- Reviewed: 15 November 2013, 15:27 NZDT
- Still current at: 21 November 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.
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).
Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of kidnapping, terrorism and armed banditry (level 4 of 4).
Do not travel to the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo and with Rwanda due to the risk of armed attacks. (level 4 of 4).
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).
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.
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).
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, Mai-Ndombe, 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).
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).
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).
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).
Do not travel to more remote regions or within 10 kilometres 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 Western, North-western and southern zones of Tigray, the Regional State of Amhara 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).
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).
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.
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).
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).
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.
Do not travel to the districts of Chiure, Anacuabe, Macomia, Metuge, Quissanga, 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).
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).
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).
Do not travel to Somalia, including Somaliland. 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 (level 4 of 4).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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).
Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Burundi due to the threats of terrorism, political violence and violent crime (level 3 of 4).
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).
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).
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).
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, the White and Black deserts via the Oasis Road only, Siwa via the Masra Matruh-Siwa Road only, and Bahariya, Farafra and Bawati via the Oasis and the Farafra-Dairut Roads only where we advise exercising increased caution as below.
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).
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 and Mekele, 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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Nigeria (except the cities of Calabar, Abuja and Lagos), due to the threat from terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime (level 3 of 4).
Avoid non-essential travel to Rwanda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the unpredictable security situation, and the risk of banditry and cross-border incursions by armed groups (level 3 of 4).
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).
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).
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).
Avoid non-essential travel to the Pool department due to the threat of armed banditry and rebel activity (level 3 of 4).
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).
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.
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Algeria, due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Angola due to violent crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Cameroon (level 2 of 4) due to violent crime, carjackings and piracy (in coastal areas).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Côte d’Ivoire due to terrorism, violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Djibouti due to the threat from terrorism (level 2 of 4).
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).
Exercise increased caution in the city of Addis Ababa and Mekele; the regional state of Afar (except within 10 Kilometers of the border with Eritrea); and the Danakil desert area (except the areas east of the Dessie-Adigrat road and north of the Dessie-Djibouti road) due to the unstable political situation and ethnic tensions (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea-Bissau due to political instability and crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to the unpredictable security situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to the risk of natural disasters, disease outbreaks and violent crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in Morocco and elsewhere in Western Sahara due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Mozambique due to violent crime and terrorism (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in the cities of Calabar, Abuja and Lagos due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Senegal due to the level of crime. (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to violent crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to violent crime (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Tanzania due to violent crime and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to the potential for crime and civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
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).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Tunisia due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Uganda due to the threat of terrorism, crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
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).
Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime and the risk of civil unrest (level 2 of 4).
Exercise normal safety and security precautions
Destinations in Africa where we advise normal.
Exercise normal safety and security precautions elsewhere in Rwanda (level 1 of 4).
Travel Advisories in Africa
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Cote d'Ivoire/Ivory CoastDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
The Gambia
The Republic of the Congo
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe