Australia |
|
| Still current at: 28 February 2013
Updated: 21 February 2013 |
| No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with editorial amendments . The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Australia.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
-
Over 640,000 British nationals visit Australia every year. Most visits are trouble–free. See Consular assistance statistics.
-
Australia is a vast country. You should plan journeys carefully,
particularly if you're travelling to remote areas, bushwalking or going
swimming. See Local travel
-
You will need to get a visa before you travel. See Entry requirements
-
Beware of scam adverts claiming to help you extend a working
holiday visa. Several British nationals have had their visas cancelled
as a result. See Entry Requirements.
-
Australia is prone to seasonal natural disasters including
tropical cyclones, flash flooding, dust storms and bushfires (forest
fires). See
Natural Disasters.
-
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. See Terrorism
- Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Crime
The level of crime is no higher than in the UK. Be careful with personal possessions and travel documents in cities and other popular tourist destinations. Avoid carrying everything in one bag. Don’t leave bags unattended in vehicles, internet cafes, pubs or clubs. Theft from safety deposit boxes is common in the cheaper hotels and hostels. Be particularly vigilant at night in the busy tourist areas of Sydney like Kings Cross, down town George Street, Hyde Park and Centennial Park.
There have been some serious sexual assaults against British nationals in Australia. There were several late-night attacks on foreign tourists and backpackers in Noosa in 2011, one involving a British backpacker. Take care in the town centre of Alice Springs at night. There have been a number of recent incidents of harassment, robberies and attacks (including sexual assault) on foreign tourists. 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. Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.
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. British travellers have fallen victim to these scams.
You can reduce the risk of losing your passport by getting a proof of age card. This is an accepted form of ID for many services like opening bank accounts or entering licensed premises. By getting a card soon after you arrive you will limit the need to carry your passport with you.
If your passport is lost or stolen you may be able to get an Emergency Travel Document from the nearest British Consulate.
Local Travel
Australia is a huge country. You should take regular rest breaks when driving long distances. There are many rest stops provided. Remote outback areas can present unexpected hazards. Plan your trip with care and seek local advice before you set out. Leave your route details and expected time of return with the local tourist authorities, police, your hotel/hostel, or friends and relatives and let them know when you’ve arrived safely.
If you’re bushwalking or exploring national parks it can take hours to get help in the event of an emergency. The terrain and intense heat can have a severe impact on your capabilities. Take plenty of water and a means of rigging up 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, spiders and snakes are found in many parts of the country. See the Wet Tropics Management Authority website
The Tourism Australia website has extensive information on travelling around the continent. The Australian Government’s National Visitor Safety Handbook also contains comprehensive travel safety advice on Australia.
Swimming safety
Rip currents are the main 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 directly responsible for 20 coastal drowning deaths and over 15,000 rescues in Australia each year (source: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA)). There are more British victims than any other foreign nationality, with as many as 400 British nationals rescued and up to 4 drowning each year.
Take the following simple precautions:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags - these indicate it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty.
- Don't swim at unsupervised locations.
- Read the safety signs - they indicate current and typical hazards for that location.
- Ask a lifeguard for advice - they are there to provide safety advice and make your experience safe and enjoyable.
- Always swim with a friend; never alone.
- If you get into trouble, stay calm and attract attention by calling and waving your arm above your head.
- • Never swim after drinking alcohol or taking drugs - they impair your ability and judgement in the water.
Rivers and pools can be subject to sudden flash flooding as a result of heavy rain elsewhere in the area. There have been cases of British nationals being injured by diving into water which was too shallow. Make sure that there is sufficient depth of water before diving, and always follow warning signs if present.
Road travel
As a visitor, you can drive in Australia using a valid UK driving licence. You must carry your driving licence and passport when driving. Make sure you have sufficient insurance, 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 can drive using your UK licence for a maximum of 3 months, after which you must apply for a local licence. If you’re hiring a car immediately on arrival be extra careful - you will be jetlagged and tired from your flight.
In 2011, there were 1,292 road deaths in Australia (source DfT). This equates to 5.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2011.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal. The penalties can be severe. You must wear a seat belt at all times.
Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult. Take particular care when driving on unmetalled roads, 4WD tracks and desert/beach roads. In 2010, Northern Territory Police issued a warning for tourists to stay off unsealed tracks in remote areas of Central Australia following several reports of stranded motorists.
Following a number of serious accidents, all vehicles on Fraser Island must observe a maximum speed of 80km/h on beaches and 30km/h in towns. 4WD vehicles must carry no more than 8 occupants (including the driver) and all luggage must be carried inside the vehicle. Avoid driving at night and be aware of beach hazards like ditches created by the surf. Fraser Island is unique but remote, and emergency services can take many hours to reach an accident. Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and personal medication as there is no pharmacy on the island.
Political Situation
Keep up to date with local and international developments and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.
The Australian authorities will take action against anyone who imports or is found to be trafficking illegal drugs. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy jail sentence and deportation.
Australia has an established tradition of tolerance towards homosexuality, but there are still isolated incidents of homophobic crimes. Take care when visiting rural communities.
Quarantine
Australia has strict quarantine rules in order to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal and human health. All luggage is x-rayed on arrival. Any items of concern are further inspected, treated and if necessary confiscated and destroyed. Breaches of quarantine regulations can result in large fines.
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, including nuts, dried fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, biscuits, cakes and confectionery, teas, coffees and milk-based drinks and sporting equipment (including camping gear). A full list can be found on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service website.
You will also be asked to declare whether you have 'visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days'.
Visas
You need a visa to travel to Australia. British citizens can get the following types of electronic visitor visa:
- eVisitor visa direct from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. There is no visa application charge or service fee for this;
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via your travel agent or airline. There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of A$20 applies
In certain circumstances you may be asked to undergo a health examination before a visa can be granted, for example if you are aged 75 years or older. Factor in extra time for this when applying for a visa.
On arrival you may be asked to provide evidence of funds to support your stay and a return or onward ticket.
Working holiday visas
Beware of scam adverts offering to help you extend a working holiday
visa. Second year working holiday visas are available if you have worked
in a rural area for 3 months during the first year of your working
holiday. Some British nationals have falsely claimed to have worked on
farms using information bought from scam advertisers. As a result, they
have had their visas cancelled and been excluded from returning to
Australia for 3 years.Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
If you are transiting another country en route to or from Australia, make sure you check the entry requirements for that country
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers aged one year or older who are arriving in Australia within six days of having stayed in or transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)
UK ETDs are valid for entry into Australia.
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
Reciprocal healthcare arrangements exist between Australia and the UK. Under these, British citizens resident in the UK and travelling on a British passport are entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare Australia for treatment that may become necessary while visiting Australia. This does not cover pre-existing conditions, or treatment that does not require prompt attention. These provisions do not apply to non-visitors, for example those who are studying in Australia. Visit the Medicare Australia website for further details.
Other exclusions under the reciprocal agreement include pharmaceuticals when not a hospital in-patient, use of ambulance services and medical evacuations, which can cost up to £100,000. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 000 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Flooding
Heavy rain and tropical cyclones can cause flooding in some areas. Follow local media and check with local state authorities for the latest flooding information: Queensland and New South Wales.
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.
Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for updates. See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.
Dust storms
Dust storms occur regularly in Australia, usually only in outback areas.
Bushfires
Be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer (November to February). Check with local state authorities for the latest bushfire information: Victoria; South Australia; New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
Mobile phones
The mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns but coverage elsewhere can be very limited or non-existent. 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. Australian SIM cards are available at some Australian airports, and at convenience stores and supermarkets.
Consular assistance statistics
Over 640,000 British nationals visit Australia every year (source: Tourism Australia). 361 British nationals needed consular assistance in Australia in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012, including for the following types of incident: 94 deaths, 42 hospitalisations and 112 arrests, for various offences.
