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Reviewed: 04 September 2009, 14:30 NZDT
Still current at:
08 November 2009
There is extreme risk to your security in the occupied Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank and we advise against all travel.
There is extreme risk to your security along the border between Lebanon and Israel (the “Blue Line”) because of ongoing military operations and we advise against all travel.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Israel and we advise caution.
Acts of terrorism and retaliatory military action in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (Gaza and the West Bank) continue to pose serious risks for visitors who may become caught up in such events.
Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Gaza)
We continue to advise against all travel to Gaza because of ongoing violence and the threat of kidnapping of foreign nationals. On 27 December 2008 Israel commenced military operations in the Gaza Strip. The security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable. Foreign nationals, including a New Zealander, have been kidnapped in Gaza and in the West Bank.
The situation in the occupied Palestinian territories remains volatile with a high risk of violence. Military operations in the Gaza Strip have resulted in a large number of casualties.
Entry into and exit from the occupied Palestinian territories into Israel remains tightly controlled by Israeli authorities. If you are a New Zealand national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you will need a Palestinian passport/travel document in order to leave. Such NZ/Palestinian dual nationals are permitted to travel abroad from the West Bank and Gaza only via the Rafah or Allenby Bridge border crossings into Egypt or Jordan. The Rafah crossing point is currently closed most of the time.
Israel
We continue to advise against all travel to areas bordering Lebanon (the “Blue Line”). There is extreme risk to your security because of ongoing military operations along the border. On 14 August 2006 a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. On 8 January, a small number of rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into northern Israel.
There is a continuing risk of terrorist attacks in Israel, including ongoing rocket attacks fired from Gaza into Israel. The Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip in particular should be avoided because of the danger of stray fire and rockets from Gaza.
New Zealanders should be security conscious at all times and be extra vigilant in crowded or landmark places as well as proximity to hotels, bars, shopping areas, and tourist resorts. In July 2008, terrorist attacks were carried out in West Jerusalem resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided. Public transport facilities should also be avoided. In April 2006 at the Old Central Bus Station, Tel Aviv, a suicide bomber killed 9 people and others sustained injuries.
Care should also be taken at the crossing points between Israel and Jordan.
New Zealanders travelling to or resident in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (Gaza and the West Bank) should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders visiting or living in Israel 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 Level 4, Iran Caddesi 13, Kavaklidere 06700, Ankara, Turkey
Telephone +90 312 467 9054/6/8 Facsimile +90 312 467 9013
Email nzembassyankara@ttnet.net.tr
Website New Zealand Embassy Turkey [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Thurs 0830 - 1730 Fri 0830 - 1630 (winter) Fri 0830 - 1330 (summer)
Contact details are
Street Address 3 Daniel Frish St 64731,
Tel Aviv, Israel
Telephone +972 3 695 6622 Facsimile +972 3 695 0817
Email Gad.Propper@osem.il.nestle.com
