Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) moved into overdrive yesterday, updating advisories as unrest continues in Hong Kong, India imposes a lockdown on Kashmir and other changes affect Laos and Papua New Guinea.
To follow DFAT’s Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter is a good idea.
HONG KONG
DFAT has raised its advice level for Hong Kong: it now recommends travellers “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting the territory.
Hong Kong has been convulsed by street protests and battles with police. See: Hong Kong chaos sees hundreds of flights cancelled
DFAT says: “Protests have become more unpredictable and are expected to continue. Tourist areas have been affected. There is a risk of violent confrontation between protestors and police, or criminally-linked individuals, particularly at unathorised protests. The risk is greater at night and on weekends. We strongly recommend you avoid large public gatherings. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.”
INDIA
Phone and internet services have been suspended in Indian Kashmir and state leaders placed under house arrest, according to Reuters reports. Kashmir is a Muslim-majority state that has enjoyed autonomous status, but that may be abolished.
Pahalgam Valley, Kashmir
DFAT advises: “On 5 August, the Government of India announced constitutional changes that will affect the internal political status of Jammu and Kashmir. A heightened Indian security presence is now in place, with additional restrictive measures applying to public gatherings, and internet and telecommunications services.
“Visitors to Jammu and Kashmir should follow the Travel Advice, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Our level of advice has not changed – ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ in India overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.”
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Gruesome tribal massacres in PNG’s Southern Highlands last month left at least 18 people – mostly women and young children – slaughtered in the Highlands’ Hela province.
DFAT advises: “Take extra security measures when travelling to the Sugu Valley, Southern Highlands province. This is due to tribal fighting has resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.”
Wreckage from World War II lies in the jungles of Papua New Guinea
DFAT also notes that crime is common throughout PNG, “but particularly in Port Moresby, Lae and other urban centres. Squatter settlement areas of towns and cities are particularly dangerous. Robbery, assault (including sexual assaults), bag snatching and car-jacking are common.
“Sexual assault, including gang rape, is prevalent. Foreigners have been targeted.”
On other topics, many momentous battles took place in PNG during World War II and the country has all sorts of relics, from downed bombers to smaller souvenirs of war. A reminder from DFAT to any traveller thinking of bringing any of this home: Don’t.
DFAT reminds travellers that it is illegal to remove surplus war material from PNG.
“This includes:
- guns
- bullets
- aircraft or vehicle parts
- other items used during WWII
“Check with PNG Customs before buying or attempting to take any war material out of PNG.”
LAOS
DFAT reminds Australian travellers they will need a visa to enter Laos. The situation is complex and is best examined on the DFAT Smartraveller website here.
Written by Peter Needham
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