UK Joins France, Mexico, Cyprus, Indonesia, UAE, Kenya In Updated Travel Advisory Of Australia As Government Flags Mounting Dangers In Popular Travel Destinations

Published on June 6, 2025

Australia has issued a new wave of travel alerts, placing the UK alongside France, Mexico, Cyprus, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya under the “exercise a high degree of caution” category, as these destinations face heightened security risks. The revised advisory reflects growing global concerns over terrorism threats, violent crime, civil unrest, and health and environmental hazards in popular tourist regions. From terrorist activity in major European cities to violent crime in parts of Mexico and regional instability in Indonesia and Kenya, the Australian government urges travelers to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and follow local authorities’ advice when visiting these countries.

In its latest global travel advisory update, the Australian government has issued revised warnings for several major destinations. Travelers are now advised to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Cyprus, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya. The revised alert levels reflect an ongoing evaluation of global risks including terrorism, civil unrest, and crime.

Below is a country-by-country breakdown of the updated advisories:

United Kingdom

Australia has renewed its travel warning for the UK, highlighting an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks and a noticeable increase in street-level crime, including theft and assaults. The UK government maintains a “substantial” national terrorism threat level, indicating an attack is likely. Travelers are urged to remain alert, especially in crowded areas, public transport, and major tourist landmarks.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, mobile phone snatching, and passport theft are especially common in tourist zones. Knife-related crimes and muggings also occur in urban centers, particularly during summer when tourist footfall is high.

France

France is currently on its most elevated terrorism alert, reflecting ongoing concerns about the potential for attacks nationwide. The Australian government warns travelers of the elevated threat of attacks at public places such as transport hubs, schools, shopping centers, religious sites, and cultural events.
Incidents of drink spiking, sexual assault, and violent muggings have been reported in major cities including Paris. Tourists are also advised to take precautions on public transport and avoid demonstrations, which frequently disrupt services and occasionally turn violent, especially during strikes.

Mexico

While Mexico continues to attract millions of international tourists, the travel alert urges a high degree of caution due to widespread violent crime, particularly in certain states. Kidnappings, extortion, and organized criminal activity are prevalent in regions such as Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas.
Travelers are advised to limit movement in high-risk zones and use air travel to access major tourist destinations like Ixtapa, Mazatlán, and Puerto Peñasco. Petty crimes, including theft and scams, are also common in tourist-heavy areas.

Cyprus

Cyprus is still politically and geographically divided, with the southern portion administered by the Republic of Cyprus and the northern area under the control of the unrecognised entity known as the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’. A United Nations peacekeeping force maintains a buffer zone between the two regions.
Australia advises caution due to the potential for unrest and restricted consular support in the north. Tourists should avoid political demonstrations and protests that may escalate into conflict, especially within or near the UN buffer zone. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are noted risks in tourist hubs.

Indonesia

Travelers to Indonesia, especially Bali and Lombok, are urged to exercise high caution amid ongoing terrorism threats, methanol poisoning incidents, and dangerous marine conditions. Terrorist attacks have targeted public and tourist spaces in the past, and future threats remain.
Australia also advises against travel to the provinces of Papua, Papua Tengah, Papua Pegunungan, and Papua Selatan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and reported attacks targeting foreigners. Methanol poisoning, especially in counterfeit alcohol, and drink spiking incidents have resulted in hospitalizations and fatalities.
Additionally, natural dangers like strong rip currents and rough seas pose significant risks, particularly on unpatrolled beaches.

United Arab Emirates

Though crime rates are relatively low, the UAE features on the caution list due to the heightened risk of terrorist activity, particularly around foreigner-frequented areas such as hotels, shopping malls, and transport hubs.
Extreme weather conditions are another concern. Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C, while flash flooding and dust storms occur seasonally. Drink spiking, verbal harassment, and isolated sexual assault cases have also been reported.
Travelers are advised to stay vigilant, avoid walking alone at night, and comply with strict local laws, including bans on unauthorized demonstrations.

Kenya

Australia urges a high degree of caution throughout Kenya due to terrorism threats and violent crime. Travelers are specifically warned against visiting areas bordering Somalia, including Mandera and Garissa counties, due to risks of terrorist attacks and kidnappings.
Other high-risk regions include Lamu and parts of Tana River and Kilifi Counties. Tourists are advised to avoid public gatherings, monitor local developments, and seek local advice before traveling to remote regions.
Petty crime, carjackings, and home invasions have occurred even in urban areas, and travelers should take all necessary safety precautions.

Conclusion

Australia’s latest travel advisory underscores the need for international travelers to remain informed and cautious. Although these countries remain open for tourism, the new alerts emphasize that global travel now demands higher awareness of regional risks.
Before traveling, Australians are urged to consult the latest government updates, register their travel plans, and ensure they understand local laws, customs, and safety recommendations.