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Save time getting through airport security with Trusted Traveler Programs

Trusted Traveler Programs, like TSA Precheck and Global Entry, can help reduce airport security and border crossing wait times. Learn about applying for and managing memberships.

What is the Trusted Traveler Program, and how do you apply?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages the Trusted Traveler Programs. These include TSA Precheck and Global Entry . As a pre-approved member, you can use expedited lanes at U.S. airports and when entering the U.S. by land or sea. TSA Precheck is for travelers departing from U.S. airports. Global Entry is for travelers entering the U.S. from international destinations by air, land, or sea. There are also programs for entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico . 

To apply, you will need to pay a fee and provide documents proving your identity. Depending on the program, you may need to complete an interview. If approved, your program membership will last 5 years.

Apply for a Trusted Traveler Program

Manage your Trusted Traveler Program account

If you are already a Trusted Traveler Program member and have questions about your account, check the Trusted Traveler Program’s frequently asked questions page . Scroll to the “membership” section at the bottom of the page to find out about:

• Logging into your account
• Changing personal information like your address
• Finding your membership number
• Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged membership card
• Renewing your membership

LAST UPDATED: May 16, 2024

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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Assange Agrees to Plead Guilty in Exchange for Release, Ending Standoff With U.S.

Barring last-minute snags, the deal would bring to an end a prolonged battle that began after the WikiLeaks founder became alternately celebrated and reviled for revealing state secrets in the 2010s.

By Glenn Thrush and Megan Specia

Glenn Thrush reported from Washington, and Megan Specia from London.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, agreed to plead guilty on Monday to a single felony count of illegally obtaining and disclosing national security material in exchange for his release from a British prison, ending his long and bitter standoff with the United States.

Mr. Assange, 52, was granted his request to appear before a federal judge at one of the more remote outposts of the federal judiciary, the courthouse in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, according to a brief court filing made public late Monday. He is expected to be sentenced to about five years, the equivalent of the time he has already served in Britain, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the terms of the agreement.

It was a fitting final twist in the case against Mr. Assange, who doggedly opposed extradition to the U.S. mainland. The islands are a United States commonwealth in the middle of the Pacific Ocean — and much closer to Mr. Assange’s native Australia, where he is a citizen, than courts in the continental United States or Hawaii.

Mr. Assange is scheduled to appear in Saipan at 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday and is expected to fly back to Australia “at the conclusion of the proceedings,” Matthew J. McKenzie, an official in the Justice Department’s counterterrorism division, wrote in a letter to the judge in the case.

Shortly after the deal was disclosed, his wife, Stella Assange, posted a video of her husband signing paperwork and boarding a plane. Later, she shared flight tracking information that showed the private plane had left London Stansted Airport on Monday evening, had stopped in Bangkok on Tuesday evening and was en route to Saipan, where it was expected to land at 6 a.m. local time Wednesday.

His team is fund-raising the cost of his travel, appealing to supporters on social media to help cover the $520,000 needed to charter the twin-engine jet that would take him to Australia, as it must be paid back to the Australian authorities.

The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, appeared to welcome the developments.

“The Australian government has consistently said that Mr. Assange’s case has dragged on for too long, and that there is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration,” Mr. Albanese wrote on X . “We want him brought home to Australia.”

Barring last-minute snags, the deal would bring to an end a prolonged battle that began after Mr. Assange became alternately celebrated and reviled for revealing state secrets in the 2010s.

Those included material about American military activity in Iraq and Afghanistan , as well as confidential cables shared among diplomats . During the 2016 campaign, WikiLeaks released thousands of emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee, leading to revelations that embarrassed the party and Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

In 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Mr. Assange on 18 counts related to WikiLeaks’ dissemination of a broad array of national security documents. Those included a trove of materials sent to the organization by Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst who handed over information about military planning and operations nearly a decade earlier.

If convicted, Mr. Assange could have faced a maximum of 170 years in a federal prison. Until Monday evening, Mr. Assange had been held in Belmarsh, one of Britain’s highest-security prisons, in southeast London.

Mr. Assange was confined to a cell for 23 hours a day, eating his meals off a tray alone, surrounded by 232 books and allowed only an hour a day for exercise in a prison yard, according to an account published in The Nation this year .

When asked about his pallor, Mr. Assange — who has not been able to walk outside unsupervised for more than a decade — joked, “They call it prison pale.”

His release was not unexpected. Earlier this year, Mr. Albanese suggested that U.S. prosecutors needed to conclude the case, and President Biden signaled that he was open to a rapid resolution. Top officials at the Justice Department accepted an agreement with no additional prison time because Mr. Assange had already served longer than most people charged with a similar offense — in this case, over five years in prison in Britain.

Soon after the charges were unsealed in 2019 , the London Metropolitan Police entered Ecuador’s embassy, where Mr. Assange had sought sanctuary years earlier to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced accusations of sexual assault. He has been held in custody ever since, as his legal team has fought the Justice Department’s efforts to extradite him.

After weeks of negotiations, Mr. Assange is pleading guilty to one of the charges in the indictment — conspiracy to disseminate national defense information — which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Mr. Assange and his supporters have long argued that his efforts to obtain and publicly release sensitive national security information were in the public interest, and deserved the same First Amendment protections afforded to investigative journalists.

Many supporters renewed those concerns even as they expressed relief that he would be released.

“The United States has now, for the first time in the more than 100-year history of the Espionage Act, obtained an Espionage Act conviction for basic journalistic acts,” said David Greene, head of civil liberties at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit focused on First Amendment issues.

“These charges should never have been brought,” he said.

In 2021 , a coalition of civil-liberties and human-rights groups urged the Biden administration to drop its efforts to extradite him from Britain and prosecute him, calling the case “a grave threat” to press freedom.

Much of the conduct he is accused of is what “journalists engage in routinely,” the group contended. “News organizations frequently and necessarily publish classified information in order to inform the public of matters of profound public significance.”

But U.S. officials argued that Mr. Assange’s actions went far beyond news gathering, putting at risk national security. The material furnished by Ms. Manning, prosecutors claimed, endangered the lives of service members and Iraqis who worked with the military, and made it harder for the country to counter external threats.

Mr. Assange has remained in Belmarsh as he has repeatedly challenged the order for his removal. Last month, Mr. Assange won a bid to appeal the extradition order .

Afterward, Ms. Assange told supporters gathered outside the central London court that the case should be abandoned.

“The Biden administration should distance itself from this shameful prosecution,” said Ms. Assange, who secretly began a relationship with Mr. Assange after joining his legal team fighting extradition efforts to Sweden. The pair have two young sons.

Mr. Assange has rarely been seen in public as his case has wound its way through the courts, citing health issues. In 2021, Mr. Assange had a small stroke while in prison. He did not attend the hearing in May because of undisclosed health reasons.

Ms. Assange, in another video posted to social media that had been recorded outside of Belmarsh Prison last week , said that developments had unfolded very quickly.

“This period of our lives, I am confident now, has come to an end,” she said. She added, “What starts now, with Julian’s freedom, is a new chapter.”

Glenn Thrush covers the Department of Justice and has also written about gun violence, civil rights and conditions in the country’s jails and prisons. More about Glenn Thrush

Megan Specia reports on Britain, Ireland and the Ukraine war for The Times. She is based in London. More about Megan Specia

Inside the Biden Administration

Here’s the latest news and analysis from washington..

Supreme Court’s Chevron Ruling: The justices reduced the power of executive agencies by sweeping aside a longstanding legal precedent , endangering countless regulations.

Surgery for Transgender Minors: The Biden administration said that it opposed gender-affirming surgery for minors , the most explicit statement to date on the subject from a president who has been a staunch supporter of transgender rights.

Alaskan Wilderness: The Interior Department denied permission for an Alaska agency to build a 211-mile industrial road  that would have cut through pristine land to reach copper and zinc deposits.

Terror Fears: The arrests of eight Tajik men who crossed into the United States at the southern border underscore the deluge of terrorism threats  inundating national security agencies.

Pardons for Veterans: President Biden pardoned some 2,000 American veterans who were convicted of engaging in gay sex  under a military code that outlawed the behavior for more than 60 years.

Welcome to eHomeAffairs

Easy to use, convenient, and just a click away.

The Department of Home Affairs is proud to present eHomeAffairs to enable you as a South African citizen by birth to apply to utilize the online services.

• Submit ID and Passport applications online,
• Make online payments for applications,
• Make bookings where allowed.

Note: (A branch visit is mandatory to capture and\or verify your biometric details, i.e. photo, fingerprints and signature). You can also finalise your application at any Home Affairs office; no appointment is required.

This easy-to-use, flexible process allows you to do all of the following within a safe, secure, online environment:

• Create profile,
• Capture your application,
• Attach supporting documents,
• Make payment, and
• Schedule appointments at Home Affairs enabled bank branches

Please enter your username (ID Number) and password. Register if you do not have an account A one-time-pin (OTP) will be sent to your cellphone, so please ensure you have your cellphone near you.

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Subject to the provisions of sections 43(5) and 43(6) of the ECT Act, if applicable, and as far as allowed by law, The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) (including its owners, employees, suppliers, Internet service providers, partners, affiliates and agents) shall not be liable for any damage, loss or liability of any nature incurred by whomever directly or indirectly resulting from

• Access to the Home Affairs website,
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• Content available on the DHA website including but not limited to legal information whether it be complete or incomplete, accurate or inaccurate or up to date for whatsoever reason,
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• Any other reason not directly related to Home Affairs' gross negligence.

The DHA web site is supplied on an "As Is" basis and has not been compiled to meet the User's individual requirements. It is the responsibility of the User to satisfy himself or herself, prior to entering into this agreement with DHA, that the content available from and through the DHA web site meets the User's individual requirements and is compatible with the User's computer hardware and/or software.

Information, ideas and opinions expressed on the DHA web site should not be regarded as professional advice or the official opinion of DHA and Users are encouraged to consult professional advice before taking any course of action related to the information, ideas or opinions expressed on the DHA web site.

DHA does not make any warranties or representation that content and services available from the DHA web site will in all cases be true, correct or free from any errors. DHA shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the quality and accuracy of content available from the DHA web site.

DHA does not make any warranties or representations that the DHA web site shall be available at all times. Users acknowledge that the DHA web site may be unavailable due to updates or other causes beyond the reasonable control of DHA, including, but not limited to virus infection, unauthorised access (hacking), power failure or other "natural causes".

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Travel smart advice for all travellers.

Our top travel tips

Covid-19 and travel, research your destination, get the right travel insurance, organise your passports and visas, think about your packing, organise your travel money, copy your documents, plan to stay healthy.

• Make smart decisions while you're away

Be conscious of your safety and security

• Research the local transport and tours

Respect local customs

Family and relationship matters, keep in touch, biosecurity requirements, where to start.

• Consular emergency centre
• Quick reference guide

• Read and subscribe to the latest travel advice at smartraveller.gov.au and follow Smartraveller on social media. Local restrictions do change – sometimes at short notice. Make sure you’re informed and be prepared for travel in a changing environment.
• Get comprehensive travel insurance. Ensure it covers you for the places you’ll visit, the things you’ll do and any pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Check the expiry date of your passport before you travel. Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after the date you plan to leave that country.

• Ask about recommended vaccinations and other health precautions. Vaccinations can be an entry requirement for some countries. Check your medication – certain medicines are illegal in some countries.
• Make sure you have the right visas for the countries you’re visiting or transiting, and check other entry or exit requirements.
• Check if you’re regarded as a national of the country you plan to visit, and whether dual nationality will have any implications for your travel plans.
• Make copies of your passport, visas and insurance policy. Carry them in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.
• Risks are often greater overseas. Be careful and don’t take any risks you wouldn’t consider at home.
• Obey the laws of the country you’re visiting, even if they appear harsh or unfair by Australian standards. Don’t expect to be treated differently from locals just because you’re Australian.
• Keep in contact with friends and family back home. Give them a copy of your itinerary before you go so they know where you are. Let them know if you won’t be contactable for an extended period.

COVID-19 has changed international travel.

It’s important not to underestimate how difficult travel is during a pandemic. It’s highly unpredictable, and far more complex.

Due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel, Smartraveller advice to Australians about the risks of travelling at this time is more important than ever.

Many countries continue to change restrictions for travellers due to COVID-19, sometimes at short notice. It’s your responsibility to research and know the local laws and restrictions in your destination.

You could face fines or penalties if you break these laws. Follow the advice of local authorities and subscribe to Smartraveller to receive the latest updates for your location.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Australian Government has implemented stricter border measures to protect the Australian community from COVID-19. You may need to abide by additional departure and re-entry measures when you travel. Up-to-date information on current measures at your time of travel is available at the Department of Home Affairs website at homeaffairs.gov.au.

Travel zones

There are travel zones where COVID-19 border restrictions have eased, either in Australia, internationally or both. Travel zones may involve:

• excluding certain destinations from Australia’s outward travel ban
• allowing quarantine-free travel to and from certain destinations
• reducing or removing COVID-19 testing requirements.
• If you’re considering travel, think carefully about whether you’re willing to accept certain risks before you go, including:
• contracting COVID-19 while overseas
• the reduced frequency and increased cost of international flights
• limited consular assistance – don’t assume the Australian Government can get you home
• international border and movement restrictions, often changing at short notice.

Our network of embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world continue to provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware that consular services may be limited due to local measures in place to control COVID-19.

If you’re able to travel and plan to do so, we strongly recommend you know the risks. Get travel insurance, read this booklet and subscribe to smartraveller.gov.au to stay up to date with the latest travel advice.

Returning to Australia

If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and disruptions due to global COVID-19 travel restrictions. Read and subscribe to the travel advice for the country you’re in and any you may be transiting, as local restrictions can change at short notice. When you return to Australia, you’ll need to abide by any additional re-entry measures in place, such as quarantine and COVID-19 testing. See the website of the Department of Health for the latest entry requirements .

For up-to-date COVID-19 advice, see:

• Smartraveller
• Department of Home Affairs
• Department of Health

Before you go

The better prepared you are, the safer and more successful your travel will be.

Access our full range of travel information to help you prepare for overseas travel.

We have useful advice on:

• health issues
• safety and security
• local laws, customs and contacts
• getting around safely
• entry and exit requirements.

We can help you consider the level of risk you may face, so you can make informed decisions about where and when to travel overseas.

Smartraveller uses 4 levels of travel advice for all destinations:

• Level 1 : Exercise normal safety precautions.
• Level 2 : Exercise a high degree of caution.
• Level 3 : Reconsider your need to travel.
• Level 4 : Do not travel.

Our travel advice is updated regularly. You can subscribe  to get the latest updates to our travel advice and news – it’s a free service.

We strongly encourage you to subscribe as soon as you’re thinking about heading overseas so you’re well informed for your trip. You can choose to:

• receive travel advice and news updates by email as we publish them
• receive SMS critical alerts for your destinations
• receive a daily email with all updates from the previous 24 hours
• unsubscribe at any time.

Follow Smartraveller on Facebook  or Twitter for updates. Extend your research by reading guidebooks or visiting travel websites. Talk with family or friends who are familiar with the countries you plan to visit.

Travel doesn’t always go as planned. If you’re going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. Without it, you or your family could suffer financially if things go wrong. No matter who you are, where you’re going or what you’re doing, get insurance. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance policies are changing. Make sure your travel insurance covers the areas you intend to visit and suits your travel plans. Remember to ask if it covers:

• medical expenses for injury or illness
• medical evacuations back to Australia
• any pre-existing medical conditions
• the theft of valuables
• damage to luggage and personal belongings
• sports and adventure activities, such as skiing or hiring a motorcycle
• cancellations or interruptions to flight plans.

Accidents can happen to anyone, including on short trips to familiar locations. Medical costs overseas can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you’re travelling with family members, you may be able to arrange travel insurance for your whole family under the one policy. Cover varies from policy to policy though, so be sure to check the fine print.

If you plan to rely on the travel insurance provided by your credit card, confirm you’re covered for your personal circumstances, including all of your destinations, activities and pre-existing medical conditions.

Be aware that some policies don’t offer refunds and your insurer may cancel your coverage if the safety and security of your overseas environment changes. The terms and conditions of your policy will determine whether you’re entitled to a refund if the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) changes the level of the travel advice for that location. This will vary from policy to policy, so be sure to shop around.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance providers and policies continue to evolve. Some cover COVID-19 and some don’t. Do your research, find a policy that’s right for you and know what you’re covered for. The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help Australians overseas. It’s important you understand our limits. There are many examples of Australians facing financial difficulties trying to cover costs when things go wrong.

• take personal responsibility for your situation when you travel, including your finances
• take out appropriate insurance for your trip.
• pay for your medical treatment overseas
• pay for a medical evacuation to Australia or a third country
• pay your bills.

Consular services must not be your 'back-up plan' if things go wrong and you need money. Instead, you’ll generally need to depend on your travel insurer for financial help and practical support in times of trouble.

For more information, see the travel insurance  page.

Make sure your passport has enough validity

What if you lose your passport or someone steals it.

By law, you must report the loss or theft of your passport without delay.

Overseas: Contact an Australian embassy, high commission or Consulate.

In Australia: Call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232.

If your passport is stolen, report the incident to the police and get a copy of the police report. You’ll be asked to present the report when you replace the passport.

What if your passport is damaged?

Call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232 or visit an Australian Passport Office, Australian embassy, high commission or consulate to check if your passport is usable for international travel.

More information is available on the Australian Passports Office  website or:

• Australia : Call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232.
• Overseas : Contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate .

Get the right visas for the countries you’re visiting or transiting. Visa conditions change regularly so before every trip check the relevant foreign embassy or consulate of the destinations you plan to visit. Contact details for foreign embassies are available at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade .

• Each country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.
• In most cases, tourist visas don’t allow you to work in a foreign country, including voluntary or unpaid work.
• Visa and entry permit conditions and expiry dates must be strictly followed. In some countries, visa overstay can lead to arrest.
• Visa scams are common. Check Smartraveller travel advice for the correct visa links or contact the embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit.
• DFAT in Australia and Australian missions overseas can’t help you arrange visas for other countries.

Check if you’re a dual national

If you or your parents were born in another country, you may be considered a citizen or national of that country, even if you’re also an Australian citizen. Before you leave, check the implications of local laws for dual nationals – for example, you may need to do military service in the country of your other nationality.

If you have dual citizenship, you should use your Australian passport when leaving and returning to Australia.

Some countries may not recognise your Australian citizenship if they consider you a national of their country, even when you’re travelling on an Australian passport. They may not permit Australian consular assistance to be provided to Australian citizens who, according to its laws, are considered to be its own nationals.

If you hold another country’s passport, seek advice about using it from the country’s embassy or consulate before you leave. For further information, see the Advice for dual nationals .

Australian citizens

If you’re an Australian citizen, you need to present a current Australian passport on your arrival to Australia. Australian citizens who travel without an Australian passport might have their entry delayed until their identity and claim to Australian citizenship is verified.

If you hold a visa and then become an Australian citizen, that visa ends and you can’t travel on it. When you enter Australia, you’ll enter as an Australian citizen.

Check the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website to ensure the items you’re packing are not dangerous goods.

You can also download the ‘Can I pack that?’ dangerous goods app to help you determine what you can and can’t pack, and learn how to pack items safely.

Information about what you can and can’t carry in your luggage is available from the TravelSECURE  website.

• Check if your medication is considered illegal or a controlled substance overseas.
• Obey the law – don’t purchase, use or travel with illegal drugs.
• Pack and secure your luggage yourself so you know what you’re carrying.
• Never carry anything into or out of another country for someone else.
• Don’t leave your bags unattended in public areas or with a stranger.
• Don’t use bags that don’t belong to you. Illegal drugs have been found in suitcases won as ‘prizes’ in online competitions. You may not be able to see the drugs at first glance, but security detection systems are likely to.

There’s no limit to the amount of physical currency you can bring into or take out of Australia. However, you must declare amounts of $10,000 or more in Australian currency or foreign equivalent.

If requested by an Australian Border Force or police officer, you must also disclose any promissory notes, traveller’s cheques, personal cheques, money orders, postal orders or other bearer-negotiable instruments, regardless of value.

More information is available from  AusTRAC  .

Before you go:

• Find out the currency most commonly used at your destination and whether ATMs are widely available.
• Organise options for accessing your money overseas, such as debit and credit cards, travel money cards, traveller’s cheques and cash.
• Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work.
• Research how much local and foreign currency you can take into your destination .

Centrelink payments

There are rules about how your Centrelink payments or concession cards may be affected if you leave Australia. More information is available at servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Take copies of your important documents. Leave one set of copies with someone at home and keep another set with you, separate from the originals.

Documents can include your:

• travel insurance policy
• itinerary and tickets
• vaccination records
• credit card numbers and traveller’s cheques
• driver’s licence or international driving permit.

You’re responsible for managing your physical and mental health and accessing medication and medical equipment while overseas. Read up on the health issues affecting the countries you’re travelling to in our travel advice for your destination before you go.

Mental health and wellbeing

Taking care of your mental health is important. Advice on mental health and details of a range of wellbeing resources available to Australians overseas can be found at smartraveller.gov.au.

Vaccinations

• Make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you depart and find out what vaccinations or health checks you need for your destination. Remember that some vaccines need time to take effect or more than one dose.
• For information on COVID-19 vaccines , see website for the Department of Health.
• Read about key health risks for your destination in our travel advice. You may need to meet certain health requirements to enter and exit your destination. For more information, contact your destination’s embassy or consulate in Australia before you depart.

Travelling with medications

Before you leave, check that the medication you plan to take is legal in the countries you’re visiting. Some medications may be legal but require a permit.

It’s an offence to carry or send Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine overseas unless it’s for your own personal use or for someone travelling with you. You could be fined $5,000 and spend 2 years in prison if you break this law. More information is available from  Services Australia  or by calling 1800 500 147.

Taking medicines overseas

Keep a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor detailing your medication and leave your medicines in their original pharmacy packaging.

Read the travel advice for your destination and learn about the local laws or cultural considerations around medication.

Pack enough medication to stay in good health on your trip.

Make emergency plans in case things go wrong.

Reciprocal health care agreements

Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with 11 countries. These countries provide some emergency care to Australians.

Most agreements specify the care must be urgent and medically necessary. They usually need a co-payment from the patient.

A reciprocal health care agreement is not a substitute for insurance. You still need travel insurance.

For more information and a full list of countries, see our page on reciprocal healthcare , visit Services Australia or call 1800 500 147 from within Australia or +61 2 8633 3284 from overseas.

Flying safely

If you’re concerned your airline may question your fitness to fly, check their health requirements first and, if required, get a letter from your doctor confirming that you’re fit for air travel.

If you have a disability , contact your airline to find out about services such as shuttles, seating arrangements and special meals. Check the equipment they’ll allow on board.

If you need to carry needles and syringes, take a letter from your doctor explaining why you need them and seek early advice from your airline on how to comply with airport and air travel security regulations.

Due to COVID-19, most airlines require you to wear a mask while on board their planes. Some also have pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements. Check with your airline before you fly to make sure you meet any necessary requirements.

To find out more about healthy travel and vaccinations, see:

• World Health Organization
• National Immunisation Program
• Smartraveller ‘Health’ pages

While you’re away

When Australians travel, we’re far from our regular support networks. Learn what you can do in times of trouble, and how and when consular services can assist you while you’re away.

Make smart decisions while you’re away

You’ll enjoy your time overseas more if you don’t get sick or injured. You can make choices that reduce your risks.

• Attending a public gathering? Make sure you’re aware of any local restrictions in place and know the health risks. You may need to wear a mask. Make sure you practise social distancing and wash or sanitise your hands.
• Eating with your hands? Wash them first. Make sure they’re dry to reduce the risk of diseases –  traveller’s diarrhoea is the least of your worries.
• Riding a motorbike or scooter? Check if you need a licence. Wear a helmet and proper protective clothing. Think about road safety, just like you would in Australia.
• Exploring street food and local cuisine? Choose vendors and restaurants that look clean and are popular with locals.
• Partying or getting romantic with someone? Use a condom. Not just for birth control, but to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Going on a road trip? Learn about the road rules and follow them. Stay within the law. Think about road safety and you’ll be less likely to have an accident and need medical assistance overseas.
• Getting a tattoo? Choose a shop with high safety and hygiene standards. Always ensure they use fresh needles. If you make a bad choice, you can catch an infectious disease, including HIV/AIDS.
• Going overseas for a medical procedure? Choose your hospital and surgeon wisely. Standards vary – a bad choice could lead to serious and expensive complications.

Read Smartraveller travel advice for country-specific risks to your safety and security. For the latest updates, subscribe to and follow Smartraveller on Facebook or Twitter. Always be aware of ‘Do not travel’ areas listed in the advice and stay up to date while travelling.

Some countries have a high crime rate and are prone to crimes including armed robbery, sexual assault, mugging, carjacking and kidnapping. Most crimes are opportunistic, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching.

Be careful about your personal security and belongings in public places and take precautions. Keep money and valuables out of sight and avoid displays of wealth.

ATM and credit card fraud, including skimming, can occur. Keep your credit card in sight to ensure your details are not copied. Avoid using ATMs that open onto the street and instead use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks or shops.

Where possible, use official taxis or reputable ride-sharing companies that can be booked by phone or app or from major hotels and inside airports. Don’t share taxis with strangers. Be wary if you’re approached at the airport by private drivers. In some countries, extortion and robbery can occur in unauthorised taxis.

Food and drink spiking is common around the world. Never leave your food or drink unattended or in the care of a stranger.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies. Even peaceful events can turn violent without warning.

Read the Smartraveller travel advice for your destination. See advice under the ‘Safety’ heading for your destination at smartraveller.gov.au.

Find out if some areas or regions are more prone to unrest. If possible, avoid those areas.

Keep an eye on current events in your destination. Monitor local and international media for information about possible safety or security risks.

Check if there’s an upcoming election in your destination. During election periods, unrest and violent protests can happen.

Find out if there’s increased tension around controversial social or political topics. This can lead to unrest.

Know the history of your destination. Unrest often occurs around anniversaries of major events, especially politically or socially divisive dates of remembrance.

International terrorism remains a threat to Australians living and travelling overseas. Terrorists continue to carry out attacks across the world. They target locals and foreign tourists. The threat in some destinations is very high. The Australian Government’s ability to provide consular assistance is limited in these places.

Research local transport and tours

When organising your itinerary, check out the ‘Local travel’ section in the travel advice for your destination and read the ‘Getting around’ page at smartraveller.gov.au.

Some transport and tour operators don’t have adequate safety equipment or follow recommended maintenance standards. Research the company you plan to use and make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you’ll undertake.

Learn about road conditions and the traffic culture of the places you plan to visit.

Understand that driving and riding overseas can be very different from back home, even in countries considered quite similar to Australia. If you do the wrong thing, you could end up in trouble. You could cause an accident, injuring yourself or others. Another driver may assault you (road rage), or authorities may arrest and jail you.

It’s your responsibility to find out the local driving systems and comply.

• Learn the laws: whether to keep left or right, who to give way to and other road rules.
• Follow the etiquette: find out about considerate merging, lane splitting and flashing.
• Honking: it’s polite and expected in some places – especially to let pedestrians know you’re there. In others, it’s illegal in most non-urgent scenarios.
• Check what licence you need: International Driving Permit, Australian driver’s licence or motorbike licence. If you’re staying long term, you may need a local licence.

Aviation safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. Some countries have lower aviation safety and security standards than Australia. This can be a particular risk for domestic flights overseas. Before you book, research the safety standards for any airlines and aircraft you plan to take.

More information is available in our ‘ Getting around ’ page.

Obey the law

It’s your responsibility to research the local laws in your destination – and obey them.

Like in Australia, ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law. In some countries you could break the law without intending to. Local police are unlikely to accept ‘I didn’t know’ as an excuse.

If you break the law, you could be arrested or jailed. If imprisoned, you’d have to work with the local legal and prison systems, as we’re limited in the assistance we can provide.

In some cases, you may be bound by Australian laws as well. Check the ‘Local laws’ section in each country travel advice before you go.

Consular services and the law

Be aware that the local laws and penalties of each country you visit also apply to you. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble or jail. The Consular Services Charter explains what the Australian Government may do to assist Australians overseas. It also sets out what we can’t do. 

Never buy, use or travel with illegal drugs when overseas. You’re subject to all local laws and penalties in your destination, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. These can include the death penalty. Even small amounts of recreational drugs or some prescription medications can get you arrested or jailed.

Extraterritorial laws

The provision of consular assistance to Australians doesn’t protect you from the consequences of actions that are prohibited under Australian law. Consular officials have to report serious criminal misconduct of this kind to the Australian Federal Police.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, human trafficking, modern slavery and forced marriage, apply to Australians when they’re overseas.

Australians also risk prosecution under Australian law if they engage in hostile activity overseas, or if they travel with the intention of engaging in hostile activity overseas. For more information, see the Australian National Security website. .

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian laws that criminalise engaging in child sexual abuse and child abuse material while outside Australia. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment. For more information, see our ‘ Child sex offences ’ page.

Violations of Australia’s child sex laws should be reported to the Australian Federal Police by calling 131AFP (131 237) from within Australia or +61 2 5127 0005 from overseas. Alternatively, the matter can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

You can also complete a Transnational Child Sexual Exploitation report online at afp.gov.au or by writing to the:

Evaluation and Referral Centre Australian Federal Police GPO Box 401 Canberra ACT 2602 Australia

It’s important to respect local cultures and customs when travelling.

• Research the local customs of the country you’re travelling to and, if in doubt, seek local advice.
• Dress appropriately. Consider your clothing in the context of the culture you’re visiting. Many countries are more conservative than Australia. They may have different standards for women and men.
• Show respect when visiting cultural, historical and sacred sites. In some countries, inappropriate or indecent behaviour can lead to arrest.
• Always ask permission before taking photos of people and respect their wishes if they decline. In some countries, it’s illegal to take photos of certain places, such as government buildings, airports and ports or police or military property.
• In some countries it’s not acceptable for couples to be very affectionate in public. Laws and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI+) travellers around the world can be very different from those in Australia, and this can create risks for LGBTI+ travellers. Check the ‘ Advice for LGBTI+ travellers ’ page. and each country travel advisory for more information.

If your child is born overseas, you must first apply for citizenship by descent and have this approved before an Australian passport can be issued. For information on registering a child by descent, see homeaffairs.gov.au .

Information about overseas adoption and surrogacy is available from the Department of Home Affairs .

Child custody

Before you leave Australia with your child, make sure you get consent to do so from any person or institution that has parental responsibility, or get a court order permitting their travel. If you don’t do this, you may be committing a crime. Many countries have reciprocal arrangements with Australia, recognising parenting orders, but some don’t, so be sure to check before you travel.

For more information, see the ‘ Travelling with children ’ page.

Relationships

Some countries’ legal systems impose strict limits on women’s rights. While these may be harsh by Australian standards, they’ll apply to you when you’re in that country. Make sure you read the travel advice for each destination before you travel.

Be wary of relationships started over the internet. Cyber-dating scams are common and Australians have lost large amounts of money on sham marriage partners. In some instances, relationship scammers kidnap and hold to ransom Australians who’ve travelled overseas to meet their online partner.

If you’re going overseas to get married, you must work within the legal systems of Australia and the country you’re getting married in. Make sure you check the legal, cultural and religious implications for yourself, your partner and any current or future children. If you need advice specific to your destination, contact the local embassy, high commission or consulate.

Each year, DFAT receives thousands of calls from worried family members and friends who haven’t heard from someone who is travelling. Keeping in touch not only saves your friends and family a lot of worry, but it can also make it easier to find you in an emergency.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with your family or a friend and let them know if it changes.
• Arrange options for staying in touch with family and friends while overseas (mobile phone, pre-paid or post-paid international calling card, SMS, social media, email, etc.).
• Tell your family and friends how often they’ll hear from you and stick to your word.
• Let your family and friends know if you’re travelling to a remote area and won’t be contactable.

More information

The Smartraveller website has useful travel hints for specific travel groups, including:

• Australians with mental health concerns
• business travellers
• dual nationals
• LGBTI+ travellers
• people living and working overseas
• mature travellers
• school leavers
• travellers with a disability

It also has information about how to cope with unexpected events overseas, including:

• being arrested or jailed
• crises or natural disasters
• medical emergencies or needing medical assistance
• money problems
• sexual assault
• when someone has died
• when someone is missing

Coming home

When you return to Australia, there are a few basic things you can do to make your re-entry quicker and easier:

• Have the correct documents completed and ready.
• Make sure you declare any items that may be restricted or prohibited or carry diseases.
• Know your duty-free allowances.
• Familiarise yourself with any COVID-19 re-entry measures – quarantine arrangements, testing requirements and the traveller declaration.
• Smartraveller: COVID-19 and travel

Standard Australian immigration and biosecurity requirements apply to all incoming passengers.

Australia has strict biosecurity requirements to help minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. You must comply with biosecurity requirements before entering Australia. Luggage is screened using detector dogs, X-ray machines and baggage inspection. If you’re caught carrying undeclared biosecurity risk goods, you could be fined or prosecuted.

You may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate on your return to Australia if you have visited a yellow fever risk country. Additional biosecurity requirements related to COVID-19 may also apply. More information is available at the Department of Health  website. .

You must declare certain foods, plant material and animal products to a Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment biosecurity officer. If you have goods you don’t wish to declare, you can dispose of them in bins in the airport terminal. In many cases, the goods you declare will be returned to you after inspection.

Failure to declare certain items of biosecurity risk can result in visa cancellations for non-Australian residents. You should declare any items you’re unsure of to avoid this outcome.

If your goods don’t meet Australia’s import requirements, they may be directed for treatment, export or destruction at your expense.

Prohibited goods

Other items that are controlled must be declared on arrival, including:

• firearms, weapons, tobacco and ammunition
• performance-enhancing and image-enhancing drugs
• medicines including prescription medications, alternative and herbal medicines, vitamins and mineral preparation formulas
• currency – $10,000 or more in physical Australian currency or foreign equivalent or other bearer-negotiable instruments
• protected wildlife such as coral, orchids, caviar, ivory and hunting trophies
• agricultural and veterinary chemical products
• illegal pornography and child exploitation material
• heritage-listed goods such as works of art, stamps, coins, archaeological objects and specimens
• defence and strategic goods.

Wildlife products

• As well as approval from the Department of Home Affairs, many wildlife products require approval from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to allow entry into Australia. ‘Wildlife’ includes (but is not limited to) any whole, part or derivative of a plant or animal, either living or non-living.

For more information, see:

• Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
• Department of Home Affairs

Getting help overseas

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Know what to do if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Depending on the nature of your emergency, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, bank, tour operator, employer or travel insurance provider.

The Smartraveller travel advisories list emergency contact numbers for each destination. Be aware that enforcement and ethical standards for police and security authorities vary between countries. Always remember to get a police report if you report a crime.

Travel insurance companies often have 24-hour call centres that you can contact from anywhere in the world. If you get sick overseas, are a victim of crime or are involved in an emergency, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. Carry your travel insurance policy information and contact numbers with you.

Consular services

If you have exhausted these options and are still facing serious difficulties, the Australian Government may be able to assist you. DFAT provides consular services to Australians facing serious difficulties overseas in line with the Consular Services Charter . These include:

• assisting Australian citizens in difficult situations overseas, including serious injury, illness or death, and arrest and detention
• providing support during crisis situations and international emergencies
• Delivering information and advice to help Australians help themselves and avoid difficulties overseas
• issuing passports and travel documents to Australian citizens
• offering a limited range of notarial services, such as witnessing and legalising documents, and administering oaths and affirmations (fees apply).

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular assistance that can be provided to Australians overseas, and a range of tasks that are outside the consular role.

In some countries, Canadian missions provide assistance to Australians. Up-to-date contact information for Australian and relevant Canadian missions overseas is listed on the DFAT website .

Your privacy

Your personal information is protected by law, including under the Privacy Act 1988 . Personal information may be used by us to provide consular assistance. Information about how we collect, use, disclose and store personal information related to consular cases is in our Consular Privacy Collection Statement available at online or by requesting a copy from the department.

By law, consular officials must charge fees for notarial and certain other services. These fees are determined by an Act of Parliament and don’t reflect the full cost of providing these services.

Consular Emergency Centre

DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre supports Australia’s embassies, high commissions and consulates to provide 24/7 consular assistance where the problem is serious and requires emergency support. If you can’t contact your closest Australian high commission or consulate and need immediate assistance, call 1300 555 135 from within Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

Mental health support overseas

If you have any doubts or concerns about seeking mental health support in your location and need immediate assistance, contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate, or call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Quick references guide

If you or a family member is seriously sick and in need of medical care overseas :

• Seek medical assistance from local doctors or hospitals, or via your hotel or tour manager.
• Contact your travel insurer – travel insurance companies often have 24-hour call centres.
• Call the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate and follow the telephone prompts.
• If you can’t make contact call the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on 1300 555 135 from within Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

If you or a family member has been sexually assaulted or are the victim of a serious crime overseas:

• If you can’t make contact call the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on 1300 555 135 from within Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas. The CEC will make contact with the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate to provide direct assistance.

If you or a family member has been robbed or need money overseas:

• In the case of theft, contact your travel insurer. Your insurer may require you to report the loss to local police and obtain a police report.
• Contact family and friends and look to use a commercial money transfer service or a bank to transfer funds.

If you or a family member is arrested  overseas:

• Call the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate, noting that there are limits to what consular staff can do. We can’t get you out of prison or detention or provide legal advice, but we can give you access to a range of information, including contact details for local lawyers. We’ll do what we can to see you’re treated in accordance with local laws and processes. We’ll raise any welfare concerns with prison authorities.

If someone is missing overseas:

• Call their phone, email them and seek to make contact via social media.
• Call family members and friends and check with those at their last address, banks, travel agents, airlines, tour companies or employers.
• If this is not successful and there are reasons for concern, contact your local police in Australia to report a missing person before calling the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on 1300 555 135 from within Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

Related content

A handy checklist to tell you what you need to do before you head off on your trip.

Explore this page to learn about resources we offer industry, media, education and the community.

Providing consular assistance to Australians overseas is a core function. We are required to collect, use and disclose an individuals’ personal information.

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Fee increase for international students part of July 1 migration reforms

​​​​​​​​​​​joint media release with the hon brendan o'connor mp, the hon jason clare mp and the hon andrew giles mp.

​As of 1 July 2024, the fee for international student visas will increase from $710 to $1,600.

This increase reflects the increasing value of education in Australia and reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector.

The increase will also help fund a number of important initiatives in education and migration, including:

• Measures recommended by the Universities Accord including making HECS fairer, paid prac and FEE-Free Uni Ready courses
• Measures in the Vocational Education and Training sector including financial support for apprentices and their employers, and
• The ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy.

 Alongside this change, a number of previously announced elements of the Migration Strategy also come into effect, including:

• Increasing the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70,000 to $73,150 based on annual indexation, the second increase under this Government after it was frozen for a decade at $53,900
• Shortening the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas and reducing the age eligibility
• Ending ‘visa hopping’ by closing the loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to continuously extend their stay in Australia, in some cases indefinitely
• Enhancing mobility for temporary skilled migrants to reduce exploitation and drive productivity, by extending the amount of time temporary skilled migrants can remain in Australia between employer sponsors from 60 days to 180 days
• Implementing the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 to provide new criminal measures against employers engaging in the exploitation of migrants
• Introducing the Workplace Justice Visa Pilot to enable temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period when pursuing workplace justice.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor:

“Australia has a world-class education sector, one that draws international students from around the globe – so we need to make sure all students are getting the quality of education they pay for.

“We are continuing our work to weed out the unscrupulous providers who are looking to take advantage of international students.

“Most providers do the right thing and are in the business of education and training for the right reasons. They will benefit from the removal of non-genuine actors, who undermine integrity and trust in VET.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:

“International education is an incredibly important national asset and we need to ensure its integrity and quality.

“These changes will strengthen integrity in the international education system and help to fund important reforms recommended by the Universities Accord, including making HECS fairer, paid prac and expanding FEE-Free Uni Ready courses.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil:

“When we came to government we inherited a migration system that was broken and dysfunctional, and an international education system which was being compromised by rorts and exploitation.

“Reform was essential, after a decade of neglect under the former government.

“This sector has the power to drive growth and opportunity for our country, but to get there, we’ve got to work with quality providers to clean it up.

“The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles:

 “Our reforms will help vulnerable workers speak up, while we crack down on employers doing the wrong thing. 

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering higher wages for skilled migrants and Australians after a decade of the former Liberal Government deliberately keeping wages low.”

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Home   /   Newsroom   /   2024   /  German Air Force takes off to show presence in Indo-Pacific region, first step: Alaska

Jun 27 2024

German Air Force takes off to show presence in Indo-Pacific region, first step: Alaska

BERLIN, Germany – The German Air Force supported by the Multinational MRTT Unit is conducting a long-range deployment to the Indo Pacific region demonstrating force projection capability and commitment to stability, mutual trust and partnership in that region. 

We deploy to the Indo-Pacific region, while at the same time the German Air Force is conducting NATO Air Policing at home and in the Baltic region

Following the Rapid Pacific deployment two years ago, the German Air Force are projecting a force to the Indo Pacific region again. Once in the region the German four A400Ms, eight Eurofighters, 12 Tornados,  four A330 MRTT aircraft and four light utility helicopters will be training with Allied and Partner air forces and navies in a combined joint setting. Among others, activities will include low-level flying, defensive and offensive counter air operations and air-to-air refueling.

In July, German jets will operate alongside A330 and A400M air-to-air refueling aircraft and several Allies and lead training of air warfare operations to NATO standards during U.S. exercise Arctic Defender in Alaska. Moving on to Japan, the German Eurofighter fleet will split up and one group will participate in combined training flights with the Japan Air Self-Defence Force during exercise Nippon Skies. For the first time, German fighter jets will be training in Japanese airspace, before they redeploy to Hawaii to support naval warfare drills during exercise Rimpac with the German Navy.

The other group will take part in the multinational air combat exercise Pitch Black in Australia from July 22 to August 1 before deploying to India to fly in Indian Air Force led exercise Tarang Shakti Phase 1

Pacific Skies 24 was designed due to the special importance of security cooperation with Germany's partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Combined training of Allies and Partners mutually strengthens operational capability

“With Pacific Skies 24, we are showing our face in a part of the world that is of great importance to us. We will deploy to the Indo-Pacific region, while at the same time the German Air Force is conducting NATO Air Policing at home and in the Baltic region, demonstrating our commitment to rules-based international order and stability,” said Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, Chief of Staff of the German Air Force. According to him deploying over more than 13,000 kilometres to participate in five exercises with our Partners is an enormous logistical achievement. General Gerhartz added that Germany leads the first exercise, Arctic Defender in Alaska, a classic NATO Article 5 exercise, and benefits from the other exercises that allow an international exchange of best practices and skill sets.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office based on input provided by the German Air Force

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Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s how to avoid the rush

FILE - Motorists head southbound in the local and express lanes on Interstates 90-94 in slow and thickening traffic as a CTA train enters a station on the first day of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, July 1, 2022, in Chicago. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Travelers walk with their luggage through Union Station in Washington ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, July 1, 2023. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.

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New non-intrusive inspection systems to be added to Juarez-Lincoln Bridge

LAREDO, Texas – As the traveling public starts to see metal frames going up, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Port of Entry management advises that CBP has already begun installation of Low Energy Portal (LEP) scanning systems at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. The systems will be placed in the passenger vehicle queuing areas south of the primary inspection booths and scan arriving vehicular traffic.

“The LEP system will scan arriving vehicular traffic, the images will be reviewed in real time to identify potential threats and anomalies meriting further examination,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “The systems will supplement existing non-intrusive inspection technology, enhance border security, and will not impede current traffic flows.”

Initial construction has begun on the west side of the bridge and will move eastward during installation. The construction is not expected to impede arriving northbound traffic. Port traffic will be routed around construction zones but access to all 15 inspection booths will remain. In addition, contractors plan to work during the night to further reduce any impact on northbound vehicle traffic. The goal is to have construction completed by the end of the calendar year with implementation to begin in early 2025.

Once operational, vehicular traffic will flow toward the LEP systems after they cross the international boundary and before they reach the primary inspection booth. CBP personnel will review the imagery generated by the system and follow through with additional screening if any anomalies or issues are noted. There will be an option available for those who elect to not drive through the LEP system utilizing existing inspection protocols.

In 2020,  Congress appropriated $59 million  for CBP to procure and install these non-intrusive inspection systems.

CBP utilizes Non-Intrusive Inspection equipment to aid in the detection of illicit narcotics.  The NII systems program supports the detection and prevention of contraband, including weapons, weapons of mass effect or destruction, drugs, currency, and other illegal merchandise, from entering or furthering their entry into the United States, while supporting a minimal impact on the flow of legitimate commerce.  This program is an essential aspect of the CBP’s layered enforcement strategy. This technology includes but is not limited to: vehicle, handheld and baggage X-rays, presumptive identification devices for chemicals and density meters. 

The use of NII technologies increases the probability of CBP’s Office of Field Operations detecting weapons and destructive devices, as well as narcotics that may be hidden in conveyances, and preventing them from entering or furthering entry into the United States.  NII technologies aid in the identification and prevention of undeclared currency and contraband being smuggled into the United States.

In addition to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge LEP system, CBP is also installing a cargo Multi Energy Portal (MEP) scanning system south of the primary inspection lanes at World Trade Bridge.  These systems have been installed and are operational at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at  @DFOLaredo  and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection at  @CBPSouthTexas  for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

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EU imposes first ever sanctions on leading cybercriminals

News item | 24-06-2024 | 14:15

The Foreign Affairs Council has adopted sanctions against six Russian individuals responsible for serious cyber operations that have caused widespread damage in the EU, including bank hacks and ransomware attacks on the healthcare sector. Two of them are leading figures in the cybercrime circuit. Thanks to close cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Public Prosecution Service and the police, they can now be sanctioned by the EU.

With these sanctions the EU has taken an important step towards a safer cyber domain. Because alongside cyber espionage and cyber sabotage, for the first time the EU is now also tackling cybercriminals who cause serious damage to our society for the sake of financial gain. Not only will these criminals now have to suffer the personal consequences of their malicious behaviour, but individuals and entities that do business with them are also targeted. Through effective expertise and knowledge sharing between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Public Prosecution Service and the police, the Netherlands has been able to make a unique and important contribution to sanctioning within the EU. The Netherlands hopes that this approach will also inspire other member states, so that the EU can be even more effective in fighting cybercrime. As a result of the sanctions, these individuals’ assets in the EU will be frozen, they will no longer be able to enter the EU, and transactions with them will be prohibited. This means that it will be against the law for EU citizens and companies to cooperate and do business with these prominent cybercriminals, directly or indirectly. The purpose of these measures, aimed at both the individuals concerned and their clients, is to deter and combat cybercrime. These sanctions will also send a clear signal to states that provide safe havens to cybercriminals, allowing them to operate without impunity. Under the cyber sanctions regime established in 2019, sanctions have been imposed on 14 individuals and four entities from Russia, China and North Korea since 2020. These individuals and entities are responsible for cyberattacks on such institutions as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the German Bundestag, banks and hospitals.

The sanctions regime currently explicitly targets individuals and entities, not states. The Netherlands considers it important that the EU also has the tools to take more effective action against states that exhibit malicious cyber behaviour. That’s why the Netherlands is working with other member states to explore how the EU’s cyber sanctions toolbox can be strengthened further.

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