Sri Lanka has scheduled Parliamentary elections for 14 November 2024.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. Terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and tourists, including in regional and coastal towns (see 'Safety').

To enter Sri Lanka, you'll need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should do this before you travel, as there are limited facilities to obtain an ETA on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.

We advise:

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

We continue to advise do not travel to Haiti. Toussaint-Louverture International Airport has temporarily suspended all operations due to gang violence. Travel across Port-au-Prince, including to and from the airport had been affected.

A State of Emergency is in place countrywide in response to gang violence. The security situation remains volatile. Violent crime is common, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, sexual assault and carjacking. Air, land and sea borders between Haiti and the Dominican Republic are closed. Airports are open but can be difficult to access due to the highly volatile security situation. You should consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so.

We advise:

Do not travel to Haiti overall due to the dangerous security situation, threat of violent crime, kidnapping and severe shortages of basic necessities including fuel, water and food.

 

Some flights between Australia and Bali have been cancelled or postponed due to volcanic ash from Mt Lewotobi on Flores. If your flight is affected, contact your airline and travel insurer for alternative travel and accommodation arrangements.

Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged (see 'Travel').

If you're travelling to Bali, read the Bali Provincial Government's 'Do's and Don'ts' advice for foreign tourists before you travel (See 'Local Laws'). Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest. Political and civil tensions are ongoing and events can be unpredictable (see 'Safety'). Large-scale political demonstrations, protests and events can occur with little warning, which may also result in travel disruptions.

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.

We've reviewed our advice for the Federated States of Micronesia and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in the Federated States of Micronesia.

We continue to advise do not travel to Russia. Foreigners, including Australians, are at risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Russian authorities make strong, negative comments regarding Western countries, including Australia. Local authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia and arbitrarily enforce local laws. Avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

There's a high threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places, including popular tourist sites. Attacks could occur with little or no warning. Always be alert to possible threats. Military activity is underway in the regions of Kursk and Belgorod. Russian authorities introduced a federal state of emergency in these regions. The security situation could deteriorate with little warning.

If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice. 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.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Russia due to the dangerous security situation, the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine and the risk of arbitrary detention or arrest.

 

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Azerbaijan. Higher levels apply in some areas. The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 November to 22 November 2024. There will likely be extra demands on local infrastructure, resources and increased security measures. Expect travel disruptions if you are visiting Baku during this time. Be alert to possible terrorism threats, especially in public places. Avoid large public gatherings and exercise heightened caution in locations where foreigners may gather. Always carry your passport and visa with you. The police can fine or detain you if you don't show valid travel documents.

We advise:

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

Higher levels apply in some areas.