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Travel Bulletins
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Information about general issues or specific events which may affect Australian travellers.
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United States-New Entry Requirements
The United States government has introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which applies to all Australian passport holders visiting or transiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA is mandatory for all eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers to the United States. The US does not currently impose a fee for the ESTA service, however a fee is expected to be introduced by around mid 2010. ESTAs official website can be accessed here.
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Tasmanian House of Assembly Elections-20 March 2010
Tasmanian electors residing or visiting overseas are advised that a general election for the Tasmanian House of Assembly will be held on Saturday 20 March 2010.
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South Australian State General Election – 20 March 2010
Australians visiting or residing overseas are advised that there will be a State General Election for South Australia on Saturday 20 March 2010.
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Chad-Safety and Security Update
Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Chad because of the volatile security situation, ongoing violent civil unrest and the threat of terrorism. The situation could deteriorate further without warning. If you are in Chad, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
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Nyepi: Balinese New Year, March 2010
Balinese New Year, known as Nyepi, will take place on Tuesday 16 March 2010. Local custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence from 6am on Tuesday 16 March 2010 until 6am Wednesday 17 March 2010. Authorities require that all people in Bali stay indoors, make no noise and switch off all lights for the duration of this period. The Balinese Hindus consider Nyepi to be the most important day on the religious calendar and these prohibitions are taken very seriously.
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Helping to Fight Child Sex Crimes Abroad
It is a criminal offence to engage in sexual activity with children, whether in Australia or in another country.
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ANZAC Day 2010
This travel bulletin provides information for Australians planning to travel to Turkey for the Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It will be updated as further information on security and commemorative arrangements becomes available.
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International Scams
Commercial and internet scams or fraud are common and often originate outside Australia. Scams have a devastating financial and emotional impact on many Australians. Detailed information about scams, what to look out for and how to protect yourself from scams can be found in The Little Black Book of Scams published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Tel 1300 302 502, and the SCAMwatch website.
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Europe: Entry Requirements : Schengen Convention
Australians are advised that only the country you plan to visit can provide up-to-date and accurate information about its specific visa requirements. Travellers should contact the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel.
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Severe Weather - Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons
Tropical cyclones often produce winds in excess of 200 km/h, causing extensive damage to property and turning debris into dangerous missiles. They can also bring flooding rains and storm tides which cause further damage to property and increase the risk of drowning. Cyclones can cause huge seas, putting vessels in danger both in harbour and out at sea. Most deaths from cyclones occur as a result of drowning, collapsed buildings, mudslides or flying debris, which becomes lethal in high winds.
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Partying Overseas
Large numbers of Australians get into trouble overseas as a direct result of partying too hard and forgetting about simple safety precautions. Parties and festivals like Full Moon Parties in Koh Phangan, Thailand and Oktoberfest in Germany can be fun experiences but drinking too much or taking drugs can put you in difficult and often dangerous situations far from home. Australians have had their drinks spiked, had their documents stolen, been assaulted, injured, arrested, imprisoned and even killed. If you are planning to attend a Full Moon or other party or festival overseas, think about your personal safety and take appropriate precautions so that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
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Canada-2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
This travel bulletin provides information for Australians planning to travel to Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will be updated as further information on logistics, security or other arrangements becomes available. The Games are expected to be attended by 1.2 million spectators. There are approximately 6,800 athletes competing and over 10,000 media personnel have been accredited. You should prepare early if you intend to travel to either of these events.
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2010 FIFA World Cup-South Africa
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Health : Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
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Health: Avian Influenza
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