Travelling Smart
Before travelling for business you should check that you have made all the necessary arrangements to minimise travel problems.
Doing your homework on the country you are visiting should continue throughout the course of your visit. Security conditions in a country can change quickly and you should keep up to date with current events. On the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website are travel advisories that provide general and specific information, from general safety information to warnings to defer all travel. You can also subscribe to receive email notification when advisories are updated. If you are travelling to a country for an extended period or where there is a volatile security situation, you should consider registering your details with the local Australian Embassy or High Commission to make it easier to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Make sure that your passport is up to date before you travel. You should ensure that there are sufficient pages left in an existing passport. Some countries also require six month validity. Always carry a copy of your passport with you, stored somewhere away from your passport. It is wise to also leave copies of all your important personal information including a photocopy of your passport, at home with friends or family. You should carry additional passport photos to speed up the reissue process in the event that your passport is lost or stolen.
Contact the embassy or high commission of each country you are visiting to clarify your visa requirements. If you require a number of visas, ensure that you leave plenty of time for the issuing process.
Do your homework and find out whether there are any sensitivities associated with clothing in the destination country. Some clothing may not be socially acceptable or may even be illegal.
Be aware that you must abide by the laws of the country you are visiting. Make sure you check laws relating to clothing, importation of alcohol and do not carry illicit drugs. Punishment for the latter can include the death penalty in some countries.
In some countries dual nationals may be liable for military service in the country of their other dual nationality. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for more information.
Consult the relevant health professionals for advice on vaccinations and other medical precautions.
If you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel. Take out insurance that covers hospital treatment, medical evacuation and the kind of activities you plan to undertake. Medicare and private Australian health insurance will not cover you overseas.
