Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
\n\nYour travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
\n\nThere is a higher risk of bushfires in Australia during the spring and summer seasons, from October to February. For advice, visit the bushfires section on the safety and security page.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Australia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Australian High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Australia, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
\n\nIf you’re travelling through or transiting another country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport, even if you’re just in transit and do not pass through immigration.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf you’re a British-Australian dual national, you must leave and enter Australia on your Australian passport. You could face difficulties and delays if you do not. See Australian government advice for dual nationals.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Australia.
\n\nBritish citizens can usually get the following types of electronic visitor visa:
\n\nThe Department of Home Affairs has information on all other types of visas.
\n\nTo enter Australia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. See the Australian Department of Health’s information on yellow fever for travellers.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Australia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nAustralia has strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal or human health.
\n\nYou must fill in an Incoming Passenger Card and either:
\n\nYou must also declare if you have ‘been in contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas or freshwater streams/lakes etc in the past 30 days’.
\n\nThe Australian authorities X-ray luggage. They inspect, treat and, if necessary, confiscate and destroy items of concern. You can get a heavy fine if you break quarantine.
\n\nThe Department of Agriculture has more information on quarantine rules.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Australia.
\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. You should be vigilant, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nIn December 2025, 15 people were killed in an antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
\n\nIn April 2024, several people were injured in a terrorist incident at a church in Wakeley, Sydney.
\n\nSee the Australian government’s national terrorism threat level.
\n\nTake precautions to protect yourself from petty crime, including:
\n\nThere are many different types of scams targeting people in or travelling to Australia, including dating and romance scams, websites offering fake services or building repair scams. You can check current scams or report your concerns about a scam on the government’s scamwatch website.
\n\nYou can reduce the risk of losing your passport by carrying a proof of age card – this could be a driving licence or a student ID. This is accepted ID for many services like opening a bank account or entering licensed premises.
\n\nLaws on smoking and e-cigarettes (vapes) differ between states. The Australian government is reviewing laws, so the rules may change. You must have a prescription to buy e-cigarettes containing liquid nicotine. There are strict rules on importing vaping goods.
\n\nIn all states it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces. Get local advice on any restrictions, and see smoking and tobacco laws in Australia.
\n\nSome drinks served in bars in Australia can be stronger than those in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.
\n\nThe Australian authorities act against anyone who imports or traffics illegal drugs. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and deportation.
\n\nSame-sex marriages are legally recognised. Australia is generally open-minded about homosexuality, but there are isolated incidents of homophobic crime. Visit Gay Australia is a useful travel planning resource alongside LGBT+ information from the Australian Human Rights Commission.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThe mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns, but coverage elsewhere can be very limited or non-existent. If you’re travelling to remote areas, check with your phone provider about coverage. 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.
\n\nYou can use any Telstra public payphone to make free phone calls to Australian numbers. Free wifi is also available at some payphones around the country.
\n\nIf you’re in Australia on a working holiday visa, the Fair Work Ombudsman website has information about:
\n\nDifferent tax rules and rates apply to residents and non-residents. Working holidaymakers are usually regarded as non-resident for tax purposes. This means they do not qualify for any tax-free personal allowance on earnings. Get guidance from the Australian Taxation Office.
\n\nSee information for people working in Australia.
\n\nRip currents are the main hazard for all swimmers and surfers. They can happen at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
\n\nFollow guidance on beach safety in Australia and tips from Surf Life Saving Australia.
\n\nBritish nationals have been injured diving into water that was too shallow. Make sure there is sufficient depth of water before diving, and always follow warning signs.
\n\nSnorkelling accidents can happen and have sometimes been fatal.
\n\nYou are required by law to complete a medical declaration for diving or snorkelling at a resort. For your own health and safety, you must be truthful about any medical conditions you have.
\n\nAustralia has many dangerous animal species. There are crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, venomous insects, spiders and snakes in many parts of the country.
\n\nSee Beachsafe’s information on dangerous marine creatures.
\n\nIf you’re planning to walk or hike, research the area you’re visiting and prepare for the terrain and weather, including intense heat. It can take hours to get help in an emergency in the bush or national parks. There is advice on bush safety on each state or territory’s government website. See:
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Australia, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Australia if you remain a temporary overseas visitor. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nIf you plan to stay in Australia and have a permanent visa, you can drive using your UK licence for up to 3 months. To continue driving, you must get an Australian licence within this 3-month period.
\n\nDriving laws and regulations differ in each state and territory. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The penalties can be severe. You must always wear a seat belt. See the Australian Road Rules.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nIf you’re hiring a car immediately on arrival, be cautious about driving. You might be jetlagged and tired from your flight. Take regular rest breaks at the many rest stops on the roads.
\n\nHire car insurance often does not cover driving on unsurfaced roads. Check your policy before you set off.
\n\nAustralia is known for having large distances between towns and amenities.
\n\nTo reduce your risk:
\n\nSudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult.
\n\nTake particular care when driving on unsurfaced roads, 4-wheel-drive tracks and desert or beach roads. Northern Territory Police have warned tourists to stay off unsurfaced tracks in remote areas of Central Australia, following reports of stranded motorists.
\n\nPrepare thoroughly if driving in remote outback areas, which can present unexpected hazards. To reduce your risk:
\n\nFollowing a number of serious accidents, all vehicles on K’gari (Fraser Island) must not drive faster than 80km/h on beaches and 30km/h in towns. Four-wheel-drive vehicles must have no more than 8 occupants, including the driver. You must store all luggage inside the vehicle.
\n\nAvoid driving at night and be aware of beach hazards like ditches created by the surf. K’gari is 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. The Queensland government has more information on keeping safe in K’gari.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nBushfires can occur in any part of Australia, including areas close to towns and cities.
\n\nBe aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer from November to February. Bushfires can start and change direction and become a risk to life very suddenly.
\n\nAustralia regularly battles devastating bushfires. Previous fires resulted in the loss of lives and property with many residents and visitors advised to evacuate.
\n\nAustralian authorities have a range of online information and apps to help citizens and visitors keep track of weather and bushfire warnings. You should consider downloading weather and emergency information apps from the Australian or State governments:
\n\nIf you’re in or near an affected area, follow the advice of local authorities:
\n\nBushfires can cause poor air quality and aggravate respiratory conditions. Smoke can accumulate far from a fire, including in urban areas and major cities. If you’re unable to avoid smoke affected areas, state and territory governments monitor air quality and give advice:
\n\nExtreme heat is a serious risk in Australia. See the Australian Red Cross’s information on heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
\n\nHeavy rain and tropical cyclones can cause flooding, including flash floods in some areas. You can get flood warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology. Check local media reports.
\n\nSignificant weather events can happen suddenly. Spillways, flood plains and drains can quickly become submerged.
\n\nThe local authorities may issue stay-at-home or leave-now orders. Always follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nMore information can be found on the relevant state and territory websites:
\n\nWhile rare in Australia, earthquakes can happen. Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services in the event of a natural disaster.
\n\nTropical cyclones affect some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The cyclone season normally runs from November to April.
\n\nMonitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
\n\nIf you are in or near an affected area, follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nDust storms happen regularly in Australia, usually only in outback areas. Follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 000 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Australia including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nWhile you are in Australia, you can access essential and urgent medical care through the UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement. Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in Australia.
\n\nEssential and urgent hospital treatment is free. There is a charge to visit GPs and receive prescriptions. You can recover some costs through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. You can enrol with Medicare through Services Australia.
\n\nIf you’re not covered by reciprocal healthcare arrangements between Australia and the UK, costs of treatment can be high.
\n\nThe standard of healthcare in Australia is very good. UK residents are entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia. These provisions do not apply to non-visitors, for example those studying in Australia. Other exclusions under the reciprocal agreement include pharmaceuticals (unless you’re in hospital), use of ambulance services and medical evacuations, which are very expensive.
\n\nSee more information on medical services in Australia.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 000 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Australia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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