Latest Travel Updates - information for UQ travellers
This update remains current unless otherwise stated.
Update 26 June 2026 - Global travel disruptions
The ongoing situation in the Middle East has resulted in significant global travel disruptions. Delays, cancellations and airspace changes may occur quickly and without notice.
Travel restrictions
DFAT Smartraveller advice was updated on 23 June 2026, with Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia downgraded to Level 2 – Exercise a High Degree of Caution. As a result, travel to these destinations is now permitted. However approved travel will be reviewed if DFAT advice levels increase or local conditions deteriorate.
Travel to or transit via Middle East destinations rated “Reconsider your need to travel” and “Do not travel” is still not permitted. This currently includes the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), Bahrain, Kuwait, and Israel. This applies to all UQ travellers, staff and students.
There are other Middle Eastern countries and locations not specifically listed above that may also be subject to DFAT travel advisories. Travellers should refer to the DFAT Smartraveller website for the latest advice and ensure they comply with UQ Travel requirements before making any travel arrangements.
All staff and students undertaking UQ-related international travel must remain vigilant and monitor official advice, regardless of destination or transit points.
- Booking new international travel
Travel to or via any location with a “Do not travel” or Middle East locations rated "Reconsider your need to travel" will not be approved, regardless of travel date.
Travel to Middle East locations (mentioned above) rated "Exercise a High Degree of Caution" may be approved.
Before making any new international travel bookings, staff and students must:
- Carefully consider the necessity of travel, noting the potential for disruptions and extended delays.
- Travel should only be undertaken where it is essential and there is no practical alternative for achieving the business, research or academic objective.
- Travellers must demonstrate appropriate risk mitigation measures, including consideration of destination-specific risks, contingency arrangements and ongoing monitoring of DFAT and International SOS advice.
- Be aware that the current insurance position remains unchanged. Travel disruption and cancellation due to re-escalation of the security situation in the region may be considered foreseeable, and resulting costs would then not be covered by travel insurance. Any uninsured costs resulting from travel disruption, cancellation, or itinerary changes will be the responsibility of the traveller and/or the relevant business unit.
- Review UQ Travel policy (and Student Travel procedure) and approval requirements.
- Check the current advice on Smartraveller and subscribe to updates.
- Download the International SOS mobile app to receive alerts and security updates.
- Travellers with existing bookings
If you are travelling within the next 14 days, you must:
- Closely monitor updates from:
- Smartraveller
- International SOS
- FCM, airline and accommodation providers
- Re-approval is required prior to departure, if Smartraveller advice for a transit or final destination increases to Reconsider your need to travel or Do not travel.
- Review your booking conditions to understand change fees, cancellation windows and refund eligibility, so that you can consider whether (and, if so, when) to make changes. Refer to the insurance information below.
- For FCM Travel Solutions bookings, contact FCM directly to make any necessary changes to your travel arrangements.
For direct bookings, contact the relevant travel provider(s).
For travel booked beyond 14 days, travellers are encouraged to be aware of their travel booking conditions and continue to monitor the situation. Travellers should be aware that the cost of changes made more than 14 days prior to travel may not be covered by insurance.
- Changing or cancelling travel and travel insurance
If approved UQ travel is altered or cancelled due to global events:
- Seek a refund or credit from your travel provider first (travel agent, airline, accommodation or transport provider).
- If a full refund is not available, you can submit a claim through UQ Insurance Services for consideration.
- Travellers must demonstrate that changes were necessary and that additional expenses were reasonable.
- Cover will depend on the date of travel, the date of alteration/cancellation, and the situation at the time of making that change. If early changes are made, and the position on travel could have improved prior to departure date, the cost of travel changes may not be covered.
- All claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the terms, conditions and exclusions of UQ’s travel insurance policy.
While travelling
There is a heightened risk globally, particularly in places of worship, large gatherings, public transport, embassies and government facilities. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant when travelling internationally, regardless of their destination or transit points.
Closely monitor updates from:
Emergency support (24/7)
UQ travellers have access to 24/7 emergency assistance through International SOS:
Phone: +61 2 9372 2468 (reverse charge available)
Email: sydney@internationalsos.com
Quote UQ membership number: 12AYCA778031