Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas
Solo travel can be an exciting and enriching experience at any stage of life. Whether you’re on your big ‘OE’, ticking off the bucket list or just after your next adventure, it pays to plan and be prepared for your solo trip before you go.
An attempted coup is underway in Niamey. The situation remains volatile and could escalate without notice. We advise all New Zealanders in Niamey to remain indoors and shelter in place until further notice.
Violent demonstrations have occurred in Niamey and security forces have used tear gas to disperse crowds. There is a heightened military presence near government buildings, including at the Presidential Palace on Boulevard de la République.
Greece
Civil Unrest
Demonstrations in relation to many issues including economic and political developments occur frequently in Greece, and have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Demonstrations primarily occur in Athens, around Syntagma and Omonia Squares, Exarchia and in major cities, including in Thessaloniki. The likelihood of civil unrest in Greece may increase during days of national or commemorative significance.
Laws and attitudes around sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics vary across the world and can be very different from those in New Zealand. This may mean that you could face certain barriers and risks when travelling outside of New Zealand. Before you travel, research the laws, social customs and safety recommendations that may affect you in your destination.
Before you go
Norway
Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning from Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Norway and across Europe. Individuals and groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past.
Norwegian authorities occasionally make arrests of terrorism suspects and recommend heightened vigilance due to the ongoing risk.
Germany
Terrorism
A heightened threat of terrorism remains throughout Germany.
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 in Germany and across Europe. Individuals and groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past.
In December 2020 – a knife attack in a shopping mall in Hamburg injuring three.
The Netherlands
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 in the Netherlands and across Europe. Individuals and groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past.
Ireland
Terrorism
New Zealanders in Ireland 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.
The government of the United States of America (USA) enforces a strict entry regime. New Zealanders are at risk of being denied entry upon arrival if they fail to comply with visa requirements. Intending travellers are urged to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America to enquire about their own specific circumstances, well in advance of travel.
United Kingdom
Terrorism
There is a heightened threat of terrorism across Europe, including in the United Kingdom.
New Zealanders in the United Kingdom are advised to take account of the terrorism threat level assigned by the United Kingdom Security Service when making travel decisions. There is also an enduring threat of Northern Ireland-related terrorism.
