Country Description: Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available.

Entry Requirements: Information about entry requirements may be sought from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000 or from one of the Australian Consulates General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, New York, Atlanta or Houston.

Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage including provision for medical evacuation may be useful. Information on health matters may also be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through its international travelers hotline at tel. (404) 332-4559. Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/.

Information on Crime: Australia's crime rate is low. However, foreign visitors from the U.S. or elsewhere are targets for pick-pockets, purse snatchers and petty thieves. Automobile burglaries and theft of personal belongings also occur. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Criminal penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect severe jail sentences and fines.

Road Safety: Visitors are reminded that all traffic operates on the left side of the road, and that all vehicles use right-hand drive. Visitors should use caution when driving and when crossing streets.

Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 1995, the FAA has found the Government of Australia's Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Australia's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Registration/U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate. They may also obtain updated information on travel and security within the country at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate.

The U.S. Embassy in Canberra is located at Moonah Place, Canberra, A.C.T. 2600; the telephone number is (61) (6) 270-5000. The fax number is (61) (6) 273-3191.

The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney is located on level 59, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000; the telephone number is (61) (2) 373-9200. The fax number is (61) (2) 373-9184.

The U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne is located at 553 St. Kilda Road, P.O. Box 6722, Melbourne, VIC 3004; the telephone number is (61) (3) 9526-5900. The fax number is (61) (3) 9510-4646.

The U.S. Consulate General in Perth is located on the 13th floor, 16 St. Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, telephone: (61) (9) 231-9400. The fax number is (61) (9) 231-9444.