Latest advice, 31 August 2016

Hurricane Madeline, currently Category Three, is expected to impact the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island) from late 31 August. Hurricane Lester could pass by all islands in the Hawaiian archipelago over the long weekend of 2-5 September. You should anticipate high winds, strong rainfall and storm surges in coastal areas. Storm warnings have been issued for some counties and a hurricane watch is in place for Hawaii County (the Big Island). You should follow local sources of information on latest developments and heed all instructions issued by local authorities (see Additional information). The level of advice has not changed. We continue to advise Australians to exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America, including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands.

Summary

We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions in the United States. You should exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia. Monitor the media and other sources for information on local travelling conditions.

Hurricane Madeline, currently Category Three, is expected to impact the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island) from late 31 August. Hurricane Lester could pass by all islands in the Hawaiian archipelago over the long weekend of 2-5 September. You should anticipate high winds, strong rainfall and storm surges in coastal areas. Storm warnings have been issued for some counties and a hurricane watch is in place for Hawaii County (the Big Island). You should follow local sources of information on latest developments and heed all instructions issued by local authorities. See Additional information.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. We assess there is currently a heightened threat of terrorist attack in the United States caused by those motivated by the rhetoric of extremists involved in the conflict in Syria and Iraq. See Safety and security.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues alerts for terrorism threats within the United States that can be accessed online through its National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS).

The United States has more violent crime than Australia, although it rarely involves tourists. Mass shootings continue to occur in public places in the US. See Safety and security.

If travelling to Florida, check to see areas affected by the Zika virus. See Health.

Before boarding a United States-bound aircraft or vessel, all Australian passport-holders eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the official ESTAwebsite. See Entry and exit.

With limited exceptions, Australians who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since 1 March 2011, must apply for a United States visa as they are no longer eligible to have an ESTA or enter the United States under the VWP. This also applies to dual nationals of some of these countries. See Entry and exit.

The United States introduced heightened security screening for passengers from some countries in July 2014. If you have a direct flight to the US, you should allow extra time for extended screenings and luggage checks at your airport of departure, and make sure electronic devices, including mobile phones, can be powered on. Powerless devices will not be permitted on board aircraft.

See Travel Smart for general advice for all travellers.

Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

• organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
• register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
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