Reviewed: 19 March 2020, 14:35 NZDT

Still current at: 26 September 2020 Get updates by RSS

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the United States of America.

Local authorities in countries and territories with confirmed cases of COVID-19 may impose containment measures including travel restrictions and quarantine requirements to prevent the spread of the virus.

Such measures may be imposed at short notice and specific details may change rapidly, including where and to whom they apply to and for how long. All travellers should stay informed of measures being taken by authorities in the areas they are travelling to. We recommend that all travellers consult the official website or the nearest embassy or consulate of your country or territory of destination to find out about any border controls and other measures that may apply to you.

For information on countries and territories which have COVID-19 related border restrictions affecting foreign nationals, including travellers in transit, please check the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website before you travel. IATA provides a comprehensive list of all countries and territories that have imposed COVID-19 related border restrictions and is being continually updated.

As part of its response to managing the COVID-19 outbreak, the New Zealand Government has some temporary travel restrictions in place in New Zealand. Please refer to the New Zealand Ministry of Health website for up to date information.

For further travel advice and information about COVID-19, please see our webpage here. We encourage all New Zealanders living and travelling overseas to register with us.

Terrorism

The United States Department of Homeland Security regularly issues terrorism-related advice and updates. For current alerts, see the US National Terror Advisory System webpage.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism in the United States and terrorists remain likely to try to carry out attacks.

A number of politically motivated attacks have occurred in recent years, causing multiple deaths and injuries:

In March 2018, a series of bomb attacks occurred in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, causing 2 deaths and several injuries;

In October 2017, a vehicle attack near the World Trade Centre in New York left 8 people dead and at least 13 injured; and

On 17 September 2016, an explosion occurred in the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York causing a number of injuries.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. New Zealanders in the United States are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and be aware of your surroundings in public places such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, tourist destinations, demonstrations, large gatherings and on public transport.

In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so.

Crime

Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in urban centres, tourist locations and on public transport. New Zealanders should stay alert to their surroundings, stay vigilant on public transport and avoid leaving belongings unattended, including in rental vehicles.There is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand. In many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public. However, crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and incidents rarely involve tourists. New Zealanders should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas. Research your destination before travelling and seek local advice if you are concerned about levels of criminal activity.

Active shooter incidents occur in the United States. For advice on how to respond to an active shooter situation, please see the US Department of Homeland Security website.

On August 3 2019, 22 people were killed and 24 others injured in a mass shooting in a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas. On 18 May 2018, 10 people were killed and 14 others injured in a shooting at a school in Santa Fe, Texas. On 5 November 2017, a shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs in Texas resulted in the deaths of 26 people, with 20 others injured in the attack. On 2 October 2017, 58 people were killed and over 800 others were injured in a shooting at a concert in Las Vegas.

Civil unrest and political tension

Protests and demonstrations regularly occur. We advise New Zealanders to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, monitor local media for developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to result in violence.

General travel advice

Travellers from New Zealand to the United States should allow at least two hours when transiting from an international flight to a domestic flight due to increased security checks. The Transport Security Administration website provides guidance for airline passengers travelling to the United States.

Travellers carrying electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, should be aware that these devices may be subject to security checks by United States border authorities.

Immigration regulations are strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in detention then deportation. See our United States travel tips.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high and the New Zealand government cannot assist with medical expenses.

New Zealanders in the United States are encouraged to register their travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Washington DC, United States of America

Street Address 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Fax +1 202 667 5227 Email WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/usa Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs

The New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles, United States of America

Street Address Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Fax +1 310 566 6556 Email nzcg.la@mfat.net Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/usa-los-angeles Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1300, 1330 - 1630 hrs

New Zealand Consulate-General Honolulu, United States of America

Street Address 733 Bishop Street, 2020, Honolulu, HI 96813 Telephone +1 808 675 5555 Fax +1 808 675 5561 Email HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz

New Zealand Consulate-General New York, United States of America

Street Address 41st Floor, 295 Madison Ave, New York, 10017, United States of America Telephone +1 212 832 4038 Fax +1 212 832 7602 Hours Mon - Fri 0900 - 1230 hrs for consular calls

New Zealand Consulate Atlanta, United States of America

Street Address 513 Seminole Avenue, NE Atlanta Georgia 30307, United States of America Telephone +1 404 525 2495 Email newzealand@mindspring.com

New Zealand Consulate Boston, United States of America

Street Address 57 North Main Street, Concord NH 033021 - 1318, United States of America Telephone +1 603 225 8228 Email nzconsulate@preti.com

New Zealand Consulate Chicago, United States of America

Street Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 Postal Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, 6400 Shafer Ct 60025, Glenview, IL Telephone +1 312-953 4251 Email nzconsulatechicago@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate Houston, United States of America

Street Address 4424 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041, United States of America Telephone +1 713 670 4384 Email dan.connelly@ge.com

New Zealand Consulate New Zealand Consulate Florida, United States of America, United States of America

Street Address PO Box 98, West Palm Beach, FL 33402, United States of America Telephone +1 561 899 9719 Email nzconsulateflorida@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate New Zealand Consulate San Diego, United States of America, United States of America

Street Address 3924 Henry Street, San Diego, CA92103, United States of America Telephone +1 619 299 3971 Email rob@syranuse.com

New Zealand Consulate Oregon, United States of America

Street Address 430 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, United States of America Telephone +1 503 803 7129 Email cjs@theswindells.org

New Zealand Consulate Sacramento, United States of America

Street Address 44733 North El Macero Drive, El Macero, CA 95618 - 1066, United States of America Telephone +1 530 756 8013 Email starrned@msn.com

New Zealand Consulate Salt Lake City, United States of America

Street Address 1655 Linden Lane, Bountiful, UT 84010, United States of America Telephone +1 801 237 2664 (Direct), +1 801 296 2494 (Voicemail) Email Iain.mckay1@hotmail.com

New Zealand Consulate San Francisco (Northern California), United States of America

Postal Address PO Box 1276, Burlingham, CA 94011- 1276, United States of America Telephone +1 (650) 342-4443 Email NewZealandHCSF@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate Seattle, United States of America

Street Address PO Box 51059 Seattle WA 98115, United States of America Telephone +1 206 257 1896 Fax +1 360 766 6791 Email nzconsulseattle@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate Vermont, United States of America

Street Address 211 Ordway Shore Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482, United States of America Telephone +1 (802) 489 5677 Email georgeburrill@me.com

See our regional advice for North America