Travel advice for Australians flying overseas
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026.
Check before you fly
The Australian Government publishes travel advice for almost every country. We don't copy it here, because it can change at any time. Always read the current advice on the official site before you book or travel.
What the official advice levels mean
Smartraveller uses four advice levels:
- Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions. Risks are roughly comparable to a large Australian city.
- Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution. Risks are higher than in a large Australian city.
- Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel. Risks are serious and potentially life-threatening.
- Level 4: Do not travel. Health and safety are at extreme risk.
Regions to check right now
Advice for parts of the Middle East has changed several times recently. If you are travelling there, or connecting through a hub such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi on the way to Europe or elsewhere, check the current advice for your destination and every transit stop before you book. Find each country on the Smartraveller destinations list.
Official sources
- Smartraveller (Australian Government): advice for each destination, plus email alerts you can subscribe to.
- Australian Border Force: crossing the border, customs and what you can carry.
- Department of Home Affairs: visas and entry rules.
- Sydney Airport: terminal and flight information for your trip.
- Your airline: schedule changes and cancellations.
- Your travel insurer: many policies are affected by advice levels, so check yours.
Before you head to the airport
- Check your destination's entry and transit rules, including transit-only stops.
- Allow extra time for T1. You can't walk between T1 and the domestic terminals.
- If your flight changes, check your hotel's cancellation terms.
This page is general information, not travel advice. The official sources above always take priority. We review it regularly, but check the live official page before you travel.