Home » Australia Travel News » Bahrain Joins Tanzania, Ecuador, Thailand, Cuba, United Kingdom, Costa Rica And More As Australia Warns Of Travel Disruptions And Safety Concerns In New Advisory
Published on
October 30, 2025
Australia now has a new travel advisory, urging travelers to highly reconsider travel plans for countries like Bahrain, Tanzania, Ecuador, Thailand, Cuba, the United Kingdom, and Costa Rica. Ongoing political unrest, threats of terrorism, natural disasters, and increased levels of crime all merit an advisory of ‘exercise caution’. With the world being as unpredictable as it is, Australia wants to make sure vigilance is a priority for all travelers.
Australia has issued a new travel advisory for several countries around the world, urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution. With ongoing regional tensions, the rise of violent protests, security risks, and natural disasters, travelers are advised to stay vigilant and updated on the latest developments before planning their trips. The countries covered in this advisory include Bahrain, Tanzania, Ecuador, Thailand, Cuba, the United Kingdom, and Costa Rica. Below is a detailed breakdown of the situation in each country.
Bahrain: Exercise High Caution Amid Security Risks
Australia continues to advise its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Bahrain. The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with an unpredictable environment that can change at a moment’s notice. In particular, Bahrain has been identified as a country facing the threat of terrorism and potential civil unrest.
Bahrain hosts a significant regional security infrastructure, including the Combined Maritime Forces, making it a target for security risks. Travelers should be particularly alert to potential terrorist activities, especially in public places such as tourist areas or locations with large crowds. There have been ongoing reports of demonstrations and protests, particularly during or after Friday prayers. These protests may occur with little warning and can escalate into violent confrontations.
Furthermore, travelers are urged to remain cautious about flight disruptions, as the regional security situation could result in airspace closures and cancellations of flights at short notice. It’s vital for Australian travelers to take official warnings seriously, remain updated via local media, and avoid any public gatherings or protests.
Tanzania: High Caution Due to Protests and Travel Disruptions
Tanzania has witnessed protests following recent general elections, particularly in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city. The heightened security presence, curfews, and the disruption of daily activities across the nation have led to significant travel risks. Authorities have imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, and additional curfews may be enforced with little notice. These measures are in place to curb the unrest, which has occasionally turned violent.
Travel disruptions are another concern for tourists, as protests and road closures may affect access to airports and cause flight cancellations. Travelers are advised to monitor media reports, avoid large gatherings, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Tanzania’s security situation is compounded by the ongoing risks posed by terrorism and violent crime. While tourists are generally not the primary targets, violent incidents such as armed robberies, kidnappings, and bomb attacks can occur. It is essential to exercise caution, particularly in areas experiencing political unrest.
Australia advises travelers to avoid regions within 30 kilometers of the Mozambique border due to the threat of militant attacks and terrorism. The southern and coastal regions are also particularly susceptible to violent crime, including express kidnappings and robberies. Additionally, Tanzania’s rainy seasons—March to May and November to December—may result in roadblocks due to flooding, making travel even more challenging.
Ecuador: Exercise Caution Due to Armed Conflict and High Crime Rates
Ecuador is currently in a state of ‘internal armed conflict,’ with a heightened state of emergency in response to rising crime rates and military operations against criminal organizations. A recent car bomb explosion near the Sheraton Hotel in Guayaquil, as well as other violent incidents in Guayas and El Oro provinces, have raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Ecuador.
The country is facing a high level of gang-related violence, particularly in the northern and coastal regions, including Guayaquil. There is a significant risk of kidnapping and violent crime associated with drug-related criminal organizations. Australia strongly advises against traveling to areas within 20 kilometers of the border with Colombia, except at the official border crossing at Tulcan, due to the high risk of crime and violence in these areas.
Ecuador’s security environment remains fluid, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While tourists are not typically the primary targets, organized criminal groups have carried out express kidnappings, armed robberies, extortion, and bomb attacks in public places. The state of emergency, along with curfews from 10 PM to 5 AM in some provinces, further complicates the security situation.
Australia also advises against traveling to Sucumbíos and Esmeraldas provinces, as well as Guayaquil City, due to the high levels of gang-related crime and the threat of kidnapping. In contrast, the Galapagos Islands are considered safer for tourists, though all travelers should remain vigilant.
Thailand: Terrorism and Armed Conflict Raise Safety Concerns
Australia has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Thailand. The country faces an ongoing risk of terrorism, particularly in tourist-heavy locations such as Bangkok and Phuket. In addition, there is an elevated security risk in the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, where insurgent activity and terrorist attacks remain a concern.
The situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border has also raised alarm. Armed conflict between Thai and Cambodian forces, including military strikes and violence, has made areas within 50 kilometers of the border unsafe for travel. The presence of landmines in these regions further exacerbates the danger. A ceasefire has been agreed upon between the two nations, but the security situation remains unpredictable.
Australia advises against traveling to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, where the insurgent activities have been ongoing for years. The risk of low-level terrorism and insurgent violence in these regions remains high. Travelers are also warned of potential anti-government protests in major cities like Bangkok, which can turn violent without warning.
Cuba: Natural Disasters and Infrastructure Disruptions Following Hurricane
Cuba is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which recently crossed the island as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread damage. The hurricane has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, resulting in significant infrastructure disruptions. Essential services such as transportation, electricity, communications, and water supplies have been severely impacted, and the country is currently facing a shortage of fuel and basic goods like food and water.
Australia advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution while in Cuba due to the ongoing impacts of the hurricane and the risk of violent crime, such as robbery and assault. Petty crime, including theft on public transport and in tourist areas, is also a concern.
Moreover, Cuba lies within an active earthquake zone, and tsunamis can also occur. Travelers should be aware of tsunami warning signs and evacuate to higher ground if needed. Australia recommends that tourists stay informed through local media, follow evacuation plans where applicable, and be prepared for sudden changes in the situation.
United Kingdom: Terrorism Threats and Political Unrest Remain Ongoing
The United Kingdom remains under a heightened security threat, with the government maintaining a national terrorism threat level of “substantial,” indicating that an attack is likely. This threat level has been exacerbated by Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideologies, and tensions in Northern Ireland. The UK has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, and travelers are advised to remain vigilant at all times.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing, mobile phone theft, and bag snatching, is common across the UK, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Travelers are urged to exercise caution, especially in busy public spaces, and to avoid areas where protests are taking place, as these can escalate into violence.
Furthermore, political protests are a frequent occurrence in major cities, and while peaceful demonstrations are common, they can quickly turn violent. It’s crucial for visitors to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities to stay safe.
Costa Rica: Increasing Crime and Safety Concerns for Tourists
Costa Rica has witnessed a rise in violent crime, including carjackings and “express kidnappings,” particularly in popular tourist areas. Tourists are urged to exercise caution, especially when using public transport or in transit hubs like airports. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items such as jewelry, cameras, or electronics in public.
In addition to violent crime, Costa Rica is facing issues related to drink spiking and methanol poisoning. Tourists are advised not to leave their drinks unattended, particularly in bars or clubs, as there have been incidents of drink spiking leading to severe poisoning.
Petty crime, such as theft, is also a significant issue, particularly in tourist spots. Travelers should use registered taxis and established tour operators, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be cautious when changing money on the street.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Exercise Caution
With increasing safety risks in regions worldwide, including the Middle East, Africa, and Central America, Australia continues to urge its citizens to stay updated and exercise caution while traveling. Monitoring local media, following official government warnings, and avoiding protests or large gatherings can help mitigate risks associated with terrorism, civil unrest, and natural disasters.
Australia has released an updated travel advisory cautioning travelers about safety issued for Bahrain, Tanzania, Ecuador, Thailand, Cuba, the UK and Costa Rica, among others, due to an increase in the chances of terrorism, natural disasters, and violent crime. These travelers should take the necessary precautions for their ostensible safety.
Travelers are encouraged to have comprehensive travel insurance and maintain flexibility in their travel plans, especially when traveling to regions with heightened risks of disruption.
