This Ramadan, are you planning to go overseas to experience the Holy month or celebrate Eid? Whether you choose to visit family and friends in a familiar place or explore a new destination, there are essential travel tips you can follow for a smooth and safe trip. This article provides information to help you feel better prepared and more confident for your journey.
Things may be busier than usual.
This year, Ramadan coincides with Lunar New Year, making it busier than usual travel period. If you’re travelling in the coming weeks, expect significant congestion and wait times at airports and possibly flight delays.
Along with allowing extra time at the airport, check travel rules, visas, and entry requirements for everyone in your group beforehand to avoid issues and ensure you can embark on your journey without any surprises.
Furthermore, petty crimes can easily occur in crowded places. Let’s be alert to pickpocketing, bag snatching, theft and any suspicious behaviour. Carry only what you need – leave other valuables in a secure place.
Learn about your destination.
In many Muslim countries, laws and customs are very different from those in Australia. If it is the first time you or someone close to you is travelling to a Muslim country during Ramadan, take a moment to learn about religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.
For example, eating or drinking in public during fasting hours can be illegal in certain destinations. In places where it’s legal, it could still be considered as insensitive and offensive.
Look after your health.
Remember to check travel advice on health risks, medical care and medication availability in the region. For example, cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have been
reported in destinations such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan. Travellers in these areas should avoid contact with camels or products contaminated with camel secretions.
Additional considerations for dual nationals.
You could be a dual national if you have a parent who is a national of another country, if you marry a national of another country, if you apply for and receive citizenship of another country, or if you were born overseas.
Check with the country’s embassy or consulate to confirm whether you’re a dual national before you go, as this may affect your travel and the support available to you. For example, if you’re an Australian-Egyptian travelling to Egypt, local authorities will treat you as an Egyptian citizen, even if you travel on an Australian passport. This will limit your access to consular assistance, so if you need help, contact local resources first.
Travel insurance is important for everyone.
Even if you travel to a country often, unexpected things can still occur. That’s where comprehensive travel insurance comes in. It can support you financially for trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, or even the big stuff like natural disasters and pandemics.
When buying insurance, read the policy carefully. Ensure it covers your entire trip, including stopovers, and check what is included and what is excluded.
Medical expenses are the most important reason to get insurance. If you become sick or injured overseas, you could face high hospital bills and the cost of returning home. Make sure your policy covers all medical costs, including evacuation.
All the information above comes from Smartraveller, the Australian Government’s official travel advice resource. For the latest advice, visit Smartraveller.gov.au and sign up for free destination updates.
Safe travels this Ramadan!
