Leslie Massey
The Australian government's Smartraveller portal provides travel advice for over 170 destinations to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas. As of January 2024, Smartraveller advised against travelling to 22 countries, including Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. In these countries, travellers may face risks such as arbitrary arrest, violent conflict, terrorism, extreme weather, and restrictive laws. The Australian government has a limited ability to provide assistance in these regions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries on the 'do not travel' list | 22 |
| Countries included | Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Somalia, Afghanistan, Myanmar |
| Reasons for inclusion | Arbitrary arrest of foreigners, war, volatile security situation, threat of terrorism, extreme weather, detention without access to due process, bombings, violence against women, civil conflict |
| Advice to Australians | Do not travel, leave the country if already there |
| Website | Smartraveller |
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What You'll Learn
Iran: High risk of arbitrary arrest and lack of due process
The Australian government's Smartraveller portal provides travel advice for over 170 destinations to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas. As of January 2024, Smartraveller's 'do not travel' list includes 22 countries.
One of the countries on the 'do not travel' list is Iran, where there is a high risk of foreigners being arbitrarily arrested and not being afforded due process. Australian-British academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert was detained in Iran for 804 days and released in 2020 after being falsely accused of spying.
The Australian government's ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is very limited. Australians could face arbitrary detention and may not be afforded due process. The Smartraveller website warns travellers that when travelling overseas, it is their responsibility to take care of their safety and wellbeing.
The Australian government continuously reviews and updates its travel advice based on credible information. Australians are advised to stay up to date with any changes by subscribing for updates on the Smartraveller website.
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Russia: War in Ukraine, volatile security situation
Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the volatile security situation. Heavy fighting continues in southern and eastern Ukraine as the Ukrainian army attempts to reclaim land seized by Russia. Airstrikes have resulted in fatalities in many cities, including the capital, Kyiv, and other major population centers. Similarly, Russia's southern and western regions have come under attack, and the unpredictable security situation puts foreigners at risk.
The Australian government's Smartraveller portal provides travel advice and updates for various countries. In the case of Russia, Smartraveller advises against travel due to the ongoing conflict and associated dangers. Australians currently in Russia should leave the country as soon as it is safe to do so.
The volatile security situation in Russia is a significant concern for travelers. Foreigners may be at risk of becoming caught in the crossfire of attacks or facing other unforeseen dangers. The Australian government has a very minimal ability to provide assistance to its citizens in Russia during emergencies due to the limited diplomatic presence and the complexities of the situation.
Additionally, neighboring countries are affected by the conflict. Belarus, which borders Russia, has strict laws with severe penalties, including the death penalty for high treason. Travelers should be aware of these laws and understand the risks associated with traveling to or through these regions.
The Australian government's advice for Ukraine is similar. Due to the active war zone and security concerns, Australians are advised not to travel to Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has resulted in loss of life, and the security situation remains unpredictable, posing a significant risk to travelers.
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Belarus: Strict laws with severe penalties
The Australian Government advises its citizens not to travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment and the arbitrary enforcement of laws by Belarusian authorities. Belarus imposes strict laws with severe penalties for offences such as 'terrorism propaganda' and 'discrediting' the Belarusian government, security forces, and military organizations. These offences are very broadly defined and can result in harsh punishments, including the death penalty for 'high treason'.
Belarus has a history of arbitrarily enforcing laws and imposing strong penalties on its citizens and visitors. The country's security environment is unpredictable and can deteriorate rapidly. The Australian Government's ability to provide consular assistance in Belarus is severely limited due to the country's lack of recognition of dual nationality. If you enter Belarus with a Belarusian passport, local authorities will treat you as a Belarusian national, even if you hold dual citizenship.
Belarus has strict laws regulating media and freedom of speech. The government has eliminated independent media outlets and penalized individuals who publish content counter to their guidelines. Libel and slander are criminal offenses, with penalties of up to six years in prison. Additionally, insulting the president is punishable by up to five years in prison, and criticizing Belarus abroad can result in up to two years of imprisonment. The government has established a Ministry of Information to regulate the media, and media outlets that "'threaten the state's interests' can be shut down.
The law on public associations in Belarus prohibits NGOs from keeping funds in foreign financial institutions. Only registered NGOs can legally accept foreign grants and technical aid, and they must receive approval from the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Grant Aid. Penalties exist for the unauthorized use of aid, and authorities have the power to terminate funding and close NGOs without prior warning.
Belarus also imposes severe penalties for drug offenses, including long prison sentences. Crimes, including murder, can attract the death penalty. Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted, and Belarus is preparing a draft law 'banning LGBT propaganda'.
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Somalia: Terrorism, extreme weather, and limited assistance
The Australian government strongly advises its citizens against traveling to Somalia. This warning is issued due to the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country, with foreigners being regularly targeted. Terrorist groups often aim their attacks at areas frequented by foreigners, and Somalia is no exception. The situation is so severe that the Australian government has very minimal ability to provide assistance to its citizens in the event of an emergency.
Somalia is also susceptible to extreme weather conditions, including flooding and droughts, which can cause significant disruptions and pose risks to those in the affected areas. The combination of terrorism concerns and extreme weather makes traveling to Somalia highly risky, and the limited availability of assistance in the country further exacerbates these dangers.
The Australian government's Smartraveller portal is a valuable resource for Australians considering international travel. It provides crucial information about potential risks and threats in various destinations, helping travelers make informed decisions about their safety and security. Smartraveller plays a vital role in ensuring Australians are aware of the challenges they may encounter abroad and empowers them to take responsibility for their well-being while traveling.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the Australian government is not alone in its warnings against traveling to Somalia. Other countries, such as the United States, also advise their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Somalia due to similar concerns. These warnings highlight the importance of prioritizing personal safety and security when considering international travel to destinations with heightened risks.
In conclusion, the Australian government's advice against traveling to Somalia is justified by the significant threats posed by terrorism, extreme weather events, and the limited assistance available in the country. Australians planning international travel should carefully consider official government advice and prioritize their safety and well-being.
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Afghanistan: Terrorist attacks, detentions, and oppression of women
The Australian government's Smartraveller portal provides 'do not travel' advice for countries deemed unsafe for tourists. Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Australian government has advised citizens against visiting the country.
Terrorist Attacks
Several armed Islamist groups operate in Afghanistan, and the threat of terrorist attacks, including bombings in major cities, is very real. Foreigners are routinely targeted. The Taliban's resurgence has also led to increased instability and violence, with several armed groups vying for control and launching attacks to gain territory.
Detentions
Foreign nationals have been detained in Afghanistan without access to due process. The Taliban and other armed groups have been known to arbitrarily arrest and imprison individuals, including foreign aid workers and those perceived as opposing their rule. The Australian government has very minimal ability to intervene or provide assistance to its citizens if they are detained.
Oppression of Women
The Taliban has imposed strict restrictions on women's rights and freedoms, severely impacting their safety and well-being. Women and girls have largely been barred from accessing education and employment opportunities. They face significant restrictions on their movement, dress codes, and other oppressive measures, with little to no recourse to justice. The Taliban's interpretation of Sharia law has resulted in harsh punishments for women, and their overall quality of life has deteriorated significantly.
Given the volatile security situation, the high risk of terrorist attacks, arbitrary detentions, and the severe oppression of women, the Australian government strongly advises its citizens against travelling to Afghanistan.
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Frequently asked questions
The Smartraveller portal is a website run by the Australian government that provides travel advice for over 170 destinations. The website is updated with the latest information and Australians can subscribe to receive email updates.
As of January 2024, the Smartraveller portal advised against travel to 22 countries, including Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
The Australian government reviews and updates its travel advice based on credible information. Factors such as security, safety, and specific risks like crime, terrorism, and political instability are considered when determining the advisory level for each destination.
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