immigrating2australia.com

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available. The Australian Tourist Commission’s Internet website, http://www.australia.com/, provides a wide range of information of interest to travelers.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Australia has instituted an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “low” to “high.” The Australian Attorney General’s Office maintains a website with up-to-date information regarding the current assessment of the terrorism threat at http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/. Travelers may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.

CRIME: Visitors should be aware that street crime, burglaries, and car thefts are a daily occurrence in the larger cities. Weapons are increasingly used in such crimes, which also may be associated with drug trafficking and usage. Foreign visitors are sometimes targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers and petty thieves. Appropriate, common sense precautions should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of opportunity. To call for fire/police/ambulance services throughout Australia, dial “000” for urgent assistance.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of any passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your country. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your country for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Every state in Australia has a crime victim assistance program that includes crimes against international visitors. Information on these local programs may be found at http://www.vaonline.org/.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Excellent medical care is available. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to your country of origin can cost thousands of dollars. Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash/credit card payment for health services.

Visitors are cautioned that Australian fauna can be as dangerous as they are inspiring. From jellyfish off the Great Barrier Reef to crocodiles and sharks, poisonous insects and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses. Further information on Australian wildlife may be obtained from the Australian Institute of Marine Science at http://www.aims.gov.au/dma and the Wet Tropics Management Authority Information on Marine Life at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_marine.html and the Wet Tropics Management Authority information on animals at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_animals.html. Swimmers should use safety precautions, swim between the flags only where a lifeguard is present, and never swim alone. Scuba diving can be a treacherous sport. Over the past few years there have been numerous deaths related to diving incidents. Divers are urged to follow recommended precautions and never dive alone.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You are strongly urges to consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. In most cases, your country health insurance coverage cannot be used in Australia unless your insurer has a world-wide program that includes Australia. Purchasing medical insurance in Australia can be cost-prohibitive for travelers.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in your own country. The information below concerning Australia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Visitors are reminded that all traffic operates on the left side of the road, and that all vehicles use right-hand drive. Visitors should use caution when crossing streets and when driving. When crossing roads, pedestrians are reminded to look carefully in all directions. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits and laws regarding driving while intoxicated are rigorously enforced. Outside the major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic. When driving in rural areas, particularly in the Northern Territory where there are no speed limits, drivers should be cautious of free-roaming animals and “road-trains” (several semi-truck trailers connected together). It is dangerous to pass road-trains, and it is advisable to pull over and allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped. A number of fatalities have occurred in the Northern Territory when vehicles driven at high rates of speed have skidded and overturned after hitting the loose gravel shoulder of the road. Those inexperienced with 4-wheel drive vehicles should exercise common-sense judgment when driving in outback Australia.

For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, contact the Australian Tourist Commission via the Internet at http://www.australia.com/.

Visit the website of Australia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.australia.com/ and http://www.nrma.com.au/.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Australian customs authorities enforce very strict regulations concerning the importation from all countries of items such as agricultural and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for other products, animals, and pets. These regulations also apply to items tourists bring with them. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Australia or Australia’s consulates in your country for specific information regarding customs requirements, or see the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at http://www.aqis.gov.au/.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, do remember that you are subjected to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in your country and may not afford the protections available to the individual under the law of your country. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than those in your country for similar offenses. Persons violating Australia’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Australia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Please note that engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country may also be crime, prosecutable in your country.