Checking official travel advice before you travel
How to use the Australian Government's Smartraveller service to check destination alerts, entry requirements and safety advice before booking a trip.
Why official travel advice matters
Conditions change. Entry requirements, health rules and safety risks can shift between booking and departure. Checking official advice before you travel helps you plan realistically and avoid costly surprises.
Smartraveller
The Australian Government's Smartraveller service publishes travel advisories for destinations worldwide, with levels ranging from 'exercise normal safety precautions' through to 'do not travel'. Each advisory explains the key risks and any specific entry or health requirements.
What to check before you book
- The current advisory level for your destination
- Entry and visa requirements for Australian citizens
- Health and insurance considerations
- Local laws that differ from Australia
- Any recent updates that could affect your dates
Make it part of your holiday budget
Travel insurance and contingency costs belong in your holiday budget alongside flights and accommodation. If an advisory changes, insurance and flexible bookings matter more than a slightly cheaper fare.
Where to read more
We link to the official Smartraveller site below. Always read the advice for your specific destination and travel dates directly from the source.
*Payday Compass is not a travel agent and does not provide personalised travel advice.
Put it into practice
The Payday Compass workbook brings these ideas together in one organised spreadsheet.
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