The latest travel advice for Australia's favourite travel destinations
Australians are heading overseas for a holiday in record numbers.
From tranquil beach destinations like Bali to the countryside of New Zealand, buzzing US cities to the culture of Vietnam, Aussies can't wait to get away.
But whether travelling for pleasure or to see family, it's essential to heed official advice
We've collated the latest alerts from the Australian Government's Smartraveller site for the most popular destinations Aussies are heading to, according to the latest ABS data.
New Zealand
New Zealand is the most popular destination for Aussies, the latest numbers show.
A short flight away, the nation is famous for its exhilarating adventure activities including skiing.
Experts give it the green light, saying to "exercise normal safety precautions".
However, it notes the nation can experience earthquakes and tsunamis and has active volcanoes.
It also says weather can change quickly and warns hikers to carry an emergency locator beacon.
The latest advice was updated on March 17, 2025.
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Indonesia
Indonesia, is one of the most popular places for Aussies to go, likely for the popular island of Bali.
But visitors should "exercise a high degree of caution".
On May 30, 2025 the Smartraveller website reviewed its advice with extra warnings.
These related to drownings and drinking.
It warns many Aussies have drowned due to rough seas and strong currents.
It also says methanol poisoning from alcohol can happen.
Travellers are also warned to make sure their passports are in pristine condition or they may be turned away.
Aussies are urged to read up on the Bali Provincial Government's list of "do's and don'ts".
There is also an ongoing risk of terror attacks, demonstrations can also be hazardous, and petty crime is an issue.
A warning over the safety of some ferries is also listed.
Japan
If you're heading to take in the culture food and shopping Japan is famous for, there are few warnings in place.
That's unless you plan to go to the restricted areas near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, in which cause you should Reconsider your need to travel
However, the nation does get earthquakes and tsunamis, Smartraveller says.
Sign up for local alerts, the government says.
Plus the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen, experts say.
Drink spiking and petty theft is also possible.
Advice was updated on March 14, 2025.
USA
Updated advice was issued for Aussies going to the the United States of America on May 6, 2025.
While it remains a 'green' country, with the official line "exercise normal safety precautions," there are things to remember.
"Entry requirements are strict," Smartraveller says.
"US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.
"Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements.
"Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, ensure you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the United States."
The government also warns to avoid demonstrations and protests and notes violent crime, terror attacks gun crime are a threat.
Severe weather and natural hazards such as earthquakes are also possible.
India
Tens of thousands of people from India live in Australia, and it's also a holiday bucket list place for many.
Overall it's a "yellow" country where Aussies should 'exercise a high degree of caution.'
That's due to the threat of terrorism, crime and civil unrest, Smartraveller advices.
Crowed places should be avoided because people have been killed in stampedes.
Women may face harassment or sexual assault and shouldn't travel alone, the government says.
Spiked drinks and food are also a risk, as are scams and petty theft.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border and Manipur are 'do not travel' areas.
Aussies should also "reconsider' travelling to the Attari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh, border areas of Nagaland, and parts of Assam.
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The advice was updated on 12 May 2025.
Thailand
Thailand has risks to do with safety and security, making it country where Aussies should "exercise a high degree of caution."
Some risks relate to the earthquake in nearby Myanmar earlier this year.
Tremors continue as do assessments of the structural integrity of buildings, Smartraveller warns.
Other risks include scams, terrorist attacks, sexual assault, road accidents, robbery and drink spiking.
Travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces should be reconsidered.
Aussies must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
The advice was updated on 30 May 2025.
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Vietnam
Vietnam has the green light for travel: exercise normal levels of precaution.
In advice updated on 15 May 2025 Smartraveller notes Aussies need to apply for a visa before going.
However, road accidents, sexual assaults and petty theft including bag 'slashing' are common.
"To make bags and backpacks more difficult to steal, hold them in front of you or on the opposite side of the traffic. Be aware of motorbikes approaching as you walk.," Smartraveller advises.
China
Official advice for China, which is famous for ancient sites like the Great Wall of China, advises a "high degree of caution".
"As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of 'endangering national security'" Smartraveller says.
"Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws."
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Scams and petty crime are common.
Aussies should avoid protests- including taking photos and videos.
You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour, it notes.
The advice was updated on 11 April 2025.
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Singapore
The island nation is a popular stopover and holiday destination.
Aussies should exercise normal precautions, Smartraveller says.
Do be aware of the advice, which was updated on 22 April 2025.
Scammers who call or send texts and pretend to be government officials, banks or telecommunications companies have been reported.
Terrorism is also a possible threat in Singapore.
Philippines
The increasingly popular destination of the Philippines carries a yellow warning: exercise a high level of caution.
That's due to the to the threat of terrorism as well as violent crime.
Some areas carry a red "do not travel warning": central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula; the Sulu Archipelago and the southern Sulu Sea area.
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Kidnappings and pirates are common in the Sulu Archipelago.
"Don't travel by boat" in the southern Philippines, the government advises.
The update was made on 28 March 2025.
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