Australia VTL: Sydney replaces on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test with self-swab ART

I recently wrote about the testing meltdown that Australian states NSW and Victoria are currently experiencing, a perfect storm of decreased capacity over the Christmas period and a spike in demand from interstate travel and Omicron. 

People who needed a COVID-19 PCR test found themselves having to wait in queues of up to six hours, with results taking three or more days to come back. That posed a particular problem for VTL travellers from Singapore, who need to take a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until the result is out. 

But here’s some excellent news for those headed to Sydney. NSW is changing the on-arrival testing requirement for international passengers from a PCR test to a self-administered ART, also known as a RAT in Australia (rapid antigen test). 

NSW now accepting self-administered ARTs for on-arrival testing

From 12.01 a.m on Friday, 31 December 2021, fully vaccinated international passengers arriving in NSW must do a COVID-19 ART as soon as practicable, and self-isolate until they receive a negative result (it’s kind of funny they talk about self-isolation, because that’s a period of all of 15 minutes).

For avoidance of doubt, you are permitted to do a self-administered ART.

You must take a rapid antigen test as soon as practicable after your arrival in NSW. A rapid antigen test is a self-test you can do at home. 

-NSW Government

Travellers must also do a second ART on or after Day 6 (the day of arrival is Day 0). 

What kind of ART kits can I use?

ART kits in Australia are overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA has a list of approved home test kits, as well as a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions for each test. 

Two of the kits sold in Singapore pharmacies are accepted in Australia, namely:

• Abbott Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
• SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal

With regards to SD Biosensor, note that it’s the white kit with blue text that’s approved for use in Australia, not the white kit with pink text (Standard Q). I don’t see Flowflex or QuickVue on the TGA’s list, so don’t bring those. 

Kits start from S$4.90 each at pharmacies in Singapore, and I strongly advise you bring them over with you. ART kits are running short in Australia. 

What about Victoria?

Victoria has adopted a similar policy for international arrivals:

• Take an ART/PCR test within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until result is received
• Take an ART/PCR test between Day 5 to Day 7 (day of arrival is Day 0)

For more information, refer to the article below.

Australia VTL: ART replaces PCR testing for international arrivals to Melbourne

Revised requirements for travel to Australia

With the latest changes, here’s a snapshot of the revised requirements for travel from Singapore to Australia. 

Conclusion

International travellers to Sydney will have a much smoother process on arrival now that ARTs have replaced PCR testing. This means no more standing in long queues waiting to be tested, and having the freedom to start your holiday from pretty much the moment you land. 

It’s unfortunate such a policy was not adopted earlier, and I really feel for all the people who spent large portions of their Australia trip in isolation. 

Still, it’s a step in the right direction, and we can only hope that things improve from here on out.