Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
The United States presidential election is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 3 November 2020, with an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday 20 January 2021. Political activity including rallies and protest activity can be expected in the lead up to the election and the Presidential inauguration.
Since early 2020, there have been widespread protests and demonstrations occurring around the United States. Some protests have resulted in violence and/or looting and civil unrest. Even protests or political rallies, which are intended to be peaceful, can result in violence. A strong police and/or National Guard presence can be expected at any further protests. Police measures have, at times, included the use of rubber bullets and/or pepper spray to disperse crowds.
New Zealanders in the United States are advised to avoid areas where political rallies or protest activity may occur. We recommend monitoring local media to stay up to date with developments and following any instructions issued by the local authorities, including curfews. If you find yourself in an area of protest/political activity or civil unrest, you should leave the area if it is safe to do so or remain indoors until the situation improves.
For contingency planning advice, see: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/contingency-planning-new-zealanders-overseas
For emergency assistance, please dial 911.
If you require consular assistance, please contact your closest New Zealand Embassy or Consulate. Contact information:
New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC +1 202 328 4800
New Zealand Consulate-General, Los Angeles +1 310 566 6555
New Zealand Consulate-General, Honolulu +1 808 675 5555
We encourage all New Zealanders living and travelling offshore to register on SafeTravel, the official registration facility for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas. If you register with us, we are able to relay important information and account for your safety and wellbeing as part of New Zealand’s consular response to an overseas emergency.
Associated Advisories:
Reviewed:27 Oct 2020, 11:00
