Summer in the northern hemisphere is prime holiday time and not just for sun-starved Brits. We Aussies also love making the most of milder climes in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
However, in light of last week’s three terrorist attacks – one of which was on a popular tourist spot – it’s worth checking in to remind yourself of the security situation of your favourite or dream destinations.
In the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has released this map showing the safety status of the region in regards to terrorism. The countries with the highest risk of attack on visitors include Spain, France, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, although some parts of these countries are considered more at risk than others.
Gov.uk lists the United Kingdom as being in a state of severe terrorism alert, which indicates an attack is highly likely, as determined by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5).
The Australian government’s Smart Traveller website, which offers four levels of advice, is currently listing the UK at the lowest level –”Exercise normal safety precautions” – and says “Australians should remain vigilant in public places and report any suspicious activities to police”.
Smart Traveller lists 13 destinations at the highest level of advice: “Do not travel”. These include Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and several other central African countries.
Travellers are advised to reconsider the need to travel to several countries, including Egypt, Lebanon and Pakistan. Nepal is also on this list due to the threat of aftershocks from last month’s earthquakes, damage to infrastructure and the monsoon season.
The second lowest category of advice warns travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution”. Papua New Guinea is on this list for domestic security issues, while Thailand has also been flagged due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, including in the capital Bangkok and popular island Phuket.
Indonesia, India, Myanmar (Burma), Mexico and several other South American countries are listed at this level of advice, along with others.
A recent Lowy Institute poll in Australia has found “there is widespread concern among the public that they or a close family member will be the victim of a terrorist attack” with between 44 per cent and 49 per cent very concerned or somewhat concerned about the prospect. More than half or 56 per cent of people polled believed there would be a terror attack in future.
For more information on your travel destination, visit the Smart Traveller website. You can also register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade so you can be contacted should a situation arise that affects your holiday plans before or during your trip.
Tell us, is your favourite holiday destination on high alert? Are you concerned about terrorism, and does this affect your decision to travel?
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