Important: Before booking through us, you are
REQUIRED to read, understand and act upon the information contained within this
page as well the information contained on our
conditions page.
Passports
and Visas
Many (international)
destinations require the issue of visas before you travel and obtaining correct
visas for your trip is your sole responsibility. Outgoing airport or airline
staff can deny you boarding international flights if they believe your visa is
not valid for the purpose of the travel. This means non-refundable air-fares can
be lost - before you've even boarded the plane! You must ensure that you
double-check dates and applicability when you obtain your visas because mistakes
can be made by issuing countries. If an issuing country makes the error you can
still be denied entry. You must ensure that you carry with you an appropriate,
valid and
current passport - this is your sole responsibility. Australian citizens require at
least 6 months currency on their passport before re-entry into Australia is
permitted. You must ensure that your documentation is up to date and in order
before you travel. Expiry dates on visas are strictly observed and if you've
delayed your travel plans it's doubly important to check the dates on your visas
since they might have become useless (out of date) because of delays in your
departure. We strongly advise that you carry a photocopy of your passport in case of loss. A photocopy will assist local embassy staff to re-issue a new
replacement. Likewise, ensure that photocopy duplicates of all your travel documents are held in
just in case of loss. Of course, carry photocopies
separately to the originals. Similar to international travel via air, people on cruise
ships or entering or attempting to enter a foreign country via any other means
are subjected to
the same visa and passport conditions as international air passengers.
Criminal or Court
Records (including but not limited to, Visa applications):
It is a condition of booking
through us that you disclose to us in writing, any criminal or court-related incidents that
might jeopardise your entry into foreign countries. This is vitally important
because for example, countries such as Canada and the
USA might prohibit entry to anyone with something as minor as a single marijuana-related
or alcohol-related conviction. Even if no conviction is recorded a country might refuse entry and
therefore you must disclose or risk severe and permanent disappointment. Even
after disclosure is made no guarantee of entry is provided by us to you.
Disclosure of criminal/court convictions is crucial - even if no Visa is
required by your country of intended destination. Even drink-driving or
so-called "minor" drug-related offences or other summary matters may result in
refusal of entry (even if you are carrying appropriately-procured
documentation).
Note: even the production of a valid, current visa does not guarantee entry to
your country of choice. Although only used in special circumstances, it is the
prerogative of any country to turn you away - even if your visas are apparently
in order. Some countries will even refuse you entry to their waters (on cruise
ships for example) if your visas are not in order or for other reasons. Many
countries demand "Multiple Visas" to be issued for a single itinerary. Hence you
must ensure that the type of visa you hold is appropriate for your travel
itinerary. For this reason, it is all the more important to hold travel
insurance, which may cover you in the event of a failed entry attempt
(conditions apply for successful lodgement of claims).
Important Travel Safety Information
Due to the constant changes in circumstances in various countries of the world
we highly recommend that before you consider travelling to check out free
information at the Australian Government's Smartraveller site
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/.
Smartraveller phone service:
Call 1300 139 281 (local call cost within Australia) and advice will be spoken
to you.
Travel Advice Faxback service:
Call +61 2 6261 1299, and follow the instructions.
Contacts for help:
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555135 (local call
cost within Australia)
'Safer
Travel'-Top 10 Tips
Read up on
where you're
going. Check on safety and related developments at your destination by
reading country-specific travel advisories available from the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/.
Consult a 'safe
travel'
partner organisation for professional advice on in-country travel,
accommodation and good travel preparation.
Get the
necessary visas
for the country or countries you are visiting but be aware that a visa
does not guarantee entry.
Take out
appropriate
travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical
evacuation and the kind of activities you plan to take. Overseas
medical costs are expensive and Medicare and Australian private health
insurance will not cover you outside Australia.
For longer
stays in a
country, or where the security situation is volatile, register your
details at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate,
or online at https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao. This will help us
help you in an emergency.
Know where to
get help
if you're in trouble. Ensure you have the contact details of the local
Australian embassy, high commission or consulate in the country in
which you're travelling.
Keep in regular
contact
with friends and relatives back in Australia by phone or email and
leave a travel itinerary.
Check with
health
professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other
precautions.
Protect your
personal
information and make copies of your passport details, insurance policy,
travellers cheques and credit card numbers. Carry one copy and leave a
copy with someone at home. Carry additional copies of your passport
photo with you.
Don't carry
illicit
drugs. In some countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and
Thailand drug offences can carry the death penalty.
