Foreign Affairs and Trade: Travel Warning

Mr Fletcher asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 3 November 2011:

How many countries were subject to travel warnings (issued by his department) between 2006-07 and 2010-11, and per country, what was the average number of days that such travel warnings applied during this period.

Mr Rudd: The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issues travel advisories for countries, not general "travel warnings". DFAT currently has travel advisories for 166 countries. They are kept under constant review and updated promptly to reflect any new information or in response to changes in the safety and security environment. Most travel advisories contain specific warnings about specific threats. Many contain specific warnings about terrorist attacks. Other warnings can relate to health, crime, natural disasters, and local laws.

Travel advisories remain in force at all times.