Latest news with #SafeTravel
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Eight Kiwis detained at US border since November, MFAT reminds travellers of entry rules amid SafeTravel review
While the measures are meant to specifically target illegal immigration into the US, travellers from around the world have reportedly been detained while attempting to enter the country as tourists. One Kiwi woman in her 40s was allegedly detained at San Francisco Airport for 15 hours and forced to buy a return ticket to New Zealand after officials took issue with the visa she'd been issued by the State Department. Planning to visit her partner in Florida, who works on a fixed-term contract, before holidaying in Europe, the woman was allegedly questioned for five hours over her visa, Arizona-based author Wendilynn Kay alleged in a post reshared on Facebook. 'She obtained the necessary visas, could provide proof of income and proof that she was leaving,' the post alleged, describing her as someone with 'no criminal record or history of political activism'. With officials allegedly left unsatisfied with her visa, she was made to buy an 'exceptionally expensive' ticket home and was walked to her gate in chains. 'She was humiliated and is still deeply traumatised.' Similarly, two young German backpackers who arrived in Honolulu from New Zealand in mid-March were detained by border officials suspecting they planned to work illegally in the US. Having only booked their first two nights in an Airbnb for flexibility, the women - aged 18 and 19 - were questioned before being held in a detention facility overnight after they were found 'inadmissible'. 'They took our phones, our passports, and put us in handcuffs - that moment was surreal. Like, you're a tourist and now you're treated like a criminal,' one of the travellers recently wrote on Reddit's backpacking subreddit. 'It was a real jail ... they made us do a full strip search ... I don't want to describe it in too much detail, but it was humiliating and scary.' An MFAT spokesperson told the Herald it was 'aware of eight New Zealanders who have been detained at US borders, and one New Zealander arrested for immigration-related reasons, since 1 November 2024″. 'For privacy reasons, no further information will be provided.' SafeTravel's US travel advice level is currently at level 2 - 'exercise increased caution' - 'due to the threat of terrorism'. There are 85 other countries at level 2. MFAT said it has 'long-standing advice' that travellers should check with a US embassy or consulate for how their situation may affect entry into the country, given its 'strict entry and stay rules'. Current advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers For LGBTQIA+ travellers, clearer information is expected from the SafeTravel review as other countries begin issuing warnings for transgender and gender-diverse citizens visiting the US. LGBTQIA+ individuals are advised by TravelSafe to be wary of countries' laws and customs when travelling overseas. However, there's yet to be changes to its advisory informing US-bound transgender and gender-diverse Kiwis of increased risks upon arrival at the border compared to earlier years. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order titled 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government', which proclaimed the US will only recognise two sexes. The January 20 executive order states all government-issued identification documents must now reflect one's 'immutable biological classification as either male or female'. 'We will only issue passports with an M or F sex marker that match the customer's biological sex at birth,' the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs said on its website, suspending the issuing of those with an 'X' identifier. New Zealand has recognised the 'X' gender identifier on passports and other official identification documents since 2009. While the State Department has clarified that passports differing from one's assigned sex at birth 'will remain valid for travel until their expiration date', at least six European countries have updated their guidelines warning that travellers may be denied US entry if their documents don't match it. Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal have all recommended affected citizens contact a US embassy or consulate for advice. MFAT directed the Herald to its TravelSafe page for LGBTQIA+ travellers when questioned whether there will be any US-specific information for transgender or gender-diverse travellers in its updated advisory. This month, Auckland University told staff and students planning US travel to 'think carefully about how you might be affected prior to booking' and to contact its Risk Office for 'further guidance' in a since-deleted advisory on its website. US trans actor Hunter Schafer, 26, slammed the Trump Administration over the identification changes in February, revealing her passport gender marker had been changed to male despite having female-marked identification documents 'coming up on a decade now'. 'This is the first time this has happened to me since I changed my gender marker... and I do believe it is a direct result of the administration our country is currently operating under,' Schafer said.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Is Iceland Safe To Visit?
Iceland is a Nordic island country known for its dramatic, scenic environment and prime positioning for experiencing the Northern Lights. Visitors flock to the stunning country thanks to its natural beauties, including waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, black sand beaches, mountainscapes, fjords, lava fields, and volcanos. Though it is generally considered safe, travelers should consider the risks of experiencing natural disasters or petty crime. As of this reporting, the United States State Department last updated its travel advisory for Iceland in August 2024. The department currently classifies Iceland as a 'Level 1' zone, meaning travelers should 'exercise normal precautions' when visiting the island. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not currently have travel notices for Iceland. However, the CDC recommends that travelers stay updated on routine vaccinations before their trip. Other vaccines to consider are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, and rabies. Travelers should also avoid unclean water (including floodwater), rodent bites, and close contact with sick individuals. In Grindavik, a town on the southern Reykjanes Peninsula, volcanic activity on April 1, 2025, resulted in evacuations. One of Iceland's most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon, had to close due to the eruption. Keflavik International Airport has remained open, and there has been no directive to cancel travel plans to Iceland due to the recent volcanic activity. In a press release, the Government of Iceland said, 'The eruption's impact are highly localized and pose no threat to people. However, the area remains closed to visitors for safety.' On April 3, Safe Travel, an Icelandic safety resource, noted that the area near the Sundhnjúkar fissure – including roads to Grindavik – is closed. However, the source reported that the Blue Lagoon has reopened and is accessible via Road 427. Yes, Iceland is generally a safe destination for tourists and solo travelers. Crime is not a major issue, and tourists can explore freely and safely if they implement standard travel safety measures. However, visitors to the island should know that Iceland experiences various natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, intense storms, floods, landslides, and avalanches. To be prepared if and when those natural disasters occur, travelers should have a game plan and know the resources they can use. Crime – The State Department notes Iceland has a 'low crime rate with rare instances of violent crime.' Transportation – Tourists will likely be safe using public transportation in Iceland. Many choose to rent a car, as Icelanders drive on the right side of the road like Americans. Drivers can use safety resources, including Safe Travel and Umferdin, for updates on road conditions. Travelers should familiarize themselves with Icelandic road rules, their routes, and the best methods for navigating rural areas before getting behind the wheel. Bank Safety Information – Take standard safety measures regarding your banking information. Conceal your PIN when typing it, and don't give anyone your personal details or account information. Health – Per the State Department, tourists can access Iceland's 'high-quality' medical care system. However, non-residents of the Nordic country will be responsible for their own medical bills, which may need to be paid before leaving a medical facility. Moreover, travelers should know that medical services may be limited in rural areas. Before traveling to Iceland with your medication, make sure it is legal there. Also, it's advised to have the recommended vaccinations and acquire travel health insurance (or international health insurance coverage) ahead of your travels. Tourists should exercise caution and common sense in Iceland. There aren't many common scams, but be wary of tourist traps and petty theft. Always keep your valuables (including your passport) in a safe and secure location. The State Department notes that visitors should 'be aware' that downtown Reykjavík may be disorderly as people leave bars and nightclubs in the early morning hours. U.S. travelers are always encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before jet-setting abroad. Most tourists visit or at least pass through Reykjavík, the country's capital. Other cities you may consider include Akureyri (for the art scene and local botanical garden), Vík (for the landscapes), and Húsavík (for whale watching). Some of the best places to stay in Reykjavík include Airbnb gems, Kex Hostel, Hotel Reykjavík Saga, Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, and Exeter Hotel. The best time to visit Iceland really depends on what you want to do. June through August is peak season, perfect for mild weather, seeing the midnight sun, hiking, and wildlife tours. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, late September through March is recommended. Is Iceland safe for American tourists? Despite the natural disasters that can occur, Iceland is safe for all tourists, including Americans. Just remain aware and updated via the country's travel and safety resources. What are the risks in Iceland? Generally speaking, there are risks of natural disaster occurrence(s) and possible petty crime. Do they speak English in Iceland? The official language is Icelandic, but English is commonly spoken. Are Icelanders 'friendly'? Many consider Icelanders 'friendly' and kind, though likely more reserved than the typical American standard. Traveling to Iceland is safe, but travelers should know that they'll be subjected to local laws and punishments. If you are doing outdoor activities, submitting your plans to Safe Travel will help emergency resources get to you should you need assistance. Other resources that travelers should heed include Visit Iceland, the Icelandic Met Office, and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management. Always note and adhere to a site's warning signage (like signs about slippery rocks, strong undercurrents, etc.). Visit Iceland recommends packing layers regardless of the season. Be sure to be vaccinated and have travel health insurance before your post Is Iceland Safe To Visit? appeared first on Travel Noire.
