smart traveller dfat

  • Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Hon Tim Watts MP

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Make Smartraveller your first destination

  • Media Release

Today the Australian Government is launching its new Smartraveller campaign, encouraging Australian travellers to make Smartraveller their first destination.

Each month, there are more than 1 million departures from Australia and, at any point in time, there are around 1,250 cases of Australians needing help overseas.

The best way to stay safe is to be prepared.

Whether you're a first-time or regular traveller, going on holiday, to visit family, or travelling for business, it's important that you are fully prepared.  

Smartraveller has travel and cultural advice for over 175 destinations. You can subscribe to get the latest advice and alerts for your destinations.

Before planning your trip, check whether you have a valid passport, look into visa requirements, get the right travel insurance and, most importantly, read and subscribe to Smartraveller.

Many Australians are excited at the prospect of travelling again. So don't trip up on your next trip. Make Smartraveller your first destination.

For more information visit Smartraveller.gov.au

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  • DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555

Your guide to the structures , organisations and key people in the Australian Government

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Travel Advice - Smart Traveller

• Travel advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade we deliver a range of consular services for Australians travelling or living overseas. We deliver our services through Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas. ___________________________________________________________________________ • Smartraveller provides official overseas travel advice. Our travel advice aims to inform you of the risks and how to avoid or handle difficulties overseas. Ultimately, though, it’s advice only and the decision to travel is yours. It’s also your responsibility to take care of your safety and wellbeing. ___________________________________________________________________________ • If you, or someone you know, needs urgent help or you have significant welfare concerns, emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day by calling the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on: 1300 555 135 (within Australia) +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) ___________________________________________________________________________ • For non-urgent general enquiries, email [email protected]. 1300 555 135 http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours Last updated: 19 November 2021

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Information for travellers

Smart traveller.

All overseas travellers are encouraged to visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade smart traveller website .

Smart traveller allows you to register your details so you can be contacted in the event of an emergency. It also allows you to access the most up to date travel advisory information.

Travel insurance

All travellers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance for both domestic and international travel . Travel insurance can remove or reduce the significant financial strain which you may incur in the event of an accident including death, injury or hospitalisation, or the theft or loss of personal belongings. Private travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

While often neglected, travel insurance for journeys within Australia also provides an added level of protection and reduces cost and hardship in the event of unexpected circumstances.

Travel insurance policies vary greatly, depending on the region you visit and the activities you take part in. Some insurance policies will not always cover claims made in countries in which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends against travel.

Many travellers are unaware that standard travel insurance policies can contain a broad range of exclusions. For example; war or acts of terrorism, unattended baggage, loss of cash, extreme sports and many other events. The smart traveller website contains further information to help you choose the right travel insurance policy to ensure you are fully covered in the event of accident or injury overseas.

Aviation liability arrangements

In the unlikely event of an airline accident, compensation arrangements in foreign countries may be complex and can take a long time to resolve.

Passenger entitlements to compensation are primarily a private contractual matter between a passenger and the airline concerned. In the event of an aviation related accident, or loss or damage of baggage, all claims should be made with the airline and/or your insurer.

A framework for compensation arrangements following an aviation incident is provided through Australian and State Government legislation and a system of international treaties. The Government cannot provide advice on your specific circumstances. In the event of a claim you are advised to seek independent legal advice.

The Australian Government has also developed a voluntary family assistance code for airlines in the case of a major incident. The code provides guidelines for airlines to prepare a family assistance plan and establishes the minimum standard expected of airlines operating in Australian territory after an aviation incident.

The legislation that governs liability in the event of aviation related accidents, or loss or damage of baggage, includes the:

  • Civil Aviation (Carriers" Liability) Act 1959
  • Damage by Aircraft Act 1999

The Civil Aviation (Carriers" Liability) Act 1959 is applied to intra-state travel by complementary State Government Carriers" Liability Legislation.

Further information is available at the Air Carriers" Liability page.

The Department is not able to provide advice on specific claims. In the event of an incident, you may wish to seek private legal advice.

Update January 10, 2024

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Are you traveling or living outside the U.S.? STEP is a free service that sends you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. If there’s an emergency where you are, it helps us contact you with instructions on what to do.

Why join STEP?

  • Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
  • Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
  • Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

What kind of messages does STEP send? Currently, STEP sends emails only. STEP can send you several types of information:

  • Routine Messages : News and updates about the country you picked.
  • Alerts : Messages about short-term security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that could impact your travels.
  • Travel Advisories : We re-evaluate the situation in each country every 6-12 months. Advisories include a simple 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks in the country, and clear steps U.S. citizens should take to stay safe.

Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

After you set up your account, you can pick what types of messages you want to get.

Stay in touch during an emergency.  Signing up for STEP helps the U.S. embassy get in touch with you if there’s an emergency. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. can’t reach you with urgent news while you’re traveling, we can use the information in STEP to try and contact you.

Become a Smart Traveler Now!   STEP is an easy first step to being a smart traveler. You should also always research your destination , and consider additional ways to get safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State, like on social media.

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Silicon Valley Transit Users

VTA First-Time Transit Rider Guide

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Table of Contents

Mobile phone apps, after vta customer service closes, in person (downtown san jose), how to read a bus schedule, at the bus stop…, how to board a vta bus, boarding a vta bus with your bicycle, how to pay your vta bus fare, basic rules for riding (boarding) any vta bus, how to get off (alighting) from a vta bus, transferring to another bus line, transferring to vta light rail, transferring to commuter or intercity bus or rail services, know before you board, reading the vta light rail schedule, paying vta light rail fare, at the vta light rail station, boarding vta light rail, making room for other people aboard vta light rail, exiting (alighting) vta light rail, transferring to another vta light rail train, commuter rail and intercity rail, commuter bus, inter-county bus, and intercity bus, community buses, connection timing rules between vta and these buses.

Are you visiting, recently moved to or started working in Silicon Valley?  New to taking public transportation in the Valley?  Taking a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority ( VTA ) bus or light rail train can be intimidating for someone riding public transit for the very first time.

This guide will detail the steps you need to make your first trip riding a VTA bus or light rail train as pleasant as possible.  It will also detail how to make future trips equally as rewarding and pleasant for yourself – and fellow passengers.

A special “Thank You” must go to San Jose State University’s Transportation Solutions Department for providing all of the basic tips found in this guide.

Note that this guide written independent of VTA. VTA gave us no help whatsoever in the creation of this guide. Please do not contact VTA about particulars in this guide.

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Know Before You Go

Not sure which VTA bus or light rail train to take?  Not sure when VTA buses or light rail are running and how often?  Not sure about how much VTA bus and light rail fares cost? There are several ways you can contact VTA to obtain this information.

By Computer (Online)

VTA has a web site. www.vta.org , available 24 hours/day where you can access public transit information for Santa Clara County.

Also, use VTA’s Online Trip Planner to help plan your bus or light rail trip online. It’s quick and easy. If possible, use the save function or print out the information for your trip reference.

For the entire San Francisco Bay Area, a web site maintained by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission ( MTC) has regional public transit and traffic information. That site, www.511.org , is available 24 hours/day. When visiting the site, click the “Transit” button to obtain public transit information.

Have a smart phone or tablet?  Download and install the Transit “app” before you go.  The “app” will help you plan your trip, inform you of departure times, and remind you which stop to get off on your bus trip.  After downloading the “app” on your smart phone, follow its instructions for its use for the VTA in Santa Clara County.

As of February 2023, VTA has upgraded Transit app users to the Transit Royale platform. Here’s more information from VTA on what Transit Royale does for its users.

Also, you are strongly encouraged to use the Clipper Card app to help pay your bus and/or light rail fare. It will help ease paying transit fares, and speed your trip.

Both the “Transit” app and Clipper Card app are available at the Apple Store or Google Play . Download them and install them on your smart phone (or tablet) today, to help you ride and pay fare on VTA.

By Telephone

Don’t have access to a computer or smartphone? Another way to contact VTA for information is by telephone at (408)321-2300.  As of October 2018, VTA’s Customer Service call center hours are

  • Monday-Friday from 6am-7pm
  • Saturdays from 7:30am-4pm
  • Closed Sundays and major holidays 

Information is available in English, Spanish, and several other languages.  When calling, listen to the voice prompt and dial the number for which language you want the information in.

Have a pencil (or pen) and paper ready to write down the information for your trip. Make sure to note as much information as you can, to make your bus trip easier.

When calling, tell the Customer Service operator:

  • Where you are coming from (your exact address, landmark, shopping mall, school, etc.) to start your trip
  • Where you are going (exact address, major intersection, landmark, shopping mall, school, etc.)
  • What time and date you want to go (be as exact as possible)

The VTA Customer Service operator will tell you:

  • the closest bus or light rail stop (typically near the corner of an intersection, or a transit center)
  • bus and/or light rail route(s) and destination(s)
  • where to get off the bus or light rail train
  • How much the transit ride will cost, one-way and round trip.

If the operator does not provide this information for you up front, ask for this information during the call.

Need public transit information when VTA Customer Service is closed for the day? Below are two ways to obtain transit information.

Got a computer or smart phone? Visit VTA’s web site for public transit information. Alternately, use VTA’s online trip planner to help you plan your trip.

Can’t access a computer or smart phone? From any telephone in the San Francisco Bay Area, dial 511 – the San Francisco Bay Area’s public transit and traffic information number. When prompted, say “Departure Times” then follow the voice prompts afterward to obtain the public transit information you need.

VTA has a Customer Service Center at 55-A West Santa Clara Street (east of North 1st Street) in downtown San Jose.  They are open from 9am-6pm on weekdays only.  The In-Person Center is closed on weekends and major holidays.

How To Ride VTA Buses

VTA operates several types of bus services throughout Santa Clara County. Unless otherwise noted, standard fare for non-Express VTA bus lines applies.

Newer VTA buses and the Winchester (Campbell), Alum Rock (East San Jose), and Ohlone-Chynoweth (South San Jose) transit centers have wireless internet access available. Here’s how to use VTA’s public Wi-Fi network, where available . (Information is as of November 2021)

“Local” VTA bus service ( bus route numbers 1-99 )

  • has bus stops closely spaced together
  • typically serve a small area, connecting transit centers and rail stations to the surrounding community, a downtown area, or major destinations
  • use 35-foot or 40-foot (standard) size buses depending on time of day and ridership patterns.
  • historically high-ridership bus lines like the 22 along El Camino Real use 60-foot “articulated” buses.

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“Frequent” VTA bus service ( bus route numbers 1-99; also applies to “Rapid” buses )

  • share many of the same attributes as “Local” bus service
  • run every 15 minutes or sooner on Mondays-Fridays from 6:30am-6:30pm
  • run every 15-30 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays+

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“Rapid” VTA bus service ( bus route numbers 500-599 – often formerly known as “Limited Stop” bus service )

  • has the same frequency as “frequent” VTA bus lines
  • can leave bus stops up to 5 minutes earlier than scheduled time, as traffic allows
  • make only a fraction of bus stops than local bus lines they run alongside (Example: 68 between SJ-Gilroy makes 95 stops, while the 568 Rapid bus between the same cities makes only 19 stops.)
  • provide more timed & extensive connections at transit centers

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“Express” VTA bus service (bus route numbers 100-199)

  • adult fares are double that of standard VTA fares; Youth and Senior/Disabled passengers pay their standard fares
  • run only on weekday peak periods. They do not run on weekends nor holidays.
  • stop only at transit centers, industrial parks, park-and-ride lots, and major intersections
  • operate to industrial parks in the morning only
  • operate from industrial parks in the evening only
  • operate mainly on freeways (state, Interstate, and U.S.) within Santa Clara County
  • typically use “ suburban style ” buses that also have individual reading lights and Wi-Fi capability on-board

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On school days, VTA “ school trippers ” are special services that typically operate to and from public elementary or high schools throughout Santa Clara County. Route numbers for school trippers are in the 200-299 range. School tripper service operates:

  • to school in the morning
  • from school in the afternoon after school dismisses for the day
  • same service philosophy as “Local” bus service

Here is a list of all current VTA bus and light rail lines, and their operating schedules .

All bus schedules are read from left to right.  Most routes go in two directions (north/south or east/west). The origin and the destination are indicated in the timetables.  Not all bus stops are listed on the schedule. The bus stops listed are called timepoints . The timepoints are also identified in the route maps.

A photo showing an example bus schedule is below.

  • Find the time point (column) for your starting point or closest to and before your starting point. For instance, you live one block from Main and Hale, so you would use the Main and Hale time point.
  • Go down the column underneath the time point to find the time closest to when you want to catch the bus.  Using the example bus schedule, you want to leave Main and Hale by bus at 2pm.  However, the next bus is schedule to leave at 2:08pm.
  • If you need to be somewhere by a certain time, find the time point closest to where you are going and what time the bus will arrive there. Work your way back to where you will begin your trip to find out what time you will need to get on the bus. For instance, you want to be at Burnett Avenue by 8:30am for an appointment.  The closest time for bus arrival at Burnett Avenue is 7:53am.  If you are taking the bus from Main and Hale, you would need to catch the bus due to depart Main and Hale at 7:28am.

We recommend arriving at a bus stop at least five minutes before the time shown on the timetable.  This allows time to gather the exact fare or transit pass you will need to pay to board the bus.

VTA bus stops are marked by a blue sign on top of a metal pole. The blue sign will have the bus route number(s), operating frequency, and destination(s) posted on them. They also have VTA’s Customer Service telephone number for any questions you have on this or any other VTA bus or light rail service you wish to use.

Other public transit information, such as arrival times and service updates, is also available by dialing “511” from your mobile telephone. Dial in the five-digit ID number on the bus stop sign for information on arrival times and any delays for the bus you wish to take.

Some VTA bus stops have benches to sit on while you wait. Some VTA bus stops even have shelters to protect you from the elements while you wait.

Some examples of VTA bus stop signs are below.

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In other words…

  • White text on a BLUE background – stop for a “local” bus line
  • White text on a RED background – stop for a “frequent” or “rapid” bus line
  • White text on a GREEN background – stop for an “express” bus line

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Note that a VTA bus stop may serve more than one bus line. Also note: some VTA bus lines do not stop at all bus stops. It is important that you wait at the correct stop for the correct bus and direction you want to ride. See the above section explaining VTA bus service types , as of November 2021.

Major VTA bus stops and transit centers have electronic real-time boards showing the bus line and estimated time of the next arriving bus. A photo showing what one of these real-time bus arrival displays looks like is below.

The real-time bus arrival signs first show the current time and date. Then, it will scroll to show the bus line, final destination, and estimated time of arrival at the stop, up to one (1) hour later.

VTA 30-foot bus 4108 at Winchester light rail station, awaiting service as the 27 bus to Winchester station. Photo taken at Winchester light rail station.

Every VTA bus has its line number and final destination displayed above the windshield, next to the front door, and on the driver’s side of the bus. The bus line number is always displayed at the right rear side of all buses.

Front of VTA 40-foot Gillig low floor bus 0169, branded as "ROUTE 60 AIRPORT FLYER" serving the 500 Rapid to Berryessa BART station. Photo taken across from San Jose City Hall on E. Santa Clara St.

Sometimes, VTA uses buses branded for certain bus routes or services on other routes, due to equipment availability. Make sure to check the front destination sign above the windshield for the correct bus and route. If you are still in doubt, ask the bus driver.

When you see an approaching bus with the correct route and destination, signal the driver by standing near the curb and pointing to the street with either your left arm or right arm. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before boarding through the front door.

Riding your bicycle and want to take a VTA bus to where you need to be? This video from VTA’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee from 2009 shows you how to load your bicycle on to the bike rack of any VTA bus.

As a courtesy, allow the elderly, the disabled, or pregnant women to depart the bus from the front door first.  If there are any elderly, disabled, or pregnant women boarding the bus afterward, let these people board first.

Rear door of VTA 60-foot articulated bus made by New Flyer. Bicycle picture to the right of the door. Those with a bicycle can use this door to board with their bicycle and pay fare via Clipper Card reader on the right, after entering bus.

VTA 60-foot articulated buses have a second location to store your bicycle – at the back exit of the bus. To board such a bus, let the bus driver know you are boarding your bicycle at the rear of the bus. If you have cash or a paper pass, make sure to pay your fare at the farebox in front of the driver first. Otherwise, board with your bicycle at the back exit of the bus, tag your Clipper Card at the card reader on the right after you enter, and mount your bicycle on one of the two racks to the right as you enter the bus.

If you have a bicycle on the racks at the front of your VTA bus, let the driver know you have a bicycle in front of the bus, before you exit. This way, the bus driver can safely stop and allow you to remove your bicycle from the rack on the front of the bus.

This chart details VTA bus fares by bus type, and age range.  Pay your cash fare inside the fare box at the front of the bus. The photo below shows what a fare box aboard all VTA buses resembles.

VTA has a video detailing how to pay cash fare for the fare boxes aboard its buses.

VTA fare box on a bus.

Got a Clipper Card? “Tag” your Clipper Card in the blue area on the white Clipper Card reader aboard any VTA bus. On 35-ft. and 40-ft. buses, the Clipper Card reader is to the right of the fare box. On 60-ft. articulated buses, the Clipper Card reader is to your left, after you enter the bus’s front doors. A Clipper Card reader resembles the photo below.

Clipper Card reader on a bus.

After tagging your card, ensure the Clipper Card reader credits your fare before boarding the bus. This helps speed your bus trip and the trips of those aboard.

Note that there are no more paper day passes available thru the fare boxes as of January 1, 2016. You will need to use your Clipper Card for these passes.

You can acquire a Clipper Card in any of the following ways:

  • Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at any VTA light rail station
  • select Walgreens stores in Santa Clara County
  • other retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area
  • For your Apple or Android smart phone or tablet, at the Apple Store or Google Play, respectively.

This video from VTA below explains how to purchase a Clipper Card from a VTA light rail ticket vending machine.

After boarding the bus, move to the back of the bus and sit down in any available seat. If required to stand, please remain behind the yellow safety line and hold on to the hand rails provided, above the seats. Try to avoid crowding the front of the bus, especially when standing.  This makes it difficult for those sitting to get off the bus at their stops, helping to slow things down.

The front of every VTA bus, behind the driver, has seats facing the aisle.  As a courtesy, let seniors, the disabled, and pregnant women sit on those seats.  As another courtesy, on crowded buses, offer your seat to a woman (especially a pregnant woman) or a senior.  This makes their bus ride – and yours – more pleasant.

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Here are additional rules of etiquette when riding any VTA bus for you to read and learn from. These rules of etiquette, when followed, allow a pleasant transit ride for you and others.  Remember: you are riding on PUBLIC transportation.

  • VTA buses announce all upcoming bus stops on routes. Make sure to pay attention and listen for the bus stop you want to get off at.
  • If you have the Transit “app” on your smart phone, make sure to pay attention to when your bus stop is coming up.  Otherwise, If you have no idea on how your destination stop looks like, tell the bus driver where you want to get off.
  • Immediately after your bus stop is announced, pull the bell cord or touch the yellow strip on the wall to alert the driver that you’d like to get off at the next bus stop. This will ring a signal chime and light a sign saying “Stop Requested” at the front of the bus.  (A smaller “Stop Requested” light will also appear on the bus driver’s dashboard.)
  • If able-bodied, leave the bus thru the rear doors.  This helps shorten the time the bus is at a stop, ensuring the bus stays on time for other riders.  Step as far away from the rear doors, taking all your belongings with you. Never step to the side of a bus’s rear doors – you could slip and fall under the wheels.

VTA Bus Transfers

Some of your trips may require you to take more than one bus line to reach your destination.  Sometimes, you may need to transfer on to a light rail or commuter rail system to reach your destination.

If you already have a Clipper Card, here’s how VTA fare is charged between buses or light rail:

Yes. Once you tag on, you'll have 2 hours of free transfers on VTA bus/light rail. If you tag on more than 2 hours later, your Clipper Card will be charged for an additional one-way fare. Multiple one-way fares charged in a single day will cap out at $7.50 (price of a day pass). — VTA (@VTA) December 2, 2021

When planning your trip , give yourself at least five (5) minutes’ lead time, between the time you arrive at the VTA bus connection’s stop, and the time your VTA connecting bus leaves that stop.  This will give you time to reach the VTA connecting bus stop(s). Double that time if you are a senior, disabled, or carrying a lot of bags with you.

If you are taking a regional bus service like the Highway 17 Express Bus service , allow at least ten (10) minutes’ lead time to get to its bus stops either in downtown San Jose, or at San Jose Diridon Station .

Plan on riding an intercity service like Greyhound or Megabus ? Allow at least 30 minutes’ lead time between the arriving VTA bus and scheduled departure for your intercity bus.  This allows time for you to check yourself and any luggage you carry on to the bus.  Help speed your intercity trip by buying your intercity bus ticket in advance.

Make sure to check the bus schedule(s) during your trip planning to allow for the best, fastest travel time between bus lines you will need.

Many VTA bus lines connect with the light rail system throughout Santa Clara County.  As with connecting with VTA buses, plan your trip ahead of time, giving yourself at least five (5) minutes between when your bus arrives at the light rail station, and when the light rail train you want departs.  Double that time if you are a senior, disabled, or carrying a lot of bags with you.

VTA buses and light rail serve Caltrain stations at Mountain View, San Jose Diridon, and Tamien light rail stations.  VTA buses also stop at many stations along the Caltrain corridor in Santa Clara County, from Palo Alto to San Jose to Gilroy.

VTA buses and light rail also serve Capitol Corridor and Altamont Commuter Express stops in Santa Clara and San Jose Diridon.  Riding Amtrak anywhere in the United States? VTA buses and light rail serve Amtrak’s only stop in Santa Clara County, at San Jose Diridon Station.

For all rail services except Amtrak, allow at least ten (10) minutes’ lead time between the time your bus arrives, and the time your connecting train departs the station.  This will give you time to get to the station platform and buy your train ticket(s) if needed.

When taking Amtrak, allow at least one (1) hour between the time your bus arrives at San Jose Diridon Station, and your Amtrak train’s departure time. This gives you time to check in any baggage you have aboard the train, and to properly “check in” for the departing train as needed.

If you don’t know where your bus is going, ask the bus driver first before boarding. This way, you don’t end up on the wrong bus and stranded.

When riding the bus, if possible, avoid unnecessary conversations with the bus driver. While basic information is to be expected of the bus driver, that bus driver has two primary jobs: keeping the bus and its passengers safe and running the bus on time. In some cases, the bus driver may not be familiar with the area the bus is running through. It’s best to get the information you need for your trip before you depart. Read the previous section above for how to get this information .

How To Ride VTA Light Rail

Below is a map of the VTA Light Rail System, courtesy of VTA.

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Light Rail stations have level platforms, signs, and shelters. Some stations have a center platform located between the two tracks, side platforms with two tracks in between, or a single platform with only one track. In downtown San Jose, northbound Light Rail trains run on 1st Street while southbound Light Rail trains run on 2nd Street.

FREE wireless internet (“Wi-Fi”) is available on all VTA light rail cars, and at the Winchester, Alum Rock, and Ohlone-Chynoweth light rail stations. Here’s how to use VTA’s public Wi-Fi network .

  • Light rail schedules are read from left to right.
  • Light rail routes go in two directions (north/south). The origin and the destination are indicated in the timetables.
  • Not all stations are listed on the schedule. The stations listed are called timepoints.
  • Find the timepoint (column) for your starting point or closest to and before your starting point.
  • Go down the column underneath the timepoint to find the time closest to when you want to board the Light Rail.
  • If you need to be somewhere by a certain time, find the timepoint closest to where you are going and what time the Light Rail will arrive there. Work your way back to where you will begin your trip to find out what time you will need to get on the Light Rail.
  • We recommend arriving at a Light Rail station about five (5) minutes before the time shown on the timetable.  If you are a senior or disabled plan on arriving at least ten (10) minutes before the time shown on the timetable.

If you don’t have a valid pass, make sure to purchase your ticket or pass before boarding. Ticket vending machines are available at all stations.

If you have a Clipper Card , make sure to “tag on” with your card at any of the black Clipper Card readers before boarding a VTA light rail train.  The below photos show what a Clipper Card fare reader at a VTA light rail station looks like.

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Failure to provide proof of payment to the fare inspector could result in a citation and fine of up to $276 or more.  

The video from a light rail rider group below, shows you how to buy an 8-hour excursion pass (good for a round trip ticket) on VTA light rail.

A Clipper Card , when loaded with proper fare, simplifies transfers between light rail, VTA buses, other Bay Area transit agencies, and vice versa. This video from VTA below explains how to purchase a Clipper Card from a VTA light rail ticket vending machine.

Many VTA light rail stations have shelters and benches to protect you from the elements. While waiting for your light rail train, stay behind the yellow line and away from the tracks.

VTA light rail platform @ Winchester station

Like any other type of train, light rail trains can run on any track, at any speed, at any time. Light rail trains do not stop instantly; they often require long distances to fully stop.

Here are safety and security tips to help keep you safe at any VTA light rail station.

Every VTA light rail station has a television monitor indicating what line, destination, and when the next train will arrive.

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The monitors at each light rail station display the current date and time. They display what lines stop at each station and their estimated arrival time, up to one hour after the current displayed time. Where needed, the monitors also display system status and information on transit alternatives due to maintenance on the system, etc.

As a light rail train approaches the station, make sure to look for the electronic destination signs. The signs and audio announcements will indicate the train’s final destination.

Read the signs on the platforms and by the tracks to make sure that you are waiting for the correct train.

Wait on the platform behind the yellow tactile warning band until the light rail car has come to a complete stop.

The light rail train operator will open doors automatically.  Stand clear of the opening doors . After allowing those wishing to leave the train to do so, carefully enter the train.  Take a seat or hold the handrails while the train is in motion.

When the four-tone sound plays, it means the doors are closing, and light rail is about to leave.  Stand clear of closing VTA light rail doors .  Do not block the closing doors of any VTA light rail train – otherwise, you will cause the train and others to be late.

Here are some basic tips on how to make room for other people aboard VTA light rail.

Are you taking a bicycle with you aboard VTA light rail? Make sure to use the vertical bike racks at the center (bending portion) of any VTA light rail car.  The photo below shows how to store your bicycle aboard any VTA light rail car.

No room on the bicycle rack(s) for your bicycle? Place your bicycle underneath your seat.  Do not place your bicycle (or anything else) in the aisle where it will block other passengers.

Occasionally, a VTA uniformed fare inspector may board the train and ask for a proof-of-payment. When asked, present your pass or ticket to the inspector.

To further help you safely board your bicycle aboard a VTA light rail car, we filmed our own video that shows you how. View that video below.

  • Listen to the automated announcement for the name of the next station. If you are about to get off at the next station, press the gray strip (located by the windows) before the train arrives at the station.
  • If you have the Transit app on your smart phone, make sure you programmed the phone to tell you where your final destination is, and follow its instructions.  Listen to the Transit app for when you need to get off light rail.
  • Use caution when exiting Light Rail vehicles. The doors will stay open only a few seconds. As a courtesy, allow seniors, the disabled, or pregnant women to exit light rail first.
  • Before exiting light rail, make sure to take any and all of your belongings with you.

VTA Light Rail Transfers

Often, you will need to transfer to a bus or even another type of train to reach your final destination.  Below are some tips on how to simply light rail connections to buses and other trains.

As a reminder, here’s how VTA transfers between light rail lines and buses work, particularly if you have a Clipper Card:

When planning your trip , give yourself at least five (5) minutes’ lead time, between the time VTA light rail arrives at your stop, and the time your VTA connecting bus leaves that stop.  This will give you time to reach the VTA connecting bus stop. Double that time if you are a senior, disabled, or carrying a lot of bags with you.

Are you taking a regional bus service like the Highway 17 Express Bus service at San Jose Diridon Station? Allow at least ten (10) minutes’ lead time to get to the Highway 17 Express bus stop on the other side of San Jose Diridon Station .

Plan on riding an intercity service like Greyhound or Megabus ? Allow at least 30 minutes’ lead time between the arriving VTA light rail train and scheduled departure for your intercity bus.  This allows time for you to check yourself and any luggage you carry on to the bus.  Help speed your intercity trip by buying your intercity bus ticket(s) in advance.

Make sure to check the VTA light rail schedule during your trip planning to allow for the best, fastest travel time necessary.

You can connect to another VTA light rail train line at two (2) stations in San Jose:

  • Convention Center

Check the VTA Light Rail schedule and allow at least ten (10) minutes for the connecting train.  Listen on board the VTA light rail train for stop announcements, to help get you to your final destination.

Transferring to Other Transit Services

Sometimes, your journey may involve taking a local or regional (intercity) bus or train run by another company or agency.  This portion of the guide will give you tips on how to handle such a transfer.

VTA buses and light rail serve Caltrain stations in Mountain View, San Jose, Tamien, Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy.

VTA buses and light rail also serve Capitol Corridor and Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) commuter trains in Santa Clara , and at San Jose Diridon Station .

Riding Amtrak intercity rail anywhere in the United States? VTA light rail serves Amtrak’s only stop in Santa Clara County, at San Jose Diridon Station.

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For all rail services except Amtrak, allow at least 15 minutes’ lead time between the time your bus arrives, and the time your connecting train departs the station.  This will give you time to get to the station platform and buy your train ticket(s) if needed.

When taking Amtrak, allow at least one (1) hour between the time your VTA bus or light rail arrives at San Jose Diridon Station, and your Amtrak train’s departure time. This gives you time to check in any baggage you have aboard the train, and to properly “check in” for the departing train as needed.

As of July 2019, VTA buses and light rail also connect with following commuter bus and intercity bus services, at San Jose Diridon Station:

  • Amtrak Thruway
  • Monterey-Salinas Transit ( 55 and 86 bus lines to Monterey, King City, and Paso Robles)
  • Santa Cruz Metro ( Highway 17 Express , in cooperation with VTA and Amtrak California)

At the Palo Alto Transit Center , VTA buses also connect with bus services like

  • SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit)
  • Marguerite shuttle buses to/from Stanford University
  • Dumbarton Express bus services to/from the East Bay

At the Gilroy Transit Center, VTA buses connect with bus services like

  • International Bus Lines (service throughout California, Tijuana, and Mexicali)
  • San Benito County Express (Hollister and San Juan Batista)

In northern Santa Clara County, cities like Palo Alto and Mountain View have their own community shuttles.  To supplement corporate employee shuttle buses in that city, Mountain View has an additional shuttle bus service .  For those attending or working at Stanford University and related facilities, Marguerite Shuttle buses serves those areas.  They typically connect with VTA and Caltrain at the transit centers in Palo Alto and Mountain View, respectively.

Timing rules of thumb to follow when connecting between these services and VTA:

For community bus lines and other bus lines serving local areas: allow at least 10 minutes lead time between arriving and departing connections.

For inter-county bus lines like Santa Cruz Metro, Dumbarton Express, and San Benito County Express: allow at least 15 minutes’ lead time between arriving and departing connections.

For intercity bus lines like Greyhound or Megabus: allow at least 30 minutes’ lead time between arriving and departing connections.  This allows allows you time to check your bags in for departure, as needed.

We hope that this guide will give you some basics on how to ride and pay for your VTA bus or light rail trip.  This should be especially useful if you are visiting Silicon Valley, or if you have just moved into Silicon Valley from elsewhere.

Please contact us for any questions or corrections to this guide.  Your information will help others use public transit in Silicon Valley.

Eugene Bradley Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Michael, Marcia Cohen-Zakai, Monica Mallon, Thomas Mayer, and Judy Purrington contributed to this guide.

  3 comments for “ VTA First-Time Transit Rider Guide ”

Super helpful article. Thank you

When going to a SJ Sharks game with a ticket, is it free to ride on light rail ??

DJ: Currently, you still need proper, valid fare to ride light rail – even with a Sharks game ticket. -Eugene

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In-Home Supportive Services

This website is for Santa Clara County, for other counties   click here .

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is a federal, state, and locally funded program designed to provide assistance to those eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals who, without this care, would be unable to remain safely in their own homes. IHSS provides services according to the IHSS recipients ability to perform daily activities, and can include feeding, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, laundry, shopping, meal preparation and clean up, respiration, bowel & bladder care, moving in and out of bed, rubbing the skin (to prevent skin breakdown), accompaniment to medical appointments, paramedical services, and protective supervision.

IHSS recipients are responsible for locating their own independent providers, for hiring and supervising their independent providers, and for firing the independent provider if the services are not performed according to the client’s specifications. Additionally, Public Authority Services by Sourcewise maintains a registry of individuals available to work as independent providers.

Who Qualifies for IHSS

To be eligible for IHSS, you must be receiving Medi-Cal, be blind, disabled, or 65 years of age or older, AND be unable to live at home safely without help. If you are not currently receiving Medi-Cal, please contact the Santa Clara County Social Services Agencys Assistance Application Center (877)962-3633 for further details about Medi-Cal eligibility.

IHSS Social Workers determine if you qualify for IHSS by assessing your functional need for specific services and by identifying the amount of time to be allotted for the performance of services. Depending on the amount of your monthly income, you may be required to pay a share of cost for these services.

How to Apply for IHSS

To apply for IHSS, call the Santa Clara County IHSS offices at (408)792-1600 and provide the following information:

  • Name, gender, address, telephone number, date of birth, social security number, Medi-Cal number, ethnicity, and language spoken; spouses name, social security number, and date of birth; guardian or contacts name, relationship, and telephone.
  • Information related to housing and income, if known; medical problems or diagnoses, including name of medical doctor, address and telephone number; and client’s level of mobility or function (e.g., walks alone or bedbound).
  • Information about supportive resources currently being used, if known (e.g., Home Health Agency, Meals-on-Wheels, etc.).

If you are looking for IHSS, please click here to go to the County website

For providers of in-home supportive services, “who do i call”.

CALL THE IHSS MAIN NUMBER (408) 792-1600 / 1(866)668-2412 or FAX (408)792-1601:

Office Location:

IHSS Social Services 353 West Julian Street San Jose, CA, 95110

Mailing Address:

IHSS Social Services P.O. Box 11018 San Jose, CA, 95103-1018

  • You need a time card or you havent received your paycheck
  • You need tax forms – W-2, W-4, DE-4, Live-In Self-Certification Form for Federal and State Tax Wage Exclusion (SOC 2298)
  • You need to report a work injury
  • You want to sign up for electronic timesheets   www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov
  • You change your address, phone number, name, etc.
  • For Overtime questions choose your language, choose option 2 “Providers”, then option 3 “Overtime”

CALL 1(866)376-7066 FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PROVIDER CHECKS

CALL THE IHSS PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

Also visit our website at  https://www.pascc.org/

CALL  (408)350-3252 PUBLIC AUTHORITY ENROLLMENT WHEN:

  • You have a client who wants you to work for them
  • You need information about the state requirements for becoming an IHSS provider
  • Visit the Public Authority Website at:   www.ihss.pascc.org   to begin the enrollment process

CALL (408)350-3290 PUBLIC AUTHORITY BENEFITS WHEN:

  • You need information about medical, dental, or vision benefits and the service providers of those benefits
  • You need to request enrollment packets to apply for benefits
  • You need to know the eligibility criteria and cost of coverage
  • You need information on the free transportation / VTA SmartPass Clipper Card

CALL  (408)350-3251 PUBLIC AUTHORITY REGISTRY WHEN:

  • You are a Registry provider and you start or stop working or go on any type of extended leave
  • You want to remove your name from the Public Authority Registry
  • You need to update your registry profile if you had a change in address, phone number, name, schedule, etc. *   If you are a Registry provider   and you are reporting your work availability once every month, CALL (408)350-3253

CALL  (408)350-3220 PUBLIC AUTHORITY TRAINING WHEN:

  • You want to sign up for free home care provider training classes
  • You want to learn how to complete your IHSS timesheet visit   www.pascc.org/services/providerETSESP.html
  • You have questions about steps and criteria to join Public Authority Registry as an Independent Provider
  • You have questions about the status of your registry application

CALL (855)810-2015 FOR SEIU LOCAL 2015 UNION MEMBER ACTION CENTER

Revised Oct 2019

To do this, we will be selling products that we truly believe make a difference. Some of these products will be devices or services that are unique to SMART Performance, and other products and services will be from companies that we have tested and verified.

Some of the SMART Performance products will be sold directly to riders and DIY tuners, and others will be sold to professional tuners and suspension engineers.

In addition to this, SMART Performance wants to be a key link between the success of the rider and the suspension industry. This is why we volunteer a significant amount of our time in consulting riders about how to work with their existing suspension to resolve problems, how to find and work with the right tuner, and to help professional tuners find better ways to resolve complex issues.

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Documents we can legalise.

A new Document Legalisation Request Form (effective 1 January 2024) is available in the downloads section on this page. Please ensure you submit the most up-to-date form.

Some foreign authorities may request a document to be issued with an Apostille or an Authentication certificate before it will be accepted by that foreign country. This is referred to as ‘legalisation’.

Legalisation verifies that the signature, stamp or seal on it is genuine. We can legalise Australian documents for use overseas.

Explore this page to learn:

  • if you need a document legalised
  • about legalisation
  • which documents we can legalise
  • translations and electronic documents
  • how to submit your documents for legalisation

Before submitting your documents to us for legalisation, contact the receiving authority. Ask what they need, and for a list of people who can legalise the documents.

For more information or advice about notarial services, email [email protected]  or contact us online .

Do I need my document legalised?

You must ask the receiving authority what documents they want, and which ones you must get legalised.

We can't tell you what an authority in another country wants, needs or expects. You must ask them directly. Be aware that many overseas authorities don't ask for legalised documents. They may accept your originals or copies as-is.

Some common examples of when authorities ask for legalised documents are below.

  • If you're going overseas to study or work , the receiving authority may ask for a range of Australian documents. This could include your degree, transcript and other identity documents. Some you'll just need notarised, others you'll need legalised.
  • Employers often ask for legalised education documents. Academic fraud is a common issue worldwide. Legalising documents is part of wider process to verify people's credentials.
  • If you're going overseas to get married , the overseas authority may ask for Australian documents. They may want proof that you're free to marry. This could include a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) , divorce certificate or other evidence.
  • If your child is travelling without both parents, the overseas authorities may ask for documents. You may need to present court or other documents to prove your child can travel. This helps prevent international parental child abduction (Attorney-General's Department).

You must ask the receiving authority overseas what they expect of you. Or ask an official from their embassy or consulate in Australia .

What is document legalisation?

Document legalisation is the process to verify a signature, stamp or seal on a document. Once legalised, a person can use it in another country.

  • Some authorities may not recognise or accept a foreign document until it's legalised.
  • The government in each country can only legalise documents issued in their country.
  • Once verified, officials issue an apostille or authentication certificate on the original document.

In some cases, documents must be notarised before you can submit them for us to legalise.

Who can legalise documents for use overseas?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is the Australian legalisation authority. No other authority in Australia can 'legalise' documents. However, others can 'notarise' them.

We deliver our legalisation services in Australia and overseas.

Who can notarise documents for use overseas?

Australian Notary Publics can 'notarise' documents for use overseas. This is different from legalising.

Many receiving authorities are satisfied with a notarised document. They may not ask you to take the extra step to get it legalised.

We can't tell you what an overseas authority wants. Always ask them to specify what they need.

Authentication and apostilles

The Australian government legalises documents by issuing either an apostille or authentication certificate.

We apply either an apostille or authentication certificate to the original document you supply.

The apostille or authentication certificate verifies the signature, stamp or seal on the original document, or that of the Notary Public for documents they've notarised.

We can't advise which one you need. You must ask the receiving authority overseas what they want. Or, ask an official from their embassy or consulate in Australia .

Need to verify an apostille? Use our online portal .

We can legalise many types of documents for use overseas. Documents must be Australian public documents. This means documents that are:

  • originals issued by an Australian government agency or official
  • originals issued by an Australian educational institution
  • copies notarised by an Australian Notary Public

We can legalise private documents, once they are notarised by an Australian Notary Public. If a document is notarised, it becomes a 'public document'.

Australian Government documents

We can legalise many original Australian Government documents.

This includes most documents issued by Australian births, deaths and marriage registries. It also includes documents issued by courts, police and government departments.

We can legalise Australian:

  • birth certificates, including commemorative  certificates and extracts
  • marriage certificates (excluding ceremonial certificates)
  • death certificates
  • Single Status or Record of No Result certificates
  • court documents, including Divorce Certificates
  • Police National Police Checks or Fingerprint Reports
  • Australian citizenship certificate or International Movement Record (Department of Home Affairs)
  • Australian government commercial documents (e.g. ASIC , ATO or TGA documents)
  • other Australian government issued documents

We only accept original documents, or copies of documents notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

Australian university documents

We can legalise most official university documents from Australian institutions. This includes documents from public and private universities.

We can legalise Australian degrees, awards, transcripts, certificates, letters and other official tertiary documents. We can legalise your original document, or a copy notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

We don't accept any foreign education documents. Even if notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

Original university documents

You can submit original university documents for us to legalise, once verified by the university.

  • You need to contact your university to verify your original degree as a 'true and accurate record'. This could be available via an online portal.
  • We apply the apostille or authentication directly to the document you submit.
  • If you don't want a mark on your original degree or transcript, supply us with a copy notarised by an Australian Notary Public.

Notarised copies of university documents

If you plan to submit a copy of your Australia tertiary education document, the copy must meet specific requirements.

  • We can accept copies notarised by an Australian Notary Public. Ask the Notary about the process.
  • Copies notarised by a Notary Public also need to be verified by the university. The Notary will coordinate this.
  • There's specific wording the Australian Notary Public must use when they notarise your copy. They must state that 'the original record has been verified with the issuing institution'. A statement by a Notary Public that the document is a ‘true copy’ does not satisfy this verification.

Australian TAFE documents

We can legalise official documents from Australian Public Colleges of Technical and Further Education (TAFE).

Original Australian TAFE documents

We can legalise original TAFE documents.

If you don't want us to mark your original document, supply us with a notarised copy.

Notarised copies of Australian TAFE documents

We can legalise notarised copies of TAFE documents.

An Australian Notary Public must notarise your copy. We won't accept certified true copies from justices of the peace or other authorised witnesses.

The apostille or authentication certificate we issue verifies the signature/seal/stamp of the Australian Notary Public.

Australian private school and college documents

We can legalise education documents from Australian private schools and colleges, once notarised. This includes registered training organisations (RTOs) (Australians Skills Quality Authority).

  • Before submitting to us for legalisation, you must take them to an Australian Notary Public.
  • The Notary Public can notarise them, applying their signature/stamp/seal.
  • Once notarised, submit your document to us for legalisation in Australia or overseas.
  • We issue the apostille or authentication certificate on the document you supply.
  • Our apostille or authentication verifies the signature/seal/stamp of the Australian Notary Public, not that of the issuing body.

In some Australian states and territories, the Department of Education may also verify, and apply their departmental seal, to original education documents issued by private schools and colleges.

In these circumstances, we can issue an apostille or authentication certificate, which verifies the signature/seal/stamp of the authorised officer from the relevant state or territory education body.

Australian primary and secondary school documents

We can legalise some original primary and secondary school documents. You must either get the document:

  • verified and signed by an authorised officer from the relevant state or territory government education body
  • notarised by an Australian Notary Public

The Apostille or Authentication certificate we issue verifies the signature/seal/stamp of the authorised officer or Notary Public.

We cannot legalise documents only signed by the school administration.

Other Australian documents

We can legalise many documents notarised by a Notary Public in Australia. These may include:

  • private documents (e.g. Power of Attorney, wills, bank statements, company documents)
  • documents issued by an authorised Australian chamber of commerce and industry
  • documents in a foreign language, if prepared by a Notary Public in Australia

We only accept other Australian documents once notarised in Australia. If you need any other kind of documents legalised, first find a Notary Public in Australia.

Translations and electronic official Australian documents

Translating your document.

We can legalise some translated documents. The translation you submit for legalisation must include:

  • the translator's name and signature
  • the official National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) seal (stamp), including their practitioner ID
  • the date of translation

You must also submit a copy of the original document, with a signature and/or seal from the translator. The above must be contained on every page.

The Australian government endorses the NAATI for translations. We only accept translations completed by a NAATI certified or recognised translator.

Electronic official Australian documents

We accept a limited range of official Australian public documents electronically.

  • We will assess your electronic document when you lodge this via mail or over the counter. We cannot confirm over the phone if a document can or cannot be processed.
  • You may be asked to forward the original email or log in to a portal to prove the authenticity of the document.
  • We only accept a limited range of electronic documents with no signature and/or seal; we will advise if documents need to be notarised first.
  • Scanned copies are not electronic documents for our purposes and cannot be accepted.

How to submit a document for legalisation

The process to submit your documents for legalisation depends on their location.

  • We deliver our services in Australia by mail, and through Australian Passport Offices. See documents in Australia .
  • Overseas, we deliver legalisation services through our embassies and consulates. See documents overseas .
  • Read how to submit documents in Australia or overseas
  • Read general advice about getting married overseas. See how to get a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) ,
  • See our general advice on travelling with children .
  • See more about going overseas to study , live or work .
  • Find out what documents you need, and which ones you must get legalised. Ask an official from their embassy or consulate in Australia .
  • Find a NAATI Certified Translator or a Recognised Practising Translator .
  • Read about international parental child abduction (Attorney-General's Department).

""

Need to verify an Apostille?

Use our online portal, related content.

The Australian Government can provide some notarial services. The services we provide depends if requested in Australia or overseas. We charge fees for our service.

All legalisation forms that we offer are listed here.

If you're going overseas to get married, you may need a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) to prove you're free to marry.

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Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

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Global security.

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  • The benefits of FTAs
  • How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
  • Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
  • Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

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  • Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

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Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

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Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

  • Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

  • Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

  • Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

  • Within Australia: 1300 555 135
  • Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
  • Getting help overseas
  • Visas for Australians travelling overseas
  • Visas to visit Australia

Flag of Vietnam

Country information

  • Vietnam country brief
  • Vietnam country/economy fact sheet [PDF]
  • Vietnam aid fact sheet [PDF]
  • Development assistance in Vietnam

Key bilateral political documents

  • Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy and Implementation Plan (1 November 2021)
  • Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Australia and Viet Nam (15 March 2018)
  • A Declaration on Enhancing the Australia-Viet Nam Comprehensive Partnership (18 March 2015)

Travel information

  • Read the travel advice for Vietnam
  • Subscribe to updates
  • Get the right travel insurance
  • For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
  • Australian Passports Office
  • Visa information

Heads of Government

  • Includes Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign, Trade and Aid Ministers .

Embassies and consulates

  • Australian Embassy in Vietnam website
  • Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City website
  • The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Australia website
  • Consulates-General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Trade with Australia

  • ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA)
  • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
  • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

Related links

  • Austrade - Information on Overseas Markets - Vietnam
  • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Vietnam Program
  • Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy Website

COMMENTS

  1. Homepage

    If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go. View details. CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB) ... Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

  2. Travel

    If you're an Australian citizen and you have serious concerns about your welfare or that of another Australian overseas, contact your local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, or call our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on. 1300 555 135 within Australia. +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world.

  3. USA Travel Advice & Safety

    Severe weather and natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and floods. Monitor weather conditions and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities. Full travel advice: Safety.

  4. Smartraveller, your first destination

    The Australian Government's official travel and cultural advice service, Smartraveller, ... Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. R.G. Casey Building John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Australia. Phone: +61 2 6261 1111 Fax: +61 2 6261 3111 ABN: 47 065 634 525. Contact us. Follow us.

  5. The 'smart' traveller

    The 'smart' traveller. 14 August 2004. Category. News, speeches and media. Speech. Speaker: Ian Kemish. AFTA General Conference - Sydney . ... As the head of the Consular Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am pleased to be involved in such a major travel industry forum. I bring with me the best wishes of the Minister for ...

  6. Make Smartraveller your first destination

    22 March 2023. Today the Australian Government is launching its new Smartraveller campaign, encouraging Australian travellers to make Smartraveller their first destination. Each month, there are more than 1 million departures from Australia and, at any point in time, there are around 1,250 cases of Australians needing help overseas.

  7. Travel Advice

    Travel Advice - Smart Traveller • Travel advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade we deliver a range of consular services for Australians travelling or living overseas. We deliver our services through Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas. _____ • Smartraveller provides official overseas travel ...

  8. Travel advice explained

    Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution. Level 3 - Reconsider your need to travel. Level 4 - Do not travel. It's important to read and understand the advice level for each country you're travelling to or through. The advice level can affect your safety and your travel insurance.

  9. Stay safe in emergencies abroad: how to register with DFAT's

    If you prefer, you can avoid web registration entirely, and leave all the details in a voicemail on 1300 555 135 (option 3). Top tip: note down the location and telephone number of the nearest Australian Consulate, Embassy or High Commission to your destination. In an emergency, DFAT is a useful source of information.

  10. Smartraveller

    Smartraveller. 320,733 likes · 1,031 talking about this. Travel advice you can trust, from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

  11. Information for travellers

    Smart traveller All overseas travellers are encouraged to visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade smart traveller website. Smart traveller allows you to register your details so you can be contacted in the event of an emergency. It also allows you to access the most up to date travel advisory information.

  12. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

    Travel Advisories: We re-evaluate the situation in each country every 6-12 months. Advisories include a simple 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks in the country, and clear steps U.S. citizens should take to stay safe. Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

  13. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

    The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel ...

  14. No need to register

    Pre-trip registration with Smartraveller ended in 2019. We decided to end pre-trip registration because we found many people were not providing accurate itineraries, updating their itineraries when plans changed or advising if they left a destination they had been staying in for a while. Inaccurate information would make it difficult for us to ...

  15. VTA First-Time Transit Rider Guide

    VTA 30-foot bus with single door. "Frequent" VTA bus service ( bus route numbers 1-99; also applies to "Rapid" buses) share many of the same attributes as "Local" bus service. run every 15 minutes or sooner on Mondays-Fridays from 6:30am-6:30pm. run every 15-30 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays+.

  16. Technology makes smart travel simple

    The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has launched an iPhone App and Facebook page as the latest additions to the Australian Government's Smartraveller consular campaign. The new initiatives aim to make smarter travel easier for increasingly tech-savvy and mobile Australian travellers. The iPhone app, which puts Australia at the ...

  17. In Home Supportive Services

    The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is a federal, state, and locally funded program designed to provide assistance to those eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals who, without this care, would be unable to remain safely in their own homes. IHSS provides services according to the IHSS recipients ability to perform daily ...

  18. SMART Performance Inc. www.smartperformanceinc.com

    Since 2003, the main focus of SMART Performance has been the off-road motorcycle with emphasis on the needs. for the dedicated novice to professional level of riders in the sport of Supercross, Motocross, Woods and Freestyle. The goal and primary objective of SMART Performance is simple - level the playing field by delivering technologies.

  19. Indonesia Travel Advice & Safety

    Expand all. Exercise a high degree of caution. Exercise a high degree of caution. Pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks. in Indonesia overall. Reconsider your need to travel. Reconsider your need to travel. Avoid non-essential travel.

  20. State Pilot Project Makes Fruits and Vegetables More Affordable for Low

    SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — Santa Clara County is participating in a pilot program funded by the State of California that provides financial incentives for low-income residents to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. The California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project, which officially launched in Santa Clara County this month, refunds CalFresh Food recipients up to $60 a month when they ...

  21. Documents we can legalise

    This includes documents from public and private universities. We can legalise Australian degrees, awards, transcripts, certificates, letters and other official tertiary documents. We can legalise your original document, or a copy notarised by an Australian Notary Public. We don't accept any foreign education documents.

  22. Vietnam

    Travel information. Before you travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au. Read the travel advice for Vietnam; Subscribe to updates; ... Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. R.G. Casey Building John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Australia. Phone: +61 2 6261 1111 Fax: +61 2 6261 3111 ABN: 47 065 634 525. Contact us. Follow us.