Myanmar Travel Advisory Consular Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

MYANMAR

Revised 28 September 2007.

There is high risk to your security in Myanmar because of the unsettled political situation and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel.

There have been an increasing number of protests and marches against the government in cities across Myanmar. Security forces have used violence, tear gas and gunfire to disperse crowds. There have been a number of fatalities and numerous injuries. The military regime has imposed a curfew between 9pm and 5am in Rangoon and Mandalay, and gatherings of more than five people have been prohibited. New Zealanders in Myanmar are advised to avoid all protests, marches and demonstrations, comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities and maintain a low profile. It is possible that security forces will be hostile toward foreigners in the vicinity of protests.

We advise you to be security conscious in public and crowded places as there is a threat from terrorism in Myanmar. In May 2007, there was an explosion at a hotel in Namphalong which reportedly killed one and injured two others. In January 2007, several small explosive devices were discovered in Rangoon, one of which exploded causing minor injuries.

We recommend you avoid all non-essential travel close to the Thai/Myanmar border area as military activity, ethnic conflict and the presence of landmines pose a particularly high risk to your safety.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Myanmar should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders visiting or living in Myanmar are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, www.safetravel.govt.nz

The New Zealand Embassy in Thailand is accredited to Myanmar

Contact details are:

Street address: M Thai Tower, 14th floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10330 Postal address: PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Telephone: +66 2 254 2530 Email: nzembbkk@loxinfo.co.th Office hours: Mon - Fri 0800-1200, 1300 - 1630 hrs

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