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 60 zcms http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins /lib/images/dfat_logo_small.gif New passport application forms were introduced on 1 July 2008. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Passport 02 Oct 2008 05:18:38 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Passport/20081002_15:18:38 The Chinese government has announced that traces of a chemical contaminant, melamine, have been found in a number of products and may be linked to cases of renal (kidney) problems in infants. A Chinese Health Ministry official has reported the number of infants affected by contaminated product produced in China has risen to nearly 40,000 cases. The Chinese government has issued recalls for infant formula from 22 companies after tests turned up traces of melamine. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Contaminated_dairy_products 26 Sep 2008 07:16:08 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Contaminated_dairy_products/20080926_17:16:08 This travel bulletin provides advice to Australians who would like to attend commemorative services in Bali, Indonesia, to mark the sixth anniversary of the 12 October 2002 bombings and the third anniversary of the 1 October 2005 bombings. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Commemorative_services_for_the_2002_and_2005_bombings_in_Bali. 12 Sep 2008 07:41:32 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Commemorative_services_for_the_2002_and_2005_bombings_in_Bali./20080912_17:41:32 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 05 Sep 2008 02:12:10 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Hurricanes/20080905_12:12:10 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 18 Aug 2008 07:15:33 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/ACT/20080818_17:15:33 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 17 Jun 2008 08:32:38 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Chad-Security_Situation/20080617_18:32:38 A film made by Dutch politician Geert Wilders was released in late March. http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Film 11 Jun 2008 07:21:20 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Film/20080611_17:21:20 http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Health_:_Avian_Influenza 16 May 2008 06:19:06 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Health_:_Avian_Influenza/20080516_16:19:06 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 05 Mar 2008 00:38:15 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/International_Scams/20080305_11:38:15 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 20 Dec 2007 22:02:24 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Europe_Schengen/20071221_09:02:24 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 22 Jan 2007 01:24:39 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Enhanced_Airport_Security/20070122_12:24:39 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 02 Dec 2003 22:37:46 GMT GUID:www.smarttraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/TravelBulletins/Helping_to_Fight_Child_Sex_Crimes_Abroad/20031203_09:37:46