Friday, June 6, 2025
Australia has issued updated travel advisories for several international destinations, including Fiji, Canada, the US, Sweden, Greece, Italy, Norway, and more, urging travellers to exercise normal safety precautions while remaining mindful of regional security conditions. The latest guidance highlights a range of factors prompting the alerts—from natural hazards like earthquakes and forest fires to entry rule changes, civil demonstrations, and petty theft risks in tourist-heavy areas. These updates aim to help Australians travel smartly and safely by staying informed and vigilant in increasingly dynamic global environments.
Australia has issued refreshed travel guidance for several global destinations, advising travellers to maintain normal safety precautions while remaining vigilant about evolving regional security situations. The updated alerts cover a mix of Pacific, North American, and European countries, including Fiji, Canada, the United States, Sweden, Greece, Italy, and Norway, each featuring unique considerations ranging from natural hazards and civil demonstrations to updated entry rules and urban safety.
Fiji
Travellers heading to Fiji are advised to exercise normal safety precautions, but remain mindful of opportunistic crimes that can occur, particularly in urban hubs like Suva and Nadi. These areas, popular with tourists, have reported instances of robbery, assault, and home invasions, especially at night.
Credit card fraud and ATM skimming are also noted risks, prompting authorities to encourage visitors to protect their PINs and regularly check their bank statements for suspicious activity.
Additionally, demonstrations and protests can erupt without warning, and while generally peaceful, they carry the potential to escalate. Travellers should avoid gatherings, respect police checkpoints, and monitor local news for developments.
Canada
Australia’s updated guidance for Canada maintains a normal safety precaution level but reminds travellers to be aware of both urban safety issues and legal travel requirements.
Australian citizens must secure an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before entering Canada by air.
While Canada is broadly safe and comparable to Australia in terms of crime rates, petty crimes like pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins are common in larger cities and tourist areas. Travellers should avoid leaving valuables in cars and remain vigilant on public transport.
There are also wildlife safety concerns in forested regions. Bears and other large animals inhabit national parks, so visitors planning outdoor adventures should seek local advice and follow recommended safety guidelines while hiking.
United States
For the United States, the travel alert reiterates normal safety precautions, though with strong emphasis on entry regulations.
From May, travellers must present either a passport or a REAL ID-compliant identification card to board domestic flights. Entry to the US remains strictly regulated, and border agents have broad discretion to deny entry if any legal or procedural conditions are unmet.
Though the advisory doesn’t highlight heightened security risks, travellers are encouraged to understand visa and immigration policies thoroughly—whether arriving under a visa or the Visa Waiver Program—and ensure all travel documents are in order to avoid complications at the border.
Sweden
Sweden’s travel alert has been downgraded, reflecting an improved overall security outlook. The advisory now suggests normal safety precautions, with specific note that the domestic terror alert level remains at ‘elevated’ (3 out of 5).
While incidents of violent crime remain limited and rarely affect tourist areas, there have been gang-related disturbances in certain parts of Sweden.
Visitors should stay alert in public areas, avoid potentially volatile situations, and report any suspicious activity to local police. Despite these isolated concerns, Sweden continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for most international visitors.
Greece
Travellers to Greece are advised to exercise normal safety precautions, particularly in light of the country’s seismic activity.
Greece lies in an active earthquake and volcanic zone, with hotspots near tourist-heavy islands such as Santorini and Crete. In the event of seismic disturbances, visitors should closely follow the instructions of local authorities and stay updated via official media.
In addition to natural hazards, petty crime remains a concern in crowded public areas and on public transport, including pickpocketing and luggage theft. Travellers should keep a close eye on their personal belongings, especially in buses, trains, and high-footfall tourist attractions.
Italy
Australia’s advisory for Italy maintains normal safety precautions, but includes several seasonal and situational advisories.
The 2025 Jubilee, or Holy Year, is currently drawing millions of visitors to Rome. As a result, increased crowds, traffic disruptions, and limited accommodation availability are expected throughout the year.
With the surge in tourism comes a heightened risk of petty theft, especially around major landmarks and transportation hubs. Tourists are advised to remain alert in train stations, public transit systems, and popular plazas, where groups of pickpockets often operate.
Italy also faces natural hazards, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as well as forest fires during the summer months. Monitoring local alerts is strongly recommended.
Norway
Norway remains one of the safest destinations listed in the update, with Australia’s advisory recommending normal safety precautions.
While there are no specific threats, travellers are reminded that security risks can never be entirely ruled out, and it’s important to stay aware of surroundings, especially in public spaces and during major events.
Local authorities are efficient and responsive, but visitors should still stay informed through local news and follow any official guidance issued during unusual situations.
Final Notes for Travellers
The overarching message across these updates is consistent: exercise common sense, stay informed, and follow local guidance. Australia’s travel advisories reflect not only the security and health considerations abroad but also evolving global travel patterns amid changing entry protocols, natural risks, and urban safety concerns.
Fiji has joined Canada, the US, Sweden, Greece, Italy, Norway, and more in Australia’s latest travel alert as authorities emphasize the need for normal safety precautions due to regional security concerns, evolving entry requirements, natural hazards, and petty incidents in popular tourist areas.
Travellers are encouraged to register with Smartraveller, stay updated with local news in their destination, and consult official Australian government travel advice portals before departure. Taking normal safety precautions and staying alert ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience, no matter the country.
Tags: Australia travel advisory, Canada, fiji, greece, Italy, norway, Safety Alert, Sweden, Travel Guidelines, travel industry, Travel Updates, US