Travel Advisories : DO NOT TRAVEL to these destinations

Burkina Faso

Smartraveller — 27 Mar 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We've reviewed our advice for Burkina Faso. We haven't changed the level of advice, do not travel. The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa. The security situation continues to be volatile. If you're in Burkina Faso, you should limit movements, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations and monitor the media. Pay attention to your personal safety. Follow directions of local authorities.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Burkina Faso overall due to ongoing civil unrest, high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping and banditry.

Other levels apply in some areas.

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Smartraveller — 20 Mar 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We've reviewed our advice for North Korea. We haven't changed the level of our advice. We continue to advise do not travel to North Korea. North Korea’s borders remain closed. Tours to North Korea are suspended until further notice.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to North Korea due to the very different laws affecting visitors and the uncertain security situation.

Iraq

Smartraveller — 16 Mar 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

Iraq has banned the import, manufacture, and selling of alcoholic beverages of all types, punishable by fines of up to IQD 25 million. Customs officers may also confiscate prohibited goods or items deemed a threat to the peace, security, health, environment, or social order of Iraq.

The security situation throughout Iraq remains volatile. Due to the security environment and the ongoing threat of kidnappings, you should leave Iraq immediately by commercial means if it's safe to do so. If you're staying in Iraq, be alert and check media for updates on new threats.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation and very high risk of violence, armed conflict, kidnapping and terrorist attack.

Mali

Smartraveller — 28 Feb 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We've reviewed our advice for Mali. We continue to advise do not travel to Mali. The Canadian Embassy can provide limited emergency consular assistance to Australians (see 'Full Advice > Local contacts'). Terrorist attacks have increased since mid-July 2022 in central and southern Mali, including in Bamako. Terrorists have primarily targeted security forces facilities, resulting in casualties, including civilians.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Mali due to the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping.

Haiti

Smartraveller — 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We've reviewed our travel advice for Haiti. We continue to advise do not travel to Haiti due to the very high levels of violent crime, kidnapping and the volatile security situation, as well as severe shortages of basic necessities such as fuel, potable water and food. There's also a serious cholera outbreak in Haiti.

We advise:

Do not travel to Haiti overall due to the very high levels of violent crime, kidnapping and the volatile security situation, as well as severe shortages of basic necessities including fuel, water and food.

Ukraine

Smartraveller — 22 Feb 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We continue to advise you do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. If you're currently in Ukraine, we urge you to depart if it's safe to do so.

Do not enter into new surrogacy arrangements. Due to the Russian invasion, the security situation continues to be volatile and could deteriorate suddenly. You'll need to travel to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate, at your own expense, to obtain a travel document for your child. The Australian Embassy in Kyiv remains temporarily closed.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. There have been many casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Do not travel to Ukraine. There is a risk to life.

If you're in Ukraine, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and monitor media for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Follow the advice of local Ukrainian authorities.

Our ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is severely limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

If you're in Ukraine, register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's registration portal for Australian citizens in Ukraine – see the 'Safety' section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date in case we need to contact you.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict.

Myanmar

Smartraveller — 10 Feb 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We continue to advise do not travel to Myanmar due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflict. Violence, including explosions and attacks, can occur anywhere and anytime, including in Yangon. Attacks may be planned against locations that are frequented by foreigners, which could include the Shangri-La and Lotte hotel and serviced apartments in Yangon, and restaurants and hotels in Nay Pyi Taw. Attacks are unpredictable in their location and intensity. The main targets have been infrastructure, police and military vehicles, and security and administrative personnel. Targets may also include other civilian infrastructure, including hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, schools, petrol stations and supermarkets. Heightened security arrangements are in place for Australian officials. Remain aware of the security environment at all times. Exercise caution including in townships under martial law. Minimise movement, especially on anniversaries and days of national significance and monitor media closely. Avoid all public gatherings, protests and areas of known and possible unrest. A curfew remains in place. There have been widespread detentions, including of foreigners. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Myanmar due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflict.

Syria

Smartraveller — 10 Feb 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

On 6 February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in southern Türkiye, which also severely affected northern Syria, including Aleppo and Idlib. There are significant numbers of casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure including roads, telecommunications and electricity supply. Further aftershocks could occur. If you're in the area, you should leave. Monitor local media for advice and follow directions of local authorities. Contact your friends and family as soon as possible to let them know you're safe. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Entry and exit measures for Syria may change without notice. You don't need a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination to enter. If you’re planning to cross to Lebanon, contact Lebanese authorities for requirements. The security situation remains extremely volatile. If you're in Syria, leave as soon as possible.

We advise:

Do not travel to Syria due to the extremely dangerous security situation. Armed conflict is ongoing and air strikes, kidnappings and terrorist attacks are common.

Iran

Smartraveller — 31 Jan 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

We continue to advise do not travel to Iran. If you're in Iran, you should leave immediately. Foreigners, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Foreign and dual nationals, including Australians, have been detained without due process of law. Protests continue around the country, and protesters and bystanders have been detained or killed. Avoid all protest activity and monitor media for possible threats. Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations at short notice.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Iran as there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested. Nationwide protests are ongoing and causing significant disruption.

Venezuela

Smartraveller — 12 Jan 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

Do not travel to Venezuela due to the unstable political and economic situation, shortages of food, water, medicine and petrol, and high levels of violent crime. If you visit Venezuela despite our advice, you'll need proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR-RT test taken within 72 hours before arrival to enter the country.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Venezuela due to the unstable political and economic situation, shortages of food, water, medicine and petrol, and high levels of violent crime.

Russia

Smartraveller — 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 AEDT

Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places and could include popular tourist sites. Russia has seen a number of terrorist attacks which have caused large casualty numbers, including in Moscow and St Petersburg, and Russia's aviation has also been targeted. Attacks may occur with little or no warning.

The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. Security incidents often occur in the regions of Russia bordering Ukraine, including explosions and large fires. Do not attempt to travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.

Russian authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia and enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner. Avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

Russia has introduced a 'medium response level' and a 'heightened preparedness' level in several regions. A basic readiness level is in place in the rest of Russia. There may be an increase in security personnel and installations. A range of security measures or restrictions may be introduced with little to no notice.

If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Review your personal security plans and carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Make sure your travel documents are up to date. If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Russia, expect thorough security checks at the border, including questioning and inspections of electronic devices.

Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. If you're in Russia, register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's registration portal for Australian citizens in Russia – see the 'Safety' section for details on how to register.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine.

Afghanistan

Smartraveller — 02 Dec 2022 23:00:00 AEDT

The situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile. We continue to advise against all travel to and within Afghanistan. There continues to be an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack throughout Afghanistan, including in Kabul and at land border crossings. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous. Violent incidents occur across the country. Aid and humanitarian workers are not safe from harassment, the threat of terrorism or kidnapping. Terrorists continue to target NGO and humanitarian operations across the country and within Kabul. Convoys have also been targeted. Land borders may close to travellers seeking to cross from Afghanistan. You need to carefully consider the risks should you attempt to leave by any route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Make sure your accommodation is secure and regularly review your personal security plans. Take all extra precautions for your safety. Make contingency plans to leave when it’s safe to do so. Foreign nationals, including Australians, have been detained without due process. Reasons for detention may be unclear. The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention, and our ability to access information about a detainee or assist them is severely limited. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Afghanistan is severely limited.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack.

Somalia

Smartraveller — 02 Nov 2022 23:00:00 AEDT

Terrorist attacks continue. If you're in Somalia, leave as soon as possible. If you decide to stay despite our advice, get professional security advice. Do not travel to Somalia.

We advise:

Do not travel to Somalia due to armed conflict, the ongoing very high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping, and dangerous levels of violent crime.

Chad

Smartraveller — 21 Oct 2022 23:00:00 AEDT

The Government announced a curfew from 6pm to 6am in cities across Chad, including the capital, N'Djamena. There are ongoing violent protests occurring, which have resulted in many casualties. If you're in Chad, take shelter, remain vigilant and closely monitor local media. Avoid all conflict zones, large gatherings, demonstrations and protests. Follow the advice of local authorities, including for the curfew orders announced. Our ability to provide consular services in Chad is extremely limited. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Paris (see 'Local contacts').

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Chad overall due to the significant risk of terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest.

Other levels apply in some areas.

Yemen

Smartraveller — 14 Sep 2022 22:00:00 AEST

We've reviewed our travel advice for Yemen. We haven't change the level, we continue to advise you do not travel to Yemen.

We advise:

Do not travel to Yemen (including the island of Socotra) due to ongoing armed conflict, and the very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism.

Belarus

Smartraveller — 07 Sep 2022 22:00:00 AEST

We've reviewed our advice for Belarus. We haven't changed the level of our advice. Do not travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment caused by the Russian military presence along Belarus' border with Ukraine and military conflict. Russian forces are conducting military operations from Belarus, which has heightened regional tensions. The security environment is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice. Do not attempt to travel to the Belarus-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Belarus. We continue to advise do not travel near borders with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland due to ongoing civil unrest and potential for armed violence.

If you’re in Belarus, leave immediately using limited commercial options available or private means. Review your personal security plans and carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted. If you travel to Belarus despite our advice, you no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result or vaccination certificate to enter the country. You may be affected by shortages of essential products and services.

Our ability to provide consular assistance in Belarus is severely limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Belarus. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. If you’re in Belarus, register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's registration portal for Australian citizens in Belarus – see the 'Safety' section for details on how to register.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment caused by the Russian military presence along Belarus' border with Ukraine and military conflict.

Libya

Smartraveller — 30 Aug 2022 22:00:00 AEST

We've reviewed our advice for Libya. We haven't changed the overall level of our advice, do not travel. If you're in Libya and it's safe to do so, leave as soon as possible. Monitor the website and social media of airlines and airports for available flights. We can’t advise you on the safety of departure options. Due to the ongoing unrest, our ability to provide consular services is severely limited. Contact the Embassy in Rome if you require consular assistance.

We advise:

Do not travel to Libya due to ongoing fighting, unstable security, and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.

Central African Republic

Smartraveller — 18 Jul 2022 22:00:00 AEST

We've reviewed our advice for the Central African Republic (CAR). We haven't changed the level of our advice, do not travel. Curfews may be imposed at any time. If despite our advice you decide to travel to the CAR, you'll need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test and a yellow fever vaccination certificate (see ‘Travel’).

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to the Central African Republic due to the dangerous security situation, activities of armed groups and high levels of serious crime.

Niger

Smartraveller — 16 Jul 2022 22:00:00 AEST

We've reviewed our advice for Niger. We continue to advise do not travel to Niger, this now includes the capital Niamey, due to the high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, crime and the volatile security environment. If you're in Niger, leave as soon as possible if it’s safe to do so. The Australian High Commission in Abuja has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Niger.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Niger due to the high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, crime and the volatile security environment.

South Sudan

Smartraveller — 15 Jul 2022 22:00:00 AEST

We've reviewed our advice for South Sudan. We haven't changed the level of our advice, do not travel. If you're travelling to South Sudan against our advice, you'll need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test. You'll also need a COVID-19 and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. The political and security situation could worsen suddenly. Travel restrictions may change at short notice. (See 'Travel').

We advise:

Do not travel to South Sudan, including Juba due to instability and ongoing conflict.