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We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in The Gambia. Higher levels apply. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in The Gambia overall due to the threat of violent crime. Other levels apply in some areas.

We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan. Higher levels apply in some areas. Protests in Pakistan can turn violent quickly, particularly during election periods or in response to Quran burnings overseas. Avoid large groups of people, demonstrations and protests. The security situation is evolving and remains unpredictable. Authorities may suspend internet and mobile phone networks and close roads and highways at short notice. Transit to and from Islamabad International Airport may be impeded by protest activity. Monitor media for information on the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities. (See 'Safety'). Terrorist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. The threat of attack remains very high. Reporting continues to identify the potential for attacks in Islamabad, including at major hotels. In response, heightened security arrangements are in place, including an increased security force presence, additional ...

The land border with Rwanda is currently closed. We advise do not travel to Kibira National Park and areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river. All passengers entering or leaving Burundi via Bujumbura Airport must now register online before travelling. We advise: Reconsider your need to travel to Burundi overall due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest. Higher levels apply in some areas.

We've reviewed our advice for Ethiopia. We now advise, do not travel to West Shewa in Oromia Regional, Somali Regional State (except for Nogob, Erer, Sitti and up to 40km of Ethiopia’s border with Somalia in Fafan) and to within 30 km of the border with Tigray and Amhara in Afar regional state. Additional do not travel advisories apply in other areas of Ethiopia. We continue to advise do not travel to Amhara Regional State due to the security situation. There's a state of emergency in place. If you're in Amhara Regional State, shelter in place until it's safe to leave the region. Mobile and internet networks may be disrupted. Expect roadblocks and flight disruptions. Stay vigilant, monitor local media and contact your travel provider for the latest update. Follow the advice of local authorities.   We advise: Reconsider your need to travel to Ethiopia overall due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of armed conflict. Other levels apply in some areas.

There's been an increase in foreign citizens, including Australians, who have been assaulted and robbed using incapacitating drugs (see 'Safety'). If you plan to travel from Colombia to Ecuador through the land border crossings, you're required to present an apostilled police check covering the previous five years (see 'Travel'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution  in Colombia overall due to the threat of violent crime and terrorism. Higher levels apply in some areas.

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Germany. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism.

We've reviewed our advice for the Federated States of Micronesia and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in the Federated States of Micronesia.

You may be required to register on the Korean Q-code quarantine registration system prior to arrival or to complete a health questionnaire on arrival. Check with the Republic of Korea Embassy or Consulate for the latest requirements for Australians. (see 'Travel'). We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in South Korea.

We continue to advise you exercise a high degree of caution in Cyprus. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Cyprus due to the active UN peacekeeping operation in the country.

Tropical Storm Belal is expected to impact Mauritius on Monday 15 January. Belal is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges in coastal areas. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

Côte d'Ivoire will host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 13 January to 11 February. Expect a heightened security presence and avoid areas where large gatherings are taking place. Monitor the media for information on ongoing events and follow the instructions of local authorities. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Côte d'Ivoire overall due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.  Higher levels apply in some areas.

We continue to advise do not travel to Somalia. Terrorist attacks continue to occur. If you're in Somalia, leave as soon as possible. If, despite our advice you decide to stay, get professional security advice. We continue to advise: Do not travel to Somalia due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

Romania will partially join the Schengen area from 31 March. Schengen rules will apply to air and sea arrivals from other Schengen countries. Checks will continue to be undertaken at land borders (see 'Travel'). We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Romania.

Visitor visas are available on arrival. A Palau entry form is required and is available online up to 72 hours before arrival. There is no charge for the form. Be alert to scams. We advise : Exercise normal safety precautions in Palau.

Conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region could affect Qatar. Avoid protests and large public gatherings. Monitor local and international media for updates. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities (see 'Safety'). If you're visiting Qatar for major events, such as the Asian Football Cup, be aware that local laws and customs differ from those in Australia (see 'Local laws'). Contact the Australian Embassy in Doha if you require consular or passport assistance in Qatar. We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Qatar.

From 10 April, Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter Brazil (see 'Travel'). In case of protests, monitor the media and follow instructions of local authorities (see 'Safety'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the threat of violent crime.

We continue to advise do not travel to Iran. Australians, including dual nationals, should strongly consider leaving Iran as soon as possible. Foreigners, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Foreign and dual nationals, including Australians, have been detained without due process of law. Kidnap for ransom is a risk in Iran. Localised protests continue in parts of the country. Avoid all protest activity and monitor media for possible threats. (see 'Safety'). We continue to advise: Do not travel to Iran as there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested. 

Bangladesh will hold a general election on 7 January. Expect increased political activity, including public demonstrations, rallies, strikes (hartals) and blockades before, during and after the election. There'll be an increased security presence. Avoid large gatherings, including protests, demonstrations and rallies, as these can turn violent without warning. Be aware of your surroundings (see 'Safety'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and the potential for public demonstrations which could escalate. Higher levels apply in some areas.  

Sections of Baie des Citrons and Chateau Royal-Meridien beaches are now equipped with shark nets and have been re-opened to swimming and beach activities. Watersports and swimming outside these areas are permitted on an 'own risk' basis (see 'Safety'). We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in New Caledonia.

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism. There's an increased risk of terrorism, including threats against military bases. Maintain a high level of security awareness (see ‘Safety’). If you have unresolved criminal charges in the UAE, including unpaid debts, authorities may detain you when you arrive, even if you're in transit (see ‘Local laws’). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism.

Significant earthquakes have occurred off the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture in Central Japan. There are tsunami warnings in place for several prefectures. If you're in an affected area, move to higher ground, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Japan. Higher levels apply in some areas.