Australian travellers to Russia have been warned to brace for possible anti-Western sentiment as the fallout continues from the poisoning of a former spy in the United Kingdom.
The government's official advice for travellers was updated after Australia joined 23 other Western countries in expelling Russian diplomats in a show of solidarity with Britain.
The British government blames Russia for the poisoning of former double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, but Russia denies responsibility.
The message for Australian travellers warns of the possibility of anti-Western sentiment or harassment due to heightened political tensions and urges travellers to follow the security and political situation closely.
Liberal senator and former army major general Jim Molan has told Sky News the new travel advice is sensible.
"This is normal and this prudent. We don't know what is going on at the moment in the big picture in relation to what Russia may do in the future. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, its actions over the last decade or so have been absolutely awful going from Crimea, to the Ukraine to MH17, to its actions in Syria outside the laws of armed conflict. There are many many other things that Russia has done recently which would give us cause for concern. And I think DFAT is quite right in saying exercise caution in Russia."
The message clearly emphasizes the fact that until today there has not been identified an increase of difficulties for Australians travelling in Russia.
While this information is merely a heads-up, the Australian government urges travellers to follow the security and political situation closely.
There are 3 advice levels:
1 - Russia overall - exercise a high degree of caution
2 - Regions bordering the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkiv - reconsider your need to travel
3 - North Caucasus - do not travel
However, Russia is not the only country of the European region with high alert level for travellers.
For example, France, the most popular country to visit, is also considered by the Australian government as a potentially dangerous state requiring a high degree of caution.
We continue to receive information terrorists may be planning further attacks in France. An attack could occur at any time. Exercise particular caution around locations known to be possible terrorist targets.
With the FIFA World Cup coming up in just over than 2 months, and with the Aussie fans actively buying tickets, this message can seed concerns and be a game changer for the football fans.
In the meantime, Russian authorities are saying that security measures will be unprecedented during this World Cup.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop assured that Australia won't be boycotting the tournament leaving room for other diplomatic actions.
