smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Travel Smart: Hints for Australian TravellersCONTENTS
Before you go, research your destination at smartraveller.gov.au, check out the latest guidebooks and chat to other travellers.
To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has travel advice for over 160 destinations on its website at smartraveller.gov.au.With information on the risks you might face while travelling, the site can help you make informed decisions about when and where to travel. You’ll also find:
“It’s important to remain informed about the
destination you’re travelling to
so you don’t unwittingly
get into strife.”
smartraveller.gov.au contains important destination-specific information that you need to know when planning an overseas trip. There’s useful advice on local laws, entry and exit requirements and health issues, among other information, as well as an indicative rating of the security situation of that country. Its aim is to help you determine at a glance the level of risk in travelling to a particular destination. However, it’s a good idea to read through all the country-specific information on smartraveller.gov.au before you go.
And remember, security situations can change quickly, so check the travel advice regularly while you’re away or subscribe to get email updates.
> Accessing Travel Advice
There are two ways to access travel advice:
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It might sound a bit harsh, but organising insurance is an essential part of preparing for your overseas trip.
Picture this: you’re snowboarding in Canada; you take a fall, hit the ground hard and break your arm. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll break the bank too – a trip to the hospital to get your arm plastered doesn’t come cheap.
For more tips and information on insurance and how to choose the right policy for you, visit the Travel Insurance pages at smartraveller.gov.au.
> Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance should cover all medical expenses for injury or illness, as well as theft of your valuables and cancellations or interruptions to your flight plans, baggage damage and more. It also saves you the worry and financial burden if you have an accident or illness overseas – it’s not an exaggeration to state that medical costs can be in the tens of thousands of dollars and that many families have been burnt financially in paying these costs.
When organising travel insurance ensure you’re covered for general medical expenses, pre-existing medical conditions (be honest or you may find the insurance company won’t pay out), hospitalisation, medical evacuations and the return of remains to Australia. Discuss with your insurer the types of activities you plan to do on your holiday as often there are restrictions on what activities the insurer will cover. Always read the fine print!
Shop around, including on-line, to find the policy that best suits your individual needs. Make sure your insurance covers you for the full length of your time away and all the destinations you plan to visit.
> Credit Card Travel Insurance
Some credit card companies offer insurance if you use their card. If you plan to use the insurance attached to your credit card, get written confirmation specifying exactly what you’re covered for, the period of time you will be covered and any conditions attached to the policy before you travel.
You might just want to hop on a plane and get moving, but it’s important that all your documentation is in order. Find out what you need in advance as some documents can take a while to organise.
> Passport
Your passport is your most essential travel document. You need it to leave and enter Australia and other countries, use travellers’ cheques, and in some countries you must carry it at all times as a form of identification. Children need their own passport, too, even newborns, and usually consent must be granted by both parents. embassy, high commission or consulate.
Most importantly, check that your passport has minimum six months validity – some countries won’t allow you to enter otherwise. Here are some tips on looking after your passport:
> Personal Information
Make two photocopies of the following documents, leaving one copy at home with your family and the other in a safe place while you’re travelling, separate from the originals:
> Visas
Find out early which visas you need by contacting the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of the country you wish to visit, or discuss requirements with your travel agent. Their contact details can be found in the White Pages or online at smartraveller.gov.au.
A visa does not necessarily guarantee you entry to a country, particularly if authorities suspect you intend to contravene the conditions upon which the visa was issued. When you apply for a visa, be honest about yourself and your plans, and take notice of the visa conditions.
> Entry Permits
When you enter a country, you receive an entry permit which tells you the date when you must exit. If you want to stay longer you must apply for an extension. Be aware that visa-free schemes may not permit extensions and if you overstay you could be fined or jailed.
> Drivers Licence
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 or territory where your licence is current. See smartraveller.gov.au/tips/int_driving_licence.html for contact details.
Being a national or citizen of two countries is called dual nationality. If you or your parents were born in another country, you may be regarded as a citizen or national of that country, even though you are an Australian citizen and may never have travelled outside Australia.
Some countries offer citizenship to people who marry their citizens, or to persons whose grandparents were born in that country.
Dual nationality can be a good thing, but it can create problems too. You may be liable for military service in the country of your other nationality. A country may not permit Australian consular assistance to be given to Australian citizens who, according to its laws, are considered to be its own nationals. Some countries may not recognise your Australian citizenship unless you are travelling on an Australian passport. You must take your Australian passport and use it to exit and return to Australia.
If you hold another country’s passport, seek advice about using it from the country’s embassy before you depart. For information on the effect of dual nationality and Australian citizenship, call the Citizenship Information Line on 13 1880. For further information grab a copy of the brochure Travel information for dual nationals online at smartraveller.gov.au.
Money needn’t be complicated – what form you choose to take should reflect the type of trip you plan to have. Credit and debit cards, cash and travellers’ cheques are all popular options and a combination of these offers the greatest security. Most importantly, find out whether your destination has available facilities for withdrawing money such as Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and whether your card will work in ATMs overseas. Currency laws can be quite restrictive, too, so find out if this is the case in the country you plan to visit. Speak to your accountant or the Australian Tax Office if you plan to be away for a while.
International travellers must report travellers cheques, personal cheques, money orders, postal orders, promissory notes and other bearer negotiable instruments of any amount, if asked by a Customs or police officer. Travellers must still declare that they are carrying $10,000 cash or more (or foreign currency equivalent) when leaving/entering Australia.
For further information, visit www.austrac.gov.au.
Standards of medical care overseas may be very different to those in Australia. Medical treatment may be very costly and you may have to pay in advance. In some cases medical evacuation may be necessary, costing in the thousands of dollars.
Organising comprehensive travel insurance before you depart can save you the worry of unexpected medical costs. Regardless of how healthy and fit you are, remember the first rule of travel – if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
If you’re visiting an area where malaria is prevalent, be sure to take anti-malarial tablets. The best way to prevent insect-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever, is to avoid contact with insects altogether: for example, wear long pants and sleeves, use insect repellent and always sleep under a mosquito net. If you think you have any symptoms – fever, for instance – then visit a doctor immediately.
While travelling always practise safe sex and use a condom. Take a supply of condoms: the availability and quality of condoms cannot be relied upon in some countries. HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in particular countries. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more information on the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) website at www.health.gov.au.
Follow the advice you have received from your doctor. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers on its website www.who.int/ith and the Travelling well brochure issued by DFAT also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas. The brochure is available on the DFAT website at smartraveller.gov.au.
If you do require medical assistance while overseas, the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate will be able to supply you with a list of English-speaking doctors.
> Vaccinations
Visit your doctor at least six to eight weeks before you depart and discuss the destinations you plan to visit, and what medications you should take with you or vaccinations you should have before you go.
> Medications
Before leaving home, check that the medications you plan to take are legal in the country you are visiting. You can do this by contacting the embassy, consulate or high commission located in
Australia of the country you plan to visit; details are at dfat.gov.au. Make sure you do this in plenty of time to receive a response.
It’s an offence to carry or send Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine overseas unless it is for your own personal use, or for the use of someone travelling with you. If you are taking medications overseas, carry them in their original, clearly labelled containers.
A signed and dated letter from your doctor describing all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a doctor’s letter documenting their medical necessity.
More information on travelling with medicines is available from Medicare Australia at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au, or call 13 2011.
> Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Australia has health care agreements with Finland, Italy, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK. Under these agreements, Australians can be provided with urgent or emergency medical treatment overseas. However, general medical services are only provided when the need for treatment arises during the visit and it would be unreasonable to delay treatment until the individual’s return to Australia.
These agreements are no substitute for travel insurance. They will not cover you if a doctor recommends you should be evacuated back to Australia.
More information can be found at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or by calling 13 2011.
“Read up on the health issues affecting the country you are travelling to on smartraveller.gov.au before you go.”
> Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Since 2003 there have been outbreaks of a particular strain of Bird Flu (H5N1 avian influenza) in a number of countries around the world, affecting poultry and some wild birds. Although Bird Flu is primarily an infectious disease of birds, it does occasionally cause illness in people and has resulted in human deaths.
Currently people are only at risk of contracting Bird Flu if they have close contact with infected birds. At this stage there is no evidence that Bird Flu can be easily transferred from one infected person to another. To find out if the country you are travelling to is affected by Bird Flu consult the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel bulletin on avian influenza at smartraveller.gov.au.
It might sound boring, but you’re more likely to have a stress-free holiday and a stress-free return if you take the time to get organised before you go. Before leaving Australia, consider organising the following:
When packing note that some items, such as all sharp objects, can’t be taken in your carry-on luggage on certain flights and must be packed away in your stowed luggage. Restrictions also exist on liquids and aerosols you are permitted to carry on board a flight.
Each destination is different, so what you pack may depend on where you’re going, for how long and the type of holiday you’ve got planned. You can find general luggage packing information on the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s website at www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/trip/packing.htm.
The same strict rules for taking things out of Australia apply to bringing things back. See page 48 for more information on bringing items back home.
When travelling, always remember:
If you’re unsure about what you can take with you over-seas, download the Australian Customs Service brochure Know before you go from www.customs.gov.au, or call the Customs Information Centre on 1300 363 263. Direct email enquiries to information@customs.gov.au.
We all know that it’s a special and unique combination of experiences that makes travelling so memorable. It’s remembering those experiences that we can’t stop talking about when we get home, and that we urge others to try.
However, one of the hardest parts of travelling is deciding where to go! There are so many destinations waiting to be explored so pack a bag with lots of extra room to fill with memories and head out on the trip of a lifetime.
Things can change quickly so always check the situation in the country you are travelling to at smartraveller.gov.au before you go.
EUROPE
There’s no other place on earth where so many cultures and so much history are jammed together so closely. Travelling around Europe you can see the art you’ve always dreamed of, see the places you’ve always heard of and have the kinds of adventures you’ll always speak of.
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
From bustling, exotic bazaars and souks to awe-inspiring landscapes, stunning wildlife and remarkable natural beauty, the Middle East and Africa will offer you the experience of a lifetime.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
The sights, smells and tastes of Southeast Asia all combine to offer you a memorable travelling experience. From picture-postcard islands and meditative temples to thick jungles and pulsating cities, the region leaves you wanting to return again and again.
NORTHEAST ASIA
Steeped in culture, history and tradition, but changing ever so quickly, Northeast Asia is where the old and the new collide. As a traveller, the best thing to do is just go along for the ride.
CENTRAL ASIA & THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
Home to well over a billion people, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent are simply amazing in their diversity. Snow-capped mountains, ancient bazaars, colourful festivals and fancy boutiques combine to captivate millions of travellers every year.
NEW ZEALAND & THE PACIFIC
Whether you’re here to explore the islands’ cultures, scuba dive off isolated atolls, honeymoon in a resort paradise or simply to spend some time chilling out, there’s something here for everyone.
SOUTH AMERICA
Travellers love South America. It’s as if the continent was built for travel – the sort of place that rewards you with wonderful experiences and amazing adventures, from historical sites and ruins to spectacular scenery.
NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
A visit to North and Central America has universal appeal. Snorkel, jungle trek or relax on a Central American beach. Or head to the US and Canada to see fascinating cities and natural wonders galore.
Nothing beats the excitement of jumping on a plane to explore a new destination or to rediscover an old one. Australians love to travel, and as a nation we’re doing it more and more. You’ll find Australians in almost every corner of the globe, making new friends, enjoying unique experiences and absorbing themselves in another country’s culture.
“Register your travel and contact details online at smartraveller.gov.au so we can contact you in an emergency.”
Many countries have a departure tax, payable on leaving the country. Make sure you have enough local currency or convertible cash to pay the tax – if you can’t pay, you may just miss your plane!
You can register your travel details online at smartraveller.gov.au, or at the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive. If you are travelling in a large group, call 1300 555 135 to organise a group registration form. This may help us reach you more quickly in case of an emergency, be it a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue. All registration information is protected by Australia’s strict privacy laws.
On the road you’ll hear that unmistakable Aussie accent everywhere and you may even get a little homesick – that’s the perfect time to call home. Every year, DFAT’s consular service receives thousands of calls from worried family members and friends who haven’t heard from someone who is travelling. Follow these tips so that your friends and family can have a worry-free time, too:
When it comes to the law, pleading ignorance is no defence. Always obey the laws of the country you are visiting, even if they are different to those in Australia. In some cases you may be bound by Australian laws as well.
Check out the local laws section at smartraveller.gov.au before you go.
> Consular Services & the Law
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. The provision of consular assistance to Australians does not extend to protecting the client from the consequences of actions that are prohibited under Australian (or local) law. Consular officials may report serious criminal misconduct to local law enforcement authorities or to the Australian Federal Police.
Regardless of the country you are visiting, 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 page 53 for more information on what the Government can and can’t do for you.
> Drugs
Don’t use, carry or get involved with drugs overseas. Every year, the Australian Government provides consular assistance to Australians arrested or jailed overseas for drug offences. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh by Australian standards. Some countries, such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, impose the death penalty or life imprisonment.
> Child Sex Crime
It’s a criminal offence to have sexual relations with children, whether in Australia or in another country. Australian law prohibits sex with children under 16 when overseas.
Australia has introduced laws with lengthy jail terms for Australian citizens and residents who engage in sexual activity with children in foreign countries. The law also prohibits the incitement, encouragement of, or gaining benefit from such activities, for example, by organising sex tours.
To report a possible violation of Australia’s child sex laws, call the Australian Federal Police hotline on 1800 813 784, or write to: Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, Operations Monitoring Centre, Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia.
> Homosexuality
While most Australian people are open-minded when it comes to homosexuality, some other countries aren’t so liberal and you should take care and be discreet.
Homosexuality is illegal in some countries and engaging in a sexual act could incur severe punishment, including imprisonment or death. Research the destination to find out what local laws and attitudes are like before you go. Where possible, DFAT includes information about laws regarding homosexuality in its travel advice.
More and more women are travelling alone. It can be both exhilarating and daunting, but usually you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. The best advice for women travellers is to use common sense. Follow these tips for travelling safely:
Travelling with kids can be rewarding and open up a whole new world of experiences. Being well organised before you leave is the key to having a successful trip. Stock up on essential items, such as nappies and medicines, and visit child-friendly destinations where there are lots of families around.
Overseas childcare facilities, nannies and babysitters are not bound by Australian regulations, and standards can differ greatly from Australia. Make sure you’re satisfied with the level of care provided. To assist you in choosing childcare, visit Child Wise’s ‘Choose with Care’ program at www.childwise.net.
Jump online at smartraveller.gov.au for the Tips for travelling parents brochure.
If you have a disability and are planning to travel overseas, the first thing to remember is that Australia’s arrangements for people with disabilities are among the best in the world. It is unlikely that you will find similar facilities in many countries, so plan ahead.
Birth
Children born overseas must be registered for Australian citizenship by descent, provided at least one natural parent was an Australian citizen at the time of birth.
Marriage
Many Australians choose to get married overseas. If you’re planning on doing this be aware that laws regarding marriage vary from country to country and legal complications can arise. Make sure you check out the legal, cultural and religious implications for yourself, your partner and any current or future children.
Anyone intending to marry overseas should contact either a legal practitioner or the embassy or consulate of the country in which they would like to marry for details on the requirements that must be met.
Death
Each year over 700 Australians die overseas. The cost of bringing the remains of loved ones home can be between $10,000 and $20,000. Make sure your travel insurance covers this before you go. For more information, obtain a copy of the brochure Death overseas, available from smartraveller.gov.au.
We’re hearing more and more about the impact tourism has had on the environment, but it’s not all bad news. Sustainable travel is all about how you can visit a destination in a way that minimises your impact on the destination – and maximises connections with the local community. It’s about making a difference and giving something back and about travelling with your eyes and ears open.
Following are a few tips for travelling responsibly – not only will you have more fun, but your conscience will be cleaner and greener, too.
Getting to know the local people is one of the great thrills of travel, and sometimes, after the initial culture shock has worn off, you’ll find that many of your most memorable travel experiences are the times you make a personal connection with someone from a world that’s totally different to your own. Here are a few tips:
You should take care not to offend. It is important to research your destination to make sure you are aware of any particular customs. For more information about a specific country, jump online at smartraveller.gov.au.
Depending on the type of trip you’ve had, coming home can either be a relief or have you reaching for the tissue box.
Upon your return to Australia you must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card which details what you have in your luggage. Be honest: there are serious penalties for providing incorrect information.
The brochures Guide for travellers − know before you go and Tax back for travellers, available at www.customs.gov.au, contain information about what you can and can’t take out of Australia, or bring back in, and how to claim your GST refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme. For more information, call +61 (2) 6275 6666 from overseas or 1300 363 263 from within Australia; alternatively email information@customs.gov.au.
> Quarantine Items
Australia has strict quarantine laws, and for good reason − bringing back the following items could have a devastating effect on Australia’s native wildlife, plants and agriculture: food, plant cuttings, seeds and nuts, and anything made from wood, plant or animal material including meat and poultry products.
When arriving back into Australia, your luggage will be screened by quarantine officers or dogs and X-ray machines. You must declare all quarantine items on your Incoming Passenger Card. It’s a legal document so you’re breaking the law if you don’t declare quarantine items, don’t dispose of them or do make a false declaration. For more information, read the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) brochure What can’t I take into Australia? call AQIS on 1800 020 504 or visit its website at www.aqis.gov.au.
> Wildlife Products
The Australian Government regulates the import and export of wildlife, wildlife products and souvenirs to and from Australia. Check out the brochures Buying wildlife products? If in doubt check it out! and Does your luggage break wildlife laws?, both of which are available from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources on +61 (2) 6274 1900 or by emailing wildlifetrade@deh.gov.au.
> Pirated & Counterfeit Goods
Those cheap DVD and CD copies you buy overseas might seem like a good idea at the time, but copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting are illegal practices. By purchasing pirated or counterfeit goods, you’re supporting an illegal trade and criminal activities. As tempting and cheap as they are, you can play a vital role in combating this by not bringing these items home. Some pirated and counterfeit goods brought into Australia can be seized by Customs and those importing the goods may be subject to civil litigation or criminal prosecution.
If you find yourself in trouble, contact the consular service at the nearest Australian diplomatic post, of which there are over 160 around the world. In some countries, Canadian posts can also help Australians. This information is listed in the Directory of Australian Overseas Missions/Representations on page 55.
“The Australian
“If you get in trouble overseas the Government will do
its best to help Australians in difficulty overseas, but it
pays to be realistic in your expectation of what we can and
can’t do.”
The Australian Government will do its best to help Australians in difficulty overseas. But when you travel you should be aware that you’re leaving behind Australia’s support systems, emergency service capabilities and medical facilities. You need to be realistic in your expectations of consular service as there are limitations to what the Government can and can’t do if you get into trouble overseas. See the list on the opposite page.
> Your Privacy
If you need the help of consular officials while overseas, you should be aware that your rights to privacy are protected by the Privacy Act 1988. Information about you cannot be disclosed without your consent, even to your immediate family or friends, except in certain limited circumstances.
> Emergency Services
DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre provides urgent consular assistance around the clock to Australians in distress overseas. The Centre’s staff are highly experienced officers who can be contacted on 1300 555 135 within Australia, or on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas. This service is provided where the problem is serious and requires emergency assistance, and you can’t contact the closest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.
We can help with the following:
We cannot help with the following:
> Fees
By law the consular service must charge fees for notarial and certain other services. These fees are determined by an Act of Parliament and do not reflect the full cost of providing consular services.
> Your Feedback
You can submit feedback on the consular assistance you have
received online at smartraveller.gov.au or by writing
to:
Assistant Secretary
Consular Policy Branch
Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade
RG Casey Building,
Barton ACT 0221
fax to: 02 6261 3336 (within Australia) +61 (2) 6261 3336 (from overseas)
> Useful Contacts
DFAT can be contacted on the following telephone numbers:
Australian Consular Services 1300 555 135
Australian Passport Information Service 13 1232
Visit smartraveller.gov.au for up-to-date travel advice on more than 160 destinations. Find information on other Australian Government websites at www.australia.gov.au.
Consular officers are present in Australian diplomatic and consular posts abroad: those marked with an asterisk are honorary consuls. If a country has no Australian diplomatic or consular post, the directory refers you to the nearest post that has responsibility for that country, as well as to Canadian and other posts that give consular assistance to Australians in that country (highlighted in green). You may also find that another country’s representatives will help you until you can establish contact with an Australian consular official.
Stay aware of contact detail changes by visiting smartraveller.gov.au.
Please be aware that the contact details in this section can change. Check smartraveller.gov.au for the latest information.
Travel Smart: hints for Australian travellers gives general information only and should not be relied upon for the purposes of any particular travel or transactions. The Commonwealth, its employees, agents and contractors accept no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from any material contained or referred to in this booklet. Where the booklet refers to other sources of information, the Commonwealth accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by these sources.
Travellers should check any information they use to make decisions and rely on their own inquiries. Travellers should seek detailed advice from travel agents, doctors, airlines, insurers and the diplomatic missions of the countries they intend to visit.
Travellers must take responsibility for their own travel arrangements by getting necessary visas, documents and permissions, obtaining medical and legal advice, insuring themselves and informing themselves of the current situation in countries they visit.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from the Commonwealth. Requests for inquiries concerning reproduction rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney General’s Department, Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Canberra ACT 2006 or posted at www.ag.gov.au/cca
Travel Smart: hints for Australian travellers First published – July 2007, reprinted June 2008 Specially produced by Lonely Planet Business Solutions for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd ABN 36 005 607 983 90 Maribyrnong St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia Cover image: © Suzanne & Nick Geary/Getty Images; internal images © Lonely Planet Images Publisher Jeff Trounce Project Management Nancy Ianni Senior Designer Jennifer Smith Layout Christopher Ong Proofers Andrea Dobbin & Barbara Delissen
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