The surprising travel advice for Australia’s favourite destinations – 9News.com.au
5 min readAustralians are heading overseas for a holiday in record numbers.
From tranquil beach destinations like Bali to the countryside of New Zealand, buzzing US cities to the culture of Vietnam, Aussies can’t wait to get away.
New Zealand
New Zealand is the most popular destination for Aussies, the latest numbers show.
A short flight away, the nation is famous for its exhilarating adventure activities including skiing.
Experts give it the green light, saying to “exercise normal safety precautions”.
However, it notes the nation can experience earthquakes and tsunamis and has active volcanoes.
It also says weather can change quickly and warns hikers to carry an emergency locator beacon.
Indonesia
Indonesia, is one of the most popular places for Aussies to go, likely for the popular island of Bali.
But visitors should “exercise a high degree of caution”.
These related to drownings and drinking.
It warns many Aussies have drowned due to rough seas and strong currents.
It also says methanol poisoning from alcohol can happen.
Travellers are also warned to make sure their passports are in pristine condition or they may be turned away.
There is also an ongoing risk of terror attacks, demonstrations can also be hazardous, and petty crime is an issue.
A warning over the safety of some ferries is also listed.
However, the nation does get earthquakes and tsunamis, Smartraveller says.
Plus the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen, experts say.
Drink spiking and petty theft is also possible.
While it remains a ‘green’ country, with the official line “exercise normal safety precautions,” there are things to remember.
“Entry requirements are strict,” Smartraveller says.
“US authorities have broad powers to decide if you’re eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.
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“Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements.
“Whether you’re travelling on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, ensure you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the United States.”
The government also warns to avoid demonstrations and protests and notes violent crime, terror attacks gun crime are a threat.
Severe weather and natural hazards such as earthquakes are also possible.
Overall it’s a “yellow” country where Aussies should ‘exercise a high degree of caution.’
That’s due to the threat of terrorism, crime and civil unrest, Smartraveller advices.
Crowed places should be avoided because people have been killed in stampedes.
Women may face harassment or sexual assault and shouldn’t travel alone, the government says.
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Spiked drinks and food are also a risk, as are scams and petty theft.
Aussies should also “reconsider’ travelling to the Attari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh, border areas of Nagaland, and parts of Assam.
Some risks relate to the earthquake in nearby Myanmar earlier this year.
Tremors continue as do assessments of the structural integrity of buildings, Smartraveller warns.
Other risks include scams, terrorist attacks, sexual assault, road accidents, robbery and drink spiking.
Travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces should be reconsidered.
Aussies must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
In advice updated on 15 May 2025 Smartraveller notes Aussies need to apply for a visa before going.
However, road accidents, sexual assaults and petty theft including bag ‘slashing’ are common.
“To make bags and backpacks more difficult to steal, hold them in front of you or on the opposite side of the traffic. Be aware of motorbikes approaching as you walk.,” Smartraveller advises.
“As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of ‘endangering national security'” Smartraveller says.
“Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws.”
Scams and petty crime are common.
Aussies should avoid protests- including taking photos and videos.
You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour, it notes.
The island nation is a popular stopover and holiday destination.
Do be aware of the advice, which was updated on 22 April 2025.
Scammers who call or send texts and pretend to be government officials, banks or telecommunications companies have been reported.
Philippines
That’s due to the to the threat of terrorism as well as violent crime.
Some areas carry a red “do not travel warning”: central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula; the Sulu Archipelago and the southern Sulu Sea area.
“Don’t travel by boat” in the southern Philippines, the government advises.
