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  1. Home
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  3. Using social media while travelling overseas

Using social media while travelling overseas

Last updated
Wednesday, 31/05/2023

 

There are many forms of social media - blogs, social networking sites, photo-sharing sites, instant messaging, video-sharing sites, virtual worlds and more. When you're overseas having the time of your life, it's natural to want to hop on social media and share what you're experiencing. But be aware. Not all countries are as relaxed as Australia when it comes to what you can access and share online.

What to be aware of

Every country has a different approach to online content laws. Content that may seem commonplace in Australia can be heavily restricted elsewhere. Tourists, including Australians, have been arrested overseas for breaking the law by posting restricted content online. It doesn't matter if your account is private or that you're only visiting. The rules of the country you're in still apply.

Here are some things that can land you in hot water.

Commenting on local political or social issues

Some countries have strict laws against criticising their law enforcement, military, government or leaders. Even reacting to a post that could be seen as critical can get you in trouble. Some countries also restrict sharing charity fundraising or petitions without prior official approval, even if they don't relate to the country you're in.

Do: keep your political Tweets in the drafts while travelling.

Don't: share your friend's birthday charity fundraiser on Facebook.

Posting photos containing partial or full nudity

In some countries, content containing full or partial nudity falls under strict indecency or anti-pornography laws. This can apply even if the intent of the content is not pornographic. These laws often carry hefty fines or even jail time. Be aware the definition of partial nudity can vary between countries. Things that you would consider family-friendly in Australia could be too risqué elsewhere.

Do: wait until you get home to post your subscriber-only poolside shoot.

Don't: film yourself dancing naked at a sacred site for Instagram. 

Sharing photos of restricted content

Many countries restrict taking and posting photos of certain places and people. This could include

  • religious or government buildings
  • military personnel or equipment
  • images of local people who haven't consented to the photo, or their property.

Rules can be strict around photographing locals without their consent. Even including them in the background of a selfie can get you in trouble.

There isn't always official signage telling you what you can't photograph, so follow the lead of others, and if in doubt, ask.

Do: follow the instructions of signage prohibiting photography.

Don't: take photos of local people going about their daily lives without asking.

Other things to know

Restricted sites

Some countries ban access to specific social media sites. The ban may be in law only, or they may block the site entirely. It can be tempting to bypass these blocks using a VPN, but be careful. VPNs are illegal in some countries. And even if using a VPN is legal, accessing a banned site can get you in trouble.

Content creation for profit and visas

Planning on earning money through online content you create while you're travelling? Make sure your visa allows you to do this. Working on a tourist visa is typically not allowed, no matter how you do it.

Final tips

  • Find out what is and isn't legal in your destination before you go so you don't learn the hard way while you're there. Read the travel advice for your destination and research the local laws and attitudes around online content.
  • Regardless of local laws, be careful what you post on social media while travelling. Posting information publicly that people could use to identify your movements and where you're staying can put your safety at risk.

 

Read more:

  • Understand how we can and can't help if you get into trouble. Read the Consular Services Charter.
  • Learn more about travel and cyber security.
  • Find out about staying within the law while overseas.

Emergency consular assistance

The Australian Government provides 24-hour consular emergency assistance.

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

1300 555 135 from within Australia

For how we can help you overseas see the Consular Services Charter.

Enquiries and feedback

For non-urgent enquiries, or to provide feedback on consular services that you've recently received, contact us online.

For information on notarial services, email legalisations.australia@dfat.gov.au

To report a vulnerability you’ve identified on this website or to find out more about the department’s Vulnerability Disclosure Policy visit the DFAT website

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Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

For more information go to about us.

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  • Before you go
    • The basics
      • Destinations
      • Europe and the Schengen Area
      • Getting a foreign visa
      • Travel insurance
      • CHOICE travel insurance buying guide
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      • Colour, race, ethnicity, or religion
      • Dual nationals
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      • Marriage
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      • Sports and adventure
      • Studying
      • Surrogacy
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    • Major events
      • Cultural events
        • Travel overseas for Anzac Day
      • Religious events
        • Travel overseas for Ramadan
        • Travel overseas for Hajj
      • Sporting events
        • Rugby League Las Vegas 2025
    • Health
      • Infectious diseases
      • Going overseas for a medical procedure
      • Medical assistance overseas
      • Medication and medical equipment
      • Mental health
      • Organ transplant tourism
      • Pregnancy
      • Reciprocal health care agreements
      • What happens if you die overseas
    • Staying safe
      • Armed conflict
      • Assault
      • Cyber security
      • Earthquakes and tsunamis
      • Kidnapping
      • Natural disasters
      • Partying safely
      • Piracy
      • Protests and civil unrest
      • Scams
      • Severe weather
      • Sexual assault
      • Terrorism
      • Theft and robbery
    • Laws
      • Carrying or using drugs
      • Child sex offences
      • Female genital mutilation
      • Forced marriage
    • Getting around
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  • Destinations
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    • Africa
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  • While you're away
    • When things go wrong
      • Arrested or jailed
      • Lost property
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      • Someone died
    • Crime overseas
      • Assaulted
      • Robbed or mugged
      • Sexually assaulted
    • Crisis or emergency
      • Earthquake
      • Severe weather
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      • Bushfire
      • Nuclear incident
    • Australia's biosecurity and border controls
  • Urgent help
  • Our services
    • Consular State of Play
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      • Images
      • Videos
      • Audio
      • Historical data
    • Consular Services Charter
      • ميثاق الخدمات القنصلية (Arabic)
      • 领事服务章程 (Chinese Simplified)
      • 領事服務章程 (Chinese Traditional)
      • Panduan Layanan Konsuler (Indonesian)
      • 領事サービス憲章 (Japanese)
      • 영사 서비스 헌장 (Korean)
      • กฎบัตรว่าด้วยบริการต่าง ๆ ของกงสุล (Thai)
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