The Smartraveller website is an important destination to check if you’re planning an overseas holiday from Australia. But how does it work, and how are the travel advice levels calculated?

What is Smartraveller?

Smartraveller is a website that provides advice for many popular overseas travel destinations that Australians like to visit. It can be used to better understand how safe a destination is to visit, and local laws or requirements to be aware of.

Additionally, it can also provide information on entry requirements to the country (eg. travel visas) or contact information in the event of an emergency.

Who maintains the Smartraveller website and advice levels?

The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updates the Smartraveller website. They provide travel advice on 178 different travel destinations around the world. Travel advice provided includes:

  • Health and safety risks

  • Local laws

  • Requirements to enter the country or travel destination

  • Local contacts in the event you need assistance

You should also subscribe to updates for particular travel destinations that you’re planning to visit. This is a free service. If a travel update is made by DFAT you’ll be notified via email.

Most, but not all travel destinations are covered. Exceptions include low-risk countries or territories that very few Australian travellers visit. If you can’t find the travel destination you’re after, you might want to check recommendations from the United States, Canada, or United Kingdom governments.

How are the advice levels calculated?

Smartraveller applies four advice levels to travel destinations. They are:

These official advice levels represent the risks to Australian travellers, based on DFAT’s assessment. The advice levels are objective, and not influenced by diplomatic, political or commercial considerations.

Sources used in determining an advice level include:

  • Australian diplomatic relationships and missions overseas

  • Threat assessments from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)

  • Advice from consular partners including New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom

  • Other government agencies, including the Department of Health

  • Traveller feedback or media reporting

Check the advice level prior to booking travel. Most insurers only cover cancellation costs if the advice level is changed after travel has been booked.

Do I still need to register my travel with Smartraveller?

Previously when travelling overseas the Australian Government recommended you register your travel plans via Smartraveller. This functionality is no longer available.

Instead, you should subscribe to updates for travel destinations that you plan on visiting soon. That way you’ll get updates prior to your departure, and if anything changes while you’re holidaying.

If you don’t subscribe for email updates, consider following Smartraveller on Facebook or Instagram. Some Australian missions also maintain their own local social media presence.

Each travel advisory page also includes local contact information in the event you get into trouble and need support.