Estonia

You could face cyber threats in any country, anyone is a target. Your devices and data can be stolen, especially when using public Wi-Fi, computers, or Bluetooth. Criminals can use stolen information to conduct scams or to resell your personal information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to protect yourself online.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions or strict laws. People have been arrested for what they posted online. Check the laws of the destination you’re travelling to and think about what you post on social media. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you’re accused of breaking the law.

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert, don’t leave your food or drinks alone. Watch when your drink is being mixed. If you feel unwell, tell your friends immediately and get to a safe place. Keep an eye on your friends - if they feel unwell, stay with them. Get medical help if needed.

People have died or become very sick from poisoned drinks overseas. This includes Australians. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol production. Only drink branded, sealed drinks. Get urgent medical help if you think you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and closely read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for what is and isn’t covered.

It must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay for these costs.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t travel. This is true for everyone, even if you are healthy and fit.

If you don’t have insurance, you might have to pay thousands of dollars up front for medical care.

Before you travel, check your policy, make sure:

• you know what activities and medical care your insurance covers, including evacuations
• your insurance covers you for your whole trip, including any stopovers
• you know any exclusions – for example, you might need to pay extra for activities like motorcycling, snow sports, scuba diving or bungee jumping.

More information:

• Travel insurance

Travelling overseas can be stressful and uncertain. You may experience unfamiliar environments, travel disruptions, changes in normal routines and limited access to health care. 

Not taking your prescribed medications is a common cause of mental ill-health for Australians overseas.

If you are concerned about your welfare, or someone else's, contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission, or consulate. You can also call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Mental health resources:

• Information and advice on mental illness (HealthDirect).
• Living with mental illness (BeyondBlue)
• Medicare Mental Health (the Department of Health and Aged Care)

More information:

• General health advice
• Mental health support overseas

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some medicines may be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Ensure your medication is legal overseas. Take enough for your whole trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• medication names
• your required dosage
• that the medications are for your personal use.

More information:

• Medicines

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Each country or territory decides its own entry and exit rules, including health border screening measures. To find out what you need to enter a destination, ask their embassy, consulate or immigration office. 

The European Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES has started registering all non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen area.

When you arrive in a country in the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days or less) using an Australian passport, you'll need to:

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions.

This will create a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen Area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide your fingerprint and/or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

The EES is free. You don't need to do anything before arriving at the border. Be alert to fraudulent websites that say you need to register or pay a fee before you travel to the EU. Only use official EU systems to provide your data.

If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on. 

This process may cause extended delays at border crossings.

• Arrive well before your flight departure time.
• Allow for delays when planning transits and onward travel.

Schengen Area trip duration rules still apply.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The ETIAS is separate from EES.

ETIAS is due to be implemented towards the end of 2026. Once implemented, travellers visiting any of the 30 participating European countries visa-free will need to get an ETIAS travel authorisation prior to travel.

Applications are not yet open. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorisations. Apply only through the official EU website once the system is launched. Stay subscribed to Smartraveller to hear updates.

ETIAS and dual citizenship

Dual citizens of participating European countries or Ireland will not be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation.

If you're a dual citizen of Australia and an ETIAS country, once the system is implemented you won't be able to enter any participating countries using your Australian passport. You'll have to enter using the passport from your other country of citizenship.

Passport application wait times in some countries can be very long. Apply soon if you:

• don't have a passport from your other country of citizenship
• have an expired passport and need to have it renewed.

If you're unsure if you're a citizen of a participating country, contact the country's embassy or consulate in Australia. You may be denied entry to your destination if you travel on your Australian passport without checking your citizenship.

Trip duration limits

Australians can travel to the Schengen area for short trips without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You must ensure your total stay in the Schengen area does not exceed this limit.

The EES makes it easier for local authorities to see if you have overstayed. Immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit apply, and vary depending on the country you're in.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area
• Travel to Europe – Official European Union website

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transit.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel.

The Australian Government doesn’t make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to get a new passport.

Your passport is valuable and can be used by others to commit crimes. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government: 

• In Australia: contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• Overseas: contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passport has an 'X' in the sex field, we can’t guarantee your entry or transit to other countries. Ask the embassy or consulate of your destinations if they’ll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker. Check all transit destinations too.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

Airlines and airports can restrict what you can take in your luggage. Regulations may be different to those in Australia. Check with your airline before you travel.