Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Demonstrations and public protests, which may turn violent, should be avoided.

Violent attacks on backpackers have occurred. Travellers, especially backpackers, should ensure that their personal belongings are secure, particularly in crowded places. Robberies of safe-deposit facilities are common at inexpensive hotels and hostels. The emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services is 000.

Many regions in the interior of Australia are remote, with small populations and few services. Overland travellers may have limited access to telephones and other facilities. Flash floods and bushfires occur in many parts of the country. News reports should be monitored carefully. For more information, see the pamphlet entitled Safety Tips for Visitors to Australia published by Tourism Queensland.

When swimming on public beaches, always obey the lifeguards and swim between the designated flags.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Traffic drives on the left. Exercise caution when driving in rural areas, particularly in the Northern Territory, due to roaming animals, excessive speeding, and "road-trains" (several semi-trailers hooked together). Drivers should pull over and allow oncoming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped. Access to some remote locations may be impossible during inclement weather. Careful planning is required when travelling by car due to the great distances between settlements and many isolated outback areas.  Permits are required when travelling on aboriginal territory.  Ensure that your vehicle is in good repair if travelling on back roads or tracks.

Carry sufficient supplies of gasoline, water, food staples, and a cellular telephone on trips. Before travelling to remote areas, tell a friend, relative, or somebody at the place you are staying: (a) where you are going, (b) what your planned route is, and (c) when you expect to be back. Public transportation is good.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Australia is located in a seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the High Commission of Canada in Canberra in the event of an emergency.

The cyclone season extends from November to April. Cyclones may occur along the coastal areas of Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

You are advised to visit the Web site of the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology for information on weather conditions.

During times of minimal rainfall, usually from October to April, intense bushfires can occur. Canadians should follow the advice of local authorities and avoid affected or susceptible areas.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Australia are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Australia to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Australian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Drunk driving laws are strictly enforced. The legal blood alcohol limit in many areas is .05. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving for provisional driver's licence holders. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Australia has very strict rules and quarantine measures regarding the importation of food and animal products.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Australia - CANBERRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000
Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4081
E-mail: cnbra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra issues passports to Canadian citizens in the states of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia; in the Australian Capital Territory; in Papua New Guinea; and in the Pacific islands in its jurisdiction (Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, the Northern Marianas, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu).

Australia - SYDNEY, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Level 5, Quay West Building, 111 Harrington Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel.: 61 (2) 9364-3000
Fax: 61 (2) 9364-3098
E-mail: sydny@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia

The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney issues passports to Canadian citizens in the states of New South Wales and Queensland, and in the Northern Territory.

Limited consular services (providing passport application forms and contact information for other consular, immigration, and visa matters) are available from the Consulate of Canada in Perth and the Consulate of Canada in Melbourne at the following addresses:

Australia - PERTH, Consulate of Canada
Address: 267 St. George's Terrace, Third Floor, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Tel.: 61 (8) 9322-7930
Fax: 61 (8) 9261-7706
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia

Australia - MELBOURNE, Consulate of Canada
Address: 101 Collins Street, Level 50, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Tel.: 61 (3) 9653-9674
Fax: 61 (3) 6270-4060
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/australia

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Canberra or the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 0011-800-2326-6831 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Australia is 1 800 881-150 or 1 800 551-177, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Australian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on April 12, 2006.  However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Australian High Commission and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. 

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Australia. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Canadians intending to study in Australia for less than 12 months must provide a recent medical certificate or report from a doctor as to their current state of health. Medical and radiological examinations are required for stays over 12 months. A fee is applicable for all student visas.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

For more information, contact the Australian visa information service at 1-888-990-8888.

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Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Australian dollar. Traveller's cheques are accepted at banks or large hotels. Credit cards are accepted, but use may be restricted in small towns and outback areas. ATMs are available in main cities.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Australia (capital: Canberra) is a continent located between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Tourist facilities are widely available. The official language is English.

The official web site of Australian tourism, www.australia.com offers extensive information if planning to travel around the country.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

Information and recommendations on Ross River virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The standard of healthcare is high, and excellent medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Ross River virus occurs throughout Australia, especially in the northern states and in coastal areas. Murray Valley Encephalitis also occurs throughout the country, particularly in the Northern Territory and northwest Western Australia. To avoid the risks of these mosquito-borne diseases, travellers should cover up, use sleeping nets, and apply mosquito repellent.

Intense sunshine year-round in Australia can result in exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is important to use sunscreen (at least SPF 30), wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drink plenty of water to avoid complications from sunburn and dehydration.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in this country.

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Canada and Australia do not have a reciprocal agreement on health coverage. Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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