Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) overnight reaffirmed its level-4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Russia, citing an elevated risk of arbitrary detention, expanded counter-terrorism powers and unpredictable flight cancellations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The advisory, dated 24 November 2025, again calls on Australian citizens to leave Russia while commercial options remain.
DFAT notes that Russian authorities continue to classify Australia as an “unfriendly nation”, enabling law-enforcement officers to stop foreign nationals for random checks and to scrutinise digital devices. Recent detentions of NGO workers and foreign journalists for social-media activity were highlighted as evidence of deteriorating conditions.
![DFAT Re-issues ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Russia, Urges Australians to Leave Immediately]()
For multinational companies, the unchanged red-level advisory has insurance implications: many corporate travel policies exclude cover for destinations under an official “Do Not Travel” notice. Mobility managers must therefore log Russia as off-limits for routine business travel and review duty-of-care provisions for any essential staff remaining in-country.
DFAT warns that consular assistance is extremely limited, evacuation flights are unlikely and sanctions compliance remains complex. Travellers who must enter Russia are advised to use private security escorts, maintain contingency plans for overland exits via the Caucasus or Central Asia and register their whereabouts on Smartraveller.
DFAT notes that Russian authorities continue to classify Australia as an “unfriendly nation”, enabling law-enforcement officers to stop foreign nationals for random checks and to scrutinise digital devices. Recent detentions of NGO workers and foreign journalists for social-media activity were highlighted as evidence of deteriorating conditions.
For multinational companies, the unchanged red-level advisory has insurance implications: many corporate travel policies exclude cover for destinations under an official “Do Not Travel” notice. Mobility managers must therefore log Russia as off-limits for routine business travel and review duty-of-care provisions for any essential staff remaining in-country.
DFAT warns that consular assistance is extremely limited, evacuation flights are unlikely and sanctions compliance remains complex. Travellers who must enter Russia are advised to use private security escorts, maintain contingency plans for overland exits via the Caucasus or Central Asia and register their whereabouts on Smartraveller.
