Is Sydney safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Australia

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Australia at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, dated May 30, 2025, and this advisory applies at the country level rather than to Sydney specifically.
• UK travel advice describes a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and notes that in December 2025 an antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney killed 15 people, with an earlier terrorist incident at a Sydney church in April 2024 injuring several people.
• Travelers are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, follow local media and authorities, and check the Australian government's national terrorism threat level.
• Petty crime precautions include not leaving bags or luggage unattended, keeping valuables and passports in a hotel safe, keeping luggage out of sight in cars, and being particularly careful at night in busy tourist areas.
• Various scams target visitors to Australia, including dating and romance scams and fake service or building-repair schemes, which can be checked or reported through the government's Scamwatch website.
• Rip currents are described as the main hazard for swimmers and surfers at any beach, and dangerous wildlife such as crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, and venomous spiders and snakes are present in parts of the country.
• Solo travelers should remain especially alert after dark in busy tourist areas and keep copies of important documents separate from the originals, in line with general UK travel guidance.