The document provides travel advisories for Chile, Australia, and Tunisia. For Chile, it warns of strikes affecting transportation in the Magallanes region and advises avoiding protests that could turn violent. In Australia, it describes severe flooding affecting Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria and advises monitoring local conditions and authorities. For Tunisia, it warns of high risk of civil unrest and kidnapping due to recent protests and advises against non-essential travel.

1. Chile Travel Risk Advisory
Reviewed: 18 January 2011, 14:10
Still current at: 19 January 2011
Chile: Strikes and protests in the Magallanes region
In January 2011 strikes and protests affecting the Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales areas in the
Magallanes region have caused disruption to local transport networks. New Zealanders wishing
to leave the affected region should contact the Red Cross in Puerto Natales (Tel: +56 61 411
204), or in Punta Arenas (Tel: +56 61 242 156). New Zealanders remaining in the region should
avoid areas where protests may occur, exercise caution in public places, monitor developments
and follow any instructions and advice issued by the local authorities.
Protests and demonstrations occur occasionally in Chile and have the potential to turn violent.
We recommend you avoid such situations. Dates of national significance 11 September
(anniversary of military coup), 29 March (anniversary of the Young Combatant) and 1 May
(Workers’ Day) may be a focus for protesters.
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake centred near the city of Concepcion struck Chile on 27 February
2010. There may still be some damage to buildings and roads in certain places particularly in the
regions of Maule, Biobio and O’Higgins and aftershocks are occasionally felt in these areas. New
Zealanders in these areas are advised to follow any advice and instructions issued by the local
authorities.
Small scale bomb attacks and bomb-threats occur from time to time in Santiago. In November
2009, a small bomb exploded at the Marriott Hotel in Santiago, injuring one person. These
incidents are generally associated with anarchist groups. New Zealanders are advised to take
any bomb threats seriously and closely adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities for
their own safety. There is occasional politically motivated violence in southern Chile in the
Araucania region. We recommend you monitor the local media, exercise caution and make
amendments to your travel routes if necessary.
There are landmine fields both in northern and southern Chile primarily in – but not limited to –
border areas. Most of these areas are clearly marked and a demining programme is underway.
Travellers should observe all warning signs and not enter restricted areas.
Chile is subject to volcanic eruptions from time to time. Visiting volcanic areas should follow any
restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities.
Australia Travel Advisory
Reviewed: 17 January 2011, 18:40
Still current at: 19 January 2011
Australian Floods: Emergency Numbers
Dengue Fever warning - Australia, Pacific, Asia & South America
Severe flooding is affecting parts of Australia, particularly in the states of Queensland, New South
Wales and Victoria. New Zealanders living or travelling in Australia are advised to monitor local
media for information on the flooding and follow any instructions and advice issued by the
Australian authorities in flood affected areas, including during the clean up phase of operations.
Queensland
On 11 January the Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh declared three quarters of Queensland a
disaster zone. The disaster declaration grants police and emergency personnel authority to
forcibly evacuate members of the public. Disaster recovery efforts in Queensland are now
underway. Many tourist areas in Queensland remain largely unaffected by the flooding but
travellers should check local conditions prior to travel, particularly regarding the state of roads if
planning to drive. For the latest information on flood affected areas see the Queensland flood
website and visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to check the weather forecasts.

2. New South Wales
For the latest information on flood affected areas in New South Wales see the NSW State
Emergency Service website.
Victoria
For the latest information on flood affected areas in Victoria see the Victoria State Emergency
Service website or phone the Flood and Storm Information Line on 1300 842 737.
There is a global risk of terrorism. Traveling and living in Australia are advised to take account of
the terror threat level assigned by the Australian authorities when making travel decisions. For
the latest alert level, and more information, see the Australian National Security website. It is
recommended you monitor the media for information about threats to your safety and security in
Australia and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.
Tunisia Travel Risk Advisory
Reviewed: 14 January 2011, 19:00
Still current at: 19 January 2011
There is high risk to your safety and security in Tunisia due to the risk of civil unrest and
kidnapping and we advise against all tourist and non-essential travel.
Since 18 December 2010 demonstrations and protests have occurred in a number of locations
throughout Tunisia. These escalated in January and a number of people have been killed. A
curfew was put in place in Tunis and the surrounding areas in January 2011. Vesting in Tunisia
should avoid all areas where protests may occur, exercise caution in public places, and maintain
a high level of personal security awareness. You should monitor developments and ensure that
you adhere to all instructions from local authorities.
There is high risk to your security in the areas bordering Algeria due to the risk of kidnapping
and we advise against all tourist and non-essential travel to these areas. In February 2008, two
Austrian tourists were kidnapped in the south of Tunisia close to the border with Algeria. The
tourists were released in October 2008.
There is also some risk to your security in Tunisia due to the threat from terrorism. Terrorist
attacks could occur at any time and may be directed at locations known to be frequented by
expatriates and foreign travelers.
In January 2007, Tunisian authorities disrupted a terrorist group south of Tunis, killing 12 of the
group and arresting 15. It is believed the group was planning attacks against Western interests.
Traveling or resident in Tunisia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies
in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
Faheem Ul Hasan