Azerbaijan Joins Moldova, Egypt, France, Peru, Jamaica, Philippines And More As Australia Issues New Travel Advisory Amid Growing Geopolitical Tensions

Published on November 24, 2025

Australia has issued a new travel advisory for Azerbaijan, Moldova, Egypt, France, Peru, Jamaica, the Philippines, and other countries, advising travellers to use extra caution amid escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide. Growing regional conflicts, growing terrorist threats, political unrest, and natural disasters that have impacted different regions of the world are the driving forces behind the advisory. The advisory, which reflects the wider instability in these regions, has been influenced by a number of factors, including the ongoing conflicts near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the security risks posed by protests in France, and violent crime in the Philippines. Australian authorities are stressing the value of remaining informed and taking the appropriate safety measures when visiting these impacted areas as tensions rise throughout the world.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has recently updated its travel advisory for a range of countries, advising Australian citizens to exercise heightened caution when traveling to several destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This new advisory comes in the wake of increasing political instability, terrorism threats, natural disasters, and escalating conflicts in multiple regions. The advisory specifically targets Azerbaijan, Moldova, Egypt, France, Peru, Jamaica, and the Philippines, urging travelers to stay informed and follow safety guidelines carefully. Let’s explore the situation in each country and the factors contributing to these advisories.

Azerbaijan: Rising Security Concerns Amid Regional Tensions

Azerbaijan, a country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has seen increasing tensions along its borders, particularly with Armenia. Australia’s travel advisory for Azerbaijan highlights the threat of terrorism and unmarked landmines in certain regions, with the Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas marked as especially risky due to the ongoing conflict. Travelers are advised to avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding areas, where the risk of landmine encounters remains high.

Additionally, the DFAT warns of the heightened possibility of terrorist attacks targeting public spaces, including tourist areas and places frequented by foreigners. Australian travelers are urged to exercise a high degree of caution across the country, as the security situation in the region remains unpredictable.

Moldova: Political Instability and the Ongoing Impact of the Ukraine Conflict

Moldova has become another key country under Australia’s heightened travel advisory. The situation is particularly concerning due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, which has had significant ramifications for Moldova’s security landscape. Moldova shares borders with Ukraine, and as the conflict continues, the country remains vulnerable to spillover violence and instability.

The travel advisory stresses the need for caution in Moldova, as large political protests and demonstrations, particularly in the capital city Chisinau, have led to violent clashes in the past. Travelers are urged to avoid large gatherings, as protests can escalate quickly into dangerous situations, with a heavy police presence often exacerbating the risk of confrontation.

Moreover, the DFAT advises against traveling to Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova that is not under the control of the Moldovan government. The region remains a hotbed of instability, and Australian authorities caution that consular assistance is severely limited in this area. With political unrest persisting and the potential for further escalation, travelers to Moldova are urged to stay vigilant and follow local news closely.

Egypt: Terrorism Threats and Ongoing Regional Security Challenges

Egypt remains one of the most concerning destinations for Australian travelers, given the ongoing threat of terrorism. Despite the country’s significance as a major tourist hub, including iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings, the risk of terrorist attacks has been persistent. Australia’s travel advisory urges travelers to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in regions such as the Governorate of North Sinai, where there have been several deadly terrorist attacks targeting both locals and foreign nationals.

The DFAT specifically advises against traveling to the border areas with Libya, where the security situation is volatile, and the risk of kidnapping and violent crime is high. Additionally, the South Sinai Governorate, excluding the southern coastal area of Sharm el Sheikh, is also deemed risky due to the ongoing threat of attacks.

In light of the broader instability in the Middle East, travelers are also advised to be aware of potential flight disruptions, airspace closures, and travel restrictions in Egypt. The ongoing regional security situation, including the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict, has further raised the alert level in Egypt.

France: Heightened Terrorism Risks and Civil Unrest

France has long been a popular destination for Australian travelers, known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and world-class cuisine. However, the country faces an ongoing threat of terrorism, particularly in public spaces such as transportation hubs, cultural venues, and tourist attractions. Australia’s advisory urges travelers to exercise a high degree of caution due to the potential for attacks in crowded areas, including shopping malls, airports, and major tourist sites.

The security threat is exacerbated by frequent strikes and protests across the country, which can disrupt transportation and public services. These demonstrations have, on occasion, turned violent, with clashes between protesters and police. As a result, Australian travelers are advised to avoid large gatherings and protests, as these events can quickly escalate and lead to confrontations.

In addition to terrorism concerns, France also faces significant crime rates in urban areas like Paris, where violent robberies, pickpocketing, and other forms of theft are common. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as metro stations, airports, and major tourist attractions.

Peru: Violent Crime and Political Instability

Peru, home to the famous Machu Picchu, has been marked by political instability and civil unrest, especially in Lima and Callao, which have seen frequent protests and demonstrations. Australia’s travel advisory for Peru emphasizes the high risk of violent crime, including theft and robbery, particularly in major cities such as Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing protests against the government, which have disrupted public transport services, including those to popular tourist destinations like Machu Picchu.

The DFAT also cautions travelers to avoid areas near the border with Colombia, where the risk of landmines remains high, as well as regions in the Andes where terrorism and crime are persistent threats. Australian travelers are urged to be cautious when navigating urban areas, particularly at night, and to avoid displaying valuables in public.

Jamaica: Hurricane Damage and Violent Crime Risks

Jamaica, a popular destination in the Caribbean, is currently recovering from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which crossed the island as a Category 5 storm, causing severe flooding and widespread infrastructure damage. Australia’s travel advisory urges travelers to exercise caution due to the disruption of essential services, including transport, electricity, and water supplies. Access to some areas, including the airport, may be restricted due to damaged roads.

In addition to the hurricane’s aftermath, Jamaica has been grappling with a persistent issue of violent crime, particularly related to gang violence. While crime rates have decreased in recent years, the threat remains significant, especially in certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. The DFAT advises against walking alone at night and recommends avoiding certain neighborhoods where crime is more prevalent.

Philippines: Terrorism, Natural Disasters, and Violent Protests

The Philippines continues to face significant safety challenges, with terrorism and violent crime being key concerns for Australian travelers. The country’s southern regions, particularly Mindanao, are home to active terrorist groups, and the threat of kidnapping remains high. Australia’s travel advisory urges travelers to avoid central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, as well as the Sulu Archipelago, where terrorist activity and the risk of kidnapping are elevated.

In addition to security risks, the Philippines has also been impacted by extreme weather events, including heavy rains, typhoons, and flooding. The DFAT advises travelers to stay informed about weather conditions, particularly during the typhoon season, as these natural disasters can disrupt transportation and cause widespread damage.

Protests and demonstrations are common in the Philippines, and while they are often political in nature, they can turn violent. The DFAT advises against joining any public protests, as they may lead to clashes with police and civil unrest.

Australia’s new travel advisory highlights the growing complexity of global travel, with increasing risks due to terrorism, political instability, civil unrest, and natural disasters. As the world becomes more interconnected, Australian travelers must remain vigilant and stay informed about the evolving security situation in each destination. Whether traveling to Azerbaijan, Moldova, Egypt, France, Peru, Jamaica, or the Philippines, it is crucial for travelers to follow safety advice, avoid high-risk areas, and prepare for unexpected disruptions that may arise due to the ongoing instability in these regions.

In light of growing geopolitical tensions around the world, Australia has released a new travel advisory for Azerbaijan, Moldova, Egypt, France, Peru, Jamaica, the Philippines, and other countries. Travellers are advised to be more cautious in these areas due to the increased security risks brought on by growing conflicts, terrorist threats, political unrest, and natural disasters.

By staying informed and adhering to travel advisories, Australian citizens can make more informed decisions about their travel plans, ensuring their safety and security while exploring new destinations around the world.