Australians are being warned this Christmas not to travel to Indonesia unless it is essential, because of a continuing threat of terrorist attacks.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer, yesterday reissued the travel advice for Indonesia and the General Advice to Australian Travellers.

"In the lead up to the Christmas and New Year holiday period, Australians should be aware of the continued threat posed by international terrorism. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks.

"Australians should be aware that terrorists do not discriminate between official and civilian targets and are willing to use a variety of tactics such as bombings, kidnappings and hijackings to carry out their deadly objectives," he said.

His Ministry is warning travellers that terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could be directed at a range of targets. Embassies and government buildings as well as other locations where foreigners congregate such as churches, hotels, restaurants and shopping centres are all possible terrorist targets.

"I recommend Australians check the country specific travel advice for destinations they might be visiting during the festive season for information about the risks travellers may face overseas," the Minister said.

The travel advice for Indonesia continues to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. "If Australians decide that their travel to Indonesia is essential, then my Department recommends Australians exercise extreme caution, as we do for many destinations in South East Asia."