Most travellers skip this important step. It takes two minutes and can save you from a serious situation abroad.
What is Smartraveller?
Smartraveller is the Australian government’s official travel advisory website. It covers destinations worldwide and uses a four level warning system to indicate current risk.
Level 1 means exercise normal safety precautions. Level 2 means exercise a high degree of caution. Level 3 means reconsider your need to travel. Level 4 means do not travel.
Warnings Apply to Regions, Not Just Countries
This is the detail most travellers miss. A country might carry a Level 1 or 2 advisory overall while specific regions within that country sit at Level 3 or 4. Checking the country name is not enough. Read the full advisory to understand whether warnings apply to the areas you are actually visiting.
The Insurance Implication
If you travel to a destination carrying a Level 4 advisory, many travel insurance policies will refuse to cover you for any incidents that occur there. That means medical costs, evacuation, cancellations, and everything else comes out of your pocket. Check your policy wording and cross reference it with the Smartraveller rating before you book.
Make it Part of Your Pre-Trip Routine
Smartraveller takes moments to check and is updated regularly as situations change. It is one of the most practical pre-trip habits an Australian traveller can build.
Have you used Smartraveller before a trip? Comment below.