PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ADVICE Consular Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

PHILIPPINES

This travel advice has been reviewed, reissued, and upgraded on 24 December 2004. We now recommend deferral of tourist and non-essential travel to all of the Philippines except the south, where we continue to advise against all travel.

All of Mindanao

We advise against all travel.

SULU ARCHIPELAGO INCLUDING BASILAN, SULU AND TAWI-TAWI ISLAND GROUPS

We advise against all travel.

Rest of the Philippines

There is a serious risk of terrorism and kidnapping. New Zealanders should be very careful about personal security.

Although some arrests of suspected terrorists have been made and the Philippines government remains committed to combating terrorism and improving security, there continues to be a risk from terrorism. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks that could occur at any time, especially in the southern Philippines but also in Metro Manila.

Extreme caution should be exercised for personal safety in public places, avoiding public transport where possible (including passenger ferries), and using taxis that are recommended by people you can trust or fleet vehicles from reputable and established companies. Avoid tourist resorts popular with foreigners and landmarks or places such as bars and nightclubs, malls, shopping centres, places of worship and establishments frequented by foreigners or owned by/identified with western interests.

_______________________________________________________________New Zealanders in the Philippines are encouraged to record their details with:

The New Zealand Embassy 23rd floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen Gil Puyat Avenue (near Makati Ave) Makati City, Manila, PO Box 3228 MCPO, 1272 Makati City
Telephone: +(63 2) 891-5358 Facsimile: + (63 2) 891 5357
Email: nzmanila@nxdsl.com.ph
Please provide the following information:

full names of individuals and accompanying dependents, New Zealand passport number(s), contact details whilst the Philippines departure dates and details, (where these are known), and contact information for a family member or friend in New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens may also register on-line at: http://www.nzembassy.com/registration.cfm?c=1021&l=1

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

Please note: While every care has been taken in preparing these travel advisories, neither the New Zealand Government nor its agents and employees can accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

ENDS

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