The basics

Learn about your destination

• Read our travel advice for your destination. We'll tell you the key risks and how to stay safe. Learn what each advice level means in our travel advisories.
• Subscribe to our travel advice. We'll update you when things change. Also follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
• Research the local laws of the countries you plan to visit. If you're a dual national, check if this will affect your trip.

Organise your documents and insurance

• Confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months from when you think your trip will end.
• Get the right visa for countries you're visiting or transiting through. Smartraveller can't help you with visas. Visa conditions change regularly so check with the embassy or consulate of your destinations before every trip.
• Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your belongings. Check the fine print - find insurance that's right for you and covers your activities in the places you'll go. Remember, even if you're healthy and fit, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
• Check if you need extra documents if you're travelling with children.
• Check out local traffic laws and practices if you're driving overseas. You'll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence.

Plan for your health

• Consider if you're physically and mentally healthy enough for travel. Get advice from your doctor if you're unsure.
• Find out if there are any health risks where you're going. 
• Get a basic health check at least 8 weeks before you go. Get the recommended vaccinations.
• Check if your medication is legal and available where you're going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.

Tell people where you're going.

• Tell your bank you're travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options. Check how much local and foreign currency you can bring to your destination.
• Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Let them know when you may be out of contact, so they don't worry.

Plan for if things go wrong

• Take copies of your passport, visa and key documents such as your prescriptions, insurance policy and identification. Take a copy with you and give one to someone you trust.
• Know what to do if there's a crisis where you are overseas.
• Keep a hard copy list of contacts in case you need help. Emergency contacts for each country are listed in our travel advisories. 
• Read the Consular Service Charter to understand how we can help Australians overseas.