smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
This advice has been reviewed and reissued.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. Attacks can happen without warning any time and in any place in the world. Statements by international terrorist groups have called for attacks against Western interest in various regions around the world. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks, including against places frequented by foreigners.
In many cases the purpose of terrorist attacks is to create panic, hinder normal social, political and economic activities, and disrupt everyday life. Terrorists may attack official or civilian targets depending on their particular objectives at the time. Terrorist attacks have targeted and killed many innocent people, including Australians, in countries throughout the world. See our country specific travel advisories for details.
Terrorist operations could range from kidnappings, hijackings, bombings, suicide operations or other acts of violence, such as drive-by assassinations. Terrorist groups have also demonstrated a capacity to pursue other types of operations against Western interests including attacks against maritime targets. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for more information.
In view of the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks on commercial aircraft and aviation infrastructure, many airports across the world remain on heightened alert and have implemented enhanced security measures and restrictions on carry-on items. See Airline Safety for more information.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. These include places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, expatriate housing complexes, hotels, hostels, guest houses, bars, clubs, restaurants, movie theatres, schools, places of worship, tourist areas, markets, shopping centres, banks, car parks, airports and aircraft, and outdoor recreation and major sporting events.
Symbols and infrastructure associated with government, military or Western interests, such as embassies, public transport, oil and gas infrastructure, government buildings and premises of transnational and multinational companies, are also potential terrorist targets. Significant dates and anniversaries are also symbolic and terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.
Security conditions can change rapidly in different regions and countries and you should monitor carefully our destination-specific travel advice. Australians can be caught up in terrorist attacks directed at others. Pay attention to your personal security and be vigilant at all times and monitor the local media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
You should find out whether your destination is safe for tourism and business before you leave. There are ongoing conflicts and social unrest in many countries around the world. You should identify which areas are unsafe and stay away from them. If you live and work in these areas, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so. In such circumstances, situations can deteriorate rapidly and without warning. The Australian Government's ability to provide consular support may be severely limited.
Demonstrations and large public gatherings have the potential to turn violent. Demonstrations are often held in the period surrounding elections, days of national or local significance or in response to local, national or international events. Events in one country can also become the catalyst for demonstrations, violence, civil unrest or anti-Western sentiment in another.
You should avoid any such events and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Violent and petty crime occurs in many countries. You should put measures in place to protect your personal security and familiarise yourself with the types of crimes that occur and locations where you may be particularly at risk. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Foreigners can be particularly vulnerable to scams. You should check the travel advice for your destination to familiarise yourself with common tactics. You should also read our International Scams travel bulletin.
ATM and credit card fraud, including skimming, can also occur. You should always keep your credit card in sight to ensure your details are not copied. Avoid using ATMs that open onto the street and instead use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks, shops and shopping centres.
Many countries have a very high crime rate, including violent crime such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping (including so-called 'express kidnappings' where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from ATMs before being released). Firearms can be widely available and readily used.
You should keep valuables out of sight, avoid displays of wealth and be vigilant to your personal security in public places. You should keep the doors locked and the windows up when travelling by car in some destinations.
You should take particular care when travelling after dark, especially if you are alone. You should avoid places known for criminal activity and avoid deserted areas.
There are high levels of piracy in the coastal areas of many regions around the world. They include: the Horn of Africa including the Gulf of Aden and Yemen; up to 600 nautical miles (1100 km) from the coast of Somalia; East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya; West Africa, particularly Nigeria where kidnapping for ransom occurs; parts of South East Asia; in waters around India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; the Caribbean and Central America; and South America, particularly Peru and Brazil.
Attacks by pirates against all forms of shipping in and around the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden are increasing in frequency. You should seek local advice and see the advice for Australians travelling by sea for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website.
In some destinations, women travelling on their own may be physically and verbally harassed, assaulted or intimidated. For more safety information, see our Travelling Women brochure.
Travellers have been assaulted and robbed after accepting spiked food or drink. For information on sexual assault, see our sexual assault brochure.
Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in many countries around the world, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Enforcement and ethical standards for police and security authorities vary greatly between countries.
Driving conditions can vary greatly around the world. The safety and maintenance standards of vehicles and roads and adherence to road rules may not match those in Australia. The road toll in some countries is many times greater than in Australia. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Don't assume you can use your Australian licence overseas. You can get an international driving permit from the auto club or association in the state where your licence is valid.
The safety standards maintained by tour and adventure activity operators may not be as high as those in Australia, especially for sports such as parasailing, diving and white water rafting. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. You should carefully check the operator's credentials beforehand and ensure that your insurance policy covers you for all activities that you undertake.
Standards maintained by search and rescue services may not be comparable to those in Australia. These services may not be available in some destinations and locations.
Inter-island ferries and river craft can be overloaded, poorly maintained or lack necessary life-saving equipment, increasing the safety risk. Hundreds of people die every year in maritime accidents.
Strong coastal currents, including rip tides, can make swimming dangerous. Local authorities can provide advice regarding conditions.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are allowed to carry only a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information. You should also read our travel bulletin on enhanced airport and air travel security regulations.
Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. Maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are not always properly observed. Passengers should check whether they are covered by airline insurance.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the relevant travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
In many countries, airline passengers who make flippant remarks or jokes about security or terrorism in the presence of airline or airport staff, both on the ground or in the air, may be arrested and charged.
If you are travelling to an area which has recently experienced a natural disaster, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services have been affected.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes occur in many places around the world resulting in flooding, landslides and disruptions to essential services, including transport and communications, in affected areas. If you are travelling during cyclone season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected. See the Severe Weather: Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons travel bulletin.
Severe weather such as snows storms and heavy rains can cause disruptions to essential services, such as transport and communications.
There are active volcanos around the globe. Most countries with active volcanos closely monitor volcanic activity and post the latest information on official websites.
If a natural disaster occurs, you should monitor the media closely for up-to-date information and follow the advice of local authorities.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. You should also check the travel advice for your destination.
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas, travellers' cheques, credit card numbers, insurance policy, itinerary and phone card details. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. Passports can be issued at extra cost using the priority processing service. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports. For more information, see the passports webpage.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental, custodial and/or access rights, particularly in the case of dual nationals.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are overseas, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. Learn as much as you can about the laws of the countries you will visit. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. See our If you are arrested or jailed overseas brochure.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The Australian Government can't provide you with legal advice or legal assistance.
Penalties for drug offences in some countries, including for small amounts of 'soft drugs', may include the death penalty or lengthy imprisonment. In some countries, the death penalty is mandatory for certain crimes. The death penalty has been carried out against Australians overseas.
Corporal punishment is a mandatory sentence for specific offences in some countries.
Sharia (Islamic) Law is enforced in some Islamic countries.
Medication available over-the-counter or by prescription may be illegal in some countries. Check with the embassy or consulate of your planned destination whether your medication is legal. You should also carry your medication in its original packaging and take a letter from your doctor explaining your need to take the drug.
In most countries, taking photographs of military installations and other sites deemed to be sensitive to domestic security, such as police stations, is prohibited and may result in arrest or detention. Photographing local people, particularly women and children, is also illegal in some countries.
In some destinations it is illegal to buy, sell or wear camouflage-style clothing.
Severe penalties may be imposed in some countries for attempting to export antiquities or culturally significant items.
Homosexual acts are illegal in some countries. Penalties can include the death penalty, corporal punishment and long prison sentences.
Preaching and importing religious material is illegal in some countries.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are strong codes of conservative dress and behaviour in some destinations. Public displays of affection may cause offence, while unmarried couples may not be permitted to share accommodation.
Special behavioural restrictions and regulations can apply during significant religious times.
You should familiarise yourself with the local customs of your chosen destination and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Some countries do not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to dual nationals who are arrested or detained. Australians should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of their destination for information on whether dual nationality is recognised.
Dual nationals may be required to fulfil military or civil service obligations. You should ensure you are informed of the regulations that apply to you.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
You should ensure you have the correct visa for the countries you are visiting or transiting. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, and customs and quarantine regulations, including the legality of medications) change regularly. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you are travelling to for the most up-to-date information.
You may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to be allowed entry into your country of destination, particularly if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.
If you have visited certain yellow fever declared countries in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry into Australia. See the Department of Health and Ageing's fact sheet on yellow fever for further details.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the WHO website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
Your travel plans may be disrupted due to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 quarantine measures. Some countries may impose quarantine measures for those exhibiting flu-like symptoms or for travellers who have recently visited a country with confirmed cases of the virus. Regardless of their own state of health, travellers may be subject to compulsory quarantine measures if they have been travelling with or in close proximity to other travellers suspected of having the virus. These measures may also be applied to transit passengers.
When travelling we encourage you to practice personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette (covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing), consult a doctor or hospital immediately in the event of flu-like symptoms developing, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Travellers may wish to consider being vaccinated for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 before leaving Australia.
For more information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, you can call the Commonwealth Health Hotline on 1802007 (if calling from outside Australia, toll free on +61 8 840 288 33) or go to www.healthemergency.gov.au. Current information on the global response to human cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and measures to avoid infection are also available on the WHO's Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 website.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities and medical care in many countries is significantly lower than those in Australia. There can be shortages of medical equipment and medicines and hygiene can be poor. Upfront payment is required in some countries before treatment will begin. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. The costs for medical evacuations can exceed $100,000.
Decompression chambers are often located near popular diving locations. Divers should check the location of decompression chambers in the relevant travel advisory.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in some countries can be very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more at the Department of Health and Ageing website.
Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common in many regions. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and use insect repellent. Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases are prevalent around the world with major outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. If you are in doubt about the quality of the water in any country, we recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes. You should also avoid raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Avian Influenza: Since July 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in a number of countries. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in these countries for extended periods to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to these countries for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection, but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
For more information and advice you should see the bulletin.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.
If you are travelling overseas, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
You should also keep in contact with friends and family and leave a copy of your itinerary with them so they know where you are.
For consular assistance you can contact the relevant Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Contact details are available at www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html. In a consular emergency you can also obtain consular assistance by telephoning the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 300 555 135 (if calling from within Australia) or (61 2) 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
More information for Australians travelling overseas can be found at our travel tips webpage.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
