Latest Travel Updates - information for UQ travellers
16 September 2024 - UK changes entry requirements for Australian travellers
From 8 January 2025, Australian passport holders entering the UK, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The UK ETA must be applied for and completed online, and application approved before boarding a flight to the UK.
The ETA applications will be live as of 27 November 2024 and will cost GBP10, paid via credit card at the time of application.
Other passport holders should seek advice to confirm what visa requirements are for entering the UK.
For more information please refer to UK Government ETA website or Smartraveller.
22 August 2024 – Mpox (WHO Public Health Emergency)
In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Mpox is a viral illness, mostly spread through close contact with an infected person.
Mpox is typically found in Western and Central Africa, since May 2022, there has been an increased spread of Mpox in many countries globally.
There are currently no travel restrictions due to Mpox, some countries have implemented enhanced entry screening.
The health and safety of UQ travellers is a priority, regardless of the destinations all UQ travellers are advised to exercise additional pre-cautions and ensure they remain up to date with local health advice.
Human to human transmission can occur in several ways:
- through close direct contact with the rash or body fluids of an infected person.
- through exposure to virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding, towels and clothing.
- through infected respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
- in healthcare settings when there are breaches in infection control.
- during pregnancy via the placenta.
Animal to human transmission can occur through bites, contact with blood or other bodily fluids, or touching the rash on an infected animal's skin.
Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and start with flu-like symptoms and often progress to a painful rash.
Prior to travel, travellers should keep up to date with the health information of the destinations you intend to travel to. For information about vaccinations please refer to your GP or International SOS (ISOS).
Travellers are advised to:
- Refer to Smartraveller for specific country and health advice
- Subscribe to Smartraveller updates
- Refer to the International SOS (ISOS) location guides and the Mpox Screening and Travel Restrictions page
- Ensure travel details are registered with International SOS (ISOS)
- Download the International SOS (ISOS) mobile app to receive updates and alerts.
Whilst travelling if you feel unwell contact International SOS (ISOS).
Watch ISOS Mpox situation update webinar Download ISOS Mpox info poster
Contacts
International SOS (ISOS) is the University’s 24/7 travel assistance provider.
All UQ travellers must ensure they have registered their travel with ISOS and that their contact information is correct (email and phone number).
Phone ISOS +61 2 9372 2468 (reverse charge available). If you do not have telephone access, email sydney@internationalsos.com.
Quote UQ membership number 12AYCA778031.
Additional information and resources
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Mpox
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency Mpox guidance
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mpox
- World Health Organization Mpox fact sheet