Australia has issued a new travel advisory for Pakistan. It has asked its citizens to reconsider the need to travel to the country due to the current security situation.
What has Australia advised regarding travel to Pakistan?
The Australian government said the security situation in Pakistan remains unpredictable. It warned that conditions can change suddenly.
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane also shared the latest travel advice. He said people should remain careful and stay updated about the security situation.
Australian citizens have been advised to stay away from large gatherings, protests and demonstrations.
They have also been asked to follow local news and listen to instructions from local authorities.
Security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
The advisory said military activity along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border could affect the overall security situation in Pakistan.
This could lead to travel restrictions, road closures, transport problems and increased security measures with little notice.
Australians have also been told to be extra careful near government buildings, places of worship and security checkpoints.
Australian citizens and people with both Australian and Pakistani citizenship have been advised to travel with a valid Australian passport.
The advisory warned that dual nationals travelling on a Pakistani passport could face problems when leaving Pakistan or returning to Australia.
The Australian government also warned that Australian citizens of Afghan origin may face extra checks, questioning or detention by Pakistani authorities. This could happen even if they have a valid visa.
Australia increases student visa application fee
Australia has increased its student visa application fees from A$2,000, which is Rs384,144, to A$2,500, which is Rs480,180.
The new fee applies to the Student Visa or the Subclass 500 and took effect overnight. This is the second fee increase after the previous rise in July 2025.
The Australian government has also introduced a separate fee for students applying for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) under the same visa category.
The application fee for these students has increased to A$2,050 or Rs393,747, up from the previous A$2,000 or Rs384,144.