Reviewed: 19 November 2013, 10:04 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 may not 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.

Kidnappings and bombings have been the hallmark of several groups operating in the southern Philippines such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf Group. In Indonesia members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (which allegedly has links to Al Qaeda) have been charged with responsibility for the Bali Bombings in 2002 and 2005. There is a risk of kidnapping of foreigners travelling to the islands and coastal areas in Eastern Sabah (from Kudat in the north around eastwards to Tawau) by the Abu Sayyaf Group operating out of the Philippines.

Other countries in Southeast Asia, particularly those with Islamic populations, have terrorism concerns. Accordingly, there is now a region-wide warning out about the possibility of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia.

In many Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Viet Nam, the penalties for drug offences (possession or trafficking) are severe and can include the death penalty. The possession of even small quantities of drugs for recreational purposes can result in lengthy jail sentences and deportation. While "party pills" may be legal in New Zealand, travellers should not take them on holiday overseas as they are classed as prohibited substances/drugs in many countries.

Do not travel

Destinations in South East Asia where we advise against all travel.

Indonesia

Do not travel to Central Papua and Highland Papua due to the risk of kidnapping and civil unrest (level 4 of 4).

Myanmar

Do not travel elsewhere in Myanmar due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflict.

Philippines

Do not travel to central and western Mindanao (including the Zamboanga Peninsula; the Sulu Archipelago; and the southern Sulu Sea area) due to the very high threat of terrorist activity, kidnapping and violent clashes between the military/police and terrorist or rebel groups (level 4 of 4).

Thailand

Do not travel to the southernmost provinces along the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Southern Songkhla due to ongoing politically-motivated and criminal violence, which occurs on an almost daily basis. The Thai Government has warned tourists not to travel to these areas (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Destinations in South East Asia where we advise against tourist and other non-essential travel.

Indonesia

Avoid non-essential travel to Papua, South Papua and West Papua provinces due to civil unrest and the risk of kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel to Poso regency in Central Sulawesi due to the risk of terrorism (level 3 of 4).

Laos

Avoid non-essential travel to Xaisomboun Province due to the potential of violent incidents, such as shooting attacks (level 3 of 4).

Malaysia

Avoid non-essential travel to coastal areas of eastern Sabah (from Kudat to Tawau, including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna, including the offshore islands and dive sites) due to the risk of kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

Myanmar

Avoid non-essential travel to Yangon due to the volatile security and political situation.

Philippines

Avoid non-essential travel to the remaining provinces of Mindanao due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and violent clashes between the military/police and terrorist or rebel groups (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Destinations in South East Asia where we advise caution.

Cambodia

We advise that New Zealanders exercise increased caution in Cambodia (level 2 of 4).

Indonesia

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Indonesia, including in Jakarta, Surabaya, elsewhere in Sulawesi and in Bali, due to the ongoing threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Laos

Exercise increased caution in Bokeo Province along the borders with Myanmar, Thailand and around the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone due to criminal activity (level 2 of 4). Criminals, drug traffickers and other people pursuing illegal activities, including employment scams, operate in these areas.

We advise New Zealanders to exercise increased caution elsewhere in Laos (level 2 of 4).

Philippines

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in the Philippines, including in Manila, due to the threat of terrorism, risk of kidnapping and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Thailand

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

Timor-Leste