Afghans walk outside Hazara's Sakhi Shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, April 19, 2024.
More than 10 million Australians will head overseas in 2026, if recent travel trends are any indication.
But there are many destinations the federal government has strenuously warned against holidaying to, even though some of them are trying to entice foreign tourists.

As the new year approaches, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued a “do not travel” advisory for 23 countries through its Smartraveller service.

Afghans walk outside Hazara's Sakhi Shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, April 19, 2024.
Australians should “understand that you could die and make a will before you go” to Afghanistan, the federal government warns.(AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Thailand, a favorite destination among Australians, is also under the same stringent warning. Meanwhile, travelers heading to Rwanda and Zambia, amid Mpox outbreaks and proximity to “do not travel” zones, are advised to “exercise normal safety precautions,” the lowest level of alert from Smartraveller. However, certain regions within these countries are subject to stricter advisories.

DFAT formulates its travel advice based on diverse factors, including insights from ASIO and international partners, aiming to objectively evaluate the risks travelers might encounter.

“We routinely reassess our travel advisories, yet not every issue or incident prompts a change,” Smartraveller explains on its platform.

“Our advisories are updated when new or heightened risks to Australians emerge.”

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