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 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.

The most dangerous areas for Western visitors in South Asia are Kashmir and southern Pakistan (especially Karachi) and the tribal areas on the Northwest Frontier. Kidnappings can occur in South Asia, although locals are more likely to be targeted than Westerners.

Westerners are potentially at threat from terrorist groups in Bangladesh.

There is some risk for Westerners in Sri Lanka, Nepal and most parts of India.

Do not travel

Destinations in South Asia where we advise against all travel.

India

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).

Pakistan

Do not travel to Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (except for Chitral district), and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir due to the high risk of kidnapping, terrorism and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the border areas with Afghanistan and India, including the line of control, due to the volatile security situation (level 4 of 4). This does not include Lahore, Wagah, Kasur, Narowal, Sialkot (except for areas within 15km of the border) and the Wagah official border crossing point.

Avoid non-essential travel

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

Bangladesh

Avoid non-essential travel  to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and uncertain security situation (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Bangladesh due to civil unrest and the threat of terrorism (level 3 of 4).

India

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).

Pakistan

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Pakistan due to the threat of terrorism, the risk of kidnapping, potential for civil unrest, sectarian violence and the unpredictable security situation (level 3 of 4). New Zealanders in Pakistan with concerns for their safety should consider leaving the country.

Exercise increased caution

Destinations in South Asia where we advise caution.

India

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).

Maldives

Exercise increased caution in the Maldives, including on Malé Island, due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Nepal

Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for political rallies and protests to result in civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Sri Lanka

Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the impacts of the economic crisis, the potential for civil unrest and the risk of terrorism (level 2 of 4).