Latest news with #Smartraveller
Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I have an overseas flight booked. What do current world events mean for my travel plans?
Are airlines responsible for notifying me if they change flight routes after a ticket has been booked? A natural consequence of rerouting a flight's course is an altered flight duration, either due to delays to control air traffic congestion or distance covered; flydubai's flights from Dubai to Moscow, for example, now route further east through Pakistan and Afghanistan instead of Iran, increasing flight time from roughly five hours to seven. Loading This means if you have booked a tight layover, you may have to rethink your itinerary – and it's worth noting that air traffic control may request a pilot follow an alternative route when the plane is already in the air. If you're flying the same airline all the way to Europe via the Middle East or elsewhere with a stop, on the same ticket, the airline should make arrangements for you to make your connection or get you on the next available flight if you miss it. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), airline conditions of carriage do not include flight time guarantees, and it should not be assumed by consumers that a plane's exact advertised schedule will be met. They are, however, generally expected to notify passengers in a timely manner of changes to the flight schedule, which includes significant route changes. 'Airlines should be proactive and truthful in telling consumers the reasons a flight is delayed or cancelled,' the ACCC says. 'They should also tell consumers what compensation they may be entitled to under both the airline's policy and the consumer guarantees.' Compensation and assistance from airlines may differ and depends on whether the delay or cancellation was within the carrier's control. Some travel insurance policies cover cancelling or rearranging flights due to natural disasters, severe weather, conflicts or terrorist incidents, though it depends on the specific policy's force majeure events clause. Some policies, for example, may only partially cover or exclude pandemics, epidemics, government-imposed travel restrictions and acts of war altogether. It's worth reviewing your product disclosure statement before travelling, and keeping this in mind when browsing cover options. What's the best source of information on travel safety for Australians? Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses Smartraveller for its official travel advisories, regularly updating each destination's risk and safety issues on the website. It's generally considered the most reliable source of safety information for Australian travellers. In 2019, Smartraveller discontinued its pre-trip registration service. Instead, Australians travelling overseas are encouraged to subscribe to travel advice updates for specific destinations, which are sent every 24 hours via email. Loading In a crisis, Smartraveller may open a registration portal for destinations affected. At present, Australian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, Iran and Occupied Palestinian Territories who want to leave are encouraged to register with Smartraveller. As of June 20, almost 3000 Australians had registered to be evacuated out of Israel and Iran, with the Australian embassy in Tehran closing and Australian Defence Force personnel sent in to assist with evacuations. 'We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now,' Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a press conference on June 20. On June 19, travel advice to Australians in Iran was to travel to borders so they can leave the country. Some Australians in Iran, however, have been critical of the federal government's response. Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories also have a do not travel alert. What should I do if disaster strikes while I'm on holiday? Those overseas who need immediate assistance from the Australian government are encouraged to contact the Consular Emergency Centre, which can be contacted 24/7 on +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world. It's also advised to search, memorise, physically write down and save in your phone the specific emergency services number for each of your travel destinations. Dialling triple zero while overseas will not connect you to local emergency services, though dialling 112 in most countries will redirect you to their local emergency services. Your basic pre-departure checklist, including the documents you need to have with you Confirm your passport's validity for at least six months from your trip's planned end date Secure the right visa for countries you're visiting and transiting through Confirm your flight and accommodation bookings, checking for any delays, changes, or what they accessibility services they offer. This may require contacting providers directly If driving overseas, check if you need an international driving permit in addition to your Australian driver's licence Get a letter from your doctor and copies of your prescription for any medication you'll be taking with you, and check it's legal and available at your destination Check what vaccinations are required for entry, and if the border requires proof you've had them Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for yourself and your belongings, checking policies cover any planned activities beyond the basics Make physical and digital copies of all of the above documents, plus flight and accommodation information, for yourself and all travellers in your party, including babies and children. Store these separately from your original documents, and consider sharing a copy of your personal and travel documents, including your itinerary with flight information, with a trusted contact at home If travelling with children who don't share your surname, you may need to bring documentation proving your relationship with them, such as birth certificates, adoption papers or custody papers Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations. Some banks, such as ING, allow you to do this in their mobile app. It's generally wise to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies What about before I fly? What should be on my pre-departure to-do list? Travel requirements and destination-specific laws and advice may change with short notice, which may change your basic pre-departure to-do list. In general, it's advised to regularly check with the embassy or consulate of your planned destinations before every trip to see if visa conditions and medical requirements have changed. It's also advised to get a basic health check at least eight weeks before departure, and get the recommended vaccinations. Some countries require proof of immunisation against certain infectious diseases before entry, and some vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, require multiple doses over multiple weeks. What do I need to know about travelling to the United States from Australia? The recent case of Australian writer Alistair Kitchen – who says he was detained and questioned for 12 hours by American border officials about his involvement in pro-Palestine activity, before being deported – has implications for Australians travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program means Australians can access a fast-tracked system to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) pass, which, when approved, allows travellers to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. When applying for your ESTA, be sure to use the official US government site, as there are many scam sites that will overcharge you for the service. Approved ESTA passes do not guarantee entry into the United States, however, and does not provide you with access to legal advice or much protection over digital devices if you're stopped at the border. Travellers also have to supply their social media handles during the ESTA application process. The application process for actual visas – B-1 for business and B-2 for recreation – is longer, with vetting including an interview at the United States consulate in Australia. It does mean that you would be likely to know you're going to be denied entry before boarding the plane, however, holding a B-1 or B-2 visa still does not guarantee you entry. 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'. They have the ability to detain, question and search passengers and their belongings, including digital devices, without having to supply evidence a crime has occurred. Following incidents where individuals have reported having their phones searched at the US border, it could be worth considering deleting social media apps off your phone before your flight, ensuring it's protected with a strong password, and, for iPhone users, enabling Lockdown Mode. Loading Smartraveller advises Australians who are detained at the border to ask to call the Australian consulate or a lawyer, however, if you're detained under the United States' immigration powers and haven't been formally arrested, those authorities are not required to provide immediate access to lawyers or a phone.
9 News
a day ago
- 9 News
Aussies in popular tourist destination told to be cautious as Middle East tensions simmer
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australian tourists in Turkey have been warned to exercise a high degree of caution as tensions continue to boil over in the Middle East. Australians planning to enter Turkey through the Iranian border will need permission from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter. Tourists may be issued a transit visa with a maximum validity of five days for onward travel. Australian tourists in Turkey have been warned to exercise a high degree of caution. (Getty) There are also warnings that land border crossings to neighbouring countries could close at any time. "Conflicts in the Middle East could result in an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions," the Smartraveller website reads. Anyone who needs assistance in the region should contact the Australian Embassy in Ankara. There are currently do not travel warnings in place for several countries in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. There are also warnings for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Egypt. World TURKEY Europe Middle East CONTACT US
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning to Australians taking international flights as war erupts in the Middle East
An urgent travel warning has been issued for Australians travelling to or transiting through Qatar - a major international hub frequently used by Aussies for connecting flights to destinations around the world. The Australian Government's Smartraveller service, managed by DFAT, issued an overnight alert advising travellers to Qatar, including those transiting through Doha, to exercise a high degree of caution. 'We've raised our level of advice for Qatar. We now advise "exercise a high degree of caution" due to ongoing hostilities in the region,' the alert read. 'Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions. 'Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.' The alert has been raised from Level 1 to Level 2, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution. 'We're not saying 'don't go' to this location. But you should do your research and take extra precautions.' 'At level 2, there are more or higher risks than what you would typically find in a large Australian city,' the advice said. Level 3, one step above Qatar's current travel advisory, urges travellers to 'reconsider' their need to travel. Level 4, the highest alert, advises against all travel and recommends those already there leave immediately due to 'extreme health and safety risks.' Travellers should monitor the media for new and existing risks, Smart Traveller said. Destinations across the Middle East are on the 'do not travel' list 'We're not saying 'don't go' to this location. But you should do your research and take extra precautions.' Meanwhile Australia has closed its embassy in Tehran, as Iran and Israel continue to bomb each other and after President Donald Trump signalled the US could enter the conflict. All foreign affairs staff and their dependents in the Iranian capital have been told to leave 'based on advice about the deteriorating security environment'. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is deploying consular staff to Azerbaijan, including its border crossings, to support Australians departing Iran. 'We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe,' Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday. 'Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place. 'We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries.' Meanwhile, there are still more than 1200 Australians registered for assistance to depart Israel, where the airspace is also closed. Overnight Mr Trump, who has kept the world guessing about whether the US might join the war on Israel's side, said he would make a decision within the next two weeks. 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in Washington, quoting a message from the president. The conflict between Israel and Iran erupted a week ago, when the former launched an attack against the Islamic republic's missile capabilities, claiming it was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people and wounded 1300 others, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group.
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
Travel warning: Smartraveller raises advice level for Australians in Qatar amid Israel-Iran war
An urgent warning has been issued for Australians headed to a Middle Eastern country widely used as a stop-over point for travel around the world. Smartraveller has upgraded its advice level for Qatar, including capital Doha, urging people to exercise a high degree of caution. It comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran and the looming threat of an all out war that could draw in the entire region and, possibly, the US. 'Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions,' Smartraveller warns in its latest advice. 'Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.' Qatar has now moved from Level One advice to Level Two. At Level One the security situation is considered to be similar to that of a large Australian city and travellers are urged to 'use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia'. Level Two means there are higher risks and travellers should pay close attention to their 'personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks'. Blanket 'do not travel' warnings are already in place elsewhere in the Middle East including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. A high degree of caution is also being urged for travel in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. At this stage only Oman is greenlit for travellers to take 'normal' safety precautions.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Urgent travel warning for Aussies at popular stop-over spot
An urgent warning has been issued for Australians headed to a Middle Eastern country widely used as a stop-over point for travel around the world. Smartraveller has upgraded its advice level for Qatar, including capital Doha, urging people to exercise a high degree of caution. It comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran and the looming threat of an all out war that could draw in the entire region and, possibly, the US. 'Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions,' Smartraveller warns in its latest advice. 'Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.' Qatar has now moved from Level One advice to Level Two. At Level One the security situation is considered to be similar to that of a large Australian city and travellers are urged to 'use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia'. Level Two means there are higher risks and travellers should pay close attention to their 'personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks'. Blanket 'do not travel' warnings are already in place elsewhere in the Middle East including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. A high degree of caution is also being urged for travel in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. At this stage only Oman is greenlit for travellers to take 'normal' safety precautions.
