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The Advice was issued on 4 April 2008.
Terrorism
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 activities, including social, political and economic, and disrupt everyday life. Terrorists may attack official or civilian targets depending on their particular objectives at the time. Terrorist bombings 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 shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
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, bars, 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 trans-national and multi-national companies, are also potential terrorist targets. Significant dates and anniversaries are also symbols and terrorists have in the past 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.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
There are ongoing conflicts and social unrest in many countries around the world. You should find out whether your destination is safe for tourism and business before you leave. 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.
Crime
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 crime 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.
Many countries have a very high crime rate, including violent crime such as carjacking, kidnap (including so-called 'express kidnappings') and armed robbery. 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.
Terrorists may use crime to fund their activities.
There are high levels of piracy in the coastal areas in many places around the world. You should seek local advice and see the shipping and ports travel advice for more information.
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 vary greatly across jurisdictions and between security authorities.
Local Travel
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. 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 you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports such as parasailing 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.
The standards maintained by diving schools, dive operators and other adventure activity companies may not be high or comparable to those in Australia. 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 as high or comparable to those in Australia. These services may not be available in some destinations and locations.
Inter-island ferries and river craft may be overloaded, poorly maintained or lack necessary life-saving equipment. Hundreds of people die every year in accidents.
Strong coastal currents, including rip tides, can make swimming dangerous. Local authorities can provide advice regarding conditions.
Airline Safety
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry 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 or whether passengers 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 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 with criminal intimidation.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
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. Communications may be disrupted in affected areas. See the Severe Weather: Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons travel bulletin.
There are active volcanos around the globe. Most countries with active volcanos closely monitor volcanic activity and post the latest information on official websites.
During the monsoon season and cyclone season in many countries, flooding and landslides can occur with little warning. Services and transport are often affected.
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.
Wildlife Watching
Australians are advised 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.
Money and Valuables
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 Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables 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 Parents
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care 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 child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are overseas, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. 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.
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. Travellers should inform themselves of relevant provisions.
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.
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.
Local Customs
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 in your chosen destination and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Information for Dual Nationals
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.
Entry and Exit Requirements
You should ensure you have the correct visa for the countries you are visiting or transiting. Visa, customs and quarantine conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your destination for the most up-to-date information.
Health Issues
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, 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.
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. You should check the location of decompression chambers in the travel advice for individual countries.
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, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.
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.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in countries where there have been human cases of avian influenza should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in these countries should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
The Australian Government has decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at most of its overseas missions. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas. It is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
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. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to Get Help
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 on-line 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.
Source: Smarttraveller.gov.au
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