Terrorism

This page has advice for Australians travelling overseas about the risk of terrorism.

Explore this page to learn about:

• knowing the risks before you go
• common targets for terrorists
• when terrorists may attack
• what to do if there's a terrorist attack
• how the Australian Government can help
• support when you return to Australia

Know the risks before you go

Terrorism is a threat to Australians living and travelling overseas.

Terrorists can strike anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are usually at lower risk. They target both locals and tourists.

Terrorists use different methods of attack, including:

• knives and blunt objects
• firearms
• explosives
• vehicles.

Learn more about terrorism from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

Before you go

• Research where you're going before you book. Find out where there is a higher risk of terrorism. Read the travel advice for your destination and subscribe for updates.
• Know what our advice levels mean. Take our advice seriously, including where we say not to travel. This may include border areas or other locations in a low-risk destination.
• Decide if you feel safe where you plan to go. Especially if our advice level is 3. If the risk is high and you decide to go anyway, take extra precautions. If it's at level 4, don't go.
• Know high-risk sites that terrorists could target. You may want to avoid them. Take extra care if you visit.
• Check key dates and current events. The risk of terrorism is higher around specific events. Take extra care if you're travelling around these times.
• Find out if you can get travel insurance. And check what it covers. Some policies cover you if you cancel before you go. But most insurers won’t cover non-medical claims relating to acts of terror while you're away. Read the fine print.
• Know how to get help. See the emergency contact details in the travel advice for your destination.

What our travel advice levels mean

Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions
At level 1, the security environment is similar to that of a large Australian city. This doesn't mean the local situation will be the same as in Australia. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks but overall the risks are not likely to be greater than those you'd face in an Australian city. Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia.

Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
At level 2, there are more or higher risks than what you would typically find in a large Australian city. We're not saying not to go to this location. But you should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.

Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel
At level 3, there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks. This can make the destination unsafe for tourism and unsuitable for most travellers. This could be due to an ongoing threat of terrorism or kidnapping. Avoid non-essential travel. Do your research and check that your insurer will cover you. If you do travel, take extra precautions to protect yourself from security and health risks.

Level 4: Do not travel
At level 4, your health and safety are at extreme risk. The Australian Government is severely limited in how it can help.

If despite our advice you're travelling to a higher-risk destination, you should:

• Hire security. This may be through your workplace or a personal security firm.
• Get specialised insurance. Most standard travel insurance policies won't cover you. Make sure your policy includes kidnapping and death. Cover is likely to be very expensive.
• Get a security plan. Have your security provider do a formal risk assessment. Ask about their security processes.
• Know what to do when there's a situation. In 'do not travel' destinations, local authorities may be unable to help. You may have to rely on a private security provider.

Common targets for terrorists

Crowded places can be targets for terrorism. Attacks on large crowds cause more casualties, public fear and media attention. They're also easier to target using simple weapons.

Terrorists have attacked a wide range of targets around the world including:

• places of worship
• markets
• airports
• trains
• shopping malls
• cafes and restaurants
• hotels
• nightclubs
• embassies
• police stations
• schools
• residential compounds
• festivals
• concerts
• stadiums and sporting venues.

Terrorism is a global threat. Check the travel advice no matter where you plan to travel. Subscribe our advice updates and monitor the media. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.

When terrorists may attack

Terrorists can attack at any time and in any place. Some attacks happen without warning. Others happen after a threat has been made public.

There are times when an attack might be more likely, including:

• major holidays
• religious events
• major sporting events
• significant dates and anniversaries
• during elections, especially at political events such as rallies.

Sometimes, terrorists strike in response to global events that offend their religious or ideological beliefs.

'Listed' terrorist organisations

The Australian National Security website lists terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code.

Not all terrorists are part of an organisation. Many attacks have been by single terrorists or small groups.

What to do if there's a terrorist attack

1. Make sure you’re safe

Leave the area as soon as it's safe. If the attack isn't near you, avoid the area where it happened.

Follow the advice of local authorities.

2. Get help if you’re hurt

If you're injured, go to a hospital. The nearest Australian embassy or consulate can give you a list of doctors who speak English.

You might need to show your travel insurance details or pay for treatment in advance.

3. Tell family and friends you’re okay

Let your family and friends know you're safe as soon as possible. If they know about the attack, they'll be worried about you.

4. Stay updated

The attack may not be over yet. Assume the threat still exists until local authorities confirm it's over.

Watch the news, check social media and listen for new threats. Take official warnings seriously.

Subscribe to Smartraveller and check your emails often. We'll email you if we update the travel advice or advice level.

5. Stay vigilant

If there's still a risk of a terrorist attack, be extra careful. Avoid places that terrorists might target.

If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police. You can find the police contact details in the 'Contacts' section in the travel advice for each destination.

6. Decide if you want to stay in the country

It's up to you whether you stay in the country after a terrorist attack. The Australian Government can't make you leave. But the government of the country where the attack happened can.

If you decide to stay, we may be unable to help you.

How the Australian Government can help

We’re limited in how and when we can help you overseas. It's important to understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter for what we can and can't do.

To contact the Australian Government in an emergency:

• Call the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
• Call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

What we can do

• We can give emergency consular help.
• We can give you a list of local hospitals with doctors who speak English.
• We can contact your relatives or friends, with your consent.
• We can help you access local support and counselling services, where available.
• We can transfer you to an Australian counselling service.

What we can't do

• We can't guarantee your safety and security in another country.
• We can't give you legal or medical advice.
• We can't make decisions for you or make you leave a country.
• We can't force local authorities to act.

Support when you return to Australia

Support from Services Australia

Services Australia offers a payment for Australian victims of terrorism overseas. Eligibility criteria apply.

Read more about the Australian Victims of Terrorism Overseas Payment.

You can also visit Services Australia for information about its crisis and special help services.

Counselling and support

If you need someone to talk to in Australia, there are 24-hour services that can help you.

• Contact Lifeline on 13 11 44
• Contact BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636.

The Department of Health has information on mental health support. Find out where to get help, including their list of helplines and services.

Read more

• For more information about travel advice levels, see travel advice explained.

See also

• See more about listed terrorist organisations (Australian National Security).
• Learn about the payment for Australian victims of terrorism overseas (Services Australia).
• Read the Annual Terrorism Report for trends in terrorist attacks (US State Department).