Where is it safe to travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak? Find the latest advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade below.
If you plan to travel overseas this year, you’ve probably been watching news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak closely. But is it time to reconsider your travel plans? Where is it still safe to travel? Let’s find out.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is, needless to say, having a significant impact on travel worldwide. As of Wednesday March 11th, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 114 countries have reported 118,000 cases of the virus. Many other countries are introducing new entry restrictions, and with today’s announcement that the coronavirus (COVD-19) is now characterised as a pandemic, Australians are beginning to wonder whether travel is still a good idea or not.
In situations such as these, the best place to turn for advice is The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. According to a Smart Traveller update on March 9th, the advice levels for six countries – including China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, Japan and Mongolia – have now been raised.
China
Travel to China may be affected by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have plans to travel to China, you may wish to reconsider them. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the advice level for travel to China has been raised to do not travel.  
Iran
Those planning to travel to Iran may also find their travel plans affected by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). If you do have plans to travel to Iran, you may wish to reconsider them. According to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the advice level for Iran has also been raised to do not travel.
South KoreaIf you have upcoming plans to travel to South Korea, you may wish to reconsider. According to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the advice level for South Korea has now been raised to reconsider your need to travel.
ItalyThose with plans to travel to Italy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, may also wish to reconsider. According to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the advice level for Italy has now been raised to reconsider your need to travel. 
Japan
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, those with plans to travel to Japan during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak should exercise a high degree of caution and continue to monitor the media for ongoing news and new risks.
Mongolia
If you have plans to travel to Mongolia during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, you should exercise caution, advises the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. According to a March 9th, 2020 statement, the advice level for Mongolia has now been raised to exercise a high degree of caution. The Smart Traveller website advises that those with plans to travel to this region continue to monitor the media for ongoing news and new risks.
Other travel advice during the COVID-19 outbreak
According to the statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australians with plans to travel on overseas cruises may also wish to reconsider, especially if they have underlying conditions.
“We advise you to reconsider taking an overseas cruise at this time – particularly if you have underlying health concerns,” reads the latest update. “We are keeping all our travel advisories under very close review in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and our network of overseas embassies and consulates.”
During a virus outbreak such as coronavirus (COVID-19), entry, exit and transit conditions may change at short notice or unexpectedly. The latest update from Smart Traveller advises: “Not all officials or transport providers are applying their policies consistently” and suggests that Australians contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries you are visiting before they travel.
Need to change your travel plans?
Let’s be honest: No one wants to cancel their long-awaited overseas trip at short notice because of a virus. Changing your travel plans isn’t ideal. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak doesn’t mean you have to forego that holiday and stay home in front of the TV instead.