 'free' tomorrow. My question is, if I test again this Wednesday and have a negative PCR result, will I be allowed to board on Friday? I called Qantas and they didn't seem very clear about it. I think the government advise says it's okay, but wondered what other people's experience had been?
XWu
XWu
Member since 09 May 2020
Total posts 197
No experience, just trying to help.
A few assumptions
1. Australian citizens or PRs
2. Fully vaccinated
3. No symptoms
4. Sydney (that’s QF104 destination, note VIC need a seperate declaration)
Basically as long as PCR is negative 72 hour before travel, you can make your declaration honestly and safely with Qantas and Australian gov (try out their online Australian Travel Declaration form, need account), board the plane and arrive with no quarantine in Sydney.
Life gets interesting if the PCR remains positive however (even if you are released). PCR can be positive up to 2 week for some people even if without symptoms; a few remained positive for months l You can get exemption to board the plane but that needs up to 14 days to process ( see qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html#past-positive-clearance).
COVID-19 past positive medical clearance
If you've previously had a COVID-19 infection, your pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test can show a positive result, even if you're not currently infected.
If this is the case, to be approved for travel, you're required to provide evidence that you're no longer infectious.
You can do this by submitting:
Plus, if you're travelling from Australia:
Ensure you also check the government guidelines for any countries that you're travelling to or transiting through, as they may require you to submit additional documents.
Your documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation if they are in a language other than English. Ensure your certified translation includes the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association, and that the entire certificate is translated, not just part of it.
If any flights in your itinerary are outside of the document validity dates, we require a new form to be completed and submitted for those flights.
Submitting your documents
You'll need to submit the required documentation as soon as possible and no later than seven days before your day of departure.
We recommend you protect your personal information while sharing online.
When submitting your test results, your completed Qantas COVID-19 past positive medical clearance form and any government approvals if applicable, ensure you include your name, contact information, booking reference and flight information in your email. If we don't receive all the relevant information and required documentation, there may be a delay in processing your request for travel.
XWu
XWu
Member since 09 May 2020
Total posts 197
Originally Posted by XWu
No experience, just trying to help.
A few assumptions
1. Australian citizens or PRs
2. Fully vaccinated
3. No symptoms
4. Sydney (that’s QF104 destination, note VIC need a seperate declaration)
Basically as long as PCR is negative 72 hour before travel, you can make your declaration honestly and safely with Qantas and Australian gov (try out their online Australian Travel Declaration form, need account), board the plane and arrive with no quarantine in Sydney.
Life gets interesting if the PCR remains positive however (even if you are released). PCR can be positive up to 2 week for some people even if without symptoms; a few remained positive for months l You can get exemption to board the plane but that needs up to 14 days to process ( see qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html#past-positive-clearance).
COVID-19 past positive medical clearance
If you've previously had a COVID-19 infection, your pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test can show a positive result, even if you're not currently infected.
If this is the case, to be approved for travel, you're required to provide evidence that you're no longer infectious.
You can do this by submitting:
Plus, if you're travelling from Australia:
Ensure you also check the government guidelines for any countries that you're travelling to or transiting through, as they may require you to submit additional documents.
Your documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation if they are in a language other than English. Ensure your certified translation includes the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association, and that the entire certificate is translated, not just part of it.
If any flights in your itinerary are outside of the document validity dates, we require a new form to be completed and submitted for those flights.
Submitting your documents
You'll need to submit the required documentation as soon as possible and no later than seven days before your day of departure.
We recommend you protect your personal information while sharing online.
When submitting your test results, your completed Qantas COVID-19 past positive medical clearance form and any government approvals if applicable, ensure you include your name, contact information, booking reference and flight information in your email. If we don't receive all the relevant information and required documentation, there may be a delay in processing your request for travel.
If you have had COVID-19 and recovered Even if you have had COVID-19, recovered and have developed antibodies, you must still provide evidence of a negative PCR test unless you have medical certificate that meets the exemption requirements. If you have had COVID-19 and recovered but continue to test positive (otherwise known as persistent shedding), you will be eligible for an exemption to be allowed to travel if you provide at check in: your positive COVID-19 PCR test result (taken no more than 3 days before your flight); and a certificate from your medical practitioner.
Your certificate must clearly include: the day the certificate is provided a statement to the effect that the person has had the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 but is now recovered and is not considered to be infectious the day when there was first a positive result of a PCR test for the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 for the person a statement to the effect that, on the day the certificate is provided: it has been at least 14 days since there was a first positive result of a PCR test and if the person had symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 – the person has not had a fever, or respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19, in the last 72 hours.
If your COVID-19 PCR test result is positive and you do not have a certificate that states the above information, you and any primary close contacts in your travelling group, should not go to the airport as you will be prevented from boarding. Your medical practitioner should read Australia’s policy on clearance of a confirmed COVID-19 case from isolation. It is important to note that previous infection with COVID-19 is not considered a medical contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination – more information about medical exemptions from vaccination.
So if remained positive at 7 days , you can be no mans land for 14 days (ie another 7 days) PLUS up to 14 days to process your exemptions with qantas and Australian gov. That’s a world of pain.
Thus if still PCR positive at 7 days post first PCR positive test, you are better off hoping your PCR becomes negative at 14 days, then pretty much all your declarations are smooth sailing, if still positive then you can submit your applications with qantas and aus gov, but you will need to find an efficient US doctor to help you with the applications
OzDocB
OzDocB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 05 Feb 2021
Total posts 2
Originally Posted by XWu
Originally Posted by XWu
No experience, just trying to help.
A few assumptions
1. Australian citizens or PRs
2. Fully vaccinated
3. No symptoms
4. Sydney (that’s QF104 destination, note VIC need a seperate declaration)
Basically as long as PCR is negative 72 hour before travel, you can make your declaration honestly and safely with Qantas and Australian gov (try out their online Australian Travel Declaration form, need account), board the plane and arrive with no quarantine in Sydney.
Life gets interesting if the PCR remains positive however (even if you are released). PCR can be positive up to 2 week for some people even if without symptoms; a few remained positive for months l You can get exemption to board the plane but that needs up to 14 days to process ( see qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html#past-positive-clearance).
COVID-19 past positive medical clearance
If you've previously had a COVID-19 infection, your pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test can show a positive result, even if you're not currently infected.
If this is the case, to be approved for travel, you're required to provide evidence that you're no longer infectious.
You can do this by submitting:
Plus, if you're travelling from Australia:
Ensure you also check the government guidelines for any countries that you're travelling to or transiting through, as they may require you to submit additional documents.
Your documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation if they are in a language other than English. Ensure your certified translation includes the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association, and that the entire certificate is translated, not just part of it.
If any flights in your itinerary are outside of the document validity dates, we require a new form to be completed and submitted for those flights.
Submitting your documents
You'll need to submit the required documentation as soon as possible and no later than seven days before your day of departure.
We recommend you protect your personal information while sharing online.
When submitting your test results, your completed Qantas COVID-19 past positive medical clearance form and any government approvals if applicable, ensure you include your name, contact information, booking reference and flight information in your email. If we don't receive all the relevant information and required documentation, there may be a delay in processing your request for travel.
If you have had COVID-19 and recovered Even if you have had COVID-19, recovered and have developed antibodies, you must still provide evidence of a negative PCR test unless you have medical certificate that meets the exemption requirements. If you have had COVID-19 and recovered but continue to test positive (otherwise known as persistent shedding), you will be eligible for an exemption to be allowed to travel if you provide at check in: your positive COVID-19 PCR test result (taken no more than 3 days before your flight); and a certificate from your medical practitioner.
Your certificate must clearly include: the day the certificate is provided a statement to the effect that the person has had the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 but is now recovered and is not considered to be infectious the day when there was first a positive result of a PCR test for the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 for the person a statement to the effect that, on the day the certificate is provided: it has been at least 14 days since there was a first positive result of a PCR test and if the person had symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 – the person has not had a fever, or respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19, in the last 72 hours.
If your COVID-19 PCR test result is positive and you do not have a certificate that states the above information, you and any primary close contacts in your travelling group, should not go to the airport as you will be prevented from boarding. Your medical practitioner should read Australia’s policy on clearance of a confirmed COVID-19 case from isolation. It is important to note that previous infection with COVID-19 is not considered a medical contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination – more information about medical exemptions from vaccination.
So if remained positive at 7 days , you can be no mans land for 14 days (ie another 7 days) PLUS up to 14 days to process your exemptions with qantas and Australian gov. That’s a world of pain.
Thus if still PCR positive at 7 days post first PCR positive test, you are better off hoping your PCR becomes negative at 14 days, then pretty much all your declarations are smooth sailing, if still positive then you can submit your applications with qantas and aus gov, but you will need to find an efficient US doctor to help you with the applications
XWu
XWu
Member since 09 May 2020
Total posts 197
Originally Posted by OzDocB
Originally Posted by XWu
Originally Posted by XWu
No experience, just trying to help.
A few assumptions
1. Australian citizens or PRs
2. Fully vaccinated
3. No symptoms
4. Sydney (that’s QF104 destination, note VIC need a seperate declaration)
Basically as long as PCR is negative 72 hour before travel, you can make your declaration honestly and safely with Qantas and Australian gov (try out their online Australian Travel Declaration form, need account), board the plane and arrive with no quarantine in Sydney.
Life gets interesting if the PCR remains positive however (even if you are released). PCR can be positive up to 2 week for some people even if without symptoms; a few remained positive for months l You can get exemption to board the plane but that needs up to 14 days to process ( see qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html#past-positive-clearance).
COVID-19 past positive medical clearance
If you've previously had a COVID-19 infection, your pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test can show a positive result, even if you're not currently infected.
If this is the case, to be approved for travel, you're required to provide evidence that you're no longer infectious.
You can do this by submitting:
Plus, if you're travelling from Australia:
Ensure you also check the government guidelines for any countries that you're travelling to or transiting through, as they may require you to submit additional documents.
Your documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation if they are in a language other than English. Ensure your certified translation includes the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association, and that the entire certificate is translated, not just part of it.
If any flights in your itinerary are outside of the document validity dates, we require a new form to be completed and submitted for those flights.
Submitting your documents
You'll need to submit the required documentation as soon as possible and no later than seven days before your day of departure.
We recommend you protect your personal information while sharing online.
When submitting your test results, your completed Qantas COVID-19 past positive medical clearance form and any government approvals if applicable, ensure you include your name, contact information, booking reference and flight information in your email. If we don't receive all the relevant information and required documentation, there may be a delay in processing your request for travel.
If you have had COVID-19 and recovered Even if you have had COVID-19, recovered and have developed antibodies, you must still provide evidence of a negative PCR test unless you have medical certificate that meets the exemption requirements. If you have had COVID-19 and recovered but continue to test positive (otherwise known as persistent shedding), you will be eligible for an exemption to be allowed to travel if you provide at check in: your positive COVID-19 PCR test result (taken no more than 3 days before your flight); and a certificate from your medical practitioner.
Your certificate must clearly include: the day the certificate is provided a statement to the effect that the person has had the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 but is now recovered and is not considered to be infectious the day when there was first a positive result of a PCR test for the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 for the person a statement to the effect that, on the day the certificate is provided: it has been at least 14 days since there was a first positive result of a PCR test and if the person had symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 – the person has not had a fever, or respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19, in the last 72 hours.
If your COVID-19 PCR test result is positive and you do not have a certificate that states the above information, you and any primary close contacts in your travelling group, should not go to the airport as you will be prevented from boarding. Your medical practitioner should read Australia’s policy on clearance of a confirmed COVID-19 case from isolation. It is important to note that previous infection with COVID-19 is not considered a medical contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination – more information about medical exemptions from vaccination.
So if remained positive at 7 days , you can be no mans land for 14 days (ie another 7 days) PLUS up to 14 days to process your exemptions with qantas and Australian gov. That’s a world of pain.
Thus if still PCR positive at 7 days post first PCR positive test, you are better off hoping your PCR becomes negative at 14 days, then pretty much all your declarations are smooth sailing, if still positive then you can submit your applications with qantas and aus gov, but you will need to find an efficient US doctor to help you with the applications
(SMH.com.au/business/companies/australian-girl-14-locked-in-thai-covid-hotel-as-travel-horror-stories-pile-up-20220120-p59pr1.html)
XWu
XWu
Member since 09 May 2020
Total posts 197
Originally Posted by XWu
Originally Posted by OzDocB
Originally Posted by XWu
Originally Posted by XWu
No experience, just trying to help.
A few assumptions
1. Australian citizens or PRs
2. Fully vaccinated
3. No symptoms
4. Sydney (that’s QF104 destination, note VIC need a seperate declaration)
Basically as long as PCR is negative 72 hour before travel, you can make your declaration honestly and safely with Qantas and Australian gov (try out their online Australian Travel Declaration form, need account), board the plane and arrive with no quarantine in Sydney.
Life gets interesting if the PCR remains positive however (even if you are released). PCR can be positive up to 2 week for some people even if without symptoms; a few remained positive for months l You can get exemption to board the plane but that needs up to 14 days to process ( see qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html#past-positive-clearance).
COVID-19 past positive medical clearance
If you've previously had a COVID-19 infection, your pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test can show a positive result, even if you're not currently infected.
If this is the case, to be approved for travel, you're required to provide evidence that you're no longer infectious.
You can do this by submitting:
Plus, if you're travelling from Australia:
Ensure you also check the government guidelines for any countries that you're travelling to or transiting through, as they may require you to submit additional documents.
Your documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation if they are in a language other than English. Ensure your certified translation includes the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association, and that the entire certificate is translated, not just part of it.
If any flights in your itinerary are outside of the document validity dates, we require a new form to be completed and submitted for those flights.
Submitting your documents
You'll need to submit the required documentation as soon as possible and no later than seven days before your day of departure.
We recommend you protect your personal information while sharing online.
When submitting your test results, your completed Qantas COVID-19 past positive medical clearance form and any government approvals if applicable, ensure you include your name, contact information, booking reference and flight information in your email. If we don't receive all the relevant information and required documentation, there may be a delay in processing your request for travel.
If you have had COVID-19 and recovered Even if you have had COVID-19, recovered and have developed antibodies, you must still provide evidence of a negative PCR test unless you have medical certificate that meets the exemption requirements. If you have had COVID-19 and recovered but continue to test positive (otherwise known as persistent shedding), you will be eligible for an exemption to be allowed to travel if you provide at check in: your positive COVID-19 PCR test result (taken no more than 3 days before your flight); and a certificate from your medical practitioner.
Your certificate must clearly include: the day the certificate is provided a statement to the effect that the person has had the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 but is now recovered and is not considered to be infectious the day when there was first a positive result of a PCR test for the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 for the person a statement to the effect that, on the day the certificate is provided: it has been at least 14 days since there was a first positive result of a PCR test and if the person had symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19 – the person has not had a fever, or respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus known as COVID‑19, in the last 72 hours.
If your COVID-19 PCR test result is positive and you do not have a certificate that states the above information, you and any primary close contacts in your travelling group, should not go to the airport as you will be prevented from boarding. Your medical practitioner should read Australia’s policy on clearance of a confirmed COVID-19 case from isolation. It is important to note that previous infection with COVID-19 is not considered a medical contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination – more information about medical exemptions from vaccination.
So if remained positive at 7 days , you can be no mans land for 14 days (ie another 7 days) PLUS up to 14 days to process your exemptions with qantas and Australian gov. That’s a world of pain.
Thus if still PCR positive at 7 days post first PCR positive test, you are better off hoping your PCR becomes negative at 14 days, then pretty much all your declarations are smooth sailing, if still positive then you can submit your applications with qantas and aus gov, but you will need to find an efficient US doctor to help you with the applications
(SMH.com.au/business/companies/australian-girl-14-locked-in-thai-covid-hotel-as-travel-horror-stories-pile-up-20220120-p59pr1.html)
(smh.com.au/business/companies/australia-to-accept-rats-from-inbound-travellers-in-major-overhaul-20220121-p59q82.html)
regular flyer
regular flyer
Member since 13 May 2020
Total posts 31
a little bit off topic, but when went to BNE INT to get a RAT before flying to USA the next day, the people doing the testing, who could hardly speak english, said if test positive, just come back & do another test until test negative as lots of false positives (& more money for them)
Flew back into BNE last week & told by the many staff doing SFA, that quarantine into Qld scrapped not because 90% reached, but because many people heading to Qld were flying into SYD & then getting a separate SYD/BNE domestic flight, with no quarantine restrictions on domestic. We all had a big laugh at Qld govt. The passengers must have told a lie about where they had been. What a sin.
XWu
XWu
Member since 09 May 2020
Total posts 197
@OzDocB
Hope you are back in Sydney
Otherwise if still PCR positive, you may have a problem with the suspension of QF SYD-HNL route from 31 jan
regular flyer
regular flyer
Member since 13 May 2020
Total posts 31
it now seems all you need is a negative RAT or letter from Dr. ... below is from smart traveller govt site .........
Do I need an accepted COVID-19 test result before I travel if I have recently recovered from COVID-19?
If you have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 30 days before your scheduled flight you do not have to undertake further COVID-19 testing before departure if you are able to provide a certificate from your medical practitioner at check-in which includes ALL the information detailed below.
Your certificate must clearly include:
If your certificate does not state the above information, you should not go to the airport as you will be prevented from boarding.