The Consular State of Play 2016–17 is a yearly report, which shares facts and figures around Australians who have encountered difficulties overseas.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the report’s findings are being more widely administered than ever off the back new figures and, assumedly, an increase of public fear over the growth of horrific events (like the Las Vegas massacre) taking place overseas.
Officials are encouraging Australians to continue their travels but to make sure they are taking precautions such as registering with DFAT’s Smartraveller system, obtaining travel insurance and doing safety research into their holiday destinations before departing.
According to the new figures, more than 1,600 Australians died overseas in the period of 2016/17, 49 of that number were murdered, and 68 took their own lives. The majority of the deaths were due to illness.
It’s the highest number of overseas deaths in past five years.
So where is the most deadly tourist destination?
Thailand took out the top spot, with 203 deaths taking place. This was followed by the Philippines with 126 deaths, Indonesia with 107, the USA with 99 and Vietnam with 87 total deaths.
. Thailand: 203 – down 1%
. Philippines: 126 – up 2%
. Indonesia: 107 – up 2%
. USA: 99 – up 25%
. Vietnam: 87 – up 13%
The same report reveals there have been over 1,800 Australians reported missing in 2016/17.
Again, Thailand comes in at number one for highest number of missing people with 74 reported.
USA had a total of 59 missing Australians, Indonesia 43, China 35 and 28 from the Philippines.
“Our advice to travellers is to leave a copy of their itinerary, passport, contact and insurance details with their support network at home – and maintain regular contact, by phone, sms, email or social media,” advises the report .
Consular Emergency Centre Numbers
In the event of an emergency overseas contact:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
+61 421 269 080 SMS
