http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins Information about general issues or specific events which may affect Australian travellers. en webmaster@dfat.gov.au Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2005 http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins http://www.dfat.gov.au/lib/images/dfat_logo_small.gif South Australians visiting or residing overseas are advised that there will be a by-election for the District of Frome on Saturday 17 January 2009. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/South_Australian http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Health_:_Avian_Influenza On 1 December 2008, a new book entitled "Groft Sagt" (or "Roughly Speaking ") is due to be released. The book features a number of cartoons and some may be potentially controversial. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Film The United States is changing its entry procedures for Australian passport holders visiting or transiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and has introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The program is voluntary until 12 January 2009 at which point, online completion is expected to become mandatory for all eligible VWP travellers to the United States. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/United_States-New_Entry_Requirements More than 3000 people die on the world's roads every day. Tens of millions of people are injured or disabled every year. Approximately 90 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization also reports that road-crash casualties will increase by 67 per cent from now until 2020 as more cars and trucks compete for road space with pedestrians and bicyclists. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Overseas_Road_Safety New passport application forms were introduced on 1 July 2008. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Passport The Chinese government has announced that traces of a chemical contaminant, melamine, have been found in a number of products and may be linked to cases of renal (kidney) problems in infants. A Chinese Health Ministry official has reported the number of infants affected by contaminated product produced in China has risen to nearly 40,000 cases. The Chinese government has issued recalls for infant formula from 22 companies after tests turned up traces of melamine. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Contaminated_dairy_products Tropical cyclones often produce winds in excess of 200 km/h, causing extensive damage to property and turning debris into dangerous missiles. They can also bring flooding rains and storm tides which cause further damage to property and increase the risk of drowning. Cyclones can cause huge seas, putting vessels in danger both in harbour and out at sea. Most deaths from cyclones occur as a result of drowning, collapsed buildings, mudslides or flying debris which becomes lethal in high winds. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Hurricanes Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Chad because of the volatile security situation and ongoing violent civil unrest and the threat of terrorism. The situation could deteriorate further without warning. If you are in Chad, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Chad-Security_Situation Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates outside Australia. Many scammers approach you out of the blue pretending to be legitimate banks or businesses. Genuine organisations dont usually contact you out of the blue and ask for passwords or account numbers. Scams have a devastating financial and emotional impact on many Australians. Once money is sent overseas it is virtually impossible to recover. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/International_Scams Australians are advised that only the country you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about its specific visa requirements. Travellers should contact the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Europe_Schengen Following a reported foiled terrorist plot on 10 August 2006 against flights from the United Kingdom to the United States, aviation security authorities around the world have enhanced security procedures at their airports and limited what passengers can carry in hand luggage. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Enhanced_Airport_Security It is a criminal offence to have sexual relations with children, whether in Australia or in another country. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Helping_to_Fight_Child_Sex_Crimes_Abroad