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Reviewed: 22 February 2011, 10:35 NZDT
Still current at:
04 February 2012
There is extreme risk to your security in the border areas with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq and we advise against all travel to these areas. We advise against all travel within 100km of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border and all travel east of the line running from Bam to Jask close to the Pakistan border due to the insecure security situation stemming from drug-trafficking, banditry, terrorism and the risk of kidnapping. We advise against all travel within 10km of the entire Iran/Iraq border due to the illegal movement of people and goods across the border and security force action against this activity.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Iran due to the threat from terrorism and civil unrest and we advise caution.
Political developments in Iran may trigger demonstrations and protests. New Zealanders are advised to 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 could be misinterpreted, leading to your arrest and detention. You should not watch or photograph demonstrations or the security forces as you may be detained.
In February, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Tehran and other cities, including those popular with tourists such as Shiraz and Esfahan. Violent clashes between protestors and the police and local militia (basij) have occurred. Further demonstrations and violence cannot be ruled out.
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 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 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. In October 2009, a suicide bomber carried out an attack in Pishin (located on the Pakistan border), killing 42 people and injuring over 30 others.
New Zealanders in Iran should be aware of, and adhere to any restrictions in place on travel to certain areas of Iran. Many areas of the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf are highly sensitive politically. The waters around the islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs in the southern Persian Gulf are particularly sensitive and militarily patrolled. Foreign nationals have been detained in the past for entering water near these islands.
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.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Iran should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Iran are 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 Friday, 02 December 2011, 08:24 NZDT
