If you're travelling overseas for (or during) a major cultural, sporting or religious event, you may need to take extra precautions.
This page provides general advice about:
See also our information pages on:
If you're already overseas and need help, see our advice about what to do when things go wrong.
Impacts of major events on Australian travellers
- Flights and accommodation can be booked out well in advance.
- Entry requirements, including visas, may change in the lead up to the event.
- Many restaurants and shops may close for extended periods, particularly during religious festivals.
- Roads may close, as festivities often take over the streets.
- Local prices can go up, as there's more demand from tourists.
- Transport options may be limited due to increased demand.
- Local mobile reception can become overwhelmed. Have a designated meeting point in case you get separated from your travel companions and can’t use your phone.
Staying safe and avoiding danger
Before and during major events, criminals target foreign tourists. Even experienced travellers can have problems. Know the dangers and how to avoid them.
- Research your destination. Know what crimes are common. See the travel advisory for your destination.
- Be aware of scammers. Many operate online. Scammers especially take advantage of the influx of tourists and scarcity of tickets and accommodation available. See our advice on avoiding scams.
- Practice good digital security and be alert to cybercrime.
- Go easy on the alcohol. Drunk and disorientated travellers are easy targets for criminals. Especially for robbery and assault. If you're drunk and something goes wrong, your travel insurance may not cover you.
- Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Keep valuables out of sight and know where your passport is at all times.
- Be aware of your surrounds and know where the exit points are in case of an emergency or potential crowd crush.
Before you go, see our general advice about staying safe and avoiding danger.
Looking after your health
With a major influx of foreign tourists, you may have challenges getting health care overseas. Local providers may also increase their prices to take advantage of the increased demand.
- Get travel insurance. Medical assistance overseas is generally expensive. Sometimes even more during major events. Don't get stuck with a bill you can't afford to pay.
- See your doctor, ideally 6–8 weeks before you go. Get the right vaccinations for your destination.
- Know the health risks there. Read the 'health' section of our travel advisory for your destination.
Before you go, see our general advice for taking care of your health.
Stay within the law
You must stay within the law. If you break the law, even in the privacy of your hotel room, you could be arrested or jailed.
- Don't fight. Major international events generate a sense of national pride. Some people take it too far, which can lead to violence. Know when to walk away.
- If alcohol is illegal there, don't drink, even in your hotel room.
- Know and respect local customs and laws. Just because it’s allowed in Australia doesn’t mean it is around the world.
See our general advice on staying within the law.
Read more
- See our general advice for taking care of your health.
- See our general advice about staying safe and avoiding danger.
- Read our travel advisory for your destination.
- Read our information on major sporting, religious and cultural events.