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: 18-05-2024
There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Belgium. The threat level issued by Belgian authorities remains at level 3 of 4 - 'Serious' (see 'Safety'). Crowded places, such as music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, major sporting events and other public areas, are possible targets. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.

We advise:

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

Published: 18-05-2024
We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji. 

Published: 18-05-2024
We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel for metropolitan Noumea due to civil unrest, travel disruptions and limited essential services. We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution elsewhere in New Caledonia due to protests and travel disruptions.

Political demonstrations and protests are occurring and may turn more violent at short notice. A state of emergency is in place. There’s also a curfew for the Noumea metropolitan area between 6pm and 6am until further notice. Local authorities have advised to strictly limit movement during the day. Australian officials are following these instructions from local authorities. There's potential for demonstrations in other locations. Essential services are impacted.

The La Tontouta International Airport remains closed and flights have been cancelled until further notice. Australians should not attempt to travel to the airport at this stage, as travel on the airport road is not yet considered safe. Roads have been damaged and many have blockades in place, including along the RT1 road to La Tontouta International Airport. Minimise movement and avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities (see 'Safety').  

If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in New Caledonia, you can register your location and contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's crisis registration portal. See the 'Safety' section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you. Australian officials, including those in Nouméa, are closely monitoring the situation in New Caledonia. They are in contact with local authorities and are carefully assessing the options available for Australians to safely depart.

The Australian Consulate-General in Noumea is temporarily closed. Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).

We now advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in New Caledonia overall due to protests and travel disruptions.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Published: 17-05-2024
We've reviewed our advice for Sri Lanka and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka and may become violent. Avoid areas impacted by demonstrations.

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due to the threat of public demonstrations and security risks. 

Published: 15-05-2024
Authorities will issue you a 31-day visitor visa on arrival. A visitor visa can be extended for an additional 62 days, either before travel or after arrival, at no cost. (see 'Travel').

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in the Cook Islands.

Published: 15-05-2024
We've reviewed our advice for Somalia and continue to advise do not travel. Terrorist attacks occur frequently. If you're in Somalia, leave as soon as possible. If, despite our advice you decide to stay, get professional security advice. There are no Australian officials in Somalia and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Somalia due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

Published: 15-05-2024
We've reviewed our advice for Turkmenistan and continue to advise, reconsider your need to travel. Higher levels apply. You need a visa for Turkmenistan, even if you're only transiting. Get a visa before you arrive, and don't overstay your visa, as there are penalties (see 'Travel').

We advise:

Reconsider your need to travel to Turkmenistan overall due to entry restrictions and limited transportation options.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Published: 14-05-2024
We've reviewed our advice for Papua New Guinea and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. Higher levels apply in some areas. Ongoing aviation fuel shortages can disrupt domestic air travel with little or no notice. Protests and civil disorder can escalate quickly. Avoid areas where violence occurs and be alert to personal safety risks. Monitor the local media for updates (see 'Safety').

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea overall due to high levels of serious 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.