As travellers around the world gear up for autumn journeys, the Australian Government has raised a red flag: multiple key destinations—including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines—are now subject to elevated security concerns. With global tensions mounting and travel disruptions on the rise, the travel advisory underscores the need for heightened vigilance.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the situation, what it means for visitors and concrete steps you can take to safeguard your trip.
Why the travel alert now?
Australia’s travel guidance now lists the United Arab Emirates among destinations where travellers are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution.” Likewise, Egypt and France are listed under similar risk categories. These ratings reflect a pattern of increasing geopolitical instability, civil unrest, and potential threats to tourist hubs and transportation hubs.
Regions that until recently were stable are now experiencing ripple-effects from nearby conflicts, heightened protest activity and unpredictable security scenarios. For those planning trips in autumn 2025, the advisory is a wake-up call: assume less room for error, and more need for flexibility.
Key Affected Destinations & What to Know
United Arab Emirates
Although the UAE remains a widely visited hub for luxury travel and transit, its strategic position in a volatile region adds extra layers of risk. Crowded public spaces—airports, shopping malls, major attractions—may be vulnerable to disruptions or heightened security responses. While everyday crime is relatively low, the advisory advises travellers to remain alert in high-traffic zones and monitor regional developments that may affect stability.
Tips:
- Stay alert in tourist hotspots, shopping centres and airports.
- Follow local security advice and keep your travel plans adaptable.
Egypt
Tourist landmarks such as Cairo’s pyramids or Luxor continue to draw interest, but the country’s proximity to conflict zones and historic unrest in regions such as the North Sinai elevate risks. Rapid changes in the security environment, especially in border zones with Libya or remote areas, call for extra caution.
Tips:
- Avoid travel to high-risk regions such as North Sinai or near the Libyan border.
- Stay cautious in tourist areas, especially when large crowds gather or tensions rise.
Bahrain
While Bahrain is less frequently in the headlines than some other Gulf states, its inclusion reflects worry over civil unrest and potential terrorism. Demonstrations—especially during Friday gatherings—and events linked to regional tensions can become flashpoints.
Tips:
- Steer clear of protest zones and politically sensitive sites.
- Stay updated on developments in the broader Gulf region that may affect local travel conditions.
France
The travel advisory for France points explicitly to the national terrorism threat level and frequent disruptions from strikes or protests. Major cities like Paris, busy public transit hubs and shopping districts are potential risk zones. Strikes can lead to large-scale cancellations and transport chaos, and protests can escalate without warning.
Tips:
- Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, particularly in urban centres.
- Add buffer time for transport and factor in potential cancellations or disruptions.
- Secure your valuables — pickpocketing and bag-snatching remain a concern in crowded areas.
United Kingdom
As a longstanding magnet for tourists, the UK remains a priority destination — but also one facing substantial risk. The terrorism threat level here is assessed as ‘substantial’, meaning an attack is likely. Crowded tourist areas, public transit nodes and airports require heightened awareness, alongside the usual caution about petty offences.
Tips:
- Keep to well-lit, populated areas and avoid regions known for frequent protests.
- Be extra vigilant in busy transit hubs, airports and city centres where theft or disturbance may occur.
Philippines
While many parts of the Philippines are safe for visitors, the southern regions such as Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago remain marked by ongoing conflict, kidnapping risks and extremist activity. The advisory advises avoiding high-risk zones entirely and staying alert in more stable regions.
Tips:
- Do not plan travel to Mindanao, Sulu Archipelago or adjacent sea areas.
- In other regions, monitor local security warnings, avoid large gatherings and be cautious about spontaneous travel plans.
General Safety Advice for All Travellers
Whether you’re headed to one of the flagged countries or travelling elsewhere, these baseline precautions are a vital part of trip preparation:
- Stay informed: Before and during your trip, follow up-to-date news, government alerts and local advisories. In volatile regions, security situations can change rapidly.
- Plan alternatives: Build in flexibility. Have backup routes, alternate accommodations, and anticipate potential flight changes or transport disruption.
- Secure your belongings: Tourists are often targets for theft or scams. Keep valuables hidden, use hotel safes, avoid carrying large sums of cash and stay alert in crowds.
- Avoid large gatherings: Protests, rallies and large demonstrations can escalate quickly. Stay away from such events, and heed local law enforcement advice.
- Register your trip: If your home country offers a traveller registration program for consular assistance, make use of it. Having your whereabouts known can be critical in emergencies.
- Follow local laws: Many destinations have strict rules around behaviour, drugs, alcohol, photographs, dress-codes and public conduct. Ignorance of local law is rarely accepted as a defence.
- Take travel insurance seriously: A comprehensive policy that covers evacuation, medical care and trip disruption is essential, especially when travelling in higher-risk destinations.
Final Takeaway
The autumn 2025 travel advisory highlights a simple but urgent truth: in a world of increasing uncertainty, travellers must plan with care. The destinations named—UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, France, UK and Philippines—remain popular and accessible, but now come with additional layers of risk. By staying informed, choosing flexible travel plans and exercising sound judgement, your journey can remain not only rewarding but safe. Stay alert, stay prepared — and keep your itinerary adaptable.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
