23 April 2024 , 05:35
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The Foreign Office has issued a stern warning to all holidaymakers planning a trip Down Under about a "strict" rule they need to be aware of before jetting off.
Under the 'entry requirements' section in their 'quarantine of goods' advice, the Foreign Office highlights Australia's "strict quarantine rules". These measures are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that could harm plant, animal or human health.
Travellers will need to complete a form and take one of two actions - depending on what, if anything, they're bringing into the country.
According to the Foreign Office, travellers must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card and either:
- Declare any risk goods including food, animal products and plant material (including wooden articles)
- Dispose of any risk goods in the bins at the airport or sea port
Every piece of luggage is subject to x-ray upon arrival. If any items raise concerns, further inspections will be carried out where they will be treated and, if necessary, confiscated and destroyed, reports the Daily Record.
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The Foreign Office also warns of hefty fines for those who break these rules and states that travellers will be asked to declare whether they have 'visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days'.
More information can be found on the Department of Agriculture website.
Paltry Portugal places
In other news, UK holidaymakers heading to Portugal have been warned to steer clear of two specific areas.
The advice comes from an American expat who has made Portugal her home and shared her insights on YouTube via the International Living channel. Terry Coles, originally from the US, has cautioned against moving to Alentejo and Monsanto, describing them as the worst places in Portugal due to their lack of amenities.
"There's nothing there as far as hospitals, grocery stores or expats so it's a place you only want to go visit and not live," Terry explained in comments that are unlikely to go down particularly well with those living in the area.
Despite its rural charm, Alentejo also received a thumbs down from Terry. "Alentejo is very rural, there's really not much there," she said. "The city of Evora receives a lot of tourists but other than that, Alentejo in itself is farmland."
However, it's not all doom and gloom for those who find themselves in the western European country. Terry had plenty of positive things to say about Portugal, highlighting its popularity among retirees. "Portugal is one of the most popular destinations among retirees and for a good reason; the visa process is easy, we boast over 300 days of sunshine a year depending on where you settle in the country," she said.
"There's a large expat network, excellent healthcare, in both the public and the private system, beautiful scenery, medieval villages and gorgeous coastline and English is widely spoken depending on where you live."