The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) re-issued its Russia travel advice overnight, retaining the highest “Do Not Travel” warning and again urging Australian citizens to leave the country immediately. The advisory, stamped "still current at 24 November 2025", emphasises the risk of arbitrary detention, harsh enforcement of local laws and sudden flight cancellations as the war in Ukraine drags on.
DFAT notes that Russian authorities continue to treat Australia as an “unfriendly nation” and have broadened counter-terrorism powers that allow sweeping police checks of foreign nationals. The update follows reports of foreign journalists and NGO workers being detained for social-media posts critical of the conflict. Australians remaining in Russia are advised to maintain low profiles, avoid demonstrations and have contingency plans for land exit routes through the Caucasus or Central Asia.
![‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Russia Re-confirmed as DFAT Warns of Arbitrary Detention]()
For multinational employers, the unchanged level-4 advisory has practical repercussions. Global mobility teams must log Russia as an "off-limits" destination under most travel-risk insurance policies, and assignees already in-country may face invalidation of coverage if they ignore government advice. Companies that maintain critical operations in Russia should ensure compliance with sanctions regimes and consider rotating staff to third-country hubs such as Dubai or Istanbul.
Consular assistance remains limited. DFAT warns that in the event of arrest it may not be able to intervene, and evacuation flights are unlikely. Travellers who insist on entering Russia must secure comprehensive private security support, register with SmartTraveller and regularly update their location with corporate security teams.
The advisory also reminds transiting passengers that global airline routes can be rerouted or cancelled with little notice, potentially stranding travellers in third countries. Mobility managers are encouraged to book flexible fares and to monitor geopolitical developments in real time.
DFAT notes that Russian authorities continue to treat Australia as an “unfriendly nation” and have broadened counter-terrorism powers that allow sweeping police checks of foreign nationals. The update follows reports of foreign journalists and NGO workers being detained for social-media posts critical of the conflict. Australians remaining in Russia are advised to maintain low profiles, avoid demonstrations and have contingency plans for land exit routes through the Caucasus or Central Asia.
For multinational employers, the unchanged level-4 advisory has practical repercussions. Global mobility teams must log Russia as an "off-limits" destination under most travel-risk insurance policies, and assignees already in-country may face invalidation of coverage if they ignore government advice. Companies that maintain critical operations in Russia should ensure compliance with sanctions regimes and consider rotating staff to third-country hubs such as Dubai or Istanbul.
Consular assistance remains limited. DFAT warns that in the event of arrest it may not be able to intervene, and evacuation flights are unlikely. Travellers who insist on entering Russia must secure comprehensive private security support, register with SmartTraveller and regularly update their location with corporate security teams.
The advisory also reminds transiting passengers that global airline routes can be rerouted or cancelled with little notice, potentially stranding travellers in third countries. Mobility managers are encouraged to book flexible fares and to monitor geopolitical developments in real time.
