Latest Travel Alerts and Warnings

News and Warnings

1. Peru: Demonstrations

   

   Protests and demonstrations have been taking place across Peru following the change of government on 7 December 2022, including in the tourist hubs of Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. Some demonstrations have turned violent, and clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in casualties. These have the potential to continue and spread further. Protests can escalate quickly. 

2. Türkiye: 7.8 and 7.7 Earthquakes

   

   On 6 February 2023, a 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck in central and south-eastern Türkiye. There have been several strong after-shocks.

   The Turkish government has announced a national state of emergency in the 10 provinces affected by the earthquakes: Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Malatya, Diyarbakır, Kilis, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana. Travel within these provinces is limited to aid teams assisting with the recovery response.

3. Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April

   

   The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November 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.

4. Outbreaks of Polio

   

   Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can spread from person to person or through contaminated water or food. Many people who are infected don’t have symptoms, but a small proportion of those with symptoms develop paralysis. There is no cure, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

5. Measles

   

   The Ministry of Health is advising people travelling overseas to make sure they are fully immunised against measles before they go. If there is not enough time before you travel to complete the recommended two doses, having even one MMR vaccination before you leave New Zealand will substantially reduce your (or your child’s) risk of getting infected.While cases in New Zealand are rare because endemic measles has been eliminated here, the disease is regularly brought into the country through international travel.

6. Ukraine: Security Situation

   

   The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks and heavy fighting occurring in several areas of Ukraine, including in and around Kyiv and other major cities. There are ongoing reports of gunfire, artillery bombardments, explosions and missile strikes. Civilians are being impacted. There is a real risk to life. There is also concern about military activity and shelling around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We advise New Zealanders in Ukraine to seek shelter in a secure place until you judge it is safe to depart.

7. Uganda: Ebola Virus

   

   Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)The Ugandan government has declared an outbreak of EVD caused by Sudan virus in Uganda. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates). EVD is not easily spread between people but can be transmitted by direct contact with infected bodily fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit or faeces) and contaminated surfaces or materials (such as bedding and clothing).