For many Filipino-Australian families, travel is part of life – whether it’s a long-awaited trip to the Philippines, a holiday with loved ones, or a quick visit for a special occasion. But with global conditions shifting, even familiar routes and destinations can change quickly. What used to be a routine journey may now come with unexpected risks along the way.
This is where checking official travel advice becomes more important than ever. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website helps Australians travel overseas safely, reduce their risks and avoid problems. It provides travel advisories for 179 destinations around the world on safety issues, health care and health risks, local laws, entry requirements and local contacts.
Importantly, this advice does not only apply to where you are going – it also includes places you may pass through.
Transit risks many travellers overlook
One area that many travellers overlook is transit. Smartraveller advice levels show how risky a destination is for Australian travellers. Level 4 “Do not travel” means you should not travel to this location. You’re at a high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury. Level 3 “Reconsider your need to travel” means you should avoid non-essential travel: there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks.
This advice applies not only to destinations, but also to transit and layovers. Even if you do not plan to leave the airport, transiting through these locations can still carry serious risks, and travellers are advised to avoid these routes. Airspace may close without warning, flights can be delayed or cancelled, and borders may close at short notice. In some cases, travellers may find themselves unable to leave a location, which can be both dangerous and costly.
This is particularly relevant for Filipino-Australian travellers, many of whom fly internationally via major Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi – whether travelling to the Philippines, Europe, or other parts of the world. A single disruption in one location can affect the entire trip.
How disruptions can affect your journey
Flight disruptions are not limited to high-risk areas. Global tensions can have wider effects on aviation, including changes to flight paths, reduced services, and longer travel times. Even if your destination remains stable, your journey may still be affected. If your plans are disrupted, contact your airline or travel agent to explore alternative routes, rebooking options, or possible refunds.
Another factor travellers may encounter is the impact of global fuel supply challenges. In some regions, this has led to delays in flights and local transport, as well as changes in the availability of services. In practical terms, this could mean waiting longer for connecting flights, dealing with altered schedules, or facing limited options once you arrive at your destination.
In some cases, disruptions may also affect access to transport, food, water, or other essential services, and new measures may be introduced at short notice.
Before you go, check the essentials
Travel insurance is another area that deserves close attention. Not all policies offer the same level of protection, particularly when it comes to disruptions linked to changing travel advice. Insurers usually will not cover travel through destinations under a “Do not travel” advisory, including transit points. It is important to check the details of your policy before departure and confirm what is covered in the event of delays, cancellations, or changes to your itinerary. Even partial coverage is better than none, but understanding the limits of your policy can help avoid added stress later on.
For Filipino-Australian travellers, many trips are planned well in advance – often around school holidays, family gatherings, or important life events. These are not always easy to reschedule. But even when visiting familiar places or staying with relatives, it remains important to check the latest travel advice before departure. Conditions can change between the time a ticket is booked and the day of travel.
While travelling – stay alert
While travelling, staying informed and alert can make a real difference. Checking local and international news, following updates from official sources, and paying attention to advice from local authorities are all simple but effective steps. Protests and civil unrest may occur in different parts of the world, even outside areas directly affected by conflict. In busy public places or large gatherings, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding areas considered high risk can help reduce potential exposure to harm. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, report it to local authorities.
Keeping in contact with your airline, travel agent, or insurer also ensures you can respond quickly if your plans change. Travellers are also encouraged to check with the Australian embassies or consulates relevant to their destination for the latest advice.
Travel remains an important way to stay connected with family and culture. It is still possible to travel safely, but preparation now plays a bigger role than it once did. Taking a few extra steps – reviewing official advice, checking transit routes, confirming insurance, and staying updated – can help ensure a smoother and safer journey.
Know who to contact in an emergency
While staying in touch with your airline or travel agent is important, it’s also helpful to know who to contact if something more serious happens.
The Australian Government provides 24-hour emergency consular assistance to Australian permanent residents. If you find yourself in a crisis overseas, you can contact the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on:
From within Australia: 1300 555 135
From anywhere in the world: +61 2 6261 3305
It’s also a good idea to keep the contact details of the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate handy, as they can provide guidance based on the local situation.
Before you leave, visit smartraveller.gov.au to read the latest advice for your destination and any transit points, and subscribe to the relevant destination page for updates. A few minutes of preparation can make a significant difference when plans don’t go as expected.
This article has been developed in partnership with Smartraveller.gov.au.
