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Travel Advice Explained
Every day, several thousand Australians log-on to this website to read travel advice produced by the Australian Government. We know that they sometimes have further queries about travel advice and its preparation. The following provides you with some answers to these frequently asked questions.

Who produces Travel Advice?
Where does the information come from?
Is there a scale in travel advisories?
What does the advice really mean?
How current is the information?
Does the department provide further advice on travel to countries?
How can I continue to monitor developments that might affect my safety?
Who produces Travel Advice?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade produces travel advisories for Australian travellers or residents overseas. Responsibility for travel advisories rests with the Consular Branch of the department, which also oversees the consular assistance this department provides to more than 15,000 Australians who encounter trouble overseas each year.

Travel advisories are all about ensuring Australians are well-informed and well-prepared for travel overseas and helping them avoid dangers and difficulties. They provide up-to-date information about the security environment in a particular country, including in relation to possible terrorist threats or problems with law and order. They give advice on a range of practical issues like visa requirements, health and medical issues, cultural or religious differences, and so on. They also tell you how to get in touch with the local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate or, if we don’t have one, where else you might be able to get assistance if you need it. In other words, practical advice for every traveller.

Where does the information come from?
Our travel advisories are careful assessments which draw on a range of sources of current information. These include:

assessments from Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas about security conditions in their countries of responsibility;
our experience of the difficulties experienced by Australians overseas every day and the questions we are asked by the travelling public - at our embassies, on our free call lines or by email;
intelligence, with particular weight given to threat assessments provided by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; and
our close consultation with the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand, each of which have a similar travel advisory service. We do not always provide exactly the same advice as these governments - because we each need to think about the particular circumstances facing our own citizens.
Is there a scale in travel advisories?
The department does not maintain a strict rating system that can be colour-coded or numbered. We don’t have such a system because we believe people would focus on the coding rather than read the content - and it is the content that is important to enable people to make informed decisions about travel.

Nevertheless, our travel advisories fall into seven broad categories which reflect our overall assessment of the security situation. The following key phrases are used in the summaries of travel advisories to indicate this overall assessment:

Australians are advised:

To exercise good personal security awareness.
To be alert to their own security.
To exercise caution and be aware of developments that might affect their safety.
To exercise a high degree of (or “extreme”) caution. If the Australian Government judges that the overall threat environment in a country is high, we will - at a minimum - advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution.
To defer non-essential travel (in some cases, we may only encourage Australians to “consider” deferring non-essential travel). We may also advise Australians in the country to consider leaving unless they have compelling reasons to stay.
To defer (or avoid) all travel. We may also advise Australians in the country to depart as soon as possible using available commercial means.
Not to travel and, for Australians in the country, to depart immediately by whatever means available. In some situations, such as ongoing or imminent conflict, we may alternatively tell Australians in the country to remain indoors in as safe a place as is possible.
The level of advice for a particular destination is determined after considering the risks and comparing these to the general security threats in a large Australian city. The capacity of the foreign government to deal with risks is also taken into account.

It is important to note that we do not employ strict formulas. You will find that at times our advice may not fit exactly with the above descriptions - we will use language that is best suited to a specific situation and provides the most practical advice to Australians.

What does the advice really mean?
It is important to understand that what we provide is travel advice. The department does not and cannot make decisions for people about when, where or whether they should travel. Our responsibility is to help Australians make their own well-informed decisions. This applies equally to first-time holiday-makers, seasoned business travellers, expatriate Australians, government officials or members of Parliament. Our travel advisories are never used to make a political statement.

We try to use direct and clear language in travel advice. If we have credible, specific information about a threat in a particular country, this will be communicated through the travel advice. It may be accompanied by a recommendation that Australians defer or avoid all travel to that destination or area within that destination.

In other circumstances - where the threat is not specific but involves a high generalised threat of terrorist attack or a risk of serious political or civil unrest we may advise Australian travellers to defer non-essential travel. Such a recommendation is advisory rather than mandatory. Whether travel is essential is a matter for personal judgment - based on your family or business needs, your concern for your own safety, your personal knowledge of the country or area, whether an alternative destination may be chosen or whether the purpose of your travel may be accomplished in another way, for example through tele-conferencing or email. We cannot weigh those factors for you, because they will differ from individual to individual. Only you can judge what is essential to you.

How current is the information?
The information is as current as we can possibly make it. The Department’s Consular Emergency Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and our network of missions overseas, give round-the-clock coverage of security and related developments around the world. Travel advice is updated promptly in response to these developments, and that is why we encourage Australians not only to read travel advice before they leave, but also to monitor it carefully while they are travelling.

As a general rule, even when there is no new information, each travel advisory is reviewed on a quarterly basis and reissued.

Travel advice is not updated simply to reflect the fact that a security incident overseas has occurred. It is not a news service that reports on all incidents. The travel advice may contain examples of security incidents from the recent past but these serve as an example of the sorts of threats mentioned in the advice. When security incidents occur overseas, we assess the risk to Australians travellers – if the level of risk has not changed, the travel advice will not be changed.

Does the department provide further advice on travel to destinations?
No. The department produces only one form of advice in the form of the travel advisories. An important principle behind our work is that the advice we provide to the Australian public is exactly the advice we provide to our own staff, to other government agencies or to the private sector.

We operate on a strict principle of no double standards: that is, our best advice is the advice that is made available to the general public in our travel advisories. We do not reserve privileged information for others - be they our own staff or for other government officials. This is so all Australians can be confident that the information and advice we provide reflects our best assessment of the safety and security issues they may face in a particular country.

As part of this commitment, should the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade withdraw staff from a post because of security concerns, we will state this clearly in the travel advice so that the decisions we make about our own staff welfare are transparent to the wider community.

If you ring the department, we will not be able to add to the advice that is published on the internet. That is our most up-to-date advice and we cannot, and should not, predict what will happen in the future.

How can I continue to monitor developments that might affect my safety?
Travel advice can be accessed on the internet, and you can also subscribe electronically to updates - just complete the box in the top right hand corner of the country's travel advice and any updates will then be automatically e-mailed to you.

If you do not have internet access either in Australia or overseas, the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate can provide you with a copy. Contact details are provided at the bottom of each country-specific travel advisory.

Alternatively, you can telephone the Consular Emergency Centre at any time on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia - local call cost).

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Current warnings as at 22 June 2005. Consult the site for more information or for up to date information.

We advise against non-essential travel to these countries:
Algeria
Angola
Central African Republic
Colombia
Haiti
Indonesia, (including Bali)
Nepal
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Sudan
Yemen

We advise against all travel to these countries:
Afghanistan
Burundi
Iraq
Ivory Coast
Liberia
Somalia
Togo

Two countries where hunters might consider venturing:

Sudan
This Advice is current for Thursday, 23 June 2005.
The Advice was issued on Wednesday, 08 December 2004, 17:03:41, AEDT.
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information on Safety and Security, Local Laws and Customs and Health Issues. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Australians should defer non-essential travel to Sudan. Australians who consider their presence in Sudan to be essential should exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests in East Africa, including Sudan.

Australians are advised to avoid all travel to southern Sudan, the region bordering Eritrea, and the Darfur region in western Sudan. Relations between government and rebel forces in these areas are tense and fighting is continuing in Darfur.

Australians in Sudan should register with the Australian Embassy in Cairo, Egypt (contact details below).

Safety and Security
Terrorism
Australians should defer non-essential travel to Sudan. Australians who consider their presence in Sudan essential should exercise caution. The risk of terrorist attack against Western interests in East Africa, including Sudan remains. Potential targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as, but not limited to, key transport installations including air, railways and sea ports, premises and buildings associated with foreign governments and companies, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, marketplaces, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.

Australian travellers should be aware of the threat of terrorism globally and should read this travel advice in conjunction with the General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
There has been a state of emergency in effect since December 1999 and the security situation in Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, remains unstable. Conflict can escalate and curfews imposed, with little or no warning. Large public gatherings have the potential to turn violent.

Australians are advised to avoid all travel to southern Sudan and the region bordering Eritrea. Although peace talks between the Government and the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement/Army are underway, relations between the two sides are tense and the situation on the ground remains unstable.

Australians should also avoid travelling to Darfur in Western Sudan where fighting, kidnapping and other violence continues.

Personal Security
Prior to travel, Australians should ensure they have a variety of financial options available to them including travellers' cheques and US dollars, euros or pounds stirling cash. Credit cards are not accepted in Sudan. Hotel bills must be paid in cash or travellers cheques (American Express cheques are not accepted). ATMs are not available.

Australians should only carry sufficient cash for their daily needs, secure their valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth at all times. Photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers' cheques should be kept separately from the originals.

In many countries, passports are a prime target of theft for illegal purposes. Your passport should always be kept in a safe place, as considerable inconvenience and disruption to travel plans may result from its theft or loss. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Local Conditions
The land borders between Sudan and many neighbouring countries are effectively closed. The Wadi Halfa border crossing between Egypt and Sudan is currently open, although this is subject to change. Desert travel should be attempted only if travellers are fully-equipped and experienced. Unexploded landmines remain a danger. Permits are required for all travel outside Khartoum, and can be obtained locally. Travellers without permits to areas outside Khartoum have been arrested and detained. Registration with the police authorities within 24 hours of arrival anywhere outside the capital is required.

Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained in Sudan and public transportation is limited.

Seafarers are advised that piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sudan. This advice should be read in conjunction with our travel bulletin on piracy at sea.

Local Law and Customs
Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in Australia. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards. Penalties for drug offences are severe.

Consistent with local custom and sensitivities, there is a need to behave and dress conservatively.

Islamic Sharia law is enforced in Sudan. Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are illegal and subject to severe penalties. Alcohol is prohibited.

Religious proselytisation may lead to arrest. It is prohibited to import or consume alcohol, even in private.

Permits are required for any photography in Sudan. Photography of military areas, bridges, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas and beggars is strictly prohibited.

Some Australian criminal laws, including - but not limited to - those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, have extraterritorial effect. Australians who commit such offences outside of Australia may be prosecuted in Australia for those offences.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Travellers are required to register with the Aliens' Registration Office, Ministry of the Interior, within three days of arrival in Khartoum.

Visas are required for Australians entering Sudan and bearers of passports must have a minimum of six months validity on their passports from the date of entry into Sudan. Passports bearing an Israeli visa or Israel entry/exit stamps will not be allowed to enter Sudan. A departure tax in US dollars is payable.

Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sudan, well in advance of travel.

Health Issues
Medical facilities in Sudan are limited. Malaria and Cholera are endemic. There has been an outbreak of yellow fever and meningitis in the southern region.

For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor, travel clinic or the World Health Organization (WHO). Further information can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure.

Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.

Consular Assistance and Registration
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Sudan. Australians may obtain consular assistance and should register at the nearest Australian Embassy. This is in Egypt at:

Australian Embassy
11th floor, North Tower, World Trade Centre,
1191 Corniche El Nil,
Boulac, Cairo
Telephone (20 2) 575 0444
Facsimile (20 2) 578 1638
E-mail cairo.austremb@dfat.gov.au

Australians in southern Sudan may contact the:

Australian High Commission
Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road),
Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone (254 20) 444 5034
Facsimile (254 20) 444 4718

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also offers an on-line registration service, accessible via the internet, at http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au . The registration information provided by you will help us to find you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family emergency.

Australians planning travel and those overseas are encouraged to monitor our travel advice updates, including through use of our free subscription service, at smartraveller.gov.au.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

Central African Republic
This Advice is current for Thursday, 23 June 2005.
The Advice was issued on Monday, 15 November 2004, 16:57:45, AEDT.
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information on Safety and Security, Local Law and Customs and Health Issues. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to the Central African Republic. Australians who consider their presence in the Central African Republic to be essential should exercise extreme caution. The internal security situation remains tense and potentially dangerous.

Australians in the Central African Republic should register with the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria (contact details below).

Safety and Security
Terrorism
Australian travellers should be aware of the threat of terrorism globally and should read this travel advice in conjunction with the General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Personal Security
Australians are advised to defer all non-essential travel to the Central African Republic. Australians who consider their presence in the Central African Republic to be essential should exercise extreme caution. The military coup against the government in March 2003 led to widespread conflict and unrest. Although some order has been restored in the capital city, Bangui, the security situation in other parts of the country, particularly in the north, remains tense and dangerous. Banditry and crime are prevalent, especially in the northern and eastern regions. Theft and robbery occur regularly in Bangui and armed gangs operate in the outlying residential areas of the city. There have been incidents of robbery of expatriate residences.

Prior to travel, Australians should ensure they have a variety of financial options available to them including credit cards, travellers' cheques and US dollars cash. Australians should consult their automatic teller machine (ATM) card provider for information about overseas services and availability. Not all overseas ATMs accept Australian cards. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are accepted at major hotels in Bangui.

Australians should only carry sufficient cash for their daily needs, secure their valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth at all times. Photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers' cheques should be kept separately from the originals.

In many countries, passports are a prime target of theft for illegal purposes. Your passport should always be kept in a safe place, as considerable inconvenience and disruption to travel plans may result from its theft or loss. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Local Conditions
Driving in the Central African Republic can be hazardous, as most roads are in poor condition and have insufficient lighting. Fuel shortages are common.

The rainy season is May to October and flooding may occur.

Local Law and Customs
Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.

Australians in the Central African Republic should carry their identity documents, or notarized copies, at all times. Failure to produce identification can lead to detention by the police.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include heavy fines and imprisonment.

Photography around military zones, military assets, military personnel and government buildings should be avoided at all times.

A licence is required to buy or sell precious gems and penalties are heavy for those involved in the illegal export of precious gems.

Some Australian criminal laws, including - but not limited to - those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, have extraterritorial effect. Australians who commit such offences outside of Australia may be prosecuted in Australia for those offences.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Central African Republic, well in advance of travel.

Health Issues
Medical facilities are limited in the Central African Republic. Water-borne diseases, malaria and HIV/AIDS are prevalent. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is required for entry into the country.

For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor, travel clinic or the World Health Organization (WHO). Further information can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure.

Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.

Consular Assistance and Registration
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in the Central African Republic. Australians may obtain consular assistance and should register at the nearest Australian High Commission. This is in Nigeria at:

Australian High Commission
2940 Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama
Abuja, Nigeria
Telephone (234 9) 413 5226
Facsimile (234 9) 413 5227

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers an on-line registration service. The registration information provided by you will help us to find you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family emergency.

Australians planning travel and those overseas are encouraged to monitor our travel advice updates, including through use of our free subscription service, at smartraveller.gov.au.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

--------------------
Links @ NitroExpress.com

If you wish to add your firearms, shooting or hunting links, please join as a member and submit your post using the links forums.