So you’re thinking of jetting off on the adventure of a lifetime, seeking thrills and excitement or looking to go somewhere less travelled. Influencers and local tour operators are recommending destinations off the beaten tourist track, and you’ve been inspired. But there’s a catch. Your dream destination is listed as ‘Do not travel’ on Smartraveller.
Travelling somewhere uncommon or unsafe can seem thrilling. Especially if you’ve seen others do it and return safely. But visiting locations where we and other governments advise ‘Do not travel’ can put your life in serious danger. No amount of likes are worth the risks.
Before you decide to travel, you need ensure you’re not putting yourself at risk. Our advice levels are important to follow. They’re put in place to protect your safety and wellbeing. If you do get into trouble, our ability to provide consular assistance in these places is extremely limited. In almost all cases, you also won’t be covered by travel insurance.
Take our advice seriously, avoid travelling to or through do not travel locations. This includes entire countries like Afghanistan, Iran and Russia. It also includes some regions in other safer countries, like parts of Mindanao in the Philippines or border areas in Colombia.
What’s so dangerous?
There are serious risks in ‘Do not travel’ destinations. We provide this advice to Australians for a reason. Often that’s because Australians or other foreign nationals have already been victims.
Familiarise yourself with our travel advice levels and what they mean. Make sure none of the places you’re going are listed as ‘Do not travel’. Even if the overall advice level is lower, check that there aren’t any ‘Do not travel’ areas within the places you plan to go.
If you get into trouble, the Australian Government may be unable to help. Our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is extremely limited.
Risk of injury and death
Locations may be ‘Do not travel’ because of conflict, terrorist attacks, violent crime or violent social unrest. You could die or be seriously injured while travelling there. Your family would face the very high cost of repatriating your body or arranging your medical evacuation at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if it can be organised at all. You’re very unlikely to be covered by travel insurance.
Risk of kidnapping
Kidnapping is a serious and ongoing threat in many ‘Do not travel’ locations. Terrorists and militant groups often target tourists to kidnap. In some situations, they have killed their victims when their demands weren't met.
Risk of arbitrary detention
Foreigners have often been arbitrarily detained in ‘Do not travel’ locations. You may be imprisoned with no charges or trial for reasons that may not be clear or explained. Detention conditions will likely be harsh and damaging to health and welfare. It can last months or even years.
The Australian Government may not be notified about a detention, and our ability to help is usually severely limited.
Travel insurance
Most standard travel insurance policies won't cover you for 'Do not travel' destinations.
Check if your policy covers you for cancellations if the advice level goes up after you've booked. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you buy a policy.
Subscribe to get updates on your destination, this will help you stay informed about any changes or risks.
Read more
- Read our travel advice for your destination, and subscribe to get updates.
- Learn about travel insurance and read the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide.
- See travel advice explained to learn more about our advice levels.