DFAT Advice for US-bound Australians after Trump travel ban
While protesters continue to gather at American airports across the nation following the Trump administration visa ban, airlines scramble to comply with the order, with some carriers’ airline crew even affected.
With the new executive order stopping immigration to the USA from blacklisted countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, DFAT has also issued advice to Australians who have travelled to those nations in the past six years.
Under the Trump travel ban, those who have visited the seven countries since 2011 would no longer be allowed to apply for an ESTA to enter the US under the the Visa Waiver Program.
In addition, Australians who are dual citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are no longer eligible to apply for an ESTA to enter the United States under the VWP. Any of these Australians who have previously been issued an ESTA are likely to have the ESTA revoked, as stated on DFAT’s Smarttraveller website. All those affected will have to apply for a non-immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive these travel restrictions on a case by case basis for travellers,” the website states.
The controversial rules to be enforced for the next 90-days has also left airlines scrambling to ensure no passengers on board would be affected by refusal of entry once landing in the US.
Qantas said it will offer refunds to any passengers caught up in the immigration freeze and would change its processes and booking systems to suit new requirements, the Australian reports.
“Passengers booked on Qantas for travel to the United States who use a passport from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Libya have a number of options, including a change to their destination or a refund,” Qantas said in a statement, the paper reports.
A spokeswoman for Virgin Australia told the ABC the airline always advised international travellers to ensure they had the documentation required to enter their chosen destination.
Meanwhile, Emirates has been forced to amend pilot and cabin crew rosters for services to the US, and Etihad are also offering refunds or re-bookings to affected travellers.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told the Australian officials are in talks with US counterparts to get clarity on how the order may affect Australians.
“The Australian embassy in Washington is engaging with US officials on the potential implications of the suspension for Australian travellers, including dual nationals,” a spokeswoman said in a statement, per the paper.
“Travellers should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the United States for the most current information,” the spokeswoman added.
On a brighter note, Airbnb are offering free accommodation to refugees and travellers banned from the US. Co-founder Brian Chesky tweeted saying the ban on people from seven Muslim majority countries is “not right”.
“We must stand with all those who are affected,” Mr Chesky said.
Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand with those who are affected.
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Trump won the election far & square. Lefties can’t accept it. get over it. Banning muslims will make absolutely no difference to 99.9% of Australians.
Actors & actresses – we don’t care what you think & you should be quite or you might be blacklisted.
Trump is pres & most business leaders think he’ll do a great job. The USA can protect their boarders like Australia does. This decision makes very little difference to most Australians & will have no effect on tourism whatsoever.
…… the us has no terrorist attacks perpetrated by visiting terrortourists since 911…. most of the bombing and shooting attacks after 911 were committed by homegrown internet radicalized citz…. trumps decision banning visitors from muslim countries only made the terrorists closer to achieving their goal to divide the world…. nothing can be more flattering to them especially when it started coming from the leader of the first world…
Let’s be honest, Trump is a bully and clearly his mouth is not connected to his brain! The effect of these ‘executive orders’ on tourism, particularly business tourism, to the USA will be catastrophic. If there’s one way of reversing these inane decisions it’s through NOT taking groups to the USA and not recommending any US destinations for the time being.