This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Terrorism section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including in places frequented by foreigners.

On 3 November 2005, the Australian government introduced an urgent amendment to the country's counter-terrorism legislation, in response to an assessment by Australian intelligence agencies that a terrorist attack in Australia is feasible and could well occur. Subsequently on 8 November 2005, the Australian police arrested 16 people in Sydney and Melbourne in a counter-terrorism operation designed to disrupt preparations for a terrorist attack.

Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages of the FCO website for further information and advice.

Crime

Be particularly careful with personal possessions and travel documents in popular tourist destinations such as Sydney, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.  Robberies of safe deposit facilities at cheaper hotels and hostels are not uncommon. Unattended vehicles and identifiable hire cars can also be targets. Particular care should also be taken when walking in areas such as the Kings Cross district of Sydney and downtown George Street. Take care when you are withdrawing cash from cash machines. As with most cities in the world, care should be taken with important documents, belongings and personal items. Avoid carrying everything in one bag. Remain vigilant for petty crime anywhere.

Local Travel

Australia is a vast country. You are strongly recommended to take regular rest breaks when driving long distances - there are many rest stops provided. There are extremely remote outback areas, which can present unexpected hazards. If you intend travelling to such areas you should plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice on what precautions to take. In addition, when travelling to remote tourist areas of the outback, it is essential to leave your route details and expected time of return with the relevant local tourist authorities or police.  Ensure that you also give notification when you return. Many tourists are reported missing, only to be found safe and well at their next destination.

 

As a visitor, you may drive in Australia on a valid UK driving licence, which covers the class of vehicle you use. Licences must be carried when driving, in addition to a valid passport. An international driving permit is not sufficient and must be accompanied by a separate valid driving licence.

When swimming always obey the directions of lifeguards, swim only between the flags in the designated area, and do not swim in unguarded remote locations.

Weather hazards can seriously impair driving – road conditions can change rapidly.  Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult.  Seat belts must be worn at all times.

 

The Australia tourist website: www.australia.com has extensive information on travelling around the continent.

The Australian authorities will take action against anyone who imports or is found to be trafficking illegal substances. Prosecution and/or deportation is commonplace. (Deportation may lead to a number of years’ ban on entering Australia).

 

Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal. The penalties can be severe.

 

Laws, and the penalties for breaking them, can differ from State to State.

 

Australia has an established tradition of tolerance towards homosexuality, however there are still isolated incidents of homophobic related crimes. Gay and lesbian travellers should be aware of local sensitivities particularly when visiting rural communities.

 

Further advice can be found on the FCO main Travel Advice page under: Travel Checklists

 

Travellers spending a gap year in Australia (or elsewhere) may like to view http://www.gogapyear.com

 

Quarantine Procedures

 

Australian authorities are rigorous in their efforts to keep out any pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal and human health. All luggage is screened on arrival, whether arriving by plane with visitors or by mail. Any items of quarantine concern are further inspected, treated and, if necessary, confiscated and destroyed.

 

All visitors to Australia are given an incoming passenger card on the plane, on which they must declare any food or goods of plant or animal origin. These goods includes nuts, dried fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, biscuits, cakes and confectionery, teas, coffees and milk-based drinks and sporting equipment (including camping gear), amongst others. A full list of items which must be declared, as well as prohibited goods, can be found on the web site of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in Australia website: "What can't I take into Australia?". Breaches of quarantine regulations can result in large fines: The Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service.

 

All visitors must also declare on the passenger card if they have "visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days". As a result of these quarantine procedures, visitors should expect some delay on arrival.

Visas are required for all travel to Australia. British visitors can obtain Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs) in a number of ways:

For those intending onward travel to other countries in the region you are advised that entry into some countries may be refused, and airlines may not carry you, if your passport has less than six months validity. For further information on entry requirements you are advised to check with the Embassy or High Commission in London of the country you intend to visit.

 

Travellers coming from Australia to the UK via Osaka, Japan must pay airport tax of 2,650 Yen (approx £20.00) in order to board the Osaka-London flight.

Travellers to north Queensland and Northern Territory, and north of Western Australia, should use insect repellents and sleeping nets to guard against the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Ross River fever. There have also been reports of cases of Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE), a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease, in the Northern Territory and North Western Australia with occasional cases in Queensland, Central Australia and the central regions of Western Australia.

Reciprocal medical arrangements exist between Australia and the United Kingdom. Under the reciprocal agreement British nationals may have unforeseen emergency medical treatment under the Australian Medicare scheme. Australian Medicare (not the British national health) provisions apply to British visitors to Australia. But there are exclusions under the reciprocal agreement such as treatment for pre‑existing medical conditions, pharmaceuticals when not a hospital in‑patient, and medical evacuations. The latter, in particular, is very expensive. (See General Section for advice on insurance).

For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

NATURAL DISASTERS

You should also be aware that (depending on the season) flash flooding of large areas and bush fires can occur suddenly.

If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help.

 

You are strongly advised to consider taking out separate medical insurance for the whole of your overseas visit, including any time spent in Australia. It is also advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.

 

You should ensure that you have a return air ticket and do not rely on obtaining money from sources such as tax returns to fund a return flight.

Australia Country Profile