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 60 zcms http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins /lib/images/dfat_logo_small.gif This Travel Bulletin has been revised. It contains new information in relation to a seasonal outbreak of dengue fever in New Delhi, further information on security arrangements for the Games and includes additional information on indicative costs of medical evacuation that supports our strong recommendation that Australians obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departure. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Commonwealth_Games,_New_Delhi,_India 04 Sep 2010 11:39:23 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Commonwealth_Games,_New_Delhi,_India/20100904_21:39:23 http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Kidnap_Threat_in_Africa 30 Aug 2010 03:46:57 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Kidnap_Threat_in_Africa/20100830_13:46:57 The United States government has introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which applies to all Australian passport holders visiting or transiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Holding an ESTA is mandatory for all eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers to the United States. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/United_States-New_Entry_Requirements 16 Aug 2010 00:27:28 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/United_States-New_Entry_Requirements/20100816_10:27:28 The Islamic holy month, Ramadan, is expected to begin on or around 11 August 2010 and finish on or around 9 September 2010. The exact timing of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the moon and this differs from country to country. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Ramadan_2010 20 Jul 2010 02:24:49 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Ramadan_2010/20100720_12:24:49 Large numbers of Australians get into trouble overseas as a direct result of partying too hard and forgetting about simple safety precautions. Parties and festivals like Full Moon Parties in Koh Phangan, Thailand and Oktoberfest in Germany can be fun experiences but drinking too much or taking drugs can put you in difficult and often dangerous situations far from home. Australians have had their drinks spiked, had their documents stolen, been assaulted, injured, arrested, imprisoned and even killed. If you are planning to attend a Full Moon or other party or festival overseas, think about your personal safety and take appropriate precautions so that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Partying_Overseas 05 Jul 2010 05:50:11 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Partying_Overseas/20100705_15:50:11 Australians flying into and out of Europe should be aware that volcanic activity in Iceland is continuing and that further disruptions to flights could occur with little warning. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Flight_Disruptions_in_Europe 20 Apr 2010 09:57:10 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Flight_Disruptions_in_Europe/20100420_19:57:10 Travellers should be aware that there are a range of factors that can affect the safety of aircraft and airlines. These include the weather, terrain, aviation infrastructure and the ways in which a country regulates its aviation industry. Aviation safety and security standards in some countries may not be equal to standards in Australia or meet those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/aviation 26 Mar 2010 03:25:56 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/aviation/20100326_14:25:56 Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Chad because of the volatile security situation, 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 15 Mar 2010 03:37:05 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Chad-Security_Situation/20100315_14:37:05 It is a criminal offence to engage in sexual activity 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 22 Dec 2009 00:55:08 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Helping_to_Fight_Child_Sex_Crimes_Abroad/20091222_11:55:08 Commercial and internet scams or fraud are common and often originate outside Australia. Scams have a devastating financial and emotional impact on many Australians. Detailed information about scams, what to look out for and how to protect yourself from scams can be found in The Little Black Book of Scams published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Tel 1300 302 502, and the SCAMwatch website. http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/International_Scams 16 Dec 2009 00:05:17 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/International_Scams/20091216_11:05:17 Australians are advised that only the country you plan to visit can provide up-to-date and accurate 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 15 Dec 2009 23:58:28 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Europe_Schengen/20091216_10:58:28 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 15 Dec 2009 23:53:37 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Hurricanes/20091216_10:53:37 http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Health-Swine_Influenza 28 Apr 2009 04:53:25 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Health-Swine_Influenza/20090428_14:53:25 http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Health-Avian_Influenza 11 Dec 2008 03:57:14 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Health-Avian_Influenza/20081211_14:57:14 http://www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Overseas_Road_Safety 10 Oct 2008 05:00:34 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveler.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Overseas_Road_Safety/20081010_16:00:34