Are you planning a long-awaited trip to visit family back home in the Philippines? Perhaps you’re about to explore new destinations, join a reunion, or attend a special celebration overseas.
Wherever you’re going, one essential travel companion you should take with you is Smartraveller – the Australian Government’s official travel advice service.
Many Filipino-Australians may already know of Smartraveller.But not everyone realises just how useful the website can be for every stage of your journey. In this article, we’ll help you navigate Smartraveller – the advice types, advice levels, advantages of subscribing to updates, and why Smartraveller should be your first destination.
Rest assured, after reading this article, you will have all the information needed to plan your travels better and have a peaceful mind before and during your trip.
What is Smartraveller?
Smartraveller (www.smartraveller.gov.au) is like a well-travelled friend who gives you insider advice about the places you’re heading to. The site provides trusted, up-to-date information about more than 175 countries, including:
- Local laws and customs
- Health alerts, medications and vaccination information
- Safety and security updates
- Tips for protecting yourself from scams or theft
- Visa and entry requirements
- Precautions for participating in water activities, crowded festivals or partying when overseas
- Contact details for Australian embassies and consulates.
If you are a Filipino-Australian dual citizen or holding a Philippine passport alongside your Australian one, be sure to check Smartraveller’s section on dual nationals for guidance.
Understanding travel advice levels
One of the key features of Smartraveller is the travel advice level for each country:
Level 1 – Exercise normal safety precautions.
This means that the security environment within this destination is similar to that of a large Australian city. To travel to these destinations, you still need to learn about the laws and social customs, but overall, the risks are not greater than those you’d face in an Australian city.
Level 2 – Exercise a high degree of caution.
This means the destination has more or higher risks than you’d typically find in an Australian city. Many of these destinations may present a weak law-and-order system or a risk of the security environment changing with little warning. Therefore, thorough research and added precautions are needed before you decide to travel to the destination.
Level 3 – Reconsider your need to travel.
This means these destinations have serious and potentially life-threatening risks and you should avoid non-essential travel. To travel to these destinations, you must research and check that your insurer will cover you and take extra precautions to protect yourself from security and health risks.
Level 4 – Do not travel.
This means these destinations pose extreme health and safety risks and are strictly not for travel for Australian communities. These destinations may have a high threat of terrorist attack, conflict, violent social unrest, widespread infectious disease or critical levels of violent crime. If you choose to travel to these destinations and get in trouble, the Australian government may not be able to help you.
It’s essential to check the current advice level for each country you are visiting or transiting through. The advice level can affect your personal safety and travel insurance – many policies won’t cover travel to or through Level 4 destinations.
Current advice for most areas in the Philippines is Level 2, which means you need to exercise a high degree of caution. Regions of Central and Western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Sulu Archipelago, and the southern Sulu Sea area, are all under the Level 4—Do not travel advice. At the same time, Smartraveller recommends reconsidering travel to eastern Mindanao, excluding Camiguin, Dinagat, and Siargao Islands. Check the advice thoroughly before you make your travel plans.
Why subscribe to Smartraveller?
Even after you’ve packed your bags and boarded your flight, situations can change quickly – think of natural disasters, civil unrest, or sudden airline disruptions.
By subscribing to Smartraveller updates, you’ll receive free email alerts if anything significant happens in the country you’re visiting. This could help you stay informed and take action early if needed.
👉 You can easily sign up for updates for one or more countries on the Smartraveller subscription page.
Extra tip: Filipino community resources
For Filipino-Australian travellers and their families, Smartraveller also offers a helpful Filipino Community Hub – a dedicated page with trusted travel advice, consular services information, and practical tips in plain language. This is a great resource to share with parents, older relatives, or friends who may prefer clear, easy-to-follow guidance.
You may also like: 10 tips that will make you a Smartraveller – another helpful guide for planning your next trip.
A simple habit that can keep you safe
Before you book your flights, apply for your visa, or arrange your airport pick-up, make Smartraveller your first stop.
- Check the travel advice
- Subscribe to updates
- Explore the Filipino Community Hub
- Share the site with family and friends who are also travelling
It only takes a few minutes, but it could make a world of difference to your safety, confidence, and enjoyment of your trip.
Stay informed, safe and come home with wonderful travel memories.
Visit Smartraveller.gov.au today.
This article is written in partnership with the Australian Government’s Smartraveller – the trusted travel advice service.
