Top 10 Travel Advice Items
When traveling abroad, keep these ten things in mind regardless of where you’re heading or what you’re doing.
1. Check the visas, entry and exit requirements for your destination, and all your transit locations.
Many destinations currently have strict entry and exit measures in place. Check that you’re eligible for a visa and can meet all other entry requirements before booking anything. Contact the embassy or consulate for your destination to confirm requirements.
2. Subscribe to our travel advice, and follow @Smartraveller on social media.
Requirements for travel overseas can change – sometimes at short notice. We regularly update our travel advisories to reflect the risks and requirements for each destination. Subscribing will ensure you get notified as soon as something changes. Make sure you’re informed and be prepared for travel in a changing environment.
3. Get comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel insurance is as important as your passport for overseas travel. Ensure it covers you for the places you’ll visit, the things you’ll do and any pre-existing medical conditions you have.
4. Check the expiry date of your passport before you travel.
Some destinations won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after the date you plan to leave. Make sure you have enough validity on your passport. If you need a new one, plan ahead and apply for it as early as possible.
5. Ask about recommended vaccinations and other preventative health care for your destination.
Vaccinations can be an entry requirement for some destinations – and not just for COVID-19. There are other health risks you may face while travelling in some locations, such as malaria or hepatitis. Talk to your travel doctor about what preventative healthcare is recommended for where you’re going. Check your medication, too – certain medicines are illegal in some destinations, or require a permit.
6. Check if you’re regarded as a national of the destination you plan to visit.
Find out whether dual nationality will have any implications for your travel plans. Some destinations don’t recognise dual nationality. This can affect what consular services we can provide, if you need help in your other country of citizenship.
7. Make copies of your passport, visas and insurance policy.
Having a copy of your travel documents can make replacing them easier if you lose them overseas. Carry them in a separate place to the originals, in your carry-on baggage. Leave a copy with someone at home. Know what to do if you lose your travel documents while travelling.
8. Be careful and don’t take any risks you wouldn’t consider at home.
Risks are often greater overseas. Don’t relax your normal safety standards just because you’re travelling. If you wouldn’t do it in Australia, don’t do it overseas. Stay safe and avoid danger.
9. Obey the laws and cultural differences of the country you’re visiting.
Understand the local laws and cultural differences of your destination. Even if they appear harsh or unfair by Australian standards, local laws apply equally to travellers and locals. Respect cultural differences for things such as clothing or alcohol consumption. Don’t expect to be treated differently from locals just because you’re Australian. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you break the law.
10. Keep in contact with friends and family back home.
Give them a copy of your itinerary before you go, so they know where you are. Let them know if you won’t be contactable for an extended period. Keep a hardcopy list of phone numbers on you, including emergency contacts, in case you can’t access the contacts on your mobile phone.
