Smartraveller Issues High-Priority Warnings for the Caribbean and Middle East

Australia’s Smartraveller agency released a comprehensive update to its global travel advisories today, January 16, 2026, placing several high-traffic destinations under a "High Degree of Caution."

Notably, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago remain on high alert due to elevated levels of violent crime and civil unrest. The updated guidance for Jamaica specifically warns tourists to avoid certain areas of Montego Bay and Kingston, even within "all-inclusive" resort zones, due to a surge in gang-related activity that has begun to impact commercial corridors.

In the Middle East, the advisory for Iran and Russia has been solidified at the "Do Not Travel" level, the highest warning possible. For Iran, the warning cited the extreme risk of arbitrary detention and the volatile regional security situation, which has seen a sharp escalation in early 2026.

This unified "Western" stance, shared by the UK and U.S. State Departments, effectively voids most standard travel insurance policies for these regions, leaving any remaining citizens or travelers without a safety net should an emergency evacuation be required.

The Caribbean warnings are particularly impactful for the winter "cruise-and-stay" market. While the islands remain open for business, the Australian government is urging its citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security updates.

This advisory comes as several Caribbean nations implement new "biometric travel passes" to better track visitor flows and enhance border security, a move that is being met with mixed reviews from travelers accustomed to the region’s historically "laid-back" entry procedures.

For those planning to visit Colombia or Ecuador, the "High Degree of Caution" status has been extended through March 2026. The advisory highlights the risk of "express kidnappings" and petty crime in major tourist districts, recommending that travelers use only verified transportation apps and keep a low profile.