News

We are monitoring closely the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and its implications for overseas travel.  On 27 February, the Prime Minister said the virus could become a pandemic. We will continue to provide up to date travel advice. We are keeping all our travel advisories under close review in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and our network of overseas embassies and consulates.

We are working closely with the international cruise line industry in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China. We have provided the following information and advice to Australians on cruises in the Asian region. Australian officials in Tokyo are providing consular assistance to the Australians who were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

The Pacific cyclone season is usually between October and May. During this period, even small tropical storms can develop into major cyclones. Their direction and strength can change with little warning. Cyclones lead to landslides, mudslides and flash flooding causing extreme damage to infrastructure. This can cut off communications and access to transportation, emergency assistance, medical care, and food and water.

There’s currently an outbreak of measles in a number of Pacific countries, including Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand. Some countries now have stricter entry requirements to prevent the spread of the disease.

Lift off! We’ve redesigned Smartraveller to better communicate our travel advice so you can be informed and prepared about overseas travel. And return home safely. Our travel advice is clearer, with the essential security and safety information communicated in a more readable and accessible format. You can now access the travel advisories from any device, at any time and download and print them to take them with you on the go.

The Consular State of Play is a snapshot of the consular services provided to Australians overseas by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade during the year.

Red Frogs volunteers are coming to Schoolies in Bali and Fiji to support young school leavers and help you stay travel smart. Red Frogs volunteers act as the eyes and ears in accommodation venues and out on the streets, providing a positive peer presence to school leavers. They are non-judgemental and a lot of fun!

From 1 February 2020, the UK is no longer a member of the EU ('Brexit'). There will be a transition period until 31 December 2020, while the EU and UK negotiate new arrangements. If you are an Australian living or working in, or travelling to, the UK or the EU nothing will change in the transition period during 2020, including visa arrangements. This also applies to Australian-British dual nationals.