Travel guides and advice

Travel Safety Guides

The Travel Risk & Safety office provides a number of helpful resources for all travellers to have on hand during their travels. These range from location or topic specific travel safety tips, health and wellbeing guides, global travel warnings and more. View the latest guides and tips here.

Health and wellbeing during travel

International travel presents unique health risks. Some regions have endemic diseases and health risks that may not be present in your home country. It is important to make sure you are get proper immunisation, prophylactic medications, and medical advice before travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a public tool to provide health alerts and information as well as required, recommended, and routine vaccinations by destination country, but visiting a medical provider is the best way to prepare.
Immunisation is a great way to protect yourself from health risks, and some vaccines are required by authorities to travel to the country.
Monash’s Immunisation Procedure and Grid addresses immunisation for travel activities. It is always important to research health risks in your destination and book a consultation with your doctor at least six weeks before departure. Some vaccinations may require several courses or take a few weeks to become effective.
For information about health risks of your destination, the Centre for Disease Control is a good starting point.
Entering foreign countries with prescription medications requires special considerations and advance planning.  Different countries have different restrictions on bringing medications through customs and may have different controlled substances laws than your home country. Certain prescription medications may also be unavailable in your destination country.
If you are currently taking a prescription medication, take enough of your medication to last for the duration of your travel.  Medications cannot be shipped internationally and overseas pharmacies generally cannot and will not refill overseas prescriptions.  Discuss your travel arrangements with your doctor to ensure you have a sufficient supply before you depart.
All prescription medications must be in their original packaging and must be accompanied by their original prescription and must include your name.  Consider carrying a medical certificate explaining the need for the prescription medications you have packed in English and, if possible, the language of your destination.
Certain prescribed medications, such as those to manage chronic or severe pain, ADHD, or psychosis may be unavailable or even illegal in certain countries.  Review DFAT Smartraveller for further information relating to prescription drugs and travel.
Traveling abroad, whether as an experienced traveler or for the first time, brings inherent stressors from changes in culture, language, diet, climate, or even elevation and air quality. Extended travel also results in the loss of a support network, regular routine, and familiar environment. Any one or combination of these factors can impact a traveler’s mental health. Prepare ahead of time and have a plan to address difficulties that arise while traveling abroad.
Establish a wellbeing plan which should include your support system at home who you might contact if issues arise. If you’re currently seeing a mental health provider, discuss your travel plans with them to make a mental health care plan if you will be gone for an extended period of time.
Monash staff and students can access mental health support before, during and after travel via Monash Counselling Services including 24/7 counselling appointments by phone.
If a mental health crisis occurs during travel, contact Global 24.

Support Services

The Associate Director Travel Risk and Safety brings together key experts across the University to inform travellers about how to manage risks and respond to incidents before, during and after travel.

Travel Category Manager (Strategic Procurement)	Travel management company (FCM Travel) and staff benefits NuTrip Finances and expenditure
Insurance Services	Travel insurance cover Claims
Security Services and Safer Community Unit	Misconduct and safety among Monash travellers Reporting and support for sexual harm
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	OHS risk management guidance and advice SARAH platform Safety Officer training and governance
University Health Services	Travel health appointments Vaccination Counselling and mental health
Cyber Security	Staff IT International Travel Guide Student IT International Travel Guide
Export Controls	Australian Sanctions Compliance Policy
Defence Industry Security Program	About us