Australia has issued a new blanket travel notice, placing the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Brazil, France, Egypt, India, Chile, and Thailand on its list of countries where citizens should exercise a high degree of caution. This advisory comes in response to mounting threats from terror attacks, civil disturbances, violent crime, and regional instability in these destinations. The updated global travel guidance urges Australians to exercise maximum vigilance, comply with local legislation, and anticipate abrupt disruptions.

The advisory highlights specific concerns for each country:

United Arab Emirates: While presenting a modern facade, the UAE faces credible terrorism threats targeting military installations and public venues. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, as they are banned unless officially sanctioned. Isolated incidents of drink spiking, harassment, and bag snatching occur, especially at night. Extreme weather, with temperatures exceeding 50°C between June and September, and potential sandstorms or flash floods, also pose risks.

Mexico: Violent crime is a serious and persistent danger, particularly in states like Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Sonora, Colima, and Chiapas. Drug cartels, kidnappings, and armed robberies are ongoing issues. Travelers are advised to avoid driving after dark and to use main toll highways or domestic flights when traveling between urban centers. The hurricane season from June to November adds further risk.

Brazil: Violent urban crime and political unrest are central concerns. Muggings, assaults, and carjackings frequently occur, especially during festivals like Carnival. Travelers are urged to avoid entering favelas and to use only authorized transportation services. Landslides and floods during the wet season may halt public transport and flights.

France: France remains under its highest-level terror alert following recent attacks targeting schools, places of worship, events, and transport hubs. Law enforcement maintains a strong presence in key urban areas. Theft and sexual assault increase during high tourist seasons, and strikes and protests frequently disrupt services.

Egypt: The risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and sudden civil unrest is high. The North Sinai Governorate remains particularly dangerous. Tourist sites, especially religious or cultural landmarks, are potential targets. Travelers should avoid demonstrations and drawing attention, particularly in politically sensitive zones. Australian authorities advise against non-essential travel in unstable areas.

India: Travelers should avoid the Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and India–Pakistan border regions due to armed conflict, protests, and military tensions. Even in safer regions, scams, sexual harassment, theft, and drink spiking are common. Heatwaves, dust storms, and monsoon floods also pose risks.

Chile: Protests and civil unrest are frequent, particularly near Plaza Italia, La Moneda, and urban centers like Valparaiso. Thefts, including on long-distance buses, are common. The country also faces natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires.

Thailand: The southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat experience ongoing insurgent violence. Terrorist threats exist in busy urban centers and tourist zones. Drink spiking and credit card fraud are common, particularly in nightlife settings. Travelers must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card before entry from May 1, 2025.

Australia’s travel alert underscores the need for increased vigilance, thorough preparation, and compliance with destination-specific regulations for global travel in 2025. Travelers should remain informed, cautious, and ready to adjust their plans at short notice.