Skip to main content
Home - smartraveller.gov.au, be informed, be prepared - logo
Smartraveller
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

Search Smartraveller

Browse destinations

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Before you go
    • The basics
      • Destinations
      • Europe and the Schengen Area
      • Getting a foreign visa
      • Travel insurance
      • CHOICE travel insurance buying guide
    • Who you are
      • Academics
      • Colour, race, ethnicity, or religion
      • Dual nationals
      • Journalists
      • LGBTQIA+
      • Mature and older travellers
      • School leavers
      • Travelling with children
      • Travelling with a disability
      • Travelling with pets
      • Women
    • Activities
      • Adoption
      • Antarctica and the Arctic
      • Backpacking
      • Business
      • Living and working overseas
      • Marriage
      • Retiring overseas
      • Sports and adventure
      • Studying
      • Surrogacy
      • Volunteering
    • 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
      • Air travel
      • Boat travel
      • Cruising
      • Public transport
      • Road safety
  • Destinations
    • View all destinations
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Pacific
  • While you're away
    • When things go wrong
      • Arrested or jailed
      • Lost property
      • Medical assistance
      • Money problems
      • Someone is missing
      • Someone died
    • Crime overseas
      • Assaulted
      • Robbed or mugged
      • Sexually assaulted
    • Crisis or emergency
      • Earthquake
      • Severe weather
      • Volcanic eruption
      • Bushfire
      • Nuclear incident
    • Australia's biosecurity and border controls
  • Urgent help
  • Our services
    • Consular State of Play
      • Data
      • Case studies
      • 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)
      • Quy định về Dịch Vụ Lãnh Sự (Vietnamese)
    • Communities
      • العربية (Arabic)
      • Bahasa Indonesia
      • 中文 简体 (Chinese Simplified)
      • 中文繁體 (Chinese Traditional)
      • 日本語 (Japanese)
      • 한국어 (Korean)
      • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
      • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
      • Filipino community
      • Indian community
    • Crises
    • News and updates
    • Notarial services
      • Documents we can legalise
      • Documents in Australia
      • Documents overseas
      • Certificate of No Impediment
      • Notarial forms
    • Passport services
    • Resources
      • Consular Privacy Collection Statement
    • Subscription
    • Travel advice explained
    • Voting overseas
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Armed conflict

Armed conflict

Last Updated
Friday, 27/09/2024

 

On this page:

  • Know the risk before you go
  • What to do if armed conflict is threatened or has broken out
  • Where to get help
  • How the Australian Government may help

Know the risk before you go

Conflict can make the security situation in a country volatile and threaten your safety. Armed conflict can happen at any time and escalate rapidly.

If you travel somewhere with a risk of armed conflict, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates. Flights can change or be stopped at short notice. Roads and borders can close. You should not rely on the Australian Government to evacuate you.

Where and when armed conflict can happen

Be aware of current events where you're going. Including in the surrounding region. Armed conflict can be more likely around elections or political upheaval.

Read the travel advice for your destination and subscribe for updates. If there is a known risk of conflict, we'll include it in the 'Safety' section and in many cases reflect it in the advice level. Our advice levels may be set at:

  • Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel - At level 3, there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks.
  • Level 4: Do not travel - At level 4, your health and safety are at extreme risk. In most 'do not travel' destinations, the Australian Government is severely limited in how it can help.

What to do if armed conflict is threatened or has broken out

Jump to a section:

  1. Make sure you're safe
  2. Stay in contact
  3. Follow instructions
  4. Make plans to leave
  5. If you can't leave or choose not to, shelter in place
  6. Stay updated

Make sure you're safe

Your safety should be your number one priority.

  • Stay in a safe place and limit your movements. If you need to go out, take careful personal security measures.
  • Be alert and aware of what's around you, especially in large crowds.
  • Keep a low profile. Avoid standing out or looking like a tourist.
  • Have a hardcopy list of emergency contacts on you.
  • Avoid areas where protests or large crowds are gathering.
  • Avoid areas with a large number of armed forces.
  • If you notice something suspicious, leave the area immediately.
  • Don't take photos of armed forces or local authorities.

In some conflicts, armed forces may check travellers' phones and laptops at checkpoints. Check the information you're storing on your devices, including photos and social media accounts. Avoid anything that will link you to political causes or social views.

Stay in contact

Let your family and friends know where you are as soon as possible. If they know about the conflict, they'll be worried about you.

Don't wait. You may not be able to later. Especially if communication services go down in the conflict. Local authorities may turn off phone services or block the internet to control the flow of information.

Follow instructions

Always follow instructions from the local authorities unless we advise you not to do so in our travel advisory.

Try to avoid situations where you engage with armed forces. If you have to, do as they say. You could risk your safety if you don't. They may use force or detain you. The Australian Government can't get you out of jail.

Make plans to leave

It's up to you whether you stay or leave. The Australian Government can't make decisions for you.

But if we advise Australians to leave, take our advice seriously. You're putting yourself at serious risk if you choose to stay.

If you want to leave, go early. Don't wait for help from the Government or evacuation flights. Conflict may escalate to a point where it's no longer safe to leave.

Getting ground transport away from your location

Travelling by road can be hard during conflict. Authorities may block roads or set up checkpoints.

Before you leave your accommodation:

  • make sure it's safe around you
  • find out what your options are and if any roads are closed
  • try to organise transport in advance if possible
  • if you're leaving with a group, have a plan to meet up if you get separated and communications are down.

Getting flights out of the country

Contact your airline or travel agent. Take any available flight you can. If you turn down a flight, you may not have another chance. Tickets will be in short supply and in high demand.

  • Airlines often cancel flights to locations affected by armed conflict, especially if it threatens the airport.
  • Local authorities may shut the airport down or declare a no-fly zone.
  • Opposing forces may take over the airport.

If you can't leave or choose not to, shelter in place

If it's unsafe to leave, or you choose not to, prepare to shelter in place.

  • Gather supplies. Think about cash, torches, radios, batteries, medication, non-perishable food and bottled water. Have enough to last you several days. Avoid going out as much as possible.
  • Prepare a bag with essential items for immediate travel if you're forced to evacuate.
  • Know where your identity documents are, including your passport. Keep them safe and close by.
  • If you're in an apartment, know the emergency exits.

If you're told to evacuate an area, do it as quickly and safely as possible. Take official warnings seriously.

Stay updated

  • Follow the news and check social media.
  • Listen for new threats.
  • Take official warnings seriously.
  • Listen to what local authorities tell you unless we advise otherwise.
  • Subscribe to Smartraveller and check your emails often. We'll email you if we update the travel advice or advice level.

In more severe conflicts, staying updated can get tricky. Some places might cut off all communication, including internet and mobile phone service. Sometimes, they'll only block certain websites and social media.

Get information while you can. Especially in places with a history of blocking communication during conflict or unrest.

Where to get help

Local authorities, if safe

We publish local emergency contacts in the 'Local contacts' section of the travel advice for each destination.

Local hospitals

If you're injured, get medical care. Go to the nearest hospital. If you can, choose a hospital away from any conflict.

Your accommodation manager

They may have local knowledge about what's happening and advice on staying safe.

Travel companions

Stay together. Look after each other. Share information that will help others stay safe during the conflict.

Family and friends back home

They may be able to help book your flights home or loan you money.

Your airline

Call your airline if you need to change your flight. You may have to pay to change it. They may have a policy on flight changes when there's a crisis.

Your travel agent

They may be able to help you get transport out of the country.

Travel insurance

Most travel insurers have a 24-hour helpline you can call.

Most travel insurance policies cover cancellations and changed plans if there's a crisis. But you may not be covered if your location is level 3 or 4.

How the Australian Government may help

To contact the Australian Government in an emergency:

  • call the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
  • call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

You can also contact us if you have concerns for the safety of Australian family or friends affected by a crisis overseas.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help you overseas. It's important to understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter for what we can and can't do. The local embassy or consulate staff may evacuate if the situation becomes too unsafe.

What we can do

  • We can update the travel advice for your destination to reflect what's happening.
  • We can give you a list of local hospitals with doctors who speak English if you need medical care.
  • We can help you contact your relatives or friends with your consent.
  • We can give emergency consular help. Understand how and when. Read the Consular Services Charter.
  • We can launch a crisis response when we know Australians are, or could be, affected.

What we can't do

  • We can't guarantee your safety and security in another country.
  • We can't give you personal security services.
  • We can't get you out of jail or detention.
  • We can't force local authorities to act.
  • We can't make decisions for you or make you leave a country.
  • We can't book your travel or guarantee flights out.
  • We can't give you legal or medical advice.

Read more

  • Read our advice about civil unrest.
  • Read the Consular Services Charter to see how we can and can't help.

Main navigation

  • The basics
    • Destinations
    • Europe and the Schengen Area
    • Getting a foreign visa
    • Travel insurance
    • CHOICE travel insurance buying guide
  • Who you are
    • Academics
    • Colour, race, ethnicity, or religion
    • Dual nationals
    • Journalists
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Mature and older travellers
    • School leavers
    • Travelling with children
    • Travelling with a disability
    • Travelling with pets
    • Women
  • Activities
    • Adoption
    • Antarctica and the Arctic
    • Backpacking
    • Business
    • Living and working overseas
    • Marriage
    • Retiring overseas
    • Sports and adventure
    • Studying
    • Surrogacy
    • Volunteering
  • 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
    • Air travel
    • Boat travel
    • Cruising
    • Public transport
    • Road safety

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

About us

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

For more information go to about us.

Information in other languages

Find information in other languages.

 

Follow us

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

RSS

News

Read our latest news.

Resources

View resources for travel industry and media.

Was this information helpful?

Your feedback will help us improve your experience.

Footer

Australian Government logo. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Privacy policy
  • Copyright
  • Cookies and analytics
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Legal
  • Sitemap

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Before you go
    • The basics
      • Destinations
      • Europe and the Schengen Area
      • Getting a foreign visa
      • Travel insurance
      • CHOICE travel insurance buying guide
    • Who you are
      • Academics
      • Colour, race, ethnicity, or religion
      • Dual nationals
      • Journalists
      • LGBTQIA+
      • Mature and older travellers
      • School leavers
      • Travelling with children
      • Travelling with a disability
      • Travelling with pets
      • Women
    • Activities
      • Adoption
      • Antarctica and the Arctic
      • Backpacking
      • Business
      • Living and working overseas
      • Marriage
      • Retiring overseas
      • Sports and adventure
      • Studying
      • Surrogacy
      • Volunteering
    • 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
      • Air travel
      • Boat travel
      • Cruising
      • Public transport
      • Road safety
  • Destinations
    • View all destinations
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Pacific
  • While you're away
    • When things go wrong
      • Arrested or jailed
      • Lost property
      • Medical assistance
      • Money problems
      • Someone is missing
      • Someone died
    • Crime overseas
      • Assaulted
      • Robbed or mugged
      • Sexually assaulted
    • Crisis or emergency
      • Earthquake
      • Severe weather
      • Volcanic eruption
      • Bushfire
      • Nuclear incident
    • Australia's biosecurity and border controls
  • Urgent help
  • Our services
    • Consular State of Play
      • Data
      • Case studies
      • 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)
      • Quy định về Dịch Vụ Lãnh Sự (Vietnamese)
    • Communities
      • العربية (Arabic)
      • Bahasa Indonesia
      • 中文 简体 (Chinese Simplified)
      • 中文繁體 (Chinese Traditional)
      • 日本語 (Japanese)
      • 한국어 (Korean)
      • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
      • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
      • Filipino community
      • Indian community
    • Crises
    • News and updates
    • Notarial services
      • Documents we can legalise
      • Documents in Australia
      • Documents overseas
      • Certificate of No Impediment
      • Notarial forms
    • Passport services
    • Resources
      • Consular Privacy Collection Statement
    • Subscription
    • Travel advice explained
    • Voting overseas