http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins Information about general issues or specific events which may affect Australian travellers. en webmaster@dfat.gov.au Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2005 http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins http://www.dfat.gov.au/lib/images/dfat_logo_small.gif Electors enrolled in the ACT who are visiting or residing overseas are advised the ACT Legislative Assembly Election will be held on Saturday 18 October 2008. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/ACT Australians visiting or living overseas are advised a state general election will be held in Western Australia on Saturday 6 September 2008. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Western Electors enrolled in the divisions of Lyne, New South Wales and Mayo, South Australia are advised by-elections for these divisions will be held on Saturday 6 September 2008. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/elections This travel bulletin provides information for Australians planning to travel to China for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in August and September 2008. It has been revised and reissued and contains new information about ticket scams. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Olympics The Islamic holy month, Ramadan, will be observed from around Tuesday 2 September 2008 until around Wednesday 1 October 2008. The exact timing of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the moon and this differs from country to country. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Ramadan Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Chad because of the volatile security situation and ongoing violent civil unrest and the threat of terrorism. The situation could deteriorate further without warning. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Chad-Security_Situation A film made by Dutch politician Geert Wilders was released in late March. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Film http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Health_:_Avian_Influenza New passport application forms were introduced on 1 July 2008. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Passport Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates outside Australia. Many scammers approach you out of the blue pretending to be legitimate banks or businesses. Genuine organisations dont usually contact you out of the blue and ask for passwords or account numbers. Scams have a devastating financial and emotional impact on many Australians. Once money is sent overseas it is virtually impossible to recover. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/International_Scams Australians are advised that only the country you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about its specific visa requirements. Travellers should contact the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Europe_Schengen Tropical cyclones often produce winds in excess of 200 km/h, causing extensive damage to property and turning debris into dangerous missiles. They can also bring flooding rains and storm tides which cause further damage to property and increase the risk of drowning. Cyclones can cause huge seas, putting vessels in danger both in harbour and out at sea. Most deaths from cyclones occur as a result of drowning, collapsed buildings, mudslides or flying debris which becomes lethal in high winds. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Hurricanes Following a reported foiled terrorist plot on 10 August 2006 against flights from the United Kingdom to the United States, aviation security authorities around the world have enhanced security procedures at their airports and limited what passengers can carry in hand luggage. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Enhanced_Airport_Security It is a criminal offence to have sexual relations with children, whether in Australia or in another country. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Helping_to_Fight_Child_Sex_Crimes_Abroad