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How the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad

Editor's Note

Though careful planning and common sense are two of the best ways to stay safe when traveling, security situations can rapidly change in foreign countries.

That's why the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to help keep you up-to-date on relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. consulate, wherever in the world you happen to be.

Here's how to sign up for STEP.

Who should register for STEP?

The primary purpose of STEP is to keep American citizens safe. Here are a few reasons to consider signing up:

• You're traveling to an area that's politically unstable or prone to violence.
• You're taking an extended trip (several weeks or months) where you have limited Wi-Fi access.
• You're traveling for a major event, summit or conference (like the World Cup) that might become the target of protests or attacks.
• You're a minority traveling to an area where you might be targeted as an outsider.
• You'd like an additional safety resource during your trip, no matter the destination.

Some group trips or programs may require participants to enroll. For instance, I had to enroll when I studied abroad in college.

In the event of a rapidly deteriorating situation, such as a coup or natural disaster, STEP can connect you with evacuation efforts or provide important safety information and help you take care of yourself.

How to register

To register, create an account and fill in your personal information and emergency contact details.

Once your account is set up, log in and register each specific trip or residence abroad. You'll repeat this process for each new trip to receive STEP alerts.

You'll then be prompted to enroll any upcoming trips to receive STEP notifications. Select the nearest U.S. consulate to where you'll be staying. Note that "destination" refers to the country (not a specific city, state or territory), and the available options will auto-fill as you type.

Next, fill in the dates of your trip, the reason you're traveling and how you can be reached while abroad. If there are any timely alerts specific to your destination, you'll also be alerted of that information at this point.

Bottom line

It may be helpful to think of STEP like travel insurance: If all goes well, you won't need to use it, and you might even forget you have it.

However, if things go wrong while you're traveling abroad, your local U.S. embassy is the quickest way to get help; the embassy's goal is to ensure all Americans in its jurisdiction are safe and accounted for. This is when STEP notifications can become incredibly important.

The entire sign-up process takes less than five minutes, and the trip registration process takes about 60 seconds.

For additional resources, be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter and bookmark its international travel page for the latest country alerts.

Related reading:

• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• Confused by State Department travel advisories? Here's what they mean
• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Passport processing wait times decrease for the 1st time since February
• Prepare to wait: Current Global Entry processing times are up to 11 months

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What Is The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program And Why Do You Need It?

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and many countries post record-breaking daily or weekly case counts, the U.S. State Department now cautions that U.S. citizens who travel internationally may face unexpected challenges related to the coronavirus as they attempt to return to the U.S. or travel from one foreign country to another.

One of those challenges is to simply stay up-to-date on various countries’ travel restrictions. 

That’s because governments around the world continue to implement new requirements and even impose new travel restrictions as they strive to keep COVID-19 case counts down in their own countries. The problem, however, is that changes are often implemented quickly with little advance notice, which may take those traveling by surprise.

The good news is that the State Department offers a service that helps U.S. citizens and nationals stay informed about changing conditions in countries they are visiting or plan to visit. 

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. That way, they are able to quickly receive important information from the U.S. embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, which helps them make informed decisions about travel plans. Another benefit is that enrolling a trip in STEP makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers with important information about natural disasters or civil unrest in their destination country, or to contact the traveler in the event of a family emergency.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about STEP before your next international trip.

Created To Assist U.S. Citizens

Consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates can help U.S. citizens who run into legal, medical, or financial difficulties while visiting other countries. For example, if a U.S. citizen’s passport is stolen while traveling, staff at an embassy or consulate can help that traveler get a replacement passport. They can also provide the names of English-speaking doctors or local attorneys, as well as provide information about dangerous conditions.

“In a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or severe political instability, the Department of State often takes an active role in providing information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area,” the State Department explains . “We encourage all U.S. citizens travelling or residing overseas to notify the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of their contact information so that, in an emergency, we can contact them to provide important safety and security information, or support during a crisis. Enrolling in STEP is an easy way to send your contact information to us online.” 

In addition to Travel Advisories, U.S. embassies and consulates often send alerts about emerging situations in a country. It’s important to enroll your international trip in STEP because these alerts are written specifically for a traveler’s dates of travel and destination.

You can learn more about the STEP service here and create an account to enroll a trip here .

Know Before You Go

If you are planning an international trip, the State Department has two more suggestions for you. The first is to visit its Country Information webpage so you can learn about your destination.

“We provide safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each Country Information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you,” the State Department explains. “Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to decide whether traveling to that country is right for you.”

The State Department’s Country Information web page may be found here .

The State Department’s second suggestion is to visit its Traveler’s Checklist webpage, which is found here .

That page includes information explaining how to get informed about conditions in a country you plan to visit and ensure you have all necessary documents. It also provides information about three types of insurance: health insurance, evacuation insurance, and additional insurance for unexpected expenses such as those from interrupted or delayed travel and lost luggage.

While you’re thinking about international travel, be sure to read all of our travel news coverage as well as our COVID-19 coverage, including 6 Things The State Department Says You Should Do If You’re Traveling Internationally and 21 Expert Tips For Traveling Internationally Right Now .

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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Register Your Trip with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for Travel Alerts

Sadly, in the world today, it can be dangerous to leave your house and drive your car, but you take precautions to ensure you are a safe driver (no texting, safe distances, and caution for example). When planning a trip, you should think about all safety issues that are important to you (read this post for My Travel Safety Thoughts ) and consider registering your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for international travel (U.S. residents only).

For my trip with Mom to Paris, there were a few people who asked, in the light of the terrorist events, if we should be going there at all. I said, “Of course we should still travel.”  Because of Mom, I made a few changes to my normal planning process.

• The first change meant buying travel insurance for Mom that included medical coverage, as Medicare doesn’t pay for international medical costs.  While I have medical coverage, I also bought travel insurance for this trip to mirror what Mom would have as we were traveling together.

***If you want to have some fun, start reading the fine print of travel insurances related to health care, first payor, pre-existing conditions, trip deposit dates, and so many other things that I hadn’t had to think about in the past. You really need to be an educated consumer with respect to travel insurance.***

2.      The other change from my normal trip planning was registering our trip with my employer which has a Global Security team in case incidents affect their employees while traveling on business and personal.

3.       I registered our trip with the U.S. Department of State’s STEP Program.

I first used the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) back in 2012 when I traveled to South America ( Santiago , Easter Island , and Lima ) and then again for my month in Africa ( Botswana , Zimbabwe , South Africa ). By registering your international travel plans, you will receive notifications from the local U.S. Embassies if there is cause for concern during your travels in those countries/regions. It’s just another layer of protection in my opinion, especially for me when travelling solo. During the Africa trip, I received an email from the Embassy in Botswana regarding a demonstration to avoid in a particular city.  As I was on safari, it didn’t affect me but was good to know what was going on in the country while I was there away from television and newspaper updates (internet wifi was spotty at the time).

How to Register for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)

Visit the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program site

You have three options

• Staying Home (you can sign up for travel alerts and warnings)
• Frequent Traveler (create account)

When you click “Traveling” you need to agree to the privacy statement and answer two questions:

• Are you a U.S. Citizen?
• Travel/Reside Abroad

You then have a few tabs to complete (one per family member is fine – groups have different option)

• Traveler Info (Your information & Emergency Contact Information)
• Itinerary Info
• Travel Info
• Confirmation

Why Register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?

It’s easy! It’s quick! It’s free! Let’s hope you have a hassle free trip as most usually do, but in the rare case that you need information or assistance, you can contact the U.S. Embassy or they can contact you. You can also follow the State Dept on Twitter @TravelGov for updates.

The local embassy that you’ve registered your trip with will send out

• Travel Alerts for “short term, fast breaking events that could pose significant risks to you or affect travel plans” They provide examples of demonstrations, protests and other information you might need to be aware of.
• Travel Warnings recommend postponing travel to the country because of what is deemed dangerous conditions or places where it’s harder to assist U.S. citizens.

On our recent trip in September with Mom , I received an email when a worldwide caution (for London travelers) was updated from the March caution. Thankfully, both London and Paris were uneventful and no specific notifications were sent.

I’ve found this added layer of communication quite invaluable and comforting while I’ve traveled.  It’s always best to overplan when it comes to safety in my opinion (hence my backup options B, C, D and E!).  I think it’s a good idea to register your international trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and use the U.S. Dept of State website to research the destination.

Do you use the STEP Program now?  

If not, do you think you would in the future for your next international trip?

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Pros and Cons of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Last Updated: 05/15/2024

Published: 03/11/2023

I may make commissions from purchases made through links.  Read here for more information. And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’m an American who’s lived overseas 5 years and love discovering all the world has to offer. I made this blog to share resources for digital nomads and expats I wish I’d had.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows U.S. citizens to register with the U.S. government to receive notifications during emergencies. It’s helpful if you don’t pay attention to the news much. But not so much so if you have privacy concerns. Keep reading to learn more.

I’ve used the STEP program for several years so far. I want to share some advantages and disadvantages based on my experience.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• STEP delivers important safety & security information to your email inbox.
• The US government will have your email, but you could use an email address you never use.
• STEP won’t fill your inbox; they email once in a while.
• You must sign up again when visiting another country.
• The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is free to enroll.

Pros & Cons of STEP

The following sections will cover the advantages and disadvantages of registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

1. Safety Updates Are Helpful

By enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, you can receive important safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State . This information can include travel warnings, alerts, and emergency messages to help you stay safe during your trip.

I’m in Taiwan. And most updates I’ve gotten are about vaccines during COVID-19, Taiwan military drills, and tips regarding emergency natural disaster preparation.

2. Consular Assistance

If you encounter an emergency while traveling abroad, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can help you access consular services. This can include assistance with medical emergencies, legal issues, and other emergencies.

3. Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can give you peace of mind while traveling. You will have access to essential information and assistance in an emergency, which can help you feel more secure and prepared.

4. It’s Free & Doesn’t Take Long to Register

It took me around 10 minutes to fill out my information and register for the notifications . Upon signing up, they’ll send a confirmation email.

You also don’t need to pay any money to receive notifications.

5. Makes It Easier for the Government to Find You During Emergencies

You don’t provide the U.S. government with your address in your country, but it can help you reach your local embassy or consulate quicker in an emergency. Though, you could use Google Maps to find your nearest diplomatic building.

You provide them with your contact information, which may make it so the government will let your family know what’s going on during an emergency. They don’t specify whether they do so, though.

If they do, it will prove helpful if, for instance, your country’s had nationwide internet outages.

Cons of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:

The following sections will cover the cons of the STEP program.

1. Doesn’t Serve as Proof of Citizenship

Though you’re registering your passport number and other personal information, you can’t use it to prove your identity in the country you’re staying in.

2. Have to Sign up Again When Traveling to Another Country

You must sign up for STEP notifications when entering a different country. Signing up for a notification takes less than 10 minutes, but it’s tedious if you’re backpacking across Europe or country-hopping in Asia.

3. Privacy Concerns

Some travelers may be concerned about the personal information collected when enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This information can include your name, contact information, and travel itinerary.

4. Limited Assistance

While the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can assist in an emergency, it may only be able to assist with some situations. Most travelers may prefer to rely on their own resources or local authorities instead .

5. Limited Coverage

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is only available to U.S. citizens and nationals. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may not be able to enroll in the program and receive its benefits.

What Is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State. The American government designed the program to help U.S. citizens and nationals stay safe while traveling abroad .

By enrolling in the program, travelers can receive important safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State, and access consular services in case of an emergency.

Who Is the STEP Program Best For?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is best for U.S. citizens and nationals who are planning to travel abroad.

It’s especially useful for those who fall under one of these scenarios:

• Staying in a country for an extended period
• The country frequently has natural disasters
• Terrorism & crime frequently happens in the country visited

STEP’s also great for anyone who doesn’t pay attention to the local news much. As the U.S. government frequently provides updates regarding regional developments.

How to Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Enroll is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by visiting step.state.gov/STEP/pages/individuals/newAccountStart.aspx

From there, follow these steps:

• Read and accept their Privacy Notice
• Create an account: username, password, & security question
• Citizenship
• Contact information
• Passport number

Once you have enrolled in the program, you will receive important safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State via email.

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Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: A Free Tool for Safer Travel Abroad

Everyone wants to be a smarter – and safer – traveler. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department has made smart, safe travel easy with its  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP.

The STEP Travel Program is one of the best ways to stay abreast of security and safety issues in the countries where you travel. It works for two big reasons:

1)    It leverages the power and reach of the State Department’s network of embassies and consulates around the world; and

2)    It’s free.

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STEP was set up to protect the interests and lives of U.S. citizens when they travel abroad, and notify them of things that may put them in danger or alter their travel plans. 

How to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

You subscribe to the STEP travel program online , by providing your full name and email, and the countries you plan to visit. If you’re currently traveling, you can sign up for email alerts and updates pertaining to your itinerary.

You can also download the free Smart Traveler app from iTunes or Google Play , and use that to sign up and get alerts.

The one thing you need to remember about STEP is that it works on a per-trip basis. You need to sign up for each international trip you take.

5 reasons to use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

• STEP can provide information about your destinations before you leave. You aren’t likely to cancel your trip just because the State Department sends you a security bulletin, but it never hurts to be more informed.
• STEP can send you safety updates.  You’re probably not paying rapt attention to the news headlines when you’re traveling. You may not know if you’re heading into political unrest, violence, or natural disasters. STEP alerts you of these issues. And what could be better than having the State Department feeding you the latest travel information? Also read:  The 6 Top Travel Emergencies and How To Deal With Them
• STEP can help with evacuation.  When a crisis strikes, you’ll discover STEP’s real value. STEP will provide notifications of a pending natural disaster or emergency in your area, and send you evacuation information once a disaster hits. In addition, registering for STEP makes it easier for the State Department to find you, and get you the help you need – up to and including evacuation. In addition, STEP can make it easier for you to get to nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you need help. Also read:  How Travel Insurance Can Help with Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
• STEP makes it easier to contact you if a family emergency arises back home.  There are two groups you need to worry about when you travel: You and your traveling companions, and then the folks back home. If disaster strikes back home, natural or otherwise, STEP can get in touch with you and help expedite your return home.
• STEP makes it easier for you to contact a local embassy or consulate. Even in a case of something as simple as getting lost in a city and being unable to find your way back to your hotel, STEP can help, either by giving directions or pointing you towards mass transit, a cab or an Uber.

Get more Tips to Travel Smarter Wherever You Go

You can see the real-world benefits of the STEP trave program once you’re out on the road. Suppose you’re in Paris and there’s a protest scheduled for that day that shuts down a lot of the city. STEP alerts you and you adjust your plans for the day.

Or suppose you’re traveling in Antarctica and you get a message that a relative is severely ill.  STEP can inform you of what’s going on and help you get in touch with the nearest embassy and consulate to arrange transportation back home.

One of the best things about STEP is how well it works with travel insurance . Consider the previous example. If a sick family member is one of the covered reasons for trip cancellation in your travel insurance plan, the insurance company can help cover the cost your trip back home , and STEP can inform you of the issue and guide you to the nearest embassy to start the return-home process.

Remember: You need to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for each international trip you take.

But if you can remember that, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will be a big step forward in travel safety for you and your traveling companions. Just don’t forget to pair it with travel insurance !

Also read:  How Travel Insurance Helps When You’re Sick and Stuck Abroad

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• Destinations

Home » News » Travellers no longer need to register trips on Smartraveller; here’s what to do instead

Travellers no longer need to register trips on Smartraveller; here’s what to do instead

Smartraveller has axed its pre-trip registration feature, citing inaccurate reporting from travellers making it harder to reach people who needed help.

The government’s travel guidance website issued an update last week to let travellers know they no longer needed to register their travel plans and should instead subscribe to receive updates on the destinations they plan to travel to and through.

According to Smartraveller, the pre-registration system was not providing the service intended and a subscription system would be better suited to deliver updated advice or alerts to travellers.

The subscription system also allows travellers to manage the information they receive and stop alerts when they are no longer needed.

“We decided to end pre-trip registration because we found many people were not providing accurate itineraries, updating their itineraries when plans changed or advising if they left a destination they had been staying in for a while,” the update read.

“Inaccurate information would make it difficult for us to reach people who really needed help during a crisis.”

Smartraveller noted that when a crisis occurs, DFAT can set up a crisis registration portal, with links shared across its website and social media.

“This allows you or your loved ones to register your location and contact details with us so we can get in contact and provide advice,” it said.

Smartraveller’s most recent registration portal was set up in the lead-up to the war in Ukraine to gather information on the number of Australian citizens and permanent residents who were in Ukraine and nearby areas, provide them advice on what to do and check whether they were in danger.

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Saturday, 8 June, is World Ocean Day which is celebrating 32 years since first being introduced at the Global Forum in Rio de Janiero, an event that parallels the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive fleetwide festivities Celebrity Cruises invites guests to join in a range of exciting onboard activities with […]

Jetstar reconnects Brisbane and Bangkok halving current flight time

It seems QLD saves up all its aviation news for a Friday, so lucky us!

Dusit International to manage dual-branded luxury resort and residences

This might just be the best luxury gallery we've ever put together? Dive on in!

AirAsia announces new route to Cairns adding 28K + seats in the first year between FNQ and Bali

It can get stinking hot in Indo but we needn't to tell you that! Our friends up north should have no issues with it.

Journey Beyond welcomes Vintage Rail Journeys into the fold

Talk about stories putting you to sleep, in a good way! This is for all the trainspotters out there. Yes, we are them.

Qantas’ fresh winter menu adds new spirits and dining options on board and in lounge

Spirits in the sky can be all fun and games until you end up on a viral social media video, consider yourself warned.

Inspiring Vacations to host exclusive travel agent event in Brisbane

Will be a great trip, unless you're a Blues fan, because the timing could be pretty bad. Just steer clear of Caxton St.

Singapore Airlines and Cathay sign MOU to collaborate on future sustainability initiatives

The race towards green is on, only thing more important right now is the race to the long weekend, because we're in it!

Order NCL’s new brochure for a chance to win Burn the Floor tickets 

We were going to make some fire and ice puns here, but already did it coming back from steamy Cairns to soaking Sydney.

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Infectious diseases.

This page has information about the risk of infectious diseases for Australians overseas.

This page only gives general advice. Always talk to your healthcare providers for advice specific to you and your situation.

Read this page to learn about:

• infectious disease risks overseas
• vaccine-preventable diseases
• insect-borne diseases
• water or food-borne diseases
• contact, droplet or airborne diseases
• blood-borne diseases
• sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• diseases spread by animals
• consular services and infectious diseases

Infectious disease risks overseas

Infectious diseases exist everywhere. But you have a higher risk of getting an infectious disease in some destinations. This can be due to:

• water and sanitation issues
• insects that carry diseases
• low vaccination rates.

Research the risks before you go. Then you can take preventive measures to reduce them.

• Read our travel advice for your destination . See if there are any health risks or suggested vaccines listed.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them where you're going and ask their advice on prevention.

Vaccine-preventable diseases

Vaccination can prevent some diseases.

Get your travel vaccinations. Particularly if there's a travel warning for a vaccine-preventable disease where you're going. Ensuring you're vaccinated can protect you and those around you.

Talk to your doctor. Ask what travel vaccines they recommend. And find out if your standard vaccinations need boosting.

Get the vaccinations you need well before you go. Some take 6-8 weeks to work or need several doses.

Visit the Vaccine Hub to explore  suggested vaccines for where you're going . Common travel vaccines include:

• chickenpox (varicella)
• hepatitis A  and  hepatitis B
• influenza (flu)
• Japanese encephalitis
• meningococcal
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever .

This list doesn't include everything. You may need to vaccinate against other diseases depending on your health and where you're going. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Learn more about  travel vaccinations .

Proof of vaccination

You may need proof of certain vaccinations when you're travelling.

Rules will vary between each country. Contact your destination's embassy or consulate in Australia  for information.

Yellow fever

Some countries need you to show an international yellow fever vaccination certificate if you:

• arrive from a  yellow fever-infected area
• transit through an infected area before arriving
• have been in an infected area within a number of days before arriving.

Your airline can stop you from boarding if you don't have one.

It's important to  get your yellow fever vaccination at an approved clinic . You need it at least 10 days before you travel. The clinic will give you your certificate.

Read  more about international yellow fever vaccination certificates .

Some countries may need you to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate on entry or to access some services.

You can get your certificate through  myGov  or the  Express Plus Medicare mobile app . If you can't use these options

• visit a  Services Australia services centre
• contact the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) at 1800 653 809 (in Australia) or +61 2 8633 3284 (from overseas).

Learn  more about international COVID-19 vaccination certificates .

Insect-borne diseases

Insects can carry disease and spread it between people. They can also spread disease between animals and people.

You're more likely to get an insect-borne disease in tropical climates. This includes parts of

• Central America
• the Pacific.

You're also at risk in parts of Europe and the United States. Risks may differ depending on what you plan to do.

Some common insect-borne diseases are:

• chikungunya
• Lyme disease
• yellow fever
• Zika virus .

If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, your unborn child may face more risks from Zika virus. As a precaution, the Department of Health advises you to consider delaying travel to countries with Zika.

Reducing your risk of insect-borne diseases

You can get vaccinated against some insect-borne illnesses. For others, such as malaria, there's oral medicine you can take. Discuss options with your doctor or pharmacist.

Take steps to avoid insect bites.

• Cover exposed skin with light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
• Treat your clothing and gear with insecticides containing permethrin.
• Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Use bed nets if you can't keep mosquitoes from coming inside the room.

After walking through high grass or brush in tick-prone areas:

• brush off your clothes before getting in a car or going inside
• check yourself and others for ticks 
• tumble dry your clothes hot for 20 minutes to kill ticks that may have hitched a ride.

Water- or food-borne diseases

Water- or food-borne diseases are common in many countries. You can catch them from:

• drinking or using tainted water
• drinking any drink with ice cubes made with tap water
• eating food washed with tap water
• brushing your teeth or washing your face with tap water
• eating tainted food, including meals prepared by people following poor hygiene practices
• taking part in activities in tainted water, such as swimming or water sports.

Some water- and food-borne diseases include:

• infections causing  gastroenteritis  (vomiting and  diarrhoea )
• campylobacter
• hepatitis A
• leptospirosis
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• salmonella  (including  typhoid and paratyphoid )
• schistosomiasis

Cholera  is less common, but it's very contagious and deadly.

Reduce your risk from water- or food-borne diseases

There are vaccines for some water and food-borne infectious diseases, including hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera.

You can do a lot to reduce your risk of infection where water and food-borne diseases are common.

• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitiser before you eat.
• Drink bottled water from a sealed bottle.
• Use water-sterilising tablets or filtration bottles to make tap water safe.
• Wash fresh produce thoroughly using bottled or sterilised water.

Try to avoid:

• drinking tap water or using it to clean your teeth
• drinks with ice cubes. Some restaurants may use water straight from the tap
• uncooked and undercooked food or food that has been left sitting for a while
• fresh salads and raw vegetables
• contact with water or soil that may be contaminated with sewerage
• in some places, swimming or wading in any fresh water.

For more information, see the Better Health Channel's advice on  food safety while travelling .

Contact, droplet and airborne diseases

Some diseases can spread:

• through close contact with a person who is coughing, sneezing, or unwell
• through something an infected person touched after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.

These are called diseases spread by contact, droplets or through the air.

These include:

• chickenpox  (varicella)
• coughs and colds
• influenza  (flu)
• Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS)
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome  (SARS)

Reducing your risk of contact, droplet and airborne diseases

Protect yourself from contact, droplet and airborne diseases.

• Stay up to date with your vaccinations for measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, flu, COVID-19, and other vaccines recommended by your doctor.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitiser if soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or showing early symptoms.
• Avoid close contact with wild or domestic animals.

Blood-borne diseases

Some infectious diseases can be spread by blood. This can be:

• when an infected person's blood comes into direct contact with another person's blood, mouth or eyes
• when blood is on an object such as a needle or razor blade
• through bodily fluids (see also  sexually transmissible infections )

Common blood-borne diseases overseas are:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C

Reduce your risk of blood-borne diseases

You can get vaccinated against some blood-borne diseases.

You can also reduce your risk of infection by being careful and making smart choices.

• Avoid contact with any objects that could be tainted with blood or body fluids.
• Never share needles, syringes, or other injecting tools.
• Choose tattoo, piercing and medical services that carefully sterilise their tools and surfaces. If you're not sure, ask for proof before they start.
• Practise safer sex.
• Cover wounds and cuts with a waterproof dressing.
• Don't share toothbrushes, razors and other personal items that may be tainted with blood.
• Use gloves and other relevant protection when giving first aid.

These diseases may not have symptoms in the early stages. If you think you've been exposed, seek medical advice early. There may be preventive treatment.

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

STIs are infections or diseases passed on during unprotected sex with an infected partner, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person's infected genitals or mouth.

STIs include:

• genital herpes
• gonorrhoea 
• human papillomavirus (HPV)

Other diseases can spread through sexual contact but are not called an STI. For example, water-borne diseases shigellosis and hepatitis A can also spread through sexual activity, including oral and anal sex.

Reducing your risk of STIs

Vaccines can prevent some STIs. But you must also take preventive measures to reduce your risk of infection.

Reduce your risk of infection by taking and using your own condoms from a brand you trust.

STIs may not have symptoms. If you think you've been exposed, seek medical advice.

If you're a victim of  assault , including  sexual assault , get  medical care  immediately to reduce the risk of infection.

For more information, see the Department of Health's information on  STIs  and  HIV / AIDS .

Diseases spread by animals

Some animals can spread disease through close contact, scratches or bites. These diseases include:

• influenza A subtypes , including avian and swine influenza
• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

Reduce your risk of infection.

• Get vaccinated for rabies and influenza before you go, if recommended.
• Avoid contact with sick animals.
• Wash your hands well after contact with animals.
• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat or animal products.

If you have a pre-existing illness, you may need to avoid all contact with some animals. Seek medical advice.

If you're bitten, scratched or licked on an open wound by an animal:

• use first aid
• wash the wound out well with soap and water for at least 10 minutes
• use antiseptic solution
• get urgent medical advice about preventing rabies, tetanus, and bacterial infection.

Consular services and infectious diseases

You're responsible for protecting yourself against infectious diseases.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas .

What we can do

• We can update our travel advice if we learn of a disease outbreak.
• We can give you a list of local English-speaking doctors and health services.
• We can help you get in contact with family and friends in Australia.
• We can provide emergency support if we declare a disease outbreak a crisis.

What we can't do

• We can't tell you every infectious disease in your destination.
• We can't give you medical advice.
• We can't tell you all the vaccines you may need.
• We can't tell you what to do or take to protect your health in your destination.
• We can't guarantee your health in any destination.
• We can't pay your medical costs if you get sick overseas.
• Read about  travelling with medication and medical equipment .
• See our advice on  travelling while pregnant .
• Learn about  medical tourism .
• See our  health advice for everyone .
• Read advice about  travelling with children .
• See our advice on  taking care of your mental health .
• See our advice for  travellers with a disability .
• Read about health risks in all your destinations .
• Understand how and when  consular services  can help Australians overseas.
• Learn about  infectious diseases  and  travel vaccinations  (Department of Health).
• See a range of advice on  international travel and health  (World Health Organization).
• Read advice on  food safety while travelling  (Victorian Department of Health and Human Services).
• Learn about  immunising your child  (Department of Health).
• See information about  insect-borne diseases  (World Health Organisation).

Related content

Read our general advice for Australians planning to travel overseas with medications or medical equipment.