Asia and Oceania

Australia
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 20 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Health section (outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

There remains a general threat from terrorism in Australia. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On 4 August 2009 the Australian authorities arrested a number of suspects alleged to be planning an attack on an Australian military base. As a result of previous, unconnected investigations into terrorist networks, several people have been convicted of terrorism offences. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
Over 670,000 British nationals visit Australia every year (Source: Tourism Australia). Australia is a vast country; you should plan your journeys carefully, particularly if travelling to remote areas, bushwalking or going swimming. Most visits to Australia are trouble–free. 394 British nationals required consular assistance in Australia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (73 cases) and hospitalisations (49 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (120 cases) During this period lost or stolen passports were by far the most frequent problem encountered by British nationals in Australia (2,446 cases).
British nationals are required to obtain visas for entry into Australia. You should ensure that you have a return or onward air ticket. See the Entry Requirements section of this advice for more details.
Take extra health precautions if travelling in the Northern Territory, parts of Western Australia, and parts of Queensland. By April 2009 a seasonal outbreak of dengue fever in northern Queensland had resulted in over 900 confirmed cases and one death. Much of Australia is experiencing the worst whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak in many years, with three reported deaths – the first in a decade. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
Australia is prone to seasonal natural disasters including tropical cyclones, flash flooding, dust storms and bushfires (forest fires). The Cyclone Season normally runs from November to April. Heavy rain caused severe flooding in south east Queensland and Northern New South Wales between March and May 2009. Bushfires are common in the summer months from November to February, but can happen unexpectedly at any time of year. In early February 2009, Victoria suffered its worst ever bushfire outbreak. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

You should be aware that a general threat from terrorism remains in Australia. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

On 4 August 2009, the Victorian and Australian Federal Police co-ordinated searches of 19 properties in Victoria and made four arrests in connection with counter-terrorism operations. Those arrested were charged with the preparation or planning of a terrorist act, and they will stand trial in 2010.

In 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. Three more were arrested on terrorism charges in Melbourne in March 2006. The trial against those arrested in Melbourne concluded on 15 September 2008 with six convictions and four acquittals. The case against those from Sydney concluded on 16 October 2009 with five convictions.

Crime

Before you travel, make a copy of your passport personal details page. Take one copy with you, store it separately from the original, and leave one copy with friends or family at home (or upload it onto a secure online data storage site); this will help a speedier turnaround if your passport is lost or stolen.
Like any other part of the world, be particularly careful with personal possessions and travel documents in cities and other popular tourist destinations.
Keep your valuables and passport in a safe place. Avoid carrying everything in one bag.
Luggage and other personal items left in unattended vehicles and identifiable hire cars and camper-vans may be targeted, including at theme park car parks.
Take particular care when walking at night in some of the busy tourist areas of Sydney, such as Kings Cross, down town George Street, Hyde Park and Centennial Park.
Be alert when you are withdrawing cash from cash machines.
Thefts from safe deposit facilities at cheaper hotels and hostels are common.
Beware of online lettings scams in which prospective tenants are asked to transfer a deposit to an overseas bank account in return for keys to a rental property in Australia. A number of British and other foreign travellers have fallen victim to such scams.

Some street crime and house burglaries occur in all Australian cities but, on the whole, the level of crime is no higher than in the UK.

In recent years, as a proportion of the number of visitors and residents, British nationals in Australia have been more likely to have problems with a lost or stolen passport than anywhere else. Proof of age cards are available from Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) offices in Australia, and are an accepted form of ID for many everyday services, such as opening bank accounts or entering licensed premises. By obtaining such a card, you would not need to carry your passport with you unless travelling – thereby greatly reducing the risk, and cost, of it being lost or stolen.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK. There have been cases of serious sexual offences against British nationals in Australia. For more guidance about this see rape and sexual assault abroad.

Political Situation

Australia Country Profile

Local Travel

Australia is a vast country. You are 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, your hotel/hostel, or with friends and relatives. Ensure that you also notify them if your travel plans change and when you finally return. Many tourists are reported missing, only to be found safe and well at their next destination.

If you intend bushwalking in or exploring national parks you must be aware that the majority of these are in remote areas and it can take hours to reach help. This has resulted in a number of recent deaths. The terrain and intense heat can have a severe impact in reducing your capabilities, and you should take plenty of water and a means of rigging up a shelter from the sun. The NSW Police Force website provides further advice on bush safety, most of which applies throughout Australia.

Australia is home to a number of dangerous animal species, from crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks to poisonous insects and snakes. The West Tropics Management Authority website has information on dangerous marine life and dangerous animals.

The Tourism Australia website has extensive information on travelling around the continent.

Beach safety

Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are responsible for around 15,000 beach rescues and up to 120 people being drowned each year in Australia (source: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA)). There are more British victims than any other foreign nationality, with as many as 600 British nationals rescued and up to four being drowned each year.

To enjoy Australia’s beaches safely, take the following simple precautions:

Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as these indicate it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty.
Do not swim at unsupervised locations.
Observe and obey safety signage, which indicates current and typical hazards for that location.
Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice on conditions; they are there to make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
Always swim with a friend; never swim alone.
If you get into trouble, stay calm and signal for help by calling and waving your arm above your head.

Further guidance on beach safety is available on the SLSA website.

Swimming safety

Be aware of your own limitations in terms of your physical health and your swimming ability in the given conditions. Never swim while, or after, consuming alcohol.

Take care when swimming in, or crossing, rivers and pools as these can be subject to sudden flash flooding as a result of heavy rain elsewhere in the area. There have also been cases of British nationals being injured by diving into water, which was too shallow. You should ensure that there is sufficient depth of water before diving, and always follow warning signs if present.

For more general information see river and sea safety.

Road Travel

Like the UK, Australia drives on the left. However, as with any foreign country, driving laws are different to the UK's, and you should familiarise yourself with these.

In 2008 there were 1,464 road deaths in Australia (source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau). This equates to 6.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007 (source: DfT).

As a visitor, you may drive in Australia on a valid UK driving licence, which covers the class of vehicle you use. You must carry your licence 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. There is an on-the-spot fine for not having your licence with you. You should also ensure that you are adequately covered for insurance purposes, including if you borrow a car from a friend or relative.

If you intend to stay in Australia and you hold a permanent visa, you are no longer considered a visitor. You are allowed to drive on a current overseas licence for a maximum of three months, after which you must apply for a local licence. The local authorities will only accept your UK driving licence if the names match exactly those in your passport; if they do not, you should obtain a replacement licence from the DVLA before applying for a local licence.

If you plan on driving in Western Australia, or are applying to do so, and you suffer from a permanent or long term injury or illness that is likely to impair your ability to drive a motor vehicle, you are required by law to report this to the Western Australia Department of Transport. For information on what you need to report, and how, see the Western Australia Department of Transport website.

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

Seat belts must be worn at all times while driving in Australia. Weather hazards can seriously impair driving – road conditions can change rapidly. Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult. Take particular care when driving on unmetalled roads, 4WD tracks and desert/beach roads. In April 2009 a 4WD troop carrier crashed and overturned on a beach on Fraser Island, killing two people (including one British man) and injuring nine others (including four Britons).

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

If you are returning to the UK from Australia via Osaka, Japan you must pay airport tax of 2,650 Yen (approx £17.00) in order to board the Osaka-London flight.

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 have also been implemented in Australia. For more details about this please see DfT Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

The Australian authorities will take action against anyone who imports or is found to be trafficking illegal substances. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy jail sentence and non-Australian nationals are usually deported at the end of their sentence. Deportation may lead to a ban on returning to Australia for several years. 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.

Travellers spending a gap year in Australia (or elsewhere) may like to view 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 x-rayed 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.

Before landing you will be given an incoming passenger card on the plane, on which you must declare any food or goods of plant or animal origin. These goods include 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 Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service website. Breaches of quarantine regulations can result in large fines.

You must also declare on the passenger card if you 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, you should expect some delay on arrival.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are required for all travel to Australia. British citizens can obtain the following types of electronic visitor visa:

an eVisitor visa direct from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. There is no visa application charge or service fee for this;
an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via their travel agent or airline. There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of A$20 applies

Information on all other types of visa is available from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship, or from the Australian High Commission in London

Passport Validity

Australia does not have a minimum passport validity requirement for incoming passengers. But if you intend onward travel to other countries in the region, please note 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. This also affects passengers transiting some countries en route to/from Australia (i.e. if they pass through immigration and enter the transit country), such as Singapore. See the Travel Advice for Singapore. For further information on entry requirements you should check with the Embassy or High Commission in London of the country you intend to visit/transit.

Staying in, and leaving, Australia

You should ensure that you hold sufficient funds for the whole of your stay in Australia, and have access to emergency funds in case you do run out of money. You should also ensure that you have a return or onward air ticket (this is in any case mandatory for certain Australian visa categories). Do not rely on obtaining money from sources such as tax refunds to fund a return flight.

Health

There have been confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Australia. You can check for updates on the situation in Australia by calling Australia’s Swine Flu Hotline on 1802 007, or by visiting the Australian Government’s Health Emergency website.

Reciprocal medical arrangements exist between Australia and the UK.

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 other British nationals (for example those who are studying in Australia) are not covered by the same Medicare provisions.

You should check Medicare Australia for further details.

There are also other exclusions under the reciprocal agreement such as treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, pharmaceuticals when not a hospital in-patient, use of ambulance services and medical evacuations. The latter, in particular, is very expensive. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice for more details on insurance.

Dengue, Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) and Ross River Fever occur in northern parts of Australia (the Northern Territory, Northern Queensland and northern Western Australia). All three viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against them, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. The dengue season officially begins each February. By early April 2009 this year’s outbreak of dengue fever in northern Queensland had led to over 900 confirmed cases in and around Cairns and Townsville. One elderly lady in Cairns died from dengue-related complications in early March. Scientists are also concerned that the dengue mosquito could re-establish itself in the more populous areas of south east Queensland. A man died from MVE in Darwin in late March.

Much of Australia is experiencing the worst whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak in many years. Babies are the main victims of the potentially fatal and highly infectious disease, because they are too young to be (fully) immunized. South Australia is experiencing its worst outbreak on record, with almost 3,500 cases in 2009, compared with 859 at the same time in 2008 and 318 in 2007. National statistics show the rate in South Australia is twice as high as the national average. Queensland Health has also warned of two to three times the normal level of cases. The number of cases nationally is at its highest level in four years. There were over 3,300 cases in New South Wales in January and February 2009 compared to 448 cases in the same period last year. A four-week old NSW baby who died in March was the first fatality from the disease in a decade. For more information, see the NSW Health website. Since then it is reported that two other children have died.

There has also been a higher than normal incidence of cryptosporidiosis, a diarrhoeal disease caused by a parasitic infection of the intestine, in New South Wales. NSW Health reported 201 cases in February 2009, compared to 106 cases in January and 45 cases in December 2008. The highest rates of infections were in children under five. For more information, visit the NSW Health website, as above.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 18,000 adults aged 15 or over in Australia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Australia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC or NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website and, for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

Natural disasters

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical Cyclones occur in some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The Cyclone season normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for updates. For further information see Tropical Cyclones.

You should be aware that (depending on the season) flash flooding of large areas can occur suddenly. You should plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice on what precautions to take. Heavy rain caused severe flooding in south east Queensland (including the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast) and northern New South Wales between March and May 2009. For current information, see Queensland Department of Emergency Services and New South Wales State Emergency Service.

Dust Storms

Dust storms occur regularly in Australia, but usually only in outback areas. On 23 September 2009, gale force winds swept a massive dust storm across south-eastern Australia, affecting Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and most of New South Wales and Queensland. Flights were diverted, and air pollution in Sydney was the worst ever recorded. The storm passed later in the day, and on 24 September the authorities declared the health emergency over.

Bushfires

You should be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer (November to February), but they can happen unexpectedly at any time of year if there are (unseasonable) high temperatures and strong winds. In early February 2009, Victoria suffered its worst ever bushfire outbreak, with 173 people confirmed dead, up to 500 injured, and nearly 2000 homes destroyed. You should check with local State authorities for current information: Victoria; South Australia and New South Wales.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You are 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 all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Mobile phones

The mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns but coverage on the edge of build-up areas and in rural areas can be very limited or non-existent in the more remote outback areas. You can use your UK mobile phone in Australia if global roaming has been activated, but making and receiving calls can be expensive. Many visitors prefer to buy an Australian SIM card on arrival. These are cheap to buy and calls, both local and international, are usually cheaper than using a UK SIM card. Australian SIM cards are available at some Australian airports, and at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Consular Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

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Contacts

Australia, Canberra, Consular Section

Address:

British High Commission
Consular Section
Locked Bag 5011
Piccadilly House
39 Brindabella Circuit
Canberra Airport
CANBERRA ACT 2609

Telephone:

1902 241 444 – Passport information line (Premium rate call – domestic calls only – charged at A$3.50 per minute)
00 11 44 20 8082 4726 – Passport credit card line (UK number – credit card only – charged at £0.69 per minute)
1902 941 555 – Visa information line (Premium rate call – domestic calls only – charged at A$2.75 per minute)
1300 858 472 – Visa credit card line (Premium rate call – credit card only - A$9.90 flat fee)

Fax:

Office hours:

Apr-Oct: 2300-0500 (GMT) 0900-1400 (Local)
Nov-Mar: 2200-0400 (GMT) 0900-1400 (Local)

Website: http://ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk/en/

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