Category: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

On 6 March 2018, the Sri Lankan Government declared a nationwide State of Emergency due to incidents of communal unrest. The State of Emergency provides authorities with increased powers to search individuals, impose roadblocks and curfews, and to limit public gatherings. Access to social messaging networks may be restricted. We advise New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to follow the advice and directions of local authorities. Exercise vigilance throughout the country and avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

State of Emergency
Following an unsuccessful military coup attempt on 15-16 July 2016, the Turkish government declared a state of emergency to allow for additional security measures to be implemented. The state of emergency remains in place, meaning authorities have increased powers and there is an increased security presence in public places. Conditions remain volatile and the situation can change rapidly. Security has been enhanced in large cities such as Instanbul, busy areas and at airports.

On 7 September 2017 there was an earthquake of magnitude 8.2 off the coast of Chiapas. On 19 September 2017 a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck in the state of Puebla, which caused significant damage to Mexico City and five other regions. On 23 September 2017 there was an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 in Oaxaca.

Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant
On 11 March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused significant damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. Radiation levels remain a concern in the areas outlined above. A more detailed explanation of the various restrictions in these areas has been provided by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism in Indonesia. While effective counter-terrorism measures have reduced the risk of attacks, Indonesian authorities continue to arrest terrorist suspects in the advanced stages of attack planning. Terrorist cells exist and have the capacity to carry out attacks anywhere in the country, including Bali. Terrorists may specifically target Westerners or Western interests in Indonesia, as well as police and security forces.

The Pacific cyclone season begins on 1 November and runs until 30 April.

New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. We can also make contact with you following a significant cyclone to check on your well-being.

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Infection with the yellow fever virus causes varying degrees of disease, from mild symptoms to severe illness with bleeding and jaundice. About 15% of people infected with yellow fever progress to a severe form of the illness, and half of those will die, as there is no cure for yellow fever.