Travel Checklist

Before you book or head off, we strongly recommend that you check the below details for all destinations you’re intending to travel to.
check passport validity

Many countries require 6 months on your passport from your date of returning to Australia.

get travel insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Make sure you’re covered.

do you need a visa?

Depending on your nationality you may need an e-visa or paper visa for your destination. Make sure you’re organised as this can sometimes take weeks to process. Be sure to check for every country you intend to visit.

Check COVID-19 and other entry requirements for your destination

From customs declarations to vaccination requirements, many countries have specific requirements which you need to follow or risk being denied entry.

Travel Insurance.
A necessity, not a luxury.

Travel insurance is highly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade because, let’s face it, not everything goes according to plan when you’re travelling. So, just like your passport, travel insurance is a must-have. It’s your safety net that ensures you and your loved ones won’t face financial issues if something goes awry. Don’t take any chances, regardless of who you are, where you’re headed, or what you’ll be up to – getting insurance is the smart move.

If you do need medical help, Travel insurance is crucial. The cost of medical assistance abroad can be very high. Most countries won’t offer free or discounted care, leaving you to pay if you aren’t covered.

Start a quote with one of our partners.

Useful Information

The following resources may prove helpful when planning your trip.

COVID-19 Entry Restrictions

IATA Travel Centre has the latest advice and health restrictions from official sources around the world.

visa & entry requirements

Sherpa is your guide to getting the right travel documentation and understanding up-to-date travel requirements.

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Smartraveller provides official travel advisories by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.

Latest updates from Smartraveller
Published: 30-11-2023
All land border crossings with Russia are closed (see 'Travel)'.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in Finland.

Published: 30-11-2023
We've reviewed our advice for Russia and continue to advise do not travel due to the security situation and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine.

Russian authorities have made strong, negative comments regarding Western countries. Local authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia and enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner. Avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

The security situation in Russia could deteriorate with little warning. If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice. If you're in Russia, have an alternate exit plan.

Review your personal security plans and carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Make sure your travel documents are up to date. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Russia due to the security situation and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine.

 

Published: 29-11-2023
We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions in Canada.

We advise: 

Exercise normal safety precautions in Canada.

Published: 29-11-2023
We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions in the Netherlands.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in the Netherlands.

Published: 28-11-2023
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) will take place in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December. There may be road closures and increased security (see ‘Travel’).

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism. There's an increased risk of terrorism, including threats against military bases. Maintain a high level of security awareness (see ‘Safety’).

If you have unresolved criminal charges in the UAE, including unpaid debts, authorities may detain you when you arrive, even if you're in transit (see ‘Local laws’).

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism.

Published: 27-11-2023
We continue to advise, do not travel to Iraq. The security situation throughout Iraq remains volatile. Due to the security environment and the ongoing threat of kidnappings, you should leave Iraq immediately by commercial means, if it's safe to do so. If you're staying in Iraq, be alert and check media for updates on new threats (see 'Safety').

Large protests and political rallies occur regularly across Iraq. These can quickly turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings. If you're caught in an affected area, stay indoors. Follow the advice of local authorities or your security provider (see 'Civil unrest and political tension').

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping and violent crime.

Published: 27-11-2023
We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in North Macedonia.

 
Published: 27-11-2023
Protests are causing significant disruption to essential services, including transport and food. Protests can turn violent and may disrupt your travel plans. Crime levels are high in Panama. Take care of your belongings, especially in transport hubs. Pay attention to your personal security in crowded areas and don't go out alone (see 'Safety').

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Panama overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

*Travel Tailor Group PTY LTD, ABN 91 644 155 984 is a distributor of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and receives a commission for nib products purchased through Travel Tailor Group PTY LTD. Travel Tailor Group PTY LTD acts as an agent for nib and not as your agent. Travel Tailor Group PTY LTD cannot give advice about nib products, and any factual information provided is not intended to imply a recommendation or opinion about nib products. Before you buy, please read the Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. If you have a complaint about a nib product, see the Product Disclosure Statement for the complaints process. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.