Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

What is mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease. Symptoms may include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands. Mpox is most commonly passed on through close physical or sexual contact. Mpox may also be spread through contact with objects contaminated with the virus such as bedding, or body fluids of animals infected wild animals.

For more information about how mpox spreads, people who are most at risk, mpox symptoms, and preventing spread of mpox, please read information on the Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora website via this link. People who are at higher risk for severe disease include pregnant women, infants younger than 1 year, people with eczema or active skin conditions, and people who are immunocompromised.

Types of mpox
There are two genetically and clinically distinct clades or subtypes of mpox virus (MPXV), I and II, and they are endemic to central and west Africa respectively. Clade I has previously been observed to be more transmissible and to cause a higher proportion of severe infections than clade II MPXV. The ongoing global mpox outbreak that began in 2022 is caused by clade II MPXV, and sporadic cases continue to be reported worldwide, including New Zealand.

On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency, its highest form of alert, following an outbreak of clade Ib virus, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Kenya.

Prevention advice for travellers
If travelling to mpox-affected countries, persons at higher risk such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, or persons working in affected area health services, should consult with their health care provider regarding extra protective measures. All travellers should take precautions to avoid mpox infections including the following:  

• All travellers to areas where there is a current mpox outbreak should protect themselves by avoiding close physical or sexual contact with people who have skin or genital lesions; avoid contact with dead or live wild animals, avoid contact with materials used by sick people like clothing, bedding, or in healthcare; avoid materials that came in contact with wild animals; and avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat), or using products made from wild animals in countries where mpox occurs in animals.

• Travellers who are at higher risk of severe disease such as pregnant people, infants younger than 1 year, people with eczema or active skin conditions, and people who are immunocompromised) should take extra care to avoid situations that might increase their risk for mpox.

• It is also important to practice good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water and alcohol-based sanitiser.

If you have been in DRC or its neighbouring countries in the last 21 days and develop mpox symptoms stay home, self-isolate and seek medical advice. Many illnesses can cause similar symptoms so it may not be mpox, but it is important to get help.

If you need to visit a medical practice or hospital for care, you should call ahead before visiting to let them know you are coming and tell them about your symptoms. To avoid passing on Mpox to others, wear a well-fitted medical mask, cover any rashes or blisters on your skin, and travel via private transport.

More information about mpox virus can be found on the Te Whatu Ora New Zealand Health or World Health Organisation websites.

Associated Advisories:

Reviewed:23 Aug 2024, 12:49

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Libya due to ongoing conflict and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Libya are strongly advised to depart immediately.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Libya, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited.  We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Libya should consider.

Libya

Ongoing Conflict
The political and security situation in Libya remains extremely fragile. There continues to be increased military presence across Libya. Armed clashes have occurred between rival Libyan forces in Tripoli and to its south and west. Militia continue to operate freely in Libya, and the Libyan authorities have been unable to exert control over the security situation nationwide. Further violent clashes are likely and it is possible that those in the wrong place at the wrong time could get caught in the crossfire.

Significant numbers of unmarked landmines and unexploded ordinances remain in areas where fighting has occurred. 

Tripoli International Airport has been closed since July 2014. A number of other international airports in Libya have closed or become inaccessible as a result of the security situation. A small number of airports, including Benghazi, Mitiga Misrata, Al Labraq (in Baida) and Tobruk airports, offer international flights out of Libya, however, flight schedules can change at short notice. All airports are vulnerable to attack.

The road between Tripoli and Zawiya is vulnerable to attack. If you attempt to cross the border checkpoint with Tunisia, ensure that the crossing is open before you depart and prepare for the possibility of armed conflict on or near the border.

New Zealanders who choose to remain in Libya against our advice should be vigilant and ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times, including a robust contingency plan. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company for advice on security arrangements. You should monitor developments closely through the media and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Civil Unrest
Public demonstrations are a frequent occurrence throughout Libya. New Zealanders in Libya are advised to avoid all protests and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location, remain indoors, follow the advice of local authorities and leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Terrorism
There is an extreme threat from terrorism throughout Libya. Terrorist and extremist groups, including Daesh-affiliated extremists (formerly referred to as ISIL), Al Qaida and other armed militias, continue to conduct attacks frequently. Future attacks are expected. Attacks may be indiscriminate and could occur anytime and anywhere, including in places frequented by foreigners.

Westerners and Western interests continue to be targeted by terrorists in Libya. A number of foreign nationals have been targeted and killed in the past. Further attacks against foreigners are highly likely. Potential targets for future attacks may include Libyan government buildings and security forces, embassies, diplomatic interests, non-governmental organisations and international hotels. 

Kidnapping
There is a significant risk that foreigners will be targeted for kidnapping by criminal and terrorist groups throughout Libya. There’s an elevated risk of kidnap for ransom and arbitrary detention by local militias throughout Libya. The risk of kidnapping is particularly high in the border areas of Algeria, Chad, Niger, Tunisia and Sudan. It is likely that kidnapping attempts against foreigners will occur opportunistically and without warning. A large number of hostages have been killed by their captors.

Crime
Law and order has broken down in many parts of the country and crime levels have increased. There is a high risk of violent crime, including carjackings and robbery by armed groups.

Basic Services
The ongoing political conflict has seriously affected public infrastructure and services causing power cuts, food, water and cash shortages, and a lack of medicines.

General Travel Advice
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment, fines, or the death penalty.

New Zealanders in Libya are advised to respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. We recommend exercising modesty and discretion in both dress and behaviour.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Libya should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to Libya as exclusions may well apply.

New Zealanders who decide to travel or live in Libya against our advice are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

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The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt is accredited to Libya

Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Fax +202 2461 9178 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/ Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.

See our regional advice for Africa

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise normal safety and security precautions in Luxembourg (level 1 of 4).

 

Luxembourg

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks across Europe. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in Europe in the past. 

New Zealanders in Luxembourg are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Crime
Violent crime isn’t common in Luxembourg and the overall crime rate is low. However, petty crime, such as bag snatching, passport theft and pickpocketing, does occur. Thieves typically operate on public transportation, around train stations, at the airport, at youth hostels and in hotel lobbies. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. 

Incidents of burglary and theft from cars have also occurred. Ensure you take adequate precautions to secure your home, particularly around Christmas and the summer holidays. If you have a car, ensure you keep valuables out of sight, the windows up and doors locked.

There have been reports of individuals posing as police officers attempting to give on-the-spot fines for minor offences. If approached by police, offer to go to the nearest police station in order to verify their identity.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Luxembourg should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.

Being drunk and disorderly in public is a criminal offence that can result in arrest for a night and a heavy fine.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

New Zealanders in Luxembourg are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

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The New Zealand Embassy Brussels, Belgium is accredited to Luxembourg

Street Address Avenue des Nerviens 9/31, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium. Telephone +32 2 512 1040 Fax +32 2 513 4856 Email nzemb.brussels@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/belgium Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1300 hrs, 1400-1700 hrs

See our regional advice for Europe

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in Kazakhstan due to crime (level 2 of 4).

Kazakhstan

Crime
Violent criminals have targeted foreigners in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan, and in Astana and Almaty, in the past. Incidents involving tourists typically occur outside of bars and nightclubs after dark, when tourists are leaving the establishments. New Zealanders in Kazakhstan should avoid walking alone and be especially cautious after dark in urban centres, when the risk of crime increases.

Robbery, pickpocketing and assaults can occur in shopping areas, markets, public transport, and restaurants. There have also been reports of travellers being robbed by individuals posing as police officers, or unsolicited ‘meet-and-greet’ drivers at airports. Never voluntarily give your wallet to someone, and always check for identification. Do not use unmarked taxis and avoid entering a cab that already has another passenger in the car. It is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable such as mobile devices and jewellery.

There have been incidents of drink spiking followed by robbery and assault reported in Kazakhstan. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations/protests/strikes can occur in Kazakhstan and may disrupt local public services and transport. In January 2022, violent protests erupted in Almaty and other regions in Kazakhstan, resulting in injuries and deaths. The situation has since stabilised. 

New Zealanders in Kazakhstan are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Those who participate in unauthorised demonstrations are at risk of arrest. In the event of demonstrations, comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

Terrorism
There is an underlying threat of terrorism in Kazakhstan. New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious in public places, monitor the media for information about threats to safety and security, and follow any advice and instructions issued by the local authorities.

Local Travel
Crossing the border by road or train to neighbouring countries may not be possible or safe, and access to fuel may be limited.

Avoid public transport due to poor safety standards. Robberies do occur on rail travel, always lock your compartment door if you are on an overnight train.

Use only registered taxis, preferably arranged through your hotel.

Seismic Activity
Kazakhstan is in an active seismic area and there is an ongoing possibility of earthquakes, which increases the risk of avalanches and landslides. Travellers should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions in the event of seismic activity. Familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake.

General Travel Advice
Local police often ask to see proof of identity. Foreign nationals are required by Kazakhstan law to carry their passport and visa with them at all times.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Kazakhstan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. There are shortages of even the most basic medical supplies in Kazakhstan.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of and near government offices, airports, military establishments or officials, official residences, and border areas is prohibited, and could result in detention. Notices about restrictions are not always indicated. If in doubt, don’t take a picture. Many of the larger shops and supermarkets also prohibit photography.

New Zealanders in Kazakhstan are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

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The New Zealand Embassy Moscow, Russian Federation is accredited to Kazakhstan

Street Address 44 Povarskaya Ulitsa , Moscow 121069, Russian Federation Telephone +7 495 956 3579 Alternate Telephone +7 495 956 3580 Fax +7 495 956 3583 Email nzembmoscow@mft.net.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/russia Hours Mon – Fri 0900 – 1230, 1330 – 1730 hrs

See our regional advice for Central Asia

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel