Australians travelling overseas were directly threatened by terrorism, the federal government said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its general advice to Australian travellers, warning the threat of attacks in many overseas countries remained.

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said Australians were particularly warned against travelling to the Ivory Coast, where 21 Australians were currently staying.

Australians travelling overseas were directly threatened by terrorism, the federal government said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its general advice to Australian travellers, warning the threat of attacks in many overseas countries remained.

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said Australians were particularly warned against travelling to the Ivory Coast, where 21 Australians were currently staying.