NORTH Africa is among the most dangerous regions in the world for Australians, who would also be wise to steer clear of some of our closest neighbours, including Indonesia, according to the Federal Government.
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In advisories to Australians travelling abroad issued during 2011, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade rated 12 countries as no-go zones, advising those already in places including Afghanistan, Burundi, and the world's newest country, South Sudan, to get out as soon as possible.
A graphic snapshot of how Australia views the rest of the world, mapped by the Sunday Canberra Times, shows a number of countries beyond the well-known conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa as areas the Australian Government thinks should be avoided, including Pakistan, Madagascar and Indonesia. An alert issued in October advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Indonesia because of continued threats from terrorists, placing it on the second-highest risk rating level. ''We continue to receive information which indicates that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia, which could take place at any time,'' the advisory warns.
The danger level assessment for South Korea was briefly increased after the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and Russia, India and much of South America are considered areas where travellers should exercise a high degree of caution because of crime or potential terrorist attacks.
Despite bombings, shootings and other violent crimes in a number of cities, all of the European countries except Russia with advisories issued for them were given the lowest danger level rating. In contrast, incidents such as plane crashes at the Nazca lines in Peru helped earn that country a higher threat level than neighbours Chile and Argentina, which have been threatened by volcanic eruptions.
Despite the number of potentially risky destinations, ever more Australians are heading abroad, with 7.6 million departures during 2010-11, an increase of more than 30 per cent on four years ago.
More than 1000 Australians were arrested overseas during 2010-11, while 1203 hospitalised travellers were given assistance.
The department also provided $320,456 to 345 Australians in financial difficulty while overseas, only $136,564 of which was repaid.