Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas
Political/Security Situation
A transitional government has been in place since May 2021, with presidential elections postponed until after 2024. Monitor local media for updates.
There is a heightened risk of increased instability in Mali due to the withdrawal of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and following the military takeover in neighbouring Niger in July 2023.
Iraq
Security Situation
The security situation in Iraq remains highly volatile and could deteriorate further, with little or no warning. The terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant remains active in parts of the country, as do other violent extremist groups engaged in sectarian, ethnic and tribal violence and organised crime. Political instability, crime and corruption, and civil unrest are also common in Iraq.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Political Situation/Civil Unrest
The political and security situation in the DRC remains unpredictable. Large-scale demonstrations can be expected in the lead up to elections.
Bangladesh
Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Bangladesh. There have been a number of deadly attacks since 2015, including fatal attacks targeting foreigners.
Significant attacks include:
- On 24 March 2017, a suicide bombing occurred at a checkpoint near Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
Oman
Civil unrest
Demonstrations sometimes occur in Oman. New Zealanders in Oman are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent. We recommend monitoring events through local media and following instructions issued by the local authorities.
Libya
Bahrain
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Demonstrations and protests are relatively common in Bahrain, some of which have resulted in violence in the past. Protests have involved disruption to traffic, unofficial checkpoints, the burning of tyres, throwing of Molotov cocktails and the use of improvised explosive devices.
Kosovo
Civil unrest/political tension
The security situation in Kosovo is currently calm but remains tense. In the past, violent incidents involving grenades, vehicle explosions and unrest have occurred in several towns in northern Kosovo, including the northern part of the city of Mitrovica. There have also been a number of recent protests in central Pristina, some of which have turned violent.
Morocco
Terrorism
There is a heightened threat of terrorism in the Maghreb region of North Africa, which includes Morocco. Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Morocco from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Morocco. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
Sierra Leone
Violent Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault and mugging, is common in Sierra Leone. Petty and opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is also frequent and residential burglaries have been reported.
