Health considerations before travelling
Ability to travel
You should consider your overall health and fitness before you commit to travelling overseas. Your health may affect the destination you choose and what you need to prepare before leaving Australia. The Smartraveller website has a health checklist with health considerations to help you plan your trip.
Mental health
It’s important to think about your mental health before you travel. The stress of travel can worsen or trigger a mental health condition. Planning ahead can help you minimise stress and increase your chances of a successful trip. Find out more about managing your mental health while travelling on the Smartraveller website.
Vaccinations
Some vaccinations are advised before travelling to certain destinations and may be a condition of entry.
You can use Smartraveller’s destination finder to search for health and vaccination advice for your destination. You may need routine or specific vaccinations if you’re travelling somewhere with a high risk of certain diseases. Your doctor can advise you and give you the vaccinations you need to travel.
Find out more about vaccinations and preventative health on the Smartraveller website.
Travelling with reduced mobility
There’s information to help travellers with specific circumstances, including travelling with reduced mobility, on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Travelling with medicines and medical devices
Some medicines prescribed in Australia may be restricted or banned in other countries. Check the laws in your destination before trying to enter with any prescription or non-prescription medicines or medical devices. This can help you avoid breaking the law and getting into trouble while overseas.
You should always take enough of your medicines and medical devices with you plus some extra in case of a delay or unexpected circumstances. This is because it can be hard to get replacement medicines overseas.
Find out more about travelling with medication and medical equipment on the Smartraveller website.
Learn more about taking medicines and medical devices with you when leaving Australia on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.