smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Piracy (update).
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks, including against vessels at sea and in port. Ports can also be potential targets. Actual and planned terrorist attacks on shipping have targeted vessels either in port or close to shore.
Terrorists may attack official or civilian targets depending on their particular objectives at the time.
In August 2005, a rocket attack targeted USS Kearsarge and USS Ashland while the naval vessels were docked in the Red Sea port of Aqaba in Jordan. Two people were killed.
In March 2005 and April 2004, terrorists kidnapped a number of people from vessels off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia and demanded ransom for their release. Also in April 2004, three people on board an inflatable boat from the USS Firebolt were killed as a dhow they were preparing to board exploded in an apparent suicide attack off the Iraqi coast.
Terrorists claimed responsibility for the sinking of a superferry travelling between Manila and the central Philippines in February 2004.
Attacks have also occurred in Yemeni waters using small boats packed with explosives or carrying suicide bombers.
Piracy may occur in waters near regions of civil unrest.
While in port, you should avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and minor disputes that may occur as they have the potential to escalate and become violent.
You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about new possible safety and security risks.
Exclusion zones can be declared around coastal areas, often in the vicinity of sensitive government infrastructure such as military bases. Many countries rigorously patrol and defend their territorial waters from unauthorised vessels. You should ensure you are aware of the location of these areas and take extreme care not to stray into them.
The waters around the northern and eastern coast of Sri Lanka are declared restricted zones by the Government of Sri Lanka. Government security forces have fired on unauthorised vessels.
In June 2007, three men fishing in the Persian Gulf were detained by Iranian officials, who alleged they had strayed into Iranian-control waters. In March 2007, 15 British sailors and marines were detained for two weeks for the same reason.
There are high levels of piracy in many regions around the world. They include:
The coastal areas of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Yemen;
West Africa, particularly Nigeria where kidnapping for ransom occurs;
Parts of South East Asia, especially the Malacca Straits (where kidnapping for ransom has been reported during piracy attacks) and Singapore Straits;
East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya;
The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, where vessels have been fired on; and
South America, particularly Peru and Brazil.
Attacks by pirates against all forms of shipping in and around Somalia’s waters and the Gulf of Aden are increasing in frequency. Pirates have been using motherships to attack shipping further than 200 nautical miles (370km) from the coast of Somalia. In early December 2008, pirates in the Gulf of Aden made an unsuccessful attempt to hijack the Oceania Nautica, according to media reports. On 15 November 2008, a giant oil tanker was hijacked around 450 nautical miles (830km) off the coast of Somalia. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (yachts etc) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters.
Media reports indicate that since early November 2008, ten ships have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia. At least 15 ships, along with more than 270 crew members, are currently being held hostage by pirates. In early December 2008, the International Maritime Bureau noted that 102 ships have been attacked and 40 ships hijacked this year near Somalia and Yemen.
A US State Department worldwide caution issued in January 2008 warned Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa and in the southern Red Sea to exercise extreme caution following incidents of armed attacks, robberies and kidnappings for ransom by pirates. It advised mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu and remain at least 200 nautical miles from the Somali coast. It also recommended that vessels travel in convoy and maintain good communications at all times.
Pirates seized a luxury French passenger yacht and its 30-member crew off the Somali coast in April 2008. The same month, a rocket fired from a small boat hit a Japanese oil tanker in waters near Yemen.
Vessels, crew members and passengers hijacked in waters off Somalia have been held for long periods by pirates demanding ransoms. Two ships hijacked by pirates in waters off Somalia and their crew members were released in November 2007 after being held for five months.
Piracy also occurs in the South China Sea, near the Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao in the Philippines, in waters around Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, the Caribbean and Central America and the Persian Gulf.
On 4 December 2008, a tug and barge carrying coal was attacked off Tioman Island off peninsular Malaysia’s east coast in the South China Sea. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) notes there have been four attacks, including one hijack, reported in 2008. All four attacks were in the same location. IMB is advising all ships to maintain a strict watch for pirates within a 100-nautical-mile radius of Tioman Island.
Piracy-related crimes of opportunity, such as unlawful requests for payment for anchorage or petty crime, can occur in remote or isolated anchorages. In November 2006, armed pirates ransacked a vessel, stole valuables and threatened its occupants while anchored in the Solomon Islands.
The International Maritime Bureau runs a 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which issues daily reports broadcast to all shipping on the Safety Net service of Inmarsat-C and weekly reports on its website. The services of the centre are free and are available to all ships, irrespective of their flag. The 24-hour Anti-Piracy HELPLINE can be contacted on telephone (60 3) 20310014; facsimile (60 3) 20785769; (telex) MA34199 IMBPCI; and (email) IMBKL@icc-ccs.org.uk.
The International Maritime Bureau recommends the installation of Shiploc, an on-board satellite tracking system that can help locate hijacked vessels. Secure-Ship, a non-lethal, electrifying fence which surrounds the whole ship, is also recommended by the International Maritime Bureau.
The following websites also contain information about piracy:
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which includes precautions against piracy and procedures during an attack.
Noonsite.com
The International Maritime Organization
Yacht Piracy
We advise you to be alert to your own security and exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour.
You should ensure you are carrying the appropriate travel documents for your journey. A valid Australian passport is required for travel outside Australia and its waters.
You should take sensible precautions to protect your valuables, such as using the ship's safe and minimising signs of wealth.
You should familiarise yourself with safety equipment and evacuation procedures. You should take part in safety drills and ensure there are sufficient lifejackets in your cabin. In November 2007, 10 Australians were among more than 150 people rescued after their cruise ship sank after hitting an iceberg en route to the Antarctic.
Crimes, including sexual assault and robbery, can occur after passengers have accepted 'spiked' food or drink.
Passengers on cruise ships are susceptible to the same illness and diseases as those on shore. You should consult your doctor prior to travelling (see Health Issues for more information) and seek advice from ship staff about local health risks. If you do feel unwell, you should consult the ship's doctor.
We strongly encourage you to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies and any activities you may undertake as part of your cruise. In the event of a medical emergency, you may need to be evacuated from the ship or the nearest port to a hospital with the appropriate facilities. Evacuation costs can be considerable and may exceed $100,000.
You should check the ship's departure time when going ashore and allow sufficient time to return to the port.
The safety standards you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports such as diving and yachting. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.
Inter-island ferries and river craft may be overloaded, poorly maintained or lack necessary life-saving equipment. Hundreds of people die every year in accidents. Check the travel advisory for your destination for more details.
Standards maintained by search and rescue services may not be as high or comparable to those in Australia. These services may not be available in some destinations and locations.
If you intend to hire jet skis or any other motorised water sport equipment while in port, check first whether it is covered by your insurance policy. There have been numerous serious accidents involving jet skis in countries around the world. Foreigners are regularly detained and arrested by police following jet ski accidents until compensation can be negotiated between parties.
If you are planning to combine air travel with a cruise or another activity on the open water, you should read the airline safety information in the travel advisory of the destinations where you will be flying.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Tropical cyclones and hurricanes occur during the wet season in many places around the world. Communications may be disrupted in affected areas. You should closely monitor the local media for the most up-to-date weather information and follow the advice of local authorities. See the Severe Weather: Hurricanes, Cyclones and Typhoons travel bulletin.
There are active volcanos around the globe, with many located in the world's oceans and seas. Most countries with active volcanos closely monitor volcanic activity and post updates on official websites.
Strong coastal currents, including rip tides, can make swimming and diving dangerous. Local authorities can provide advice regarding local conditions.
If a natural disaster occurs, you should monitor the media closely for information on evacuation procedures and follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are overseas, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences, even for possession of small amounts of so called 'soft drugs', may in some countries include the death penalty.
Laws relating to gun possession and licensing overseas may be different to laws in Australia. Failure to comply with these laws may result in fines or imprisonment. The embassies or consulates of the countries you intend to visit can provide advice on requirements.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
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.
Some countries have conservative standards of dress and behaviour. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Some countries do not recognise dual nationality. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the countries you intend to visit before you travel.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassies or Consulates of the countries you intend to visit for the most up-to-date information.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities and medical care is significantly lower than those in Australia in many countries. There can be shortages of medical equipment and medicines and hygiene can be poor. Upfront payment is required in some countries before treatment will begin. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. The costs for medical evacuations can exceed $100,000.
Decompression chambers are often located near popular diving locations. You should check the location of decompression chambers in the travel advice for your destination.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases are prevalent around the world with major outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. If you are in doubt about the quality of the water in any country, we recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.
Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in many countries around the world, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Medicare benefits are payable for services rendered by an Australian registered medical practitioner on board a vessel travelling between two Australian ports, even if the vessel leaves Australian waters during the journey. Medicare benefits are not payable if the journey is between an Australian port and a foreign port or between two foreign ports.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may also be contacted by telephone on (02) 6261 3305.
Whatever the reason you are travelling and however long you'll be overseas, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact an Australian diplomatic mission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
