This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (LTTE attack in Yala National Park). The overall level of the advice has not changed. The level of advice for Yala National Park has increased.
Summary
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of ongoing civil unrest, the volatile security situation and the very high risk of terrorist attacks. Attacks occur frequently and further attacks can happen at any time, anywhere in Sri Lanka. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others, in particular Sri Lankan government and military targets.

A recent escalation of conflict in the north and at sea may provoke further terrorist attacks, including in Colombo. You should exercise extreme caution, maintain high personal security awareness and avoid locations known to be targeted by terrorists in Sri Lanka.

Tensions between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are high. There has been a significant escalation in the number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence, including in tourist areas in the centre and south of the country. The security situation could deteriorate further without warning.

On 23 July the Government of Sri Lanka issued a media statement encouraging heightened vigilance by members of the public, citing intelligence reports indicating that the LTTE had deployed vehicle bombs to attack Colombo.

On 24 July 2007, a roadside bomb targeting a military bus in Mannar district killed nine soldiers. This attack underlines the high ongoing threat of terrorist attacks. It was just one of a large number of terrorist attacks, many of them fatal, against a range of civilian and military targets throughout the country, including the international airport in Colombo (see background for full details). Further attacks are likely.

Anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, should also be avoided. You should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel. On 29 April 2007, 14 people were injured and buildings were damaged after anti-aircraft weapons were fired over Colombo.
Due to the on-going conflict, the international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night. In light of the increased threat, some airlines have suspended flights to Colombo or changed flight schedules suspending commercial late night flights. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.

There is a danger of kidnapping for ransom of foreign nationals in Sri Lanka, including in Colombo.
Due to the volatile security situation in Sri Lanka, Australian government officials and dependants have been advised to avoid using public transport and locations that may be potential targets.

There have been incidents of violence against aid workers, including on 20 August 2007 when aid worker with the Danish Demining Group was shot dead in Jaffna, while his co-worker was injured.
North and East of Sri Lanka: We advise you not to travel to the north and east of Sri Lanka, including to the Wilpattu National Park. The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in significant battles in Madhu and Omanthai near Vavuniya, Muhamalai in Jaffna and in the general vicinity of Trincomalee. Military strikes have also occurred in other districts. If you are already in the north or east of Sri Lanka or in the Wilpattu National Park and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing if it is safe to do so.
Road access between Jaffna and the rest of Sri Lanka has been closed since 11 August 2006. The LTTE has refused to guarantee the safety of shipping in waters around Jaffna. Australians in Jaffna who wish to depart should do so by air.

Travellers have inadvertently been caught up in these actions.
Because of the unpredictable security situation and risk of further terrorist attacks, we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of ongoing civil unrest, the volatile security situation and the very high risk of further terrorist attacks. Attacks occur frequently and further attacks can happen at any time, anywhere in Sri Lanka, including the south. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others, in particular Sri Lankan government and military targets.

You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Tensions between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are high. A recent escalation of conflict in the north, particularly in Vavuniya and Mannar districts, may provoke further terrorist attacks, including in Colombo.

On 27 November 2006, the LTTE indicated that it would pursue an independent state through renewed struggle rather than negotiation. The 2002 ceasefire remains formally in place but is routinely breached by both sides. Road access to the north of the country, including to Jaffna, has been restricted since August because of intermittent fighting at Muhamalai. The security situation could deteriorate further without warning.

On 23 July the Government of Sri Lanka issued a media statement encouraging heightened vigilance by members of the public, citing intelligence reports indicating that the LTTE had deployed vehicle bombs to attack Colombo. You should exercise extreme caution, maintain high personal security awareness and avoid locations known to be targeted by terrorists in Sri Lanka.

You should be particularly vigilant on and around anniversaries and days of national significance such as May Day (1 May), Vesak (which falls in May), the Kandy Esela Perahara Festival (which falls in August), the Tamil and Sinhala New Year festivals (13-14 April), the anniversary of the 2002 cessations of hostilities (22 February) and of the first LTTE suicide bombing (5 July), as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks. On 23 August 2007 police arrested five men for allegedly planning an attack on the Kandy Esela Perahara Festival. There were further arrests on 26 August 2007 following the recovery of an unexploded bomb on a street in Kandy. The Kandy Esela Perahara Festival takes place from 19 to 29 August 2007.

There have been incidents of violence against aid workers. On 20 August 2007, a member of the Danish Demining Group was shot dead in Jaffna, while his co-worker was injured. On 23 June 2007 an aid worker with the Danish Refugee Council was shot dead in Jaffna. On 2 June 2007, two volunteer Red Cross workers were abducted from a train station and murdered. On 13 June 2007, an expatriate aid worker with Mercy Corps was shot on a beach at the Club Oceanic Hotel in Trincomalee.

On 1 June 2007, a large truck bomb was intercepted in Kurungeala district of North Central Province. On 29 June 2007, a second large truck bomb was intercepted in Trincomalee in the north-east. Truck bombings could occur at any time in any part of Sri Lanka.

On 28 May 2007 a bomb blast near a Sri Lankan Air Force base south of Colombo killed at least seven civilians and injured more than 35 other people, including Sri Lankan Police personnel. On 29 April 2007 Tamil Tiger aircraft bombed the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) base at Ratmalana and an oil refinery in Colombo. On 26 April 2007 the Bandaranaike International Airport near the capital Colombo and its access roads were temporarily closed when Sri Lankan troops at the nearby SLAF base at Katunayeke fired anti-aircraft guns following reports a Tamil Tiger aircraft was in the area. The LTTE launched aerial attacks on the SLAF base on 26 March 2007, forcing the temporary closure of Bandaranaike International Airport, and on the SLAF base at Palali, Jaffna on 23 April 2007, killing armed forces personnel. The Sri Lankan Government has warned more aerial attacks could occur, including, but not limited to, in the High Security Zone in Colombo 1 and 2 suburbs and parts of Colombo 3 suburb where a number of international hotels are located.

Anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, should also be avoided, especially during blackouts. New batteries have been established in central Colombo in areas frequented by tourists, including hotels. You should avoid, or at least minimise, movement on the street during aerial attacks due to the risk of being hit by falling projectiles. You should also avoid travelling at night time when anti-aircraft is more likely to occur. On 29 April 2007, 14 people were injured and buildings were damaged after anti-aircraft weapons were fired over Colombo.

In the event of a Sri Lankan Government-enforced security related blackout, Australian government officials have been advised to avoid anti-aircraft batteries and their surroundings, including tall buildings and to take cover in a secured area for protection against projectiles, likely to be on the ground floor of an internal room with solid concrete walls and ceiling and no, or limited, windows. If unable to leave a tall building, they have been advised to take cover in an inner room with solid walls using heavy furniture for additional overhead protection. They have been advised to stay indoors for at least one hour after the cessation of firing of any anti-aircraft guns.

Due to the on-going conflict, the SLAF base at Katunayeke could be targeted at any time. The co-located international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night. From 10 May to 1 July 2007 the Government of Sri Lanka announced the night-time (2230-0430hrs) closure of the airport. In light of the increased threat, some airlines have suspended flights to Colombo or changed flight schedules suspending commercial late night flights. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.

There has been a significant escalation in the number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence throughout Sri Lanka, including in tourist areas in the centre and south. On 15 October 2007, the LTTE attacked a military camp located in Yala National Park, a popular tourist location, killing eight people. On 16 October 2007, a military vehicle hit a landmine in Yala National Park in Southern Province killing one and injuring three people.

On 23 April 2007, five people were killed and 36 injured when a roadside bomb hit a public bus near Vavuniya, 250 kilometres north of Colombo. Another bus near Vavuniya was attacked in the same way on 7 April 2007, killing eight people and injuring 23. On 5 January 2007, a suspected LTTE bombing occurred inside a private passenger bus at Kalapittiya, between Colombo and Kandy, killing six civilians and injuring approximately 30. On 6 January 2007, a further such bombing occurred at Godagama, between Galle and Colombo, in which 15 civilians were killed and 42 injured. On 2 April 2007, a suspected LTTE bombing of a private bus in Ampara district on the east coast killed 17. On 18 October 2006, a LTTE attack on a major naval and commercial port facility at Galle harbour killed at least 16 and injured several people. On 16 October 2006, a suspected LTTE attack in Diganpathaha in the central part of the cultural triangle killed over 100 members of the security forces and injured at least 150.

We are aware of media reports that the High Security Zone Residents' Liberation Force (HSZRLF) has threatened to attack civilian targets in the south including hospitals and dams. The Ellalan Force, which claimed responsibility for the bombing of civilian busses on 5 and 6 January 2007, issued a statement on 21 January threatening further attacks.

Northern and Eastern Region and Yala National Park: We advise you not to travel to the north and east of Sri Lanka, including to the Wilpattu National Park and Yala National Park. On 15 October 2007, the LTTE attacked a military camp located in Yala National Park killing eight people and on 16 October 2007, a military vehicle hit a landmine killing one and injuring three people. An explosion in Wilpattu National Park in May 2006 killed seven visitors. If you are already in the north or east of Sri Lanka or in the Wilpattu or Yala National Parks and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing if it is safe to do so. Politically motivated violence including assassinations, bombings in public places and on roads is escalating and there is widespread civil unrest. Communal and inter-ethnic tensions in these regions are very high and further violence is highly likely, particularly between Muslim communities on the east coast and pro-government Tamil paramilitaries.

Reports indicate a pro-government Tamil paramilitary faction has threatened aid workers operating in Eastern Province.

The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in significant battles in Madhu and Omanthai near Vavuniya, Muhamalai and in the general vicinity of Trincomalee. Military strikes have also occurred in the Batticaloa, Ampara, Mannar, Mulaitivu, and Killinochchi districts. Travellers have inadvertently been caught up in these actions. An attack on a passenger train on 6 June 2007 in Batticaloa district derailed several carriages and caused injuries to a number of civilians.

Recent reports indicate that terrorists may be planning suicide attacks against the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in Sir Chitampalam A Gardiner Mawatha in central Colombo and the main SLAF fighter wing at Katunayake, collocated with Bandaranaike International Airport, the country's main international airport.

Attacks could occur at any time and in any place, including infrastructure associated with the Sri Lankan Government such as military establishments, public transport, airports, sea ports, oil depots and public buildings, as well as political offices of anti-LTTE Tamil organisations. Nearby locations could sustain collateral damage. Potentially affected locations also include shopping malls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, schools, places of worship, embassies, tourist areas (including national parks), markets and outdoor recreation areas, major sporting events and religious festivals.

On 24 July 2007 a roadside bomb targeting a military bus in Mannar district killed nine soldiers. On 24 May 2007 a road side bomb targeting a military bus was detonated in the Fort Area of the Colombo 15 suburb near the port and naval base, killing one soldier and injuring several others, including civilians.

A roadside bomb targeting a busy road in central Colombo was defused by police in August 2006. A roadside bomb attack on the military escort of the Pakistani High Commissioner in central Colombo on 14 August 2006 killed eight people. A car bomb on exploded in the Bambalapitiya area of central Colombo on 8 August 2006, killing two and injuring others. A senior police officer was killed by a roadside bomb on 7 August 2006 in Kandy district near tourist facilities at Victoria Dam. A suicide bomb attack on 26 June 2006 occurred on a public street in Colombo killing three people, including the Sri Lankan Army Deputy Chief of Staff, and seriously injuring several others.

On 1 December 2006, a suicide bomber attack in central Colombo on the convoy of the Secretary of Defence killed three and injured 14. A roadside explosion targeting a public bus in Anuradhapura District on 15 June 2006 caused a significant number of deaths and injuries. An explosion near a naval base 10 kilometres north of Colombo on 6 June 2006 resulted in two injuries. A suicide bomb attack at the headquarters of the Sri Lankan army in Colombo in April 2006 caused a number of deaths and injuries.

Although tourists have not been targets of politically motivated violence, the LTTE have undertaken attacks at locations frequented by tourists, including the international airport in Colombo.

A State of Emergency was declared by the Government of Sri Lanka following the assassination of the Foreign Minister on 13 August 2005 and remains in effect. The State of Emergency gives additional powers to security forces including the authority to establish road blocks and impose curfews. You should monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Events of political significance, including elections, could be catalysts for violence and civil unrest. You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.

Crime
There is a danger of kidnapping for ransom of foreign nationals in Sri Lanka, including in Colombo. All Australians in Sri Lanka, particularly those of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, should ensure that appropriate identification is carried at all times.

Violent crime continues to increase, including sexual assault and robbery. Policing in remote areas is often hampered by a lack of resources and poor infrastructure.

There have been incidents of violence against aid workers. On 2 June 2007, two volunteer Red Cross workers were abducted from a train station and murdered. On 13 June 2007, an expatriate aid worker with Mercy Corps was shot on a beach at the Club Oceanic Hotel in Trincomalee.

Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly on public transport.

Local Travel
Due to the volatile security situation in Sri Lanka, Australian government officials and dependants have been advised to avoid using public transport. Australian diplomatic and consular staff have also been advised to exercise heightened security vigilance, avoid travel to locations that may be potential targets and curtail all non-essential travel. Anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, should also be avoided. You should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel.

Security personnel may impose curfews, roadblocks and security checks at short notice across the country, and may require proof of identification, such as your current passport.

There can be lengthy delays when travelling to the airport as a result of checkpoints established by the security forces. Sections of the road to the airport are occasionally closed at night, requiring all traffic to be diverted along narrow local roads. Travellers should allow adequate time for security checks on the road to the airport and maintain a high degree of security vigilance if diverted from the main road along the narrow local road system.

Check points between government held areas and "uncleared areas", (i.e. areas controlled by the LTTE) including on the main A-9 highway which links the north and south of the country, can be closed without notice. The checkpoint at Muhamalai, the entry point to Jaffna, has been closed since 11 August.

Transport conditions throughout Sri Lanka are hazardous. There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, particularly on inter-city buses and three-wheeler taxis. The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There have been a number of fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.

The 26 December 2004 tsunami caused extensive damage to parts of the east and south coasts of Sri Lanka and the west coast, south of Colombo. If you intend to travel to these areas, you should seek information on the current condition of infrastructure and facilities from tour operators.

Marked and unmarked landmines are widespread in parts of the north and east, especially in Vanni, Jaffna and along the A9 road in the north.

On 28 December 2005 the Government of Sri Lanka announced arrangements for foreigners seeking to enter the uncleared areas of the north and east which are presently under LTTE control. Foreign staff of diplomatic missions, international organisations and international non-government organisations accredited with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be allowed to cross entry and exit checkpoints into uncleared areas without restriction. All other foreigners must seek approval from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before being allowed to enter uncleared areas. For advice on the location of uncleared areas, you can contact the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence on telephone number (+94 11) 243 3215.

Road access between Jaffna and the rest of Sri Lanka has been closed since 11 August 2006. The LTTE has refused to guarantee the safety of shipping in waters around Jaffna. On 9 November 2006, LTTE Sea Tigers attacked Sri Lankan Navy ships escorting a passenger ferry from Trincomalee to Jaffna. The LTTE launched a suicide attack against a cargo vessel in Jaffna on 21 January 2006. Australians in Jaffna who wish to depart should do so by air.

The waters around the northern and eastern coast of Sri Lanka are declared restricted zones by the Government of Sri Lanka. Government security forces have fired upon unauthorised vessels in coastal areas. In September 2006 a vessel was destroyed in waters beyond the territorial sea.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The LTTE hi-jacked a Jordanian cargo vessel off the north-east coast in December 2006. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety
Due to the on-going conflict, the SLAF base at Katunayeke could be targeted at any time. The co-located international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids, (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Transport and Regional Services website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Transport and Regional Services has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are provided advice not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters
The monsoon season is December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Flooding and landslides may occur.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Travellers should monitor and follow the directions of authorities in the event of tsunami warnings being issued.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Since 1 July 2005, Australians have been required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws
When you are in Sri Lanka, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug trafficking are severe and include the death penalty. The death penalty may also be applied for murder and rape.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Sri Lanka.

Photography and video taping in high-security zones (HSZs) is prohibited. All military establishments and some government buildings, including official residences, have been declared as HSZs. Some HSZs may not be signposted.

In August 2006 the Government of Sri Lanka announced restrictions on the use of satellite telephones in uncleared and operational areas (including territorial waters) north, north-east and north-west of Sri Lanka. Permission from the Ministry of Defence must be obtained before using satellite telephones in these areas (further details are available from the Additional Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Defence Tel:+94-11-243 0860/+94-11-238 9021).

Australian citizens of Sri Lankan origin are entitled to apply to have their dual nationality status recognised by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local customs
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Sri Lanka and you should take care not to offend.

Taking photographs of people next to Buddha statues can cause offence.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sri Lanka, for the most up to date information.

Health Issues
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical and ancillary treatment in Colombo is below that of Australia. Medical facilities outside of Colombo are limited with no reliable emergency services available. Private hospitals will require payment of a deposit or confirmation of insurance cover prior to admission. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities is recommended. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.

A decompression chamber is located at the SL Naval Base in Trincomalee.

Malaria occurs in all areas of Sri Lanka except for the districts of Colombo, Gall, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya. Outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases (including dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) occur from time to time. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.

Food-borne, water-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help
In Sri Lanka, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission
21 Gregory's Road
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Telephone (94 11) 246 3200
Facsimile (94 11) 268 6453
e-mail:

If you are travelling to Sri Lanka, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

This Advice was issued on Thursday, 18 October 2007, 15:21:35, EST.