Frequently Asked Questions
Pilot Program
How do I submit my interest in the program?
Expression of interest forms will be emailed directly to students. This form will need to be submitted for students to be considered as part of the program.
How do I know if I am successful in gaining a place in the program?
Students will be notified of their travel date 8 weeks prior to their date of departure for Australia. Please note the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan will allow a limited number of 250 international students studying with NSW education providers to return each fortnight.
Will the pilot expand to include commencing students or students that have commenced their studies online?
Yes. Initially the pilot will focus on returning students. After the pilot has been reviewed continuing and commencing students will be contacted by their education institutions to be invited to travel to Australia.
Can I bring a family member/partner with me?
At this stage family members/partners will not be able to travel through the flights and quarantine arrangements, organised through FCM Travel. Family members/partners can travel to Australia if organised separately.
Am I required to be vaccinated to return to NSW?
Based on current health authorities' advice, only students who are fully vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be eligible to return to NSW as part of the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan. This is to help protect the safety of the NSW community and the students themselves. The TGA has confirmed that CoronaVac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines are to be considered 'recognised vaccines' for incoming international travellers to be regarded as appropriately vaccinated.
Students who have been vaccinated with two doses of vaccines recognised by TGA will be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travelling to Australia.
Students must be fully vaccinated, and provide evidence that they are fully vaccinated, at point of registration. Students who cannot evidence their vaccination will be unable to book a flight.
What are the requirements for vaccination certificates to be accepted?
- be legible, clear and in English (if translation is required, there is a free translating service on the Department of Home Affairs website)
- indicate your vaccination status with a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the TGA, including dates of administration
- include your personal details (e.g. name, date of birth, etc) which match the details of your student visa
Are digital vaccine certificates accepted?
Yes, as long as all other requirements are met.
Is it mandatory that the certificates are translated by the free translating service on the Department of Home Affairs website?
No it is not mandatory. Students can also obtain translations from organisations such as NAATI, University partner education agents.
Is there a preference for the digital EU COVID vaccine certificate or the respective EU country's own digital vaccine certificate?
Both certificates will be accepted as long as they meet all requirements for vaccine certificates.
Will I be considered as fully vaccinated if I have received two doses of different approved TGA vaccines. For example, first dose is AstraZeneca and second dose is Pzifer.
Will I be considered as fully vaccinated if I have been vaccinated with one dose of a TGA approved and one dose of a non TGA recognised vaccine. For example, one dose of Sinopharm and one dose of Pzifer.
Registration
Who do I contact if I need help registering?
If you need help registering contact the FCM Travel Team on the following details:
Email: intenational.students@fcmtravel.com.au
Phone: +61 2 7922 2159
What if my passport is expired?
If your passport has expired, you will need to apply for renewal through your local passport office. The paperwork and visa application requirements are different depending on the nationality of your passport and can take up to 20 working days in some cases. Please consider fast-track passport renewal services if applicable.
What if I have a valid passport but my visa is attached to an expired passport?
When registering make sure to advise the details of your valid visa, you will not need to note the expired passport details.
When travelling you will need to make sure you travel with both the expired passport and a new valid passport.
What happens if I can not travel on the date indicated in my email?
If you are unable to travel on the date indicated in your invite make sure to select the "Unable to travel at this time" link in your invite and enter your available travel dates. A new date for your travel will then be selected based on your requirements.
If you're unable to pay your registration will be incomplete. If your registration is incomplete by the time the registration tool closes your position will be offered to another student.
You will need to complete an online Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your departure to Australia.
The Australia Travel Declaration collects your contact details in Australia, flight details, quarantine requirements and health status.
Once the declaration has been completed, you will receive an email with details you can show (either electronically or printed) before you board your flight and again on arrival in Australia.
Failure to complete a declaration may result in you being denied boarding or delays upon arrival in Australia.
Travel
What happens if I am not in one of the departure countries?
Flights have been arranged as part of the Pilot Program from Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam to Sydney, Australia. If you are not based in one of these countries, you will be required to make your own way to your nominated point of departure.
Note, it is your responsibility to check all your entry and visa requirements for any of these countries.
For students who are making their own way to Singapore, refer to the Safe Travel website to check if you are eligible for a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) pass for transit. If your country does not have a VTL arrangement with Singapore, please refer to the FCTG Travel News website to see the requirements for entry into in Singapore.
If you are unable to obtain a Vaccinated Travel Lane Pass, please ensure your flight is booked with Singapore Airlines.
Do flights costs include a return ticket?
No. Flight costs are for one-way travel from the specific departure point to Sydney, Australia only.
What is the latest time I could be notified if I am on Stand-by?
Standby students will be notified no later than 24 hours prior to departure that they are being offered a seat. Standby students may also indicate they are willing to be notified with less time before departure when they complete their registration.
What is my luggage allowance?
Singapore Airlines
Carry-on Baggage: 1x piece up to 5kgs
Checked Baggage: up to 25kgs total
Sri Lankan Airlines
Carry-on Baggage: 1x piece up to 7kgs
Checked Baggage: up to 40kgs total
China Southern Airlines
Carry-on Baggage: 1x piece up to 7kgs
Checked Baggage: 3 bags x 23kg
Can I purchase additional luggage allowance?
Yes, additional luggage can be purchased at the airport check-in counter when you check-in for your flight. (Additional luggage cannot be pre-purchased before the airport).
Click here for excess baggage charges with Singapore Airline
Can I travel on the same flight as my friend if they are invited to register?
Yes, this is possible if your friend is invited to register and travel on the same flight as you are.
Can I track my flights?
Yes, you and your family can track your flights’ progress by using the following websites:
Use the flight numbers as shown on your itinerary. The website may take some time to refresh and update once the flights have departed. Therefore the flights may not immediately appear until after they have departed.
Can I request a specific seat?
Seat requests can be made at the airport when you check in for your flight.
Can I upgrade to Business Class?
Upgrades to business class won't be possible on the charter flight (Singapore > Sydney). Requests to upgrade on other flights can be made upon check-in and a subject to availability with the airline?
What can't I bring on-board?
Fresh fruit and homemade food can’t be brought into Australia. Other items like prescription medicines and duty free items can be brought into Australia if they are declared.
Please read this website for a full list of what can and can’t be brought into Australia.
What do I need for travel?
COMPLUSORY
- Australian student visa
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Face Mask
OPTIONAL
- Hygiene items such as hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes. Be sure to stick to standard allowances for carrying liquids on board: Liquids, aerosols and gels will only be allowed in cabin baggage if they’re kept in containers of not more than 100ml each, even if the containers are only partially filled. Containers must be carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag. The total volume of the bag must not exceed 1 litre.
Who do I call if I need help?
If you have an emergency please contact the FCM Travel Team on +61 2 7922 2159.
If I need to cancel can I have a refund?
The specific cancellation conditions relating to your booking will be advised at the time of registration. A summary of all cancellation conditions is detailed below.
Charter Flights
- Refunds only permitted due to failure of COVID test or due to Commonwealth, State or Territory or overseas government action resulting in the cancellation of flights and/or your eligibility to travel. Total FCM/AVMIN cancellation fees of $135 will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- Refunds due to failure of COVID test can only be processed if the seat can be resold to a standby student. Refund requests must be made to FCM & your university as soon as a positive COVID test result is received, ideally no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
- Standby students can take the place of a student cancelling up to 12 hours prior to departure.
- Individual refunds not permitted for other causes.
- FCM Booking Fee is non-refundable.
- Refunds due to failure of COVID test or due to Commonwealth, State or Territory or overseas government action resulting in the cancellation of flights and/or your eligibility to travel. Total FCM/airline cancellation fees of $625 will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- Refunds permitted due to failure of COVID-19 test. Total cancellation fees, as below, will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- FCM: $25
- China Southern fee: AU$50
- Cathay Pacific fee: US$70
- Refund requests must be made to FCM & your university as soon as a positive COVID test result is received, ideally no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
- Refunds for other causes permitted up to 14 days before departure. Total cancellation fees, as below, will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- FCM: $25
- China Southern fee: AU$600
- FCM Booking Fee is non-refundable
Do I need to arrange travel insurance? Is it compulsory?
Travel insurance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Face masks are required to be worn through all areas of all International Airports. Passengers are also required to wear medical surgical or advanced masks during check-in, during boarding, in the aircraft cabin, during disembarkation and when directed by the airport team or cabin crew. If you are using N95 masks, ensure it is a model which does not a breathing valve.
Remember to bring along extra masks to ensure that you have sufficient supply throughout your journey, and to replace your face mask once it is damp. Before you dispose of your face mask, wrap it in tissue paper or put it in a plastic bag and seal tightly before disposing of it in a closed bin. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
What happens if I miss my flight?
Only one flight from your country of origin to Australia is arranged. If you miss your flight to Australia immediately contact the FCM Travel team on +61 2 7922 2159.
What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled prior to your date of departure you will be notified by FCM and new flights will be arranged for you.
If your flight is delayed on your day of departure you will be notified by the airline and a new departure time will be advised. Please make sure to listen to announcements and speak to airline staff at the airport for information on your delay.
Where can I find a facility to complete my pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test?
What happens if I get sick?
Prior to date of departure: If you start showing any signs of illness prior to your departure date, make sure to get tested for COVID-19. If you receive a positive result you will be unable to travel to Australia and will need to notify the FCM Travel Team immediately.
During travel : You will be screened for signs of illnesses, and asked to declare your health status at your home-country departure airport. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of respiratory illnesses, you will not be allowed to board your flight and will need to notify the FCM Travel Team.
If you get sick while on board your flight to Australia you will need to alert a member of staff who will separate you from other passengers. Upon arrival to Australia you will be assessed by medical staff and required to complete a COVID-19 test.
Do I need a Green Code (China Only)?
Yes, please ensure you have completed your registration before going to the airport to depart for Singapore. Please scan the QR code below to be taken to the registration:
Upon arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Suikang Code for Guangzhou residents or Yuekang Code for Non-Guangzhou residents must be shown to the airport staff before entering the airport.
Students are required to register on Wechat mini APP – 粤省事 and declare their health circumstance and locations they’ve been in the past 14 days. Only those with a Green Code will be permitted to enter the airport. Any with a Red Code will not be allowed to enter the airport.
Do I need to do a COVID-19 test?
Yes, all students must take a COVID-19 96 hours and 48 hours before their scheduled departure.
96 HOURS before departure
All students are requested to take a COVID-19 test approximately 96 hours before their scheduled flight departure. Please note that this test does not need to be a PCR test and can be a self-administered test, or a test taken at your local testing facility.
If you receive a positive COVID result you will be unable to travel and will need to contact the FCM Travel Team immediately, this will allow your seat to be resold to another student. Note that the following cancellation fees apply:
- Cancellation Fee: $135AUD
- Booking Fee: $270AUD
Refunds may take up to 12 weeks processing time
72 HOURS before departure
All travellers must take a pre-departure Covid-19 PCR test within 72 hours before their scheduled flight departure and obtain a negative result. The test must be taken at a recognised or accredited clinic, laboratory, or medical facility.
See below to find a recognised clinic, hospital, or testing centre near you.
Test Results
The Covid-19 PCR test result memo must be obtained from an internationally accredited laboratory. It must also be in English, and state the following:
- a negative test result;
2. test date;
3. the name of the traveller as indicated in his/her passport; and
4. at least one other detail of the traveller such as:
- date of birth
- nationality/citizenship
- passport number
- national identity number
For a smoother check-in process, you should check if the clinic is able to provide a test certificate with a corresponding QR code. This QR code should link to your digital pre-departure test certificate.
Do also ensure that you carry a printed copy of your test results as you may be asked to produce it at immigration for verification. This also applies to customers with digital health credentials. If you have a stopover will need two copies of your negative test result, one for each of your flights. Please ensure you pack these in your carry-on luggage.
Other
The specific cancellation conditions relating to your booking will be advised at the time of registration. A summary of all cancellation conditions is detailed below.
Charter Flights
- Refunds only permitted due to failure of COVID test or due to Commonwealth, State or Territory or overseas government action. Total FCM/AVMIN cancellation fees of $135 will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- Refunds due to failure of COVID test can only be processed if the seat can be resold to a standby student. Refund requests must be made to FCM & your university as soon as a positive COVID test result is received, ideally no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
- Standby students can take the place of a student cancelling up to 12 hours prior to departure.
- Individual refunds not permitted for other causes.
- FCM Booking Fee is non-refundable.
- Refunds permitted due to Commonwealth, State or Territory or overseas government action. Total FCM/AVMIN cancellation fees of $135 will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- Refunds permitted due to failure of COVID-19 test. Total cancellation fees, as below, will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- FCM/AVMIN: $135
- China Southern fee: AU$50 (or nil with proof of positive COVID-19 test result)
- Cathay Pacific fee: US$70
- Refund requests must be made to FCM & your university as soon as a positive COVID test result is received, ideally no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
- Refunds for other causes permitted up to 5 days before departure. Total cancellation fees, as below, will be deducted from the refund amount due to the cancelling student.
- FCM/AVMIN: $135
- China Southern fee: up to AU$600
- Cathay Pacific fee: nil
- FCM Booking Fee is non-refundable.
Contact Us
EMAIL US
Email: international.students@fcmtravel.com.au
CALL US
Phone:
(+61) 2 7922 2159