News Listing

April 06, 2022
Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and military conflict with Ukraine. If you’re in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it’s safe to do so. The Australian Government has authorised the voluntary departure of dependants of Australian Embassy staff in Moscow. The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. The Russian parliament has passed laws that severely inhibit free speech related to the current situation, imposing restrictions on the publishing and distribution of information related to the Russian armed forces and any military operations. Remain vigilant and avoid any protests or demonstrations and commenting publicly on political developments. Non-participating bystanders can draw scrutiny from security forces and have been detained. Given the substantial police presence and mass arrests, you should avoid demonstrations and any demonstration-related activities. <br />
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Russian authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia. Russian authorities may enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner. You may be interrogated without cause by Russian officials, and may become a victim of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion. The US Government issued travel advice on 29 March advising that Russian security services have arrested US citizens on spurious charges, singled out US citizens in Russia for detention and/or harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and have convicted them in secret trials and/or without presenting credible evidence. The US Government warns that Russian officials may unreasonably delay consular assistance to detained US citizens.<br />
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Conscription occurs regularly in Russia. The government may subject males it regards as Russian to mandatory conscription, regardless of any other citizenship held. Conscription in Russia occurs semi-annually and, conscripts typically serve one year. The first conscription of 2022 will take place from 1 April to 15 July. <br />
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If you’re in Russia, register your whereabouts on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's registration portal for Australian citizens in Russia – see the 'Safety' section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date to ensure we’re aware of your situation and can provide you with the latest information. Continue to monitor Smartraveller for updates. If, despite our advice, you remain in Russia you may be affected by shortages of essential products and services. <br />
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Several security incidents have occurred in the Belgorod region of Russia bordering Ukraine, including an explosion at a fuel depot. The security situation in the region could deteriorate at short notice. You shouldn't attempt to travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.<br />
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Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe have been impacted by measures taken in response to military action in Ukraine. A number of Russian airports are now closed to the public. The train service between St Petersburg and Helsinki is suspended. Bus services to Finland are operating. If you’re planning to depart Russia, confirm with your transport operator that services are still operating. There are reports of non-Russian credit and debit cards being declined in Russia. Be prepared with alternate means of payment should your cards be declined. If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Make sure your travel documents are up to date. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

<p>We continue to advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level4 ">Do not travel</a> to Russia overall due to the security environment and military conflict with Ukraine. </p>
<p> </p>
April 06, 2022
You must apply for a Health Travel Authorisation before arriving in the Seychelles. If you're vaccinated, you must provide proof of vaccination. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken 72 hours before you travel, or a negative COVID-19 (rapid antigen) test taken within 24 hours of departure. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this requirement. If you've had a recent COVID-19 infection, between 10 and 90 days must have lapsed from your confirmed COVID-19 infection to your arrival. You must provide proof of the first date of your infection and complete the required period of isolation and/or recovery certificate. You must have valid health insurance to cover COVID-19 related costs.

<p><span><span><span>We advise:</span></span></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level2">Exercise a high degree of caution</a> to the Seychelles due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
April 06, 2022
In March 2022, gunmen attacked a train travelling between Abuja and Kaduna, killing several passengers and abducting others. Avoid intercity transport by road and rail. Groups often target transport routes. You should reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria. The potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest is high throughout Nigeria. We continue to advise do not travel to other parts of Nigeria due to the very high risk to your safety. If despite our advice you undertake travel within Nigeria, research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing.

<p>We advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level3 ">Reconsider your need to travel</a> to Nigeria overall due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.</p>
<p>Higher levels apply.</p>
April 06, 2022
Fully vaccinated travellers can apply to enter Thailand under the 'Test and Go' scheme (see 'Travel'). Thailand continues to experience local transmission of COVID-19. Wear a mask, practice social distancing and follow government restrictions. Follow the Australian Embassy social media accounts for regular updates on flight options for leaving Thailand (see 'Local contacts').

<p>We advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level2">Exercise a high degree of caution</a> to Thailand overall due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
<p>Higher levels apply in some areas.</p>
April 05, 2022
Samoa will be at Alert Level 2 under State of Emergency Orders from midnight on 5 April. Under Alert Level 2, businesses can operate between 6am to 2pm on Monday to Saturday. Samoa's borders continue to be closed to all travellers from Australia. Monthly repatriation flights between Samoa and Australia are due to recommence in April. Australians wishing to leave Samoa can contact the Australian High Commission at apia.admin@dfat.gov.au to receive information on current flight restrictions. If you've had a positive COVID-19 (PCR) test you'll only be allowed to travel to Samoa if you meet strict criteria.

<p>We advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level3 ">Reconsider your need to travel</a> to Samoa due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
April 05, 2022
We now advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Due to COVID-19, FSM has closed its border until further notice. This covers all arrivals by air and sea. Follow the social media accounts of the Australian Embassy in the FSM for updates (see 'Local Contacts'). <br />


<p>We now advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level2">Exercise a high degree of caution</a> in the Federated States of Micronesia due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
April 05, 2022
If you’re planning to travel to Turkey to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead. We continue to advise you should exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey overall. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or mass gatherings. Stay safe and be vigilant in large crowds. See ‘Safety’ for more information. You should read our ‘Travel overseas for Anzac Day’ page for further information on attending the event.

<p>We advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level2">Exercise a high degree of caution</a> in Turkey overall due to the high threat of terrorist attack.</p>
<p>Higher levels apply.</p>
April 05, 2022
If you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently recovered you're not required to undertake testing for entry into Ethiopia. If you're not vaccinated you must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of flight departure, or an Ag-RDT negative test taken up to 24 hours before the flight (see 'Travel'). The security situation in Ethiopia remains uncertain. We advise that you ‘Do not travel’ to the Regional States of Tigray, bordering areas of Amhara and Afar States, Somali region and most international land borders. Our ability to provide consular assistance in ‘Do not travel’ areas across Ethiopia is extremely limited.

<p>We advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level3">Reconsider your need to travel</a> to Ethiopia due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflicts in the north of the country and the risk of them spreading to new areas without warning.</p>
<p>Other levels apply in some areas.</p>
April 05, 2022
Non-Iranian passengers over the age of 12 arriving in Iran must provide a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Iranian passengers without a valid COVID-19 certificate may present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test conducted within 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Check COVID-19 entry requirements with your airline before departure. All passengers also need to complete self-declaration forms on inbound flights. Failure to wear a face covering in public could result in a fine. Medical evacuation may be difficult. If you’re in Iran, we continue to recommend you leave while commercial options are available. Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations to and from Iran at short notice.

<p>We continue to advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level4">Do not travel</a> to Iran due <span><span><span><span>to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel</span></span></span></span><span><span><span>.</span></span></span> The security situation remains volatile and there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested.</p>