Latest news with #Smartraveller
9 News
a day ago
- 9 News
The latest travel advice for Australia's favourite travel destinations
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australians are heading overseas for a holiday in record numbers. From tranquil beach destinations like Bali to the countryside of New Zealand, buzzing US cities to the culture of Vietnam, Aussies can't wait to get away. But whether travelling for pleasure or to see family, it's essential to heed official advice We've collated the latest alerts from the Australian Government's Smartraveller site for the most popular destinations Aussies are heading to, according to the latest ABS data. New Zealand is the most popular destination for Aussies, the latest numbers show. A short flight away, the nation is famous for its exhilarating adventure activities including skiing. Experts give it the green light, saying to "exercise normal safety precautions". New Zealand is the most popular destination for Aussies the latest numbers show. (Getty) However, it notes the nation can experience earthquakes and tsunamis and has active volcanoes. It also says weather can change quickly and warns hikers to carry an emergency locator beacon. The latest advice was updated on March 17, 2025. Indonesia, is one of the most popular places for Aussies to go, likely for the popular island of Bali. But visitors should "exercise a high degree of caution". These related to drownings and drinking. Indonesia, is one of the most popular places for Aussies to go, likely for the popular island of Bali. (Getty) It warns many Aussies have drowned due to rough seas and strong currents. It also says methanol poisoning from alcohol can happen. Travellers are also warned to make sure their passports are in pristine condition or they may be turned away. Aussies are urged to read up on the Bali Provincial Government's list of "do's and don'ts". There is also an ongoing risk of terror attacks, demonstrations can also be hazardous, and petty crime is an issue. A warning over the safety of some ferries is also listed. If you're heading to take in the culture food and shopping Japan is famous for, there are few warnings in place. That's unless you plan to go to the restricted areas near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, in which cause you should Reconsider your need to travel However, the nation does get earthquakes and tsunamis, Smartraveller says. Sign up for local alerts , the government says. Plus the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen, experts say. If you're heading to take in the culture food and shopping Japan is famous for, there are few warnings in place. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Drink spiking and petty theft is also possible. Advice was updated on March 14, 2025. Updated advice was issued for Aussies going to the the United States of America on May 6, 2025. While it remains a 'green' country, with the official line "exercise normal safety precautions," there are things to remember. "Entry requirements are strict," Smartraveller says. "US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. "Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements. "Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, ensure you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the United States." The government also warns to avoid demonstrations and protests and notes violent crime, terror attacks gun crime are a threat. Severe weather and natural hazards such as earthquakes are also possible. New York City in the USA, a popular destination for holidays. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Tens of thousands of people from India live in Australia, and it's also a holiday bucket list place for many. Overall it's a "yellow" country where Aussies should 'exercise a high degree of caution.' That's due to the threat of terrorism, crime and civil unrest, Smartraveller advices. Crowed places should be avoided because people have been killed in stampedes. Women may face harassment or sexual assault and shouldn't travel alone, the government says. Spiked drinks and food are also a risk, as are scams and petty theft. Aussies should also "reconsider' travelling to the Attari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh, border areas of Nagaland, and parts of Assam. A high number of immigrants from India live in Australia, and it's also a holiday bucket list place for many. (Getty) The advice was updated on 12 May 2025. Thailand has risks to do with safety and security, making it country where Aussies should "exercise a high degree of caution." Some risks relate to the earthquake in nearby Myanmar earlier this year. Tremors continue as do assessments of the structural integrity of buildings, Smartraveller warns. Other risks include scams, terrorist attacks, sexual assault, road accidents, robbery and drink spiking. Thailand has risks to do with safety and security, making it country where Aussies should "exercise a high degree of caution." (Getty) Travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces should be reconsidered. Aussies must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The advice was updated on 30 May 2025. Vietnam has the green light for travel: exercise normal levels of precaution. In advice updated on 15 May 2025 Smartraveller notes Aussies need to apply for a visa before going. However, road accidents, sexual assaults and petty theft including bag 'slashing' are common. Vietnam has the green light for travel: exercise normal levels of precaution. (Getty) "To make bags and backpacks more difficult to steal, hold them in front of you or on the opposite side of the traffic. Be aware of motorbikes approaching as you walk.," Smartraveller advises. Official advice for China , which is famous for ancient sites like the Great Wall of China, advises a "high degree of caution". "As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of 'endangering national security'" Smartraveller says. "Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws." Official advice for China advises a "high degree of caution". (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Scams and petty crime are common. Aussies should avoid protests- including taking photos and videos. You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour, it notes. The advice was updated on 11 April 2025. The island nation is a popular stopover and holiday destination. Aussies should exercise normal precautions , Smartraveller says. Do be aware of the advice, which was updated on 22 April 2025. The island nation of Singpore is a popular stopover and holiday destination. (Getty) Scammers who call or send texts and pretend to be government officials, banks or telecommunications companies have been reported. Terrorism is also a possible threat in Singapore . The increasingly popular destination of the Philippines carries a yellow warning: exercise a high level of caution. That's due to the to the threat of terrorism as well as violent crime. Some areas carry a red "do not travel warning": central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula; the Sulu Archipelago and the southern Sulu Sea area. The increasingly popular destination of the Philippines (Getty) "Don't travel by boat" in the southern Philippines, the government advises. The update was made on 28 March 2025. CONTACT US Property News: The last inner Sydney suburbs where houses cost under $2m.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- 7NEWS
Smartraveller warning: Australians warned over Maldives travel due to ‘terrorism threat'
Smartraveller has updated its advice for Australian holidaymakers, warning them to 'exercise a high degree of caution' if travelling to the Maldives. The picturesque island paradise, officially the Republic of Maldives, is the smallest island in Asia. It is located in the Indian Ocean around 750km from the Asian continent mainland. 'Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism,' the Smartraveller updated advice said on Thursday. 'Public demonstrations can occur and may become violent. 'Avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.' The update calls out risk of protests and demonstrations in greater Malé. Smartraveller, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), said terrorism could occur 'anywhere in Maldives at any time'. The Maldives is under a 'level two' travel warning. Under that classification Australians are told to 'pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation'. DFAT says the warning level does not mean they are telling Australians 'don't go', instead, encouraging them to take 'extra precautions. The update claims 'resort islands are generally peaceful and secure,' however, encourages Australian travellers to 'stay in contact with your airline operator' while they are away. Australians should 'avoid known flashpoints' and 'refuse unexpected packages or offers'. Smartraveller warns the security environment in the region 'could change with little warning'. Approximately 34,000 Australians travelled to the Maldives in 2023.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
Australian travellers heading to Maldives warned of terror threat, 'civil unrest'
Stay clear of areas where demonstrations are happening: Smartraveller website Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Australia has issued a fresh advisory for all its nationals who are planning to travel to Maldives asking them to remain on high alert. The Smartraveller website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade raised its advisory for the popular tourism spot to Level 2 asking them to exercise a high degree of advice cited the risk of 'civil unrest and the ongoing threat of terrorism'. The Smartraveller website has placed Maldives in the list of 76 countries including India, UK, France, Mexico, Cyprus, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya as these destinations have witnessed a rise in security to the advice, Australians have been asked to remain highly cautious while visiting the paradise near the Indian Ocean, warning of the possibility of violent public demonstrations, according to Sky government website has urged Australian tourists to remain clear of areas where demonstrations are taking place and to to follow the advice from Maldives authorities. 'Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent,' the advice resorts on islands are still deemed 'generally safe and secure', Smartraveller has warned that terrorism events can occur anywhere in the country. 'Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism,' the updated advice to the website, government institutions and areas where tourists frequently visit can be possible targets of terrorism.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Australian travellers heading to Maldives warned of terror threat, 'civil unrest'
Australia has issued a fresh advisory for all its nationals who are planning to travel to Maldives asking them to remain on high alert. The Smartraveller website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade raised its advisory for the popular tourism spot to Level 2 asking them to exercise a high degree of caution. The advice cited the risk of 'civil unrest and the ongoing threat of terrorism'. The Smartraveller website has placed Maldives in the list of 76 countries including India, UK, France, Mexico, Cyprus, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya as these destinations have witnessed a rise in security risks. According to the advice, Australians have been asked to remain highly cautious while visiting the paradise near the Indian Ocean, warning of the possibility of violent public demonstrations, according to Sky News. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Transform Your Child's Confidence with Our Public Speaking Program Planet Spark Book Now Undo Stay clear of areas where demonstrations are happening: Smartraveller website The government website has urged Australian tourists to remain clear of areas where demonstrations are taking place and to to follow the advice from Maldives authorities. 'Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent,' the advice stated. Live Events Although resorts on islands are still deemed 'generally safe and secure', Smartraveller has warned that terrorism events can occur anywhere in the country. 'Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism,' the updated advice said. According to the website, government institutions and areas where tourists frequently visit can be possible targets of terrorism.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Sky News AU
Major travel warning issued for Australians heading to the Maldives as official advice warns of 'civil unrest' and 'terrorism'
Travel advice for Australians planning a trip to the Maldives has changed, with an official government website urging visitors to be aware of potential 'terrorism'. The Department of Foreign Affairs updated its Smartraveller website on Thursday after reviewing advice for those bound for the popular holiday destination. Smartraveller now recommends Australians to 'exercise a high degree of caution' while visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago, warning of the possibility of violent public demonstrations. 'Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent,' the advice said. The website urges tourists to steer clear of areas where demonstrations are happening and to listen to advice from Maldives authorities. And though resorts on islands are still deemed 'generally safe and secure', Smartraveller warns that terrorism events can occur anywhere in the country. 'Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism,' the updated advice reads. The website said possible targets of terrorism can include government institutions and areas where tourists frequent. An Australian man and two Chinese national were stabbed in the Maldives in February 2020, and an arson attack happened in March that year on the island of Laamu Gan. An explosion that wounded the country's former president then rocked the Maldivian capital in May 2021 after an improvised explosive device was detonated. Petty thefts around beaches and even inside hotel rooms is also a safety concern, and valuable items being secured is recommended, according to Smartraveller. Official travel advice also changed for Australians bound for Bali following a Smartraveller update last month that warned tourists of spiked drinks and rough seas. Like the Maldives, a high degree of caution has been issued while visiting Indonesia, and the advice warns to be alert to methanol poisoning when being served alcoholic beverages. Many beaches in Indonesia are 'unpatrolled', and holidaymakers are urged to be cautious when entering the water. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the advice said.
