Terror attacks: MFAT advice for Kiwis

Police officers man a position close to the Bataclan theatre, where terrorist had taken hostages. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade posted an update to its SafeTravel website in light of the French terror attacks.

"There is an unfolding security situation in Paris with reports of several shootings/ explosions in separate incidents occurring simultaneously in the 10th and the 11th districts, and near the Stade de France, with early accounts indicating at least 40 deaths. There are also reports indicating a hostage situation involving at least 60 people in a theatre in Paris," the update said.

"The French President has declared a State of Emergency and security forces have been deployed in Paris. As a precautionary measure, French borders have been closed.

"New Zealanders in Paris are advised to stay indoors and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. You should also contact your family in New Zealand to advise them that you are safe.

"New Zealanders in France are strongly encouraged to register their details on SafeTravel."

New Zealanders who require consular assistance are advised to contact the New Zealand Embassy in Paris on: 01 45 01 43 43 (from within France) or +33 1 45 01 43 43 (from outside France).

Anyone with concerns about a New Zealand family member in Paris should try to make direct contact with them in the first instance. If they had ongoing concerns, they should contact Mfat.

Tap here to go to the MFAT site.

Kiwis travelling in and out of France will face major disruptions following the country's borders being closed.

House of Travel has about 200 customers either leaving for France or heading back from the country.

Brent Thomas, House of Travel's commercial director, said Kiwis in Paris should register with the New Zealand Embassy and keep in contact with their airlines and travel agents about changes to travel plans.

He said Kiwis travelling to France from New Zealand over the next few days would probably be offered alternative itineraries.

"Thankfully it is the low season so we do not have too many people going back and forward to Paris at the moment," Thomas said. "If people are planning to travel to France today and that is not possible, they would clearly have to rethink their accommodation and contact their travel insurers about alternative arrangements."

Andrew Olsen, chief executive of the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand, said the situation in Paris was "ugly".

"Kiwis over there should be checking in with their consulates and letting them know where they are," he said.

"Anyone who hasn't yet departed for France from New Zealand should check with their travel agent about their terms and conditions and what alternative arrangements may have to be made to their travel plans and accommodation."