What our travel advice levels mean

Last Updated
Friday, 15/05/2026

 

Read this page to understand what our advice levels mean. For information about how we develop our advice, go to how we write our travel advice.

On this page:

Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions

Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia.

At level 1, the security situation is like that of a large Australian city. This doesn't mean the types of risk will be the same as in Australia. Laws and social customs could be very different. You could still face:

Overall, the risks are not higher than in an Australian city.

If you travel to a Level 1 location, take precautions like you would in Australia.

  • Check the media and other reliable sources for updates on the security situation.
  • Watch for changes to local travel conditions and safety, health and security concerns.
  • Be aware of local differences and laws.
  • Check the entry rules before you travel. Ensure you have the proper documents.
  • Get travel insurance, while the risks are similar to Australia, medical care can be costly.

Be aware that even if the local conditions are like those in Australia, being in a foreign place without your usual support can be challenging

Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution

Pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks.

At level 2, there are more or higher risks than in a large Australian city. We're not saying don't go to this location. But do your research and take extra precautions.

The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. They may lack key public services, such as a responsive police force.

This level may also reflect a passing event, such as:

  • political unrest
  • a short-term domestic terrorism level increase.

In some cases, the security conditions can change with little warning.

If you go to a level 2 location, follow all the advice for level 1 and the following.

Before you go

  • Understand the basics of the political and security situation.
  • Learn about:
  • Be aware of religious holidays or days of national significance. Terrorists have launched attacks on these events.
  • Check your travel insurance policy. Particularly if there is a travel disruption or a change in travel advice.

While you travel

  • Be cautious in places that terrorists may target.  Be aware that you may misinterpret some behaviour in an unfamiliar cultural setting.
  • Stay away from large crowds and protest areas. Move on at the first sign of unrest or violence.
  • Know the safety of public transport options.
  • Know where you're going. Don't wander into unknown areas. Leave an area if you feel uneasy.
  • Know how to get help. See the emergency contacts in the travel advice for your destination.
  • Don’t talk about your travel plans in detail where others may overhear.
  • Be cautious about what you share on social media.
  • Don’t talk about money and make sure valuables are out of sight.
  • Be aware of the health risks in your location.
  • Stay in contact with your airline or travel provider for changes and updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel

Avoid non-essential travel. Do your research and check that your insurer will cover you. If you do travel, take extra precautions to protect yourself from security and health risks.

At level 3, there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks. This can make the location unsafe for tourism and unsuitable for most travellers. This could be due to:

These locations often have an unstable security situation.

We may use this advice level temporarily after a major incident. This could be an event that has made the location too risky for most travellers, such as:

  • extreme weather or a natural disaster
  • a terrorist attack
  • civil unrest
  • a major disease outbreak.

Australian officials must do a detailed risk assessment before going to level 3 locations. They may use specific protective security measures.

Think seriously about whether you need to travel to these locations. Consider postponing non-essential travel or choosing to go somewhere safer.

If you decide to travel, know how to reduce your risks and stay safe. Conditions may change without warning. Be prepared for a long stay or major travel disruptions.

There may be few options to leave if a crisis happens. You're responsible for ensuring you can leave, and your travel documents are current. Don't expect the Australian Government to help you leave.

There are limits to what consular assistance the Australian Government can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we may assist you overseas.

If you go to a level 3 location, follow the advice for levels 1 and level 2 and the following.

Before you go

  • Research the political and security situation from varied sources before booking. Understand the risks. Check the news and social media to know what's going on.
  • Check your travel insurance policy. It may not cover level 3 locations.
  • Plan to stay for the shortest possible time. Don't do unnecessary activities.
  • Schedule direct flights if possible to minimise the time you spend in airports. Avoid stopovers in high-risk airports.
  • Book accommodation in safe areas with suitable security.
  • Get local advice on your itinerary. Follow advice on places to avoid.
  • Organise security specific to your needs. Have backup plans.
  • Be aware of the health risks. Research the available health services. Services may be strained and different to what you're used to in Australia.
  • Get advice from a security provider. Review your security arrangements often. Threat levels can change at short notice.
  • Have an up-to-date will and enduring power of attorney in case you die. Choose suitable insurance and beneficiaries.

While you travel

  • Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Be prepared to change your plans if threats change.
  • Stay away from potential terrorism targets. Know what to do if an attack happens.
  • Stay alert and always be aware of what's around you. Look out for suspicious activity or items. Report anything of concern to local authorities.
  • Check the safety record of travel service providers before using them.

Be aware while getting around

  • Pre-plan your travel routes. Have backup plans in place.
  • Avoid travelling alone or on foot, especially after dark and on long trips.
  • Be alert in public areas.
  • Check vehicles for anything suspicious before getting in.
  • Ensure your vehicles are in good working order. Have enough fuel to escape unexpected trouble.
  • Keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows up when driving.
  • Watch for people following you. Be ready to take evasive action.
  • Avoid using public transport. Only use trusted private transport.
  • Always use available safety equipment, even if others don't. Check the condition of the equipment before you use it.

Be careful what you share and who you trust

  • Don't tell strangers your travel plans.
  • Never give personal information to people asking questions with no good reason.
  • Only discuss your plans or risk management strategies where others can't overhear you.
  • Don't share details about where you are or where you will be on social media. This includes photos of your accommodation.
  • Never take something across a border for someone else. You could be arrested if it holds something illegal, such as drugs.
  • Don't meet strangers in your hotel room or in unknown or remote places.

Make backup plans

  • Have a plan of action if conditions become unsafe.
  • Be prepared to change your plans at short notice. For example, change meetings or activities to less well-known areas or less dangerous days.
  • Always carry a charged phone. Save local emergency contact details in it.
  • Tell a trusted person where you're going and when you plan to be back. Agree on what they should do if you don't return at the planned time.
  • Have emergency kits. Include medical supplies, food, water and fuel. This can help get you through any period of worsened unrest.
  • Carry provisions with you when getting around.

Level 4: Do not travel

If you're already in this location, consider leaving if it's safe to do so. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.

At level 4, your health and safety are at extreme risk. This may be because of:

It could be a combination of risks.

Do not travel to a level 4 location. If you do, you're at a high risk of severe injury or death, imprisonment, or kidnapping. You may be unable to leave quickly if the situation changes.

Our ability to help you is extremely limited in these destinations.

Australian officials need high-level approval to travel to these locations. Approval is based on a thorough risk assessment.

It's unlikely your travel insurance will cover you if you die in a level 4 location. Your family will be left to deal with your death. This includes arranging your funeral and bringing back your remains. They may also have to resolve legal or financial issues where you died and in Australia.

If you travel to a level 4 location despite our advice, follow all the advice for level 1, level 2 and level 3, and the following.

Before you go

  • Check your travel insurance policy. Most standard policies won't cover level 4 destinations. If you need medical assistance or evacuation, this could be costly. The Australian Government won’t pay these costs.
  • Get independent, professional security advice. You may need to hire personal protection.
  • Have robust risk management measures in place. This includes a detailed emergency management plan.
  • Understand that you could die. Ensure you have an up-to-date will and enduring power of attorney. Choose suitable insurance and beneficiaries. Share important documents and logins with loved ones before you travel.
  • Delete sensitive or controversial photos, comments and other material from your social media. Do the same for your camera, laptop and other devices. The material could put you at risk if seen as provocative by local groups.

You’re responsible for your own safety. The Australian Government can't give you security help or advice.

While you're away

  • Use extreme caution.
  • Always be alert to your personal security and surroundings. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger.
  • Follow the advice of your security provider and have contingency plans in place.
  • Be ready to leave at short notice. If the security situation deteriorates rapidly, you’ll need to activate your security arrangements and leave by commercial means if it's safe to do so.

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