The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has changed its advice for travelers considering travelling to Northern Ireland.

Incidents of sectarian violence and dissident activity escalated in Northern Ireland during 2009, with a number of attacks on police and military targets. On 8 January 2010, a car bomb exploded in Country Antrim. DFAT advise travelers to avoid the annual parades that occur in Northern Ireland during the months of April to August, especially the weeks leading up to 12 July. These parades may turn violent with little warning.

On 22 January 2010 UK authorities raised the threat level for the United Kingdom from 'Substantial' to ‘Severe', meaning that a terrorist attack is assessed as ‘highly likely'. The UK remains a potential target for terrorist activity, with terrorist attacks occurring in 2005 and 2007.

More information can be obtained from DFAT's website at www.smarttraveller.gov.au.