Canada Joins Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Qatar, New Zealand, Portugal, Japan And More As Australia Issues New Travel Alert With Updated Advice For Travelers Worldwide

Australia has published a thorough updated travel advisory for 2025, revising its guidelines for tourists traveling to a mounting list of international locations—Canada, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Qatar, New Zealand, Portugal, Japan, and others—based on changing conditions for safety, tightened entry requirements, increasing security threats, and changing regional disruptions. The updated report is in keeping with the Australian goverment’s priority for keeping travelers aware as natural perils, political instability, and patterns of criminal activity continue to impact international tourism in popular destinations. Australia has recently published a revised advisory for worldwide travel in 2025, updating its recommendations for citizens traveling to a long list of countries worldwide—Canada, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Qatar, New Zealand, Portugal, Japan, and others—because of changing conditions, tightened entry requirements, increased security threats, and changing regional disruptions. The updated advisory demonstrates the Australian government’s dedication to keeping travelers aware as acts of violence, political instability, and patterns of criminal activity continue to impact international travel in popular tourist areas. Australia has updated its travel advisories for 2025, adding key guidance for citizens heading to a growing list of international destinations. Countries such as Canada, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Qatar, New Zealand, Portugal, and Japan now appear in the latest bulletin from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with new warnings and reminders for travelers. The advisory reflects changes in entry requirements, public safety concerns, regional tensions, and weather-related disruptions that travelers must consider before departure. Canada Requires Caution Amid Fires and Unpredictable Weather Australia maintains its standard safety rating for travel to Canada, but several provinces are now facing seasonal wildfires that could impact visibility and air quality. Travelers are advised to stay informed by following local news and monitoring real-time environmental updates. Canadian cities report crime levels comparable to those in Australia, but travelers should remain cautious, particularly in busy tourist areas and on public transport, where petty theft can occur. Vehicle break-ins are frequently reported in urban centers, making it important not to leave any valuables inside. Visitors should also prepare for Canada’s extreme seasonal weather—wildfires and tornadoes during the summer months, and snowstorms with sub-zero temperatures in winter. Australians flying to Canada are required to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to departure. Italy Prepares for Massive Tourist Influx During Holy Year Italy’s Jubilee celebrations, set to span all of 2025, are expected to attract massive crowds to Rome and surrounding regions. Australian authorities are urging travelers to plan ahead, anticipating high competition for accommodation and potential disruptions to local transport services. Tourists should remain cautious of pickpockets, especially around train stations and famous landmarks. Petty thieves often operate in groups and may target distracted travelers. The risk of terrorism remains moderate, with previous attacks targeting European transport hubs and public areas. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, which can sometimes turn violent. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, and forest fires are seasonal concerns, particularly between June and September. Spain Maintains High Terror Alert and Tourist Crime Warnings Australia continues to advise normal precautions for Spain but notes a high national terrorism alert level remains in place. Officials warn that terrorist attacks could occur without warning and may target public locations popular with foreigners. Tourists visiting major Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Madrid often face a heightened risk of theft, with incidents of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and car break-ins occurring regularly—particularly along highways and in beach areas. Public demonstrations and labor strikes may also interfere with transit systems and essential services. Travelers are advised to steer clear of large crowds and stay updated through local media during periods of unrest. Malaysia Introduces Stricter Entry Requirements and Issues Safety Warnings for Eastern Sabah Travelers Malaysia still welcomes Australian travelers but has introduced new entry requirements. All air travelers must submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival. Upon using the autogate entry system, travelers must store a digital copy of their visit pass for inspection. Certain areas of Malaysia still present safety challenges for visitors. Australian authorities continue to advise against traveling to eastern Sabah due to ongoing threats of kidnapping. In cities such as Kuala Lumpur, motorcycle-driven bag snatching remains a frequent issue. Travelers should keep valuables out of sight and stay alert in busy public spaces. Nightlife hotspots have also seen cases of drink spiking and credit card fraud, making caution essential during evenings out. Qatar Warns of Travel Bans and Regional Volatility Australia’s updated advice for Qatar urges travelers to understand local laws thoroughly. Tourists involved in disputes over employment, business, or civil cases may face travel bans, which prevent them from leaving the country until authorities resolve the issue. Although Qatar maintains a low crime rate, regional tensions and the threat of terrorism require heightened awareness. Travelers should avoid demonstrations and crowded public events. From June to September, the country experiences intense heat, with temperatures often exceeding 50°C. Flash floods are also possible, particularly after heavy rain. New Zealand Urges Preparedness for Natural Disasters New Zealand remains one of the safest destinations on the list, but natural hazards are ever-present. The country regularly experiences earthquakes, with larger quakes causing property damage and triggering tsunami warnings in coastal regions. Australian travelers planning to hike or camp in remote areas should carry personal locator beacons and check in with the Department of Conservation. While crime levels remain low, theft from parked vehicles—particularly campervans—has increased. Visitors should avoid leaving personal belongings unattended.