Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 18 July 2008, 13:52 NZDT
Still current at:
28 August 2008
There is some risk to your security in Tibet and in Tibetan areas located in the Provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai and we advise caution.
In March 2008, several days of protests in Tibet turned violent, resulting in widespread rioting and property damage in Lhasa. The Chinese authorities have reopened Tibet to foreign travellers, however New Zealanders should be aware that demonstrations and violence could occur with little warning. Permission from the Chinese authorities is required for travel to Tibet.
Protests and demonstrations were reported to have occurred in other parts of China, including in the Tibetan areas located in the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan during March and the following months.
New Zealanders in China are advised to avoid all areas where protests, demonstrations and marches are taking place. If you are in an area where there are protests you should stay indoors, comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities, and avoid any unnecessary movement through the streets until the situation is under control.
An earthquake in Sichuan province on 12 May 2008 resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, and caused significant damage to property, transport and communications infrastructure throughout the region. Floods and landslides continue to occur in areas affected by the earthquake. New Zealanders travelling to the region should therefore monitor local news and weather reports and follow instructions of local authorities.
The Chinese authorities have put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors attending the Games. Visitors should at all times comply with the directions of the Chinese authorities. See our Olympic Games Information Sheet for more information.
Travellers should be aware that Chinese laws are not the same as New Zealand laws. Chinese detention facilities are not like those in New Zealand and if arrested you could be jailed or deported.
There are strictly enforced laws prohibiting demonstrations without prior approval and travellers should avoid demonstrations of any kind, especially those related to human rights, anti-government and religion.
Information on what New Zealand consular officers can and cannot do is available on our Arrest and Detention information page.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in China should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealand citizens travelling or resident in China are encouraged to register
their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through this
website.
See our regional advice for North Asia
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
(External links open in new window)
Britain - United
States - Canada - Australia
Contact details are
Street Address Ritan Dongerjie No. 1, Chao Yang District,
Beijing 100600, China
Telephone +86 10 8532 7000 Facsimile +86 10 6532 4317
Email Beijing.enquiries@mft.net.nz
Website New Zealand Embassy Beijing [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs
Contact Details are
Street Address Room 1605-1607A, The Centre, 989 Chang Le
Road (c), Shanghai 200031, China
Telephone +86 21 5407 5858 Facsimile +86
21 5407 5068
Email shanghai.enquiries@mft.net.nz
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1230, 1330 - 1700 hrs
Street Address C 1055 China Hotel Office Tower, Liu Hua Road, Guangzhou, China
Telephone +86 20 8667 0253 Facsimile +86 20 8666 6420
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs
