The Advice was issued on Thursday, 11 November 2004, 11:21:13, AEDT.

This advice has been reviewed. It contains new Safety and Security information. There has been no change in the level of the advice.

Despite considerable successes against terrorist networks, the threat of terrorist attacks against Western interests in many countries overseas remains. Terrorist operations could range from kidnappings, hijackings, bombings, suicide operations or other acts of violence, such as drive-by shooting and opportunistic targeting of foreigners. Terrorists do not discriminate between official and civilian targets.

Security conditions can change rapidly in different regions and countries. Australians should monitor carefully our country-specific travel advisories and be aware of the risks described therein. Australians should also consider carefully, on the basis of their own personal circumstances, the best way to minimise their exposure to the threat of terrorism.

Safety and Security

Despite considerable successes against terrorist networks, the threat of terrorist attacks against Western interests in many countries overseas remains. In many cases the purpose of these attacks is to create panic, hinder normal activities, including business activities, and to destabilise the governments and societies of those countries.

Australians are directly threatened by terrorism. Australia and Australians have been named by Usama bin Laden and his al Qaeda network as a legitimate target of attack, indirectly since 1998, and specifically since November 2001. The terrorist attacks against the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on 9 September and in Bali on 12 October 2002 underscore the ongoing threat to Australians. Over the last year, terrorist bombings have also occurred in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Spain. Al-Qa'ida and other terrorist organisations continue to make public statements about the likelihood of further attacks.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners. These could include, for example, clubs, restaurants, bars, embassies and high commissions, international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, churches and other places of worship, shopping centres and marketplaces, outdoor recreation events tourist areas and transport hubs or identifiably Western interests, including businesses. Other possible targets include a country's key economic sites (including airports, other transport infrastructure, and oil and gas installations) and government buildings and symbols. Terrorists do not discriminate between official and civilian targets.

Terrorist operations could range from kidnappings, hijackings, bombings, suicide operations or other acts of violence, such as drive-by shooting and opportunistic targeting of foreigners. Terrorist groups have also demonstrated a capacity to pursue new types of operations, including sophisticated attacks against residential complexes, as in Riyadh, and maritime-based attacks on Western targets, including targets at sea.

In view of the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks on commercial aircraft and aviation infrastructure, many airports across the world remain on heightened alert and have implemented enhanced security measures. The cancellation of several civilian flights between Europe and the United States in late 2003 and early 2004 underscores continuing concerns about the possibility of attacks utilising civilian aeroplanes. More stringent security and other checking procedures are increasingly being put in place at airports worldwide. Travellers should factor this into travel planning.

Security conditions can change rapidly in different regions and countries. Australians should monitor carefully our country-specific travel advisories and be aware of the risks described therein. Australians should also consider carefully, on the basis of their own personal circumstances, the best way to minimise their exposure to the threat of terrorism.

As a guide, in destinations where the travel advice identifies a heightened risk of terrorism, Australians should avoid large public gatherings, particularly regular gatherings involving foreigners, and be alert for people behaving suspiciously. Australians should minimise the time spent in the types of locations and institutions identified as being potential targets for terrorist attack. Travellers should not walk alone, and limit their movements to well policed areas. Australians who regularly travel between their place of residence and their workplace should vary their times of travel and routes. Drivers should also exercise vigilance in traffic and be particularly alert to possible attacks when waiting at traffic lights. Car doors should be locked and valuables placed out of sight, even while the vehicle is occupied. Busy, heavily congested traffic routes should be avoided wherever possible. Cars should not be left unattended for long periods near public.

Local Law and Customs

Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. A violation of local laws in a foreign country 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.

Travellers are advised to dress and behave in a manner consistent with local customs and sensitivities. In most countries, taking photographs of military installations and other sites deemed to be sensitive to domestic security, such as police stations, is 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

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

Australians travelling through the United States of America (USA) on route to their destination, including those in transit in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, should be aware of the need to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Travellers transiting the United States should check their visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. This advice should be read in conjunction with our travel advice for the USA.

Health Issues

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

Australians travelling or living overseas are invited to register with their nearest Australian diplomatic mission. 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.

Consular assistance may be obtained by telephoning the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 300 555 135 (if calling from within Australia) or (61 2) 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).

Destination Specific Travel Advice

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

Travel advice can also be obtained by fax (02) 6261 1299 (within Australia only) or by calling 1 300 139 281 (if calling from within Australia) or (61 2) 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas). Our travel advice is available to all Australian travel agents, and travel agents are encouraged to draw it to the attention of all travellers.