The United States presidential election took place on Tuesday 3 November 2020, with an inauguration ceremony scheduled for Wednesday 20 January 2021. Political activity including rallies and protest activity has occurred following the election.

Political rallies or protests are anticipated in Washington DC and other state capitals in the lead up and on the day of the inauguration on 20 January 2021. A strong police and/or National Guard presence can be expected at any further protests. Police measures have, at times, included the use of rubber bullets and/or pepper spray to disperse crowds.

Curfews have been enforced in many cities as a result of widespread protests and may continue to be introduced. The Mayor of Washington DC has introduced an Emergency Order in the city, effective until 3pm local time on 21 January 2021, under which curfews and other emergency measures may be implemented in Washington DC at any time.

New Zealanders in the United States are advised to avoid areas where political rallies or protest activity may occur. We recommend monitoring local media to stay up to date with developments and following any instructions issued by the local authorities, including curfews. If you find yourself in an area of protest/political activity or civil unrest, you should leave the area if it is safe to do so or remain indoors until the situation improves.

We recommend that New Zealanders in the United States keep friends and family in New Zealand updated on your welfare, particularly if any unrest occurs in your location.

For contingency planning advice, see: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/contingency-planning-new-zealanders-overseas

For emergency assistance, please dial 911.

If you require consular assistance, please contact your closest New Zealand Embassy or Consulate. Contact information:

New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC +1 202 328 4800

New Zealand Consulate-General, Los Angeles +1 310 566 6555

New Zealand Consulate-General, Honolulu +1 808 675 5555

New Zealand Consulate-General, New York +1 212 832 4038

We encourage all New Zealanders living and travelling offshore to register on SafeTravel, the official registration facility for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas. If you register with us, we are able to relay important information and account for your safety and wellbeing as part of New Zealand's consular response to an overseas emergency.

Associated Advisories:

• See the United States of America travel advisory

Reviewed:15 Jan 2021, 16:05