MFAT Travel Advisory Update - Chile

MFAT Travel Advisory Update - Chile

* There have been no reports of New Zealanders being among the casualties
* We have made contact with around 250 New Zealanders in Chile to confirm they are safe.
* The ministry is continuing to work to contact around another 20 New Zealanders who may or may not be in Chile to check on their whereabouts and wellbeing.
* Communication networks in Chile remain disrupted, although they are improving. These disruptions are hampering our ability to contact New Zealanders.
* To allow the ministry to focus on contacting those in the affected area we ask that people who have reported concerns for New Zealanders, and have since heard they are safe, to tell us.

* Family and friends who have concerns about New Zealanders in the affected area should try to make contact with them in the first instance.

* If they cannot make contact with relatives and have concerns they should call MFAT on 0800 432 111, or +64 4 439 8401 if calling from overseas

* The ministry is advising against all tourist and non-essential travel to Chile until the situation becomes clearer

* Those who still decide to continue plans to travel to Chile should contact their travel agent as their travel plans may have been disrupted by the earthquake

* People in Chile, or about to travel to Chile, are encouraged to register on www.safetravel.govt.nz.

ENDS

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