News Listing

March 31, 2022
El Salvador declared a 30 day state of emergency on 26 March due to the high number of gang-related crimes, including a high number of murders. Follow the advice of local authorities.

<p dir="ltr">We advise:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><a href="https://smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level3">Reconsider your need to travel</a> to El Salvador due to the impacts of COVID-19.</span></p>
March 31, 2022
Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide pre-departure COVID-19 test results or be tested on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. Non-resident unvaccinated travellers won't be granted entry into Ghana. Land borders are now open. Entry requirements apply (see 'Travel'). The wearing of face masks is no longer compulsory.

<p>We advise:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level2">Exercise a high degree of caution</a> in Ghana overall due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Other levels apply in some areas.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
March 31, 2022
You don't have to quarantine on arrival if you've been fully vaccinated. However, you'll still need to show proof of your vaccination status and a negative COVID-19 (PCR or antigenic) test before departure. You'll also need to take a COVID-19 test 2 days after your arrival. You must provide a written undertaking to do this before your departure. You no longer need to present a Health Pass (Pass Sanitaire) showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination status for activities. You don't need to wear a face mask indoors or outdoors but you're encouraged to wear a mask indoors if you're vulnerable, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. If you're 18 or over, face masks remain mandatory when accessing premises with vulnerable people, like medical and social services. Social distancing and sanitary measures remain applicable.

<p>We advise:</p>
<p><a href="https://smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level2">Exercise a high degree of caution</a> in New Caledonia due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
March 31, 2022
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, South Korea has 4 levels of Social Distancing. Follow local media as levels and restrictions can change frequently. You're required to wear a mask in indoor public places or on public transport. You're also required to wear a mask in outdoor areas if you're unable to maintain a 2m distance from others. Limited exemptions apply.

<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 South Korea due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
March 31, 2022
There's no COVID-19 related restrictions for entry into Denmark. Face masks and a ‘corona passport’ may be required to enter some venues.

<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 Denmark due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
March 31, 2022
Singapore has transitioned to a new Vaccinated Travel Framework. If you're fully vaccinated and haven't visited a 'Restricted Category' destination, you can enter Singapore quarantine free. You'll still need a negative pre-departure test taken within 2 days of your departure for Singapore. You'll also need to complete a Singapore Arrival Card and purchase travel insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD30,000 if you're not fully vaccinated. You don't need a pre-departure test to transit through Singapore.

<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 Singapore due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
March 30, 2022
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until you judge it’s safe to depart. Seek shelter in a hardened structure away from windows. Review your personal security plans. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. Where it is safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.<br />
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The US Government issued travel advice on 29 March advising there are reports of US citizens being singled out and detained by the Russian military in Ukraine. You need to carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Check the transport routes and entry requirements for where you are travelling to (see ‘Safety’). Additional restrictions or changes to entry requirements to other destinations could be imposed suddenly. Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit.<br />
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Australian Government officials have been deployed to eastern Poland and Moldova to provide consular assistance to Australians departing Ukraine. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is extremely limited in these circumstances. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.<br />
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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. Contact your family and friends to let them know your location, situation and any travel plans. Don't wait. Communication infrastructure is likely to become damaged or blocked.<br />
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If you’re in Ukraine, register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's registration portal for Australian citizens in Ukraine – 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.<br />
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The conditions in Ukraine are changing rapidly due to Russia’s invasion. This means local rules listed in the travel advice may not reflect the current situation. Follow the advice of local Ukrainian authorities.

<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 Ukraine overall due to the volatile security environment and military conflict.</p>
<p>Other levels apply in some areas.</p>
March 29, 2022
We now advise you reconsider your need to travel to Zacatecas State due to high levels of crime, including kidnapping and extortion. The land border between Mexico and the US has reopened to fully vaccinated travellers only. Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border.

<p><span><span><span>We advise:</span></span></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/travel-advice-explained#level3">Reconsider your need to travel</a> to Mexico overall due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>
March 29, 2022
There have been armed clashes involving the exchange of live fire and multiple casualties. Protests are taking place, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests, and if you're caught in civil unrest, stay inside. There are shortages of medicines and fuel, with frequent power outages. Restrictions are in place, including closure of some areas and services. Fully vaccinated travellers (with their most recent dose in the last six months) are exempted from pre-departure PCR testing when travelling to Lebanon. Masks are mandatory in public – you could be fined if you don’t wear one. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.

<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 Lebanon overall due to the changed security environment.</p>
<p>Higher levels apply in some areas.</p>
March 29, 2022
COVID-19 remains a risk in French Polynesia. Specific measures apply to travel to and from French Polynesia according to where you have been or where you are going. You'll need to provide proof you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test or supervised COVID-19 (RAT) test result taken no longer than 24 hours before departure. If your last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was more than 9 months ago, you must have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated. Follow the advice of local authorities. You’ll need to show proof of vaccination status, a negative COVID-19 test performed within 24 hours or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 4 months when visiting hospital and clinic facilities.

<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 French Polynesia due to the impacts of COVID-19.</p>