Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

  • Reviewed: 15 November 2013, 15:27 NZDT
  • Still current at: 19 March 2024

Security

There is an increased global risk of terrorism. No country is immune from a terrorist attack, and no person is immune from becoming a victim of an attack. Terrorists have little regard for civilian casualties and, in many cases, attacks are designed to maximise casualties.

Although New Zealand travellers are unlikely to be targeted deliberately, they are usually indistinguishable from any “Western” tourist, and frequent places where other Western tourists are found. This puts New Zealanders at the same risk as others.

Wherever you are, you should keep yourself informed about the latest alerts and stay aware of your surroundings in areas where large numbers of people congregate, such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, demonstrations and on any public transport.

Morocco , Algeria, Tunisia and Libya have all suffered from terrorism domestically oriented as a result of civil conflict or directed against foreigners by radical Islamic elements.

Civil conflicts and disorder in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan, continue to provide fertile ground for terrorist groups to operate in.

Crime is a major problem throughout Africa and the various police forces are often limited in their response capabilities.

Do not travel

Destinations in Africa where we advise against all travel.

Algeria

Do not travel within 50 kilometres of the border regions with Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Tunisia due to a heightened threat from terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

Burkina Faso

Do not travel to Burkina Faso overall due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of kidnapping, terrorism and armed banditry (level 4 of 4). 

Burundi

Do not travel to the provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza and border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo and with Rwanda, due to the risk of armed attacks (level 4 of 4).

Cameroon

Do not travel to the Northwest and Southwest regions due to ongoing conflict and the volatile security situation (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Far North region due to the threat from terrorism, kidnapping and armed banditry (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Bakassi Peninsula region and within 40 kilometres of the borders with the Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria. Armed bandits are known to operate in these areas and there is the potential for cross-border attacks and kidnappings (level 4 of 4).

Central African Republic

Do not travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to the unstable security situation, activities of armed rebel groups and the high level of violent crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in CAR are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

New Zealanders who remain in CAR against our advice should avoid any unnecessary travel, keep a low profile, maintain a high degree of personal security awareness and take all possible security precautions to protect their safety. We recommend ensuring you have adequate stocks of essential supplies on hand, and monitor media reports and local information sources closely to keep up to date on the security situation. 

Chad

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of all international borders and in the Borkou, Ennedi, Kanem, Lac, Ouaddaï, Sila, Tibesti and Wadi Fira regions due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, the presence of armed militants and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4).

Cote d'Ivoire/Ivory Coast

Do not travel within 40km of the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, the Northern Zanzan and Savenes provinces, and the Comoe National Park due to the volatile security situation and terrorism (level 4 of 4). 

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Do not travel to eastern and north-eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the provinces of Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Haut Lomami, Ituri, Kasai, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, Maniema, Tanganyika, North and South Kivu and within 50 kilometres of the border with the Central African Republic. This is due to the unstable security situation, ongoing armed conflict, terrorism and violent crime. (level 4 of 4).

Djibouti

Do not travel to the border area with Eritrea. A long-running border dispute has caused tensions between Djibouti and Eritrea. The security situation remains fragile and further conflict is a possibility (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel within 10km of the border with Somalia (Somaliland) due to the threat of kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

Egypt

Do not travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Suez-Taba road, due to crime and continued terrorist attacks on police and security forces (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel within 50 kilometres of the border with Libya due to the risk of terrorism and ongoing military operations (level 4 of 4).

Eritrea

Do not travel within 25 kilometres of the border areas with Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti, including the town of Teseney and areas north and west of Barentu, Ak’ordat and Nakh’fa due to ongoing tensions in Eritrea’s relations with these countries, the presence of landmines and the risk of violence, including armed banditry (level 4 of 4).

Ethiopia

Do not travel to more remote regions or within 10 kilometers of Ethiopia's borders with Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Eritrea, with the exception of Highway 80 and the Moyale border crossing along the Kenyan border due to the high risk of violence, kidnapping and landmines. Despite a peace agreement in November 2022 between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains a heavily militarized security corridor. Border roads with Eritrea are closed due to the conflict in Tigray. Conditions at the border may change with no warning (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Regional State of Tigray, the Regional State of Amhara, and the northern areas of Afar Regional States bordering Tigray due to due to the ongoing military conflict and uncertain security situation, which could deteriorate with little warning (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to most parts of the Somali region, specifically the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones and within 100 kilometres of the border with Somalia in the Afder and Liben zones, due to the high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, violence and landmines (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to certain parts of the Gambella region (the districts of Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare in the Nuer zone and Jore district in the Agnuak zone) due to the high risk of violence and the volatile security situation (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to parts of the Oromia regional state (the West Wollega Zone, East Wollega Zone, Kelem Wollega, Horo Gudru Wollega) and Benishangul Gumuz Regional State due to high degrees of violent civil unrest (level 4 of 4).

Kenya

Do not travel to areas bordering Somalia due to the significant threat of terrorism, kidnapping and cross-border attacks. This includes Garissa county, Mandera county and Wajir County (Level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the border areas with Ethiopia and South Sudan. Cross-border kidnapping and armed banditry make these border areas extremely unsafe. (Level 4 of 4).

Libya

Do not travel to Libya due to ongoing conflict and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Libya are strongly advised to depart immediately.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Libya, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited.  We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Libya should consider.

Mali

Do not travel to Mali due to the unpredictable security situation, the threat of terrorism and risk of kidnapping and armed banditry (level 4 of 4).

Mauritania

Do not travel to the eastern and northern regions of Mauritania, or to Mauritania’s border areas with Algeria, Mali and Western Sahara due to the risk of military activities, the actions of extremist groups, and the risk of armed banditry and kidnapping. Anyone entering the border area could be considered a legitimate military target. Land mines are also present along the border with Western Sahara (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the provinces of Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Assaba, and Guidimaka due to the risk of armed banditry and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

Morocco

Do not travel within 30 kilometres north and west of the Berm (a militarised boundary in Western Sahara) and all areas south and east of the Berm due to the threat posed by unexploded landmines (level 4 of 4). Western Sahara is a disputed and non-self-governing territory largely under Moroccan control.

Mozambique

Do not travel to the districts of Mueda, Nangade, Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga and Ibo in Cabo Delgado province, including the islands off the coast, due to ongoing violent clashes and terrorism (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the districts of Erati and Memba in Nampula province due to ongoing violent clashes and terrorism (level 4 of 4).

Niger

Do not travel to Niger due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, the presence of armed militants and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4).

Nigeria

Do not travel to the states of Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), the river areas of Cross River state, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. There is an ongoing significant threat from terrorism and a very high threat of kidnapping, localised conflict, and armed attacks in these areas. The security situation is volatile. If you are in one of these areas you should consider departing as soon as it is safe to do so. (Level 4 of 4).

Somalia

Do not travel to Somalia, including Somaliland (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Somalia are advised to leave. There is a significant threat from terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and a high level of violent crime throughout the country.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Somalia against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company with experience in Somalia for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely. No part of Somalia can be considered safe. This includes large cities such as Mogadishu and Kismayo.

South Sudan

Do not travel to South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict, inter-ethnic violence and violent crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in South Sudan are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

Sudan

Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).  

New Zealanders in Sudan should ensure they have appropriate security measures in place including a contingency plan for departure due to the deteriorating security situation. Khartoum International Airport is closed and options for leaving Sudan are extremely limited. There may be ongoing disruptions to critical infrastructure and essential services. 

New Zealanders in the capital Khartoum should exercise caution if travelling around the city and avoid travel at night. Travel outside Khartoum requires a permit from local authorities. If you intend travelling outside the capital, you should ensure appropriate personal security protection measures are in place and keep a low profile. 

The Republic of the Congo

Do not travel to Likouala department within 50 kilometres of the border with the Central African Republic due to the uncertain security situation, high levels of crime and the large presence of displaced people (level 4 of 4).

Tunisia

Do not travel to the entire governorate of Kasserine (including the Chaambi Mountains National Park), Mount Mighila (located between the governorates of Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid), and Mount Orbata (in the governorate of Gafsa) due to ongoing security operations and the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of the border with Algeria, in the military zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba, and within 50 kilometres of the rest of the border with Libya, including the town of Ben Guerdane, due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and the presence of armed groups (level 4 of 4).

Uganda

Do not travel to within 50 kilometres of the border with South Sudan due to the threat of armed banditry and cross-border attacks by rebel groups (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Destinations in Africa where we advise against tourist and other non-essential travel.

Algeria

Avoid non-essential travel to the mountainous region of Kabylie and  the wilayas (provinces) of Annaba, Béchar, Biskra, El Bayadh, El Taref, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Skikda, Souk Ahras due to the threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

Angola

Avoid non-essential travel to the provinces of Cabinda, Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul due to the risk of civil unrest and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Burundi

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Burundi due to the threats of terrorism, political violence and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Cameroon

Avoid non-essential travel to the North and Adamaoua regions due to the threat from terrorism and kidnapping and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel (level 3 of 4).

Chad

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Chad, including in the capital N’Djamena due to the threat of terrorism, the potential for violent civil unrest and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Cote d'Ivoire/Ivory Coast

Avoid non-essential travel to the regions bordering Liberia, particularly the Cavally, Guémon, San Pedro and Tonkpi regions within 50km of the border with Liberia, due to the presence of armed groups, crime and the potential for cross-border attacks (level 3 of 4).

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in the DRC due to the potential for civil unrest and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Egypt

Avoid non-essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweiba Road, due to the threat of terrorism (level 3 of 4). This does not include the coastal areas on the western part of the Sinai Peninsula between the Suez crossing and the southern part of the Governorate South Sinai, where we advise exercising increased caution, as below.

Avoid non-essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, including the Western Desert (level 3 of 4). This does not include the coastal resort areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the tourist areas along the Nile River, or the Governorate of Faiyum, where we advise exercising increased caution as below.

Eritrea

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Eritrea due to the unpredictable security situation which has the potential to deteriorate with little warning should tensions between Eritrea and neighbouring countries escalate (level 3 of 4).

Ethiopia

Avoid non-essential travel to the Danakil desert area (east of the Dessie-Adigrat road and north of the Dessie-Djibouti road). There is a significant threat to your security in these areas due to cross border tensions, the activities of armed militant groups, the risk of kidnapping and armed banditry, and the presence of landmines (level 3 of 4). 

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in the Oromia region, except for the city of Addis Ababa, due to ethnic conflicts and the unpredictable security situation (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Ethiopia, except for the city of Addis Ababa, due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflicts in the northern part of the country, which could spread to new areas without warning (level 3 of 4). 

Guinea

Avoid non-essential travel to the border regions with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire due to cross-border military and rebel activity and the threat of banditry (level 3 of 4).

Guinea-Bissau

Avoid non-essential travel to the northwest part of the country that borders the Casamance region in Senegal due to the presence of armed rebel groups (level 3 of 4).

Kenya

Avoid non-essential travel to Lamu county, coastal areas of Tana River and Kilifi counties north of Malindi due to the threat from terrorism and violent crime (level 3 of 4). 

Avoid non-essential travel to the Eastleigh and Kibera neighbourhoods of Nairobi due to the threat from terrorism and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Mauritania

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Mauritania, including the Nouakchott to Nouadhibou corridor, due to the threat of kidnapping, terrorism and the unpredictable security situation (level 3 of 4).

Mozambique

Avoid non-essential travel to the rest of Cabo Delgado province, including Pemba City, due to ongoing violent clashes and terrorism (level 3 of 4).

Nigeria

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Nigeria, including Abuja, (except the cities of Calabar and Lagos), due to the threat from terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Rwanda

Avoid non-essential travel to Rwanda's borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi due to the unpredictable security situation, and the risk of banditry and cross-border incursions by armed groups (level 3 of 4).

Senegal

Avoid non-essential travel to the Casamance region, except for Cap Skirring, Zinguinchor and the main road connecting these two cities due to armed banditry and clashes between separatist groups and the Senegalese army (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel to the eastern border with Senegal and Mali due to the volatile security situation (level 3 of 4).

Tanzania

Avoid non-essential travel to within 20km of the border with Mozambique, in the Mtwara Region, due to the threat of militant attacks, terrorism and kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

The Gambia

Avoid non-essential travel to the southern border of The Gambia with the Casamance region of Senegal, as separatist rebels operate in this area (level 3 of 4).

The Republic of the Congo

Avoid non-essential travel to the Pool department due to the threat of armed banditry and rebel activity (level 3 of 4).

Tunisia

Avoid non-essential travel to the areas south of and including the towns of Nefta, Douz, Médenine and Zarzis, and the governorates of El Kef, Jendouba and Sidi Bouzid, due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

Uganda

Avoid non-essential travel to the Karamoja region in north-eastern Uganda due to the threat of banditry and inter-tribal violence (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel to within 50 kilometres of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the threat of banditry and attacks by armed groups (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Destinations in Africa where we advise caution.

Algeria

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Algeria, due to the potential for civil unrest and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Angola

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Angola due to violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Cameroon

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Cameroon (level 2 of 4) due to violent crime, carjackings and piracy (in coastal areas).

Cote d'Ivoire/Ivory Coast

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Côte d’Ivoire due to terrorism, violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Djibouti

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Djibouti due to the threat from terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Egypt

Exercise increased caution in the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq, due to crime and the possible threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Exercise increased caution in the coastal resort areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the tourist areas along the Nile River, and the Governorate of Faiyum due to crime and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Egypt due to the risk of civil unrest, crime and terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Ethiopia

Exercise increased caution in the city of Addis Ababa due to the unstable political situation and ethnic tensions (level 2 of 4).

Ghana

Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime (level 2 of 4).

Guinea

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Guinea-Bissau

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea-Bissau due to political instability and crime (level 2 of 4).

Kenya

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Liberia

Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to the unpredictable security situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).  

Madagascar

Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to the uncertain political situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Morocco

Exercise increased caution in Morocco and elsewhere in Western Sahara due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Mozambique

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Mozambique due to violent crime, terrorism and civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Nigeria

Exercise increased caution in the cities of Calabar and Lagos due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Rwanda

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Rwanda due to crime (level 2 of 4).

Senegal

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Senegal due to the level of crime. (level 2 of 4).

Sierra Leone

Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

South Africa

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Tanzania

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Tanzania due to violent crime and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

The Gambia

Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to the potential for crime and civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

The Republic of the Congo

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in the Republic of the Congo due to violent crime and ongoing insecurity in some neighbouring countries (level 2 of 4).

Tunisia

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Tunisia due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Uganda

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Uganda due to the threat of terrorism, crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Zambia

Exercise increased caution when travelling to the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Mozambique due to the risk of landmines. The local authorities can provide advice on affected areas (level 2 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Zambia (level 2 of 4). 

Zimbabwe

Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime and the risk of civil unrest  (level 2 of 4). 

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