Australia: Current Travel and Safety Information for Visa Applicants

For travelers to Australia, there are currently two important issues that should be taken into account when planning a trip: extended processing times for certain visa categories, as well as current security advisories, particularly regarding the terror threat level and the general crime situation. Both of these factors directly affect how far in advance a visa application should be submitted and how the trip should be organized.

Applications for the Australian Work and Holiday Visa are currently particularly affected by longer processing times. Applicants planning to apply for this visa should allow for significantly more lead time than usual. Costly bookings, such as flights or accommodations, should ideally be made only after receiving visa approval to avoid financial risks due to delays. Anyone planning to apply for an Australian Work and Holiday visa will benefit from submitting a complete application well in advance so that any potential follow-up questions do not cause additional delays.

For other visa categories as well, it is advisable to apply well in advance, regardless of the purpose of travel. For short-term tourist or business stays, various options may be available depending on the situation, such as the ETA Tourist for Australia or the eVisitor for Australia. We handle the entire application process for our clients and determine in advance which visa type is appropriate for the planned trip, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays.

Security Situation: Terrorism Alert Level and Crime

Following the terrorist attack on December 14, 2025, at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia remains at Terror Alert Level 3 out of a possible five levels, which corresponds to a probability of an attack exceeding 50 percent within the next twelve months. This does not require any special precautions for the general public or travelers; however, security measures may be adjusted at large events and in crowded areas. Travelers should remain vigilant, especially in heavily frequented areas, and follow instructions from local security personnel.

The general crime rate in Australia is low; however, thefts, car break-ins, and occasional credit card fraud through card cloning occur, particularly in tourist hotspots. Backpackers staying in basic accommodations should be especially vigilant. There have also been isolated reports of assaults on travelers who have stayed outside of organized campgrounds, including in Alice Springs, on the Gold Coast, in Cairns, and in busy areas of Sydney such as Kings Cross. It is advisable to keep valuables secure, to use cashless payments whenever possible, and to stay only at guarded campgrounds.

When planning your trip, this means, above all, allowing sufficient time for the visa application process and staying informed about current developments before making major purchases for flights or accommodations. If you’d like to get an overview of suitable visa categories, the Australia Visa Overview lists all relevant options for different travel purposes.