Protests and unrest linked to the situation in the Middle East may occur in countries worldwide, including around the 7 October anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks in Israel.
If you're an Australian travelling overseas, be aware of any protests nearby. Protests may occur around embassies.
If you're travelling overseas, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and the current events at your destination and to look after your safety. Understand that events in one country can spark unrest in another.
Put your safety first
Your safety is your first priority. Monitor the local media for updates and stay clear of planned or active demonstrations.
Even peaceful protests and rallies can be unpredictable or turn violent at short notice. Particularly when tensions between local community groups are running high.
If a protest starts while you're in an area, move away to find a safe location.
Stay within the law
Some destinations have banned protests and demonstrations, making them illegal to participate in. It's your responsibility to know and stay within the law.
If you break the law, local authorities could arrest or jail you. Even if you weren't involved, they may detain you for being in the area.
- Don't take part in an illegal demonstration, even if you agree with the cause.
- Don't set out to watch an illegal event as a tourist. Don't take photos. Local authorities may think you're a demonstrator.
- Stay out of the area of an illegal event. You could be on camera. Authorities may take photos and videos of demonstrations. They may use these to identify and arrest participants afterwards.
The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help if you're arrested or jailed overseas. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.
Follow instructions from local authorities
Do what the local first responders tell you. This includes police and paramedics. They're the authority in your location.
They may issue instructions to the crowd through a loudspeaker, the media and/or social media. Follow their instructions - not doing so could threaten your safety.
Stay informed
Keep track of local events as you travel.
- Monitor local media and social media.
- Stay in touch with family and friends back home.
- Subscribe to the travel advisory for your destination.
- Follow @Smartraveller on Facebook, X and Instagram.
- Talk to your tour guide or hotel manager. They may have local insight on what's going on.
Before you travel
Protests and civil unrest can impact your travel plans. If the unrest escalates or centres around transport hubs, it may impact transport into and out of a destination.
- Read the travel advisory for your destination and subscribe for updates.
- Keep an eye on current events in your destination. Monitor local and international media for information about possible safety or security risks.
- Contact your airline if you're concerned that your flights are affected.
Be prepared to change your travel plans within your destination to avoid demonstrations and unrest.
Read more
- Find out what to do if there's a protest or civil unrest.
- Read the Consular Services Charter to know how the Australian Government can and can't help while you’re overseas.