The Prime Minister is encouraging any New Zealanders in Libya or Bahrain to avoid areas where protests are being held, for their own safety.
John Key says embassy staff in Egypt are working with officials from the United Kingdom and Australia to monitor the situation in Libya.
He says they are also trying to contact the 26 New Zealanders registered as living there.
Mr Key says the situation has deteriorated dramatically, with reports of violence and loss of life in Benghazi.
He says the Government's advice is to avoid travelling to Libya or Bahrain unless it is urgent, and people already there need to take particular precautions.
