Australia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 000 for police.
• Dial 000 for ambulance.
• Dial 1-800-737-732 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.

Terrorism 

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools  
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights) 

Demonstrations  

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.   
• Some past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Crime 

Robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft can occur anywhere, including in Australia’s larger cities. 

• Foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves.  
• Most petty crime can be avoided with basic security precautions. 
• Stay alert when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities.  
• “Bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur.  
• Watch out for drink spiking while drinking alcohol with unfamiliar people. 

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Australia.  Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money.  Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers may pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include:  

• Investment scams 
• Family impersonation 
• Government and bank impersonation 
• Online shopping and classified scams 
• Job and employment scams 
• Remote access scams 
• Romance and dating scams 

If using dating apps or websites:  

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault. 
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.   
• Meet in a popular public place.  
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app). 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.  
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. 
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. 
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. 
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.  

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 000. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find emergency accommodation and options to travel home. 

Victims of crime programs in Australia 

Australia has assistance programs for victims of crimes. Visit the appropriate website depending on your location: 

• New South Wales (NSW): Victims Services NSW 
• Victoria (VIC): Victims of Crime Victoria 
• Queensland (QLD): Victim Assist Queensland 
• Western Australia (WA): Commissioner for Victims of Crime WA 
• South Australia (SA): Commissioner for Victims' Rights SA 
• Tasmania (TAS): Victims Support Services Tasmania 
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Victim Support ACT 
• Northern Territory (NT): Victims of Crime NT 

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry in Australia is regulated: 

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.  
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.  
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.  
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.  
• U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.   

Adventure travel  

Outback travel 

Driving, camping, or hiking in the Australian Outback is very dangerous if you are not fully prepared.   

• Summer temperatures often go above 104°F. You can get dehydrated, suffer heatstroke, or die quickly in this heat.   
• Mobile phone service is not available outside of major towns.   
• If your vehicle breaks down, never leave your car to walk for help.   
• Always travel with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, extra fuel, drinking water reserves, and an emergency satellite phone or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). 

Swimming and water sports 

Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming in Australian coastal waters can be dangerous.  Powerful rip currents are common.   

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags on beaches patrolled by lifeguards.   
• In northern Australia (including Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory), dangerous wildlife such as sharks, saltwater crocodiles, and deadly box jellyfish ("marine stingers") are a serious threat.   
• Dangerous marine life could be present in many Australian beach locations.    
• Always follow beach closure signs and wear a protective stinger suit when told to do so.  
• Visit the Wet Tropics Management Authority visitor information guide for information on Australian wildlife and marine life. 
• More information on beach safety can be found on the Surf Life Saving website and Beachsafe Australia website and app. 

Scuba diving 

If you plan to scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef or other sites, Australian law requires you to complete a strict medical declaration form.   

• If you have certain pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, heart issues, or diabetes, you may not be legally allowed to dive unless an Australian doctor clears you.  
• Follow recommended precautions when snorkeling and scuba diving. Never dive alone. In recent years, swimmers have died while snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Hiking and national parks 

Before hiking in national parks, check local bushfire warnings and weather forecasts.   

• Always stay on marked trails.  
• Wear sturdy boots to protect against venomous snakes and spiders.  
• Download the app “Fires Near Me Australia” for more information and warnings in your area.  

Medical evacuation insurance 

• Rescues in remote areas or at sea often require highly specialized medical evacuations. Standard U.S. health insurance will not cover these extremely expensive rescues.   
• You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers medical evacuation and your specific adventure activities. 

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, including inside certain areas of Australian airports, near prisons, and at military bases.
• Penalties for drug possession, use, and trafficking are strict.  Convicted offenders can expect lengthy sentences and fines.  Visit Australia’s Department of Health webpage for more information.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Australia, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Health screenings 

• Australian authorities have strong powers to stop diseases and other threats from entering the country. 
• During a public health emergency, you may have to go through strict health checks when you arrive or travel in Australia. This can include testing, monitoring, and possible quarantine. 

Customs regulations 

• Australian customs authorities enforce strict rules about bringing in agricultural products.  
• You cannot bring plants, food products, and wood products.  
• Australia has strict quarantine rules for animals and pets.   
• Find more information at  Can you bring it in. 

Arrest notification  

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Australia.   
• Australian federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

The law in Australia prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities.  The law is strictly enforced.   

• If you believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a formal complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission. 
• The most common types of accessibility in Australia include accessible facilities like ramps and lifts, information in alternative formats, hearing loops, and ease of movement in public spaces.   
• Most modern buildings and tourist attractions are designed with universal access in mind.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in rural and remote areas.   
• Older infrastructure in small towns may not have the same level of ramp or lift access.  Expect accessibility to be limited in many of the downtown areas in Australian cities, which were built in the 1800s.  These areas often have narrow sidewalks crowded with pedestrians and tourists.   
• Tourist spots at the beach or in the Australian outback can have varying degrees of accessibility. 
• Accessibility is common in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure within major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. In these cities, almost all trains, buses, and ferries are wheelchair accessible.   
• Many accommodations and venues provide accessibility information on their websites. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.   

Women travelers   

• Review our information for Women Travelers.  
• Review our information on Marriage.  
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights 

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Australia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers 

• Dial 000 for emergency medical services.   

Ambulance services 

Ambulance services are widely available.  

• Ambulances are staffed by highly trained registered paramedics. 
• Ambulances are equipped with advanced medical technology. 
• In remote "Outback" or rural areas, response times can be significantly longer due to long distances.  In these remote locations, specialized aeromedical services often provide emergency transport. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors in Australia do not accept U.S. health insurance directly. 
• Medical care is not free in Australia for U.S. citizens. Because the United States does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, you will be responsible for expenses even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Doctors and private hospitals often require payment upfront before providing non-emergency treatment or admitting a patient. Public hospital emergency rooms will treat you in an emergency but will bill you for the services afterward. 
• Unpaid medical debts can result in your Australian visa being canceled and may bar you from future travel to Australia. 
• Credit cards are widely accepted by medical providers in Australia. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.  

Vaccinations 

Yellow fever: If you are 1 year old or older and stayed overnight in a yellow fever risk country within 6 days before arriving in Australia, you may be asked to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate, but you can still enter Australia without one. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities  

Health facilities are widely available and of excellent quality in major cities and regional centers.  However, it may be much harder to find adequate health care and emergency services in remote "Outback" or rural areas. 

• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Because U.S. citizens are not covered by Australia's national health system (Medicare), hospitals and private doctors will often require payment upfront prior to non-emergency service or admission.   
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals, including ground ambulances or specialized aeromedical, which can be extremely expensive for foreign tourists.  
• Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation to the United States or other countries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.   

Medical tourism and elective surgery  

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.  

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Australia.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications

Prescription medications  

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  

• Check with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure your specific medication is legal in Australia. Under the Australian "traveler’s exemption," you can legally bring most prescription medications for personal use, but you are strictly limited to a maximum 3-month supply.  
• If you are carrying controlled substances—such as opioid painkillers, medicinal cannabis products, or ADHD medications (like Adderall)—you must declare them to the Australian Border Force upon arrival. You must have a valid prescription or doctor's letter proving they are for your personal medical use.  
• Australia does not allow the importation of certain substances, even with a U.S. prescription. Do not carry supplements and medications containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Yohimbe, Amygdalin (laetrile), and abortifacients (such as RU486/mifepristone) unless they have secured a specific, pre-approved import permit. Please review the Office of Drug Control's rules for travelers before you fly. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy 

If you are considering traveling to Australia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  

• Commercial surrogacy is illegal throughout all of Australia.  
• Altruistic surrogacy is legal, but it is strictly regulated at the state and territory level. Almost all Australian states require the intended parents to be permanent residents of that specific state. Because of these strict residency requirements, surrogacy is not available for visiting foreigners. 
• For additional information, visit the Australian Government's official surrogacy website. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Australia via ART with an altruistic surrogate and you meet the local residency requirements, consider hiring a reputable local attorney. Be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.   
• People who try to avoid local surrogacy laws, especially laws banning commercial surrogacy, risk severe criminal penalties and legal consequences

Water quality and food safety  

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking everywhere in Australia.  

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Canberra, Melbourn, Sydney, and Perth.   
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  
• Air pollution is a significant problem during certain months in Australia due to bushfires. Consider the impact pollution from seasonal bushfires may have on your health. Consult your doctor before traveling. 
• The air quality varies considerably and changes with the season. It is typically at its worst in the bushfire season, which varies regionally. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology for information about regional bushfire seasons. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 
  • Infants, children, teens, and older adults 
  • People with heart disease and lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema 
  • People who work or are active outdoors. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles are right-hand drive. Take extra caution as you adjust to driving, and when crossing streets.
• Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways.

Highway travel

• Outside major cities, most highways are 2-lane roads with long distances between destinations.
• When driving in Australia, use caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.

Animals and road-trains

• If driving in rural areas, stay alert for free-roaming animals, like kangaroos, and "road-trains,” several semi-truck trailers connected together.
• Passing road-trains are dangerous. You should pull over to allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped.
• If you have no experience with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should exercise common-sense when driving in the Australian outback.
• Avoid driving outside of major cities at night, dusk, or dawn. Australian wildlife—especially kangaroos, emus and wandering cattle—are active during these times. They often jump directly in front of fast-moving vehicles.
• Hitting a large kangaroo at highway speeds can destroy your car and cause fatal injuries.

Emergency services

• Dial 000 for emergency services.
• In capital cities and along the main eastern coast, emergency services and roadside assistance clubs (like the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA), Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV), or Royal Automotive Club of Queensland (RACQ)) are highly reliable and fast.
• In the Outback and rural areas, mobile phone service is completely non-existent. Emergency responders or tow trucks may take hours or even days to reach you.

Traffic laws   

Each state and territory has different rules about using a foreign driver’s license. You may need to get an international driver’s license depending on where you are driving.  

• More information about driving rules and regulations is available by state. 
• For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, visit the Australian Tourist Commission website. 

Safety requirements 

• Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. You can be fined if you don’t wear one. 
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets. 
• Speed limits and laws are strictly enforced. Speed limits vary throughout Australia and are measured in kilometers, not miles.  
• Be aware that speed cameras are everywhere, and you will get a ticket for driving over the speed limit. 
• Texting or holding your phone while driving is illegal in Australia. Fines are high for these offenses. You can use a hands-free system to communicate while driving. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

• Taxis and ride-share apps are widely available, strictly regulated by state and territory governments.  
• Ride-shares are very safe to use throughout Australia. 

Public and commercial transportation  

Australia has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, and subways.  

• Use common sense safety practices, such as guarding valuables and staying aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 
• Visit the website of Tourism Australia and Australia's Office of Road Safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  

Aviation safety oversight  

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Australia should check the following:   

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Bushfires or wildfires

Bushfires are a frequent and highly destructive threat in Australia. 

• In southern, western, and eastern Australia, the peak danger season runs from November through April.
• In northern Australia, the primary fire season occurs during the dry season from May through October.

Tropical cyclones

The northern coastal regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland are prone to severe tropical cyclones (hurricanes).

• These storms bring destructive winds and massive storm surges. 
• The cyclone season officially runs from November through April.

Flooding

Major flooding is common, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales.

• Flooding often results from cyclones, intense seasonal rain, or La Niña weather events.
• Flash flooding is most common during the summer "Wet Season" from November to April. But widespread river flooding can occur at any time of year.

Extreme heat

Summer temperatures in the Outback and even major cities frequently exceed 104°F (40°C).  Heatwaves are most severe from December through March.

• Always check the BOM website or download the official BOM Weather app for real-time weather forecasts, cyclone tracking, and national severe weather warnings.
• The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the official national emergency broadcaster. Tune into ABC Local Radio or check their emergency website for live updates during a crisis.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Review information on best practices for volunteering abroad.

Embassies and consulates