Its peak travel season in Europe at the moment as the sun raises its head from what has been at least four months of miserable rain, slosh and darkness; and with the sun comes millions of enthusiastic travellers ready to revel in the wonderment of another world.
As someone who has done some travelling myself I know that most of your planning has to do with –“what cutting edge culture are we going to experience today?” or “where’s that tiny pizzeria in the backstreets that everyone says is amazing?” – however, like all good things there is also a serious side
to travel which most people don’t consider until it’s too late.
Lost or Stolen Passports
Identity theft is a growing problem with serious consequences to the individual as well as their country of residence. Lost or stolen passports provide criminals with the opportunity to assume another identity, to travel illegally and to commit other crimes.
You are required by law to report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible and this can be done either: –
- online at www.passports.gov.au
- at the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
Once you have reported the missing passport, your passport will be immediately cancelled.
Just remember if you report your passport missing and then find it again (hiding amongst one of 10 pairs of shoes you have just purchased…for example), under no circumstances should you try to use it. The physical passport needs to be taken to an Australian diplomatic or consular mission, and you will have to go through the process of applying for a new passport.
Arrested or In Jail
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested or in jail whilst overseas, just be mindful that the legal and administrative processes are probably different to that back home and things may not move as quickly as you hope.
If you are arrested overseas, you should ask to speak to officials of the nearest Australian High Commission. Although you have the right to contact the Australian Government, consular assistance cannot override local law.
The Australian Government can assist with visiting you, providing you with updates to and from your family, provide you with a list of local English-speaking lawyers, monitor your court trials and attend as an observer (in some cases).
The Australian Government cannot provide you with legal advice, pay your lawyer’s fees, arrange your bail or pay your fines, conduct investigations on your behalf.
The above information is not to make parents overreact as their 18 year old heads out the door with a backpack bigger than they are, it is just a reminder that sometimes things don’t go as we plan and if you find yourself in trouble whilst overseas – locate your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
