COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (with the exception of the Ladakh region via Manali, or by air to Leh) due to the threat of terrorist activity and ongoing violence which remains high (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at the international border crossing between Atari, India and Wagah, Pakistan. Landmines pose a risk along some stretches of the India-Pakistan border (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Manipur state and the areas of Nagaland state that border Myanmar, Chhattisgarh, and Assam state that border Bangladesh, due to the threat of terrorism, politically-motivated violence and cross-border insurgency (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in India, including in New Delhi and Mumbai, due to the continuing threat from terrorism, civil unrest and crime (level 2 of 4).

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India

Terrorism
There is a significant threat of terrorism in India. Terrorist groups have in the past issued statements threatening to carry out attacks in India. In some areas terrorist incidents are frequent, especially Jammu and Kashmir and less frequently in parts of the northeast. There are multiple threat actors that conduct attacks in India and attribution of responsibility can be difficult.

On 29 October 2019, a terrorist attack occurred in Kalgum district, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 7 people being killed and 1 injured.

On 14 February 2019, a terrorist attack occurred on the Jammu - Srinagar highway in Kashmir, which resulted in a number of fatalities and casualties.

Terrorist attacks may be directed at national institutions within major cities, religious sites, festivals, tourist sites, hotels, markets, restaurants, cinemas, fairs, major sporting events, and public transport. Attacks have in the past targeted public places that are frequented by tourists and foreigners. Further attacks cannot be ruled out including in large cities and popular tourist destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Goa.

Security has been improved at major transports hubs and hotels.

New Zealanders should exercise a high degree of caution and security awareness when travelling in India and avoid all rallies and demonstrations. Be particularly vigilant during election periods and in the lead-up to and during times of national significance, such as Diwali, Eid, Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) as these could be a particular focus for attacks.

Crime
Personal safety, particularly for women and girls is a concern in India. There have been a number of sexual offences reported against foreign women in different parts of India, including in major cities and tourist destinations. Women travellers should take particular care, even when travelling in a group and avoid travelling alone, especially at night. We recommend all travellers respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas, including beaches.

There have been occasional reports of food or drink being spiked with sedatives, so extra care should be taken to ensure your food or drink is never left unattended. We recommend being cautious accepting food or drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances. There are reports where food and drink has been drugged, and travellers robbed of their possessions.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common, particularly in crowded areas such as markets, airports and on buses, metros and trains (including overnight and long-distance trains). We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents.

Scams are common throughout India. Some scams targeting travellers include fake tour guide services and train tickets, taxi drivers taking clients on unwanted tours and extended rides, or bank card details being copied from compromised ATMs. Scams involving the export of jewels and carpets have also occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you offering money to export such items. Don’t accept any offer, no matter how convincing. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, we advise contacting the police immediately.

Road Travel
Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death overseas and India leads the world in traffic-related deaths. Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout India. Most roads and vehicles are not well maintained, and drivers often do not follow traffic rules.  Avoid travelling by road outside city centres after dark. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts. If you travel by motorbike, wear a helmet and proper footwear. Be very careful when crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings.

Exercise vigilance and avoid taking public transport, or in taxis and auto-rickshaws after dark. If you have to use a taxi, get one from hotel taxi ranks, try to avoid hailing taxis on the street. Avoid walking alone at night in less populous and unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches.

Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations (or “bandh”) occur frequently throughout India and may cause politically motivated violence. These can cause major disruption to transportation and tourist-related services. There is a risk of armed insurgent activity in Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Assam. Attacks by insurgents usually target Indian government and security forces, however bystanders are susceptible to being caught up and insurgents have attacked local transport and train services.

Violent extremist groups are also active in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha to the west of Delhi, Maharashtra, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and in remote parts of Bihar and West Bengal, primarily targeting Indian government facilities and security forces. Strikes and disruptions in these areas can affect rail and road transport networks.

We advise New Zealanders to closely monitor developments that might affect their safety via local media channels. We recommend you avoid all demonstrations, protests and political campaign rallies as they could result in spontaneous violent confrontations, particularly around elections or in the wake of the death of party or government leaders. You should follow the instructions of the local authorities, including curfews and exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times. Be prepared to change your travel plans if there’s an incident.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders should familiarise themselves with local laws and customs in India. There are serious penalties for activities that may not be illegal in New Zealand, such as the government ban on e-cigarettes and related products, carrying a satellite phone, or consuming alcohol without a permit in some states or territories.

Air pollution in some parts of India can spike to hazardous levels, especially during winter months and those with pre-existing medical conditions, the very young, or the elderly may be particularly vulnerable. If you intend to travel or live in India, you may wish to seek medical advice in advance of your trip.

The monsoon season in India is normally from late June to early October. During this time, there is a heightened risk of severe flooding and landslides. Check local weather forecasts and in the event of a flood, always follow the instructions of local authorities.

Expect to see increased measures being implemented at airports in response to some threats against airlines.

India does not recognise dual nationality. Travellers should read our advice on dual citizenship here.

New Zealanders living or travelling in India should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in India are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand High Commission New Delhi, India

Street Address Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India Telephone +91 11 4688 3170 Email nzhcindia@mfat.net Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/asia/india/new-zealand-high-commission/ Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs

New Zealand Consulate-General Mumbai, India

Street Address Level 6, 3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051, India Telephone +91 22 6131 6666 Email nzcg.mumbai@nzte.govt.nz Hours Mon - Fri 0830 hrs - 1700 hrs

See our regional advice for South Asia