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Reviewed: 25 April 2011, 20:50 NZDT
Still current at:
04 February 2012
There is extreme risk to your security in Syria due to the current civil unrest and we advise against all travel to Syria. New Zealanders who do not need to remain in Syria should consider departing by commercial means. Major roads and airports remain open and commercial flights are operating.
There is extreme risk to your security in the following areas and we advise against all travel: the southern city of Deraa and surrounding towns and villages (including Tafas and Sanamiyn), this area includes the Ar Ramtha border crossing into Jordan but excludes the main Nasib/Jaber border crossing; coastal areas of Syria north of (but not including) Tartous city up to the border with Turkey, this area includes the cities of Baniyas and Latakia; the city of Homs and the nearby town of Talbiseh; the town of Douma to the north-east of Damascus. We advise against all travel to these areas due to ongoing violent protests and the use of lethal force to suppress protest activity.
The overall security situation in Syria is deteriorating. Since February 2011, there have been a number of protests throughout Syria, including in Damascus. From mid-late March, violent clashes between protestors and Syrian security forces have occurred in urban centres across the country with tear gas and live ammunition reportedly used against protestors.
Political developments in Syria and the region may trigger further demonstrations and protests. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. You should leave any areas where police or security forces are deployed as soon as it is safe to do so and keep a low profile. We recommend you monitor local developments closely and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
Due to the threat from terrorism, New Zealanders in Syria are advised to be security conscious at all times. In September 2008, 17 people were killed by a car bomb on the road between Damascus and the airport. In February 2008, a car bomb in Damascus killed one person and injured several others. Further terrorist attacks are possible.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Syria should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders in Syria 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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