Home » Australia Travel News » China Joins Hong Kong, Peru, Brazil, Philippines, Thailand, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom And More As Australia Issues Urgent Travel Advisory Amid Escalating Risks And Regional Instability
Published on
September 28, 2025
Australia is cautioning travelers about visiting parts of China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Madagascar, Thailand, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and regions of the world during growing violence and instability. These areas are facing security and public disorder issues, adverse natural events, and unregulated violence and terrorism, creating risky conditions for travelers. Each of the listed countries has its own specific and critical issues, unregulated violence, and weather challenges, thus explaining the need for travelers to stay apprised of current conditions and strict regulatory observance.
Australia has issued a comprehensive travel advisory urging caution for Australian travelers heading to multiple destinations across the globe, emphasizing increased risks and heightened security conditions. The advisory covers critical safety threats, including political instability, natural disasters, and violent crime, while advising travelers to closely follow the guidance of local authorities. The countries included in the advisory are China, Hong Kong, Peru, Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. In this report, we examine each of these countries individually to highlight the specific risks and precautions recommended by Australian authorities.
China
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Australia continues to advise travelers to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to China. The advisory highlights concerns regarding the arbitrary detention of foreigners, especially under the broadly defined National Security Laws. These laws have seen authorities detain individuals for “endangering national security,” which could potentially affect Australian citizens. Travelers may face exit bans, and enforcement of local laws can be harsh, so it’s recommended to avoid activities that may be seen as politically sensitive.
China also faces regular natural hazards, including typhoons, particularly along the southern and eastern coasts between May and November. The changing direction and strength of typhoons can lead to sudden evacuation measures, and travelers are urged to be aware of local shelter locations and to monitor updates from authorities.
Other risks include petty crime in crowded places such as public transport and tourist spots. Scams targeting travelers can also result in serious financial losses and violence. Additionally, remote border regions, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang, have experienced armed attacks. For these regions, the advice is clear—avoid unnecessary travel to these volatile areas.
Hong Kong
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Hong Kong’s travel advisory emphasizes the risks posed by severe weather events, particularly typhoons, which can lead to flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Strong winds and storm surges may disrupt travel plans, with possible cancellations of flights and ferry services. The Hong Kong Observatory provides updates, and travelers are advised to follow local authority instructions.
In addition to weather risks, travelers are also warned about political demonstrations. The Hong Kong government tightly controls protests, and participation in unauthorized demonstrations can result in arrest. Travelers are advised to avoid protests and large gatherings, and not to photograph or video protests, as this may also lead to legal issues.
While violent crime is rare, petty theft, such as pickpocketing, remains a concern in crowded areas. Furthermore, drink spiking incidents have been reported, and travelers should be cautious about accepting food, drinks, or other items from strangers.
Peru
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
The travel advisory for Peru highlights the growing threat of violent crime across the country. Criminal activity is particularly high near the borders, and the country faces challenges with organized crime and frequent robberies, especially on buses. It is essential to secure valuable items and avoid placing them in overhead racks or under seats while traveling by bus.
Peru is also experiencing ongoing political instability. Demonstrations and roadblocks have been a significant issue, especially in popular tourist destinations like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Rail services to Machu Picchu have been suspended, and bus services are frequently disrupted. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid demonstrations and follow local authority instructions.
Additionally, yellow fever is a known risk in Peru, and vaccination is advised prior to travel. For those visiting areas near the Colombian border or in regions like Loreto, Amazonas, and Cajamarca, there is also a significant threat of landmines, which travelers must be wary of. For those planning to visit the VRAEM region, the threat of terrorism and violent crime is elevated.
Brazil
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Brazil’s travel advisory is marked by the threat of violent crime, especially in major cities and during large events like Carnival. Armed robberies, muggings, and carjackings are common, and travelers are advised to avoid walking alone at night or visiting isolated areas. Crime rates are particularly high in shantytowns, also known as “favelas,” and tourists should refrain from entering these areas even with a tour group.
Brazil is also susceptible to large-scale protests, which can erupt without warning. These protests often result in violent clashes and disrupt local transport services. To stay safe, travelers should monitor local media for updates, avoid participating in protests, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
For those planning to use public transportation or taxis, it’s recommended to use only prepaid or official taxis. Ride-sharing apps like Uber should also be used with caution by confirming the vehicle’s plate number and driver’s name.
Philippines
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
In the Philippines, the advisory cites the risk of terrorism and violent crime, with particular emphasis on the southern regions, including Mindanao. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings remain a significant threat, and travelers are advised to avoid certain areas, such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu Archipelago, and southern Sulu Sea, where the threat of terrorism and abductions is highest.
The advisory also warns about the potential for protests and civil unrest, particularly in response to political developments. These protests can turn violent without warning, causing disruptions to transport and essential services. Travelers are urged to monitor the media for updates, avoid protests and large gatherings, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Given the ongoing threat of terrorism, popular tourist areas such as airports, shopping malls, and restaurants may also be targeted, and travelers are advised to remain alert at all times.
Thailand
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Thailand’s travel advisory addresses the ongoing risks posed by armed conflict and terrorism. There has been recent conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border, which includes military strikes and the presence of landmines. The situation remains unpredictable, and travelers are advised to avoid areas within 50 kilometers of the border in provinces like Sa Kaeo, Buriram, and Surin.
Terrorism also remains a concern, particularly in popular tourist areas such as Bangkok and Phuket, and the advisory recommends being cautious when visiting these regions. The southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat have also experienced low-level insurgent activity and are considered high-risk areas.
Despite the risks, the Thai government has implemented a ceasefire with Cambodia, but the security situation remains unstable. Travelers are urged to closely monitor the situation and follow the advice of local authorities.
Madagascar
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Madagascar’s advisory highlights the country’s political instability, with protests that can quickly escalate into violence. Public transport and airports may be disrupted by these demonstrations, and travelers are advised to avoid large gatherings or protests. The government may impose curfews at short notice, and it is crucial for visitors to stay informed by monitoring local media.
In addition to political unrest, Madagascar faces other challenges such as violent crime, including bag-snatching and pickpocketing. Travelers are advised to be vigilant and keep their valuables out of sight. Madagascar is also prone to cyclones, especially between November and April, which can cause flooding, landslides, and significant disruption to services. Monitoring weather conditions is essential before and during travel.
Saudi Arabi
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Saudi Arabia’s advisory centers on the risks associated with terrorism, missile, and drone attacks, particularly near the Yemeni border. The situation in the region remains tense, and travelers are advised to avoid areas within 30 kilometers of the border due to ongoing conflict. There is also an increased threat in areas between 30 and 80 kilometers from the border, where missile and drone strikes have occurred.
Due to the unpredictable security situation, travelers should follow local authority guidelines, monitor news updates, and be prepared for potential disruptions to air travel and other services. Demonstrations and protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia, and severe penalties may apply to anyone found participating in such activities.
United Kingdom
Travel Advisory: Exercise a high degree of caution.
The United Kingdom is facing a heightened threat of terrorism, with authorities rating the risk level as “substantial,” indicating that an attack is likely. While violent crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in tourist hotspots, terrorism is a more significant concern. The advisory advises travelers to remain vigilant, especially in major cities and at public events, and to avoid areas where protests are taking place, as these may lead to violent confrontations.
The UK also faces regional security threats related to Northern Ireland, where the terrorism threat level remains “substantial.” Travelers should be aware of the risk posed by both Islamic extremism and right-wing ideologies. It’s essential for tourists to stay updated on government warnings and official advice, especially when visiting crowded or politically sensitive areas.
Due to increasing threats from political instability, terrorism, and natural disasters, Australia has released an urgent travel advisory for China, Hong Kong, Peru, Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and more. All travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in these areas.
Australia’s updated travel advisory urges a high degree of caution for travelers to a range of countries across the globe. While the specific threats vary by region, common risks include political unrest, terrorism, violent crime, and natural disasters. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, avoid high-risk areas, and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure their safety while abroad.
By addressing these risks head-on, Australian authorities aim to ensure that their citizens are prepared for potential dangers, whether they stem from man-made or natural causes. Travelers are reminded to always have contingency plans in place and to be proactive about their safety when traveling to these countries.
