The Australian government has released its annual *Consular State of Play* report, detailing the assistance provided to citizens overseas between 2023 and 2024. As international travel continues to rebound, more Australians are venturing abroad—and with that comes an increased demand for consular help.
Last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade assisted in **15,227 consular cases**, marking a 7% rise from the previous year. Among the most frequent issues were deaths overseas (1,919 cases), serious illnesses and hospitalizations (1,356 cases), and arrests (865 cases). Additionally,it helped locate missing travelers in 328 cases and dealt with thousands of lost or stolen passport incidents.
The Consular Emergency Centre, operating around the clock in Canberra, fielded **53,137 calls**—averaging one plea for help every 10 minutes. These numbers underscore the importance of being prepared before traveling.
To minimize risks, DFAT urges Australians to consult Smartraveller.gov.au for up-to-date travel advisories, purchase comprehensive insurance, and register their trips with the government. Keeping digital copies of passports and other critical documents can also prevent major disruptions.
“Travel insurance is just as essential as a passport,” a DFAT representative emphasized. “A little preparation can prevent a crisis abroad.”
With international travel fully recovering, the report serves as a reminder that while exploring the world is exciting, staying informed and cautious is key to a safe journey. For real-time updates, travelers can subscribe to free alerts from Smartraveller.
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