The 2023-24 Consular State of Play is now available online.
The Consular State of Play is a snapshot of the consular assistance and crisis support the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides to Australians overseas.
In 2023-24, there were 15,227 cases where Australians needed consular assistance and crisis support.
As the number of Australians travelling overseas increased, so did the assistance the Australian Government provided. Compared to 2022-23, there was a 7% increase in non-crisis consular cases.
Every day, DFAT consular staff worldwide and in our 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra provide consular assistance to Australians in person, over the phone and online.
In 2023-24, the case types we assisted with included:
- Death, with 1,919 cases.
- Illness and hospitalisation, with 1,356 cases.
- Arrests, with 865 cases.
- Whereabouts cases, with 328 cases.
- Welfare and other serious matter cases, with 2,840 cases.
- Lost passports, with 2,678 cases and stolen passports, with 1,945 cases.
Our data also shows DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre answered 53,137 calls. This was on average, one call for help every 10 minutes.
Helping Australians before they travel, and supporting those in need overseas, remains one of the Australian Government’s highest priorities.
But it’s important that Australians travelling, and those already overseas, help manage their own safety and security by visiting Smartraveller.gov.au, reading and acting on the travel advice, and subscribing to free updates to stay informed.
How can you prepare for your overseas travel?
Smartraveller is the first destination for Australians planning to travel or already travelling or living overseas.
Even if you’ve travelled before or travel overseas regularly, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest information from Smartraveller.
Travel insurance is as essential as a passport. It can provide valuable financial protection in an unexpected event. Learn why insurance is important.
Check out our information on before you go and while you’re overseas, to help you prepare.
Whether you’re travelling for holidays, business or to visit family, make Smartraveller your first destination.
Read, act on the advice, and subscribe for free destination updates.
Read more
- See the latest Consular State of Play data
- Learn more about travel insurance
- See Travel advice explained
- Learn more about our Consular Services Charter
- Read about travelling with medication and medical equipment
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