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Reviewed: 19 November 2012, 16:30 NZDT
Still current at:
24 May 2013
There is extreme risk to your security in the border areas with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq due to terrorism and violent crime. We advise against all travel within 100km of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border; all travel east of the line running from Bam to Jask close to the Pakistan border and all travel within 10km of the Iraq border.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Iran due to increased tensions in the region, civil unrest and the threat from terrorism and we advise caution.
Civil unrest/political tension
Increased tension in the region following the Middle East uprisings, military exercises and missile testing, the implementation of international sanctions against Iran, along with political tension in Iran itself have the potential to trigger demonstrations and protests and result in civil unrest . New Zealanders in Iran are advised to monitor both local and international media to stay informed of developments that may have the potential to impact on their security.
New Zealanders in Iran are advised to keep a low profile and avoid all demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. You should leave any areas where police or security forces are deployed as your presence alone could be misinterpreted, leading to your arrest and detention. You should not watch or photograph demonstrations, or the security forces, as this could lead to your detention.
In November 2011, there were attacks against the diplomatic premises in Tehran belonging to the United Kingdom. Protests against some Western and Middle East embassies and UN missions in Iran occur from time to time.
Terrorism
Due to the threat from terrorism, New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times, exercising particular care in public and commercial areas. In December 2010, four terrorist attacks on a mosque in Chabahar killed 41 people and injured 51 others. In November 2010, there were two separate car bomb attacks in Tehran, reportedly killing one person and injuring two others. In October 2010, gunmen attacked a police patrol vehicle in the city of Sanandaj, killing four police officers and one civilian. In September 2010, ten people were reportedly killed and over 50 others injured in a bomb blast at a military parade in the town of Mahabad (close to the border with Iraq and Turkey). In July 2010, a terrorist attack on a mosque in Zahedan (close to the border with Pakistan), killed 27 people and injured over 160 others.
Border areas/Local travel
New Zealanders in Iran should be aware of, and adhere to any travel restrictions for sensitive areas of Iran. The Iranian authorities regard border areas as particularly sensitive and care should be taken not to inadvertently enter Iranian territory. Many areas of the Caspian Sea and Gulf are highly sensitive politically. The waters around the islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs in the southern Gulf are particularly sensitive and militarily patrolled. Foreign nationals have been recently detained for entering waters near these islands.
General travel advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Iran to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.
Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran and it is highly unlikely the New Zealand Government will be allowed to provide consular assistance to dual national New Zealand/Iranian citizens .
Photography near military or government installations is strictly prohibited. As these locations are often difficult to identify, camera use is best avoided outside well-known tourist locations.
New Zealanders in Iran should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders in Iran are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for the Middle East
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Contact details are:
Street Address No 1, Second Park Alley, Sousan Street, North Golestan Complex, Aghdasiyeh Street, Niavaran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Telephone +98 21 2612 2175 or +44 20 7316 8972 (via London)
Facsimile +98 21 2612 1973 or +44 20 7316 8954 (via London)
Email nzembassytehran@hotmail.co.nz
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/iran
Office Hours Sun–Thu, 0900-1600 hrs
Print this page Tuesday, 02 April 2013, 16:05 NZDT
