Do not travel to Afghanistan (level 4 of 4). The hostile and unpredictable security situation, high and ongoing threat of terrorism and kidnapping of foreigners present a significant risk to New Zealanders in Afghanistan. New Zealanders currently in Afghanistan are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan 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.

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 within 5km of the border with Azerbaijan or to the Nagorno-Karabakh region due to the risk of armed conflict (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel within 5km of the border with Armenia or to the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the surrounding military-occupied area due to political tension and the potential for armed conflict (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to Belarus due to the volatile security situation caused by the Russian military action in neighbouring Ukraine and the conducting of military operations by Russian forces from Belarus (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders in Belarus should leave immediately if they judge it is safe to do so. 

New Zealand’s ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Belarus is very limited. The security situation in Belarus could change at short notice and New Zealanders should not rely on support with evacuating in these circumstances.

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 to the following departments and border areas due to high levels of criminal activity and the threat of kidnapping (level 4 of 4):

• cities of Buenaventura and Tumaco,
• the border areas with Ecuador (except the Santuario de las Lajas), Panama (ie the Darien Gap within Chocó, except the town of Capurgana) and Venezuela.

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). 

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 within 20 kilometres of the border with Colombia, except for the official crossing town of Tulcan in the province of Carchi, due to the threat from kidnapping and organised and drug-related crime (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the northern provinces of Esmeraldas and Sucumbios due to the threat from kidnapping and organised and drug-related crime (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the following neighbourhoods in the city of Guayaquil due to crime: Durán, Monte Sinaí, Socio Vivienda, Entrada de la 8, El Fortín, Flor de Bastión, Ciudad de Dios and Paraíso de la Flor (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 the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the areas near the administrative boundary lines. The threat of terrorism, crime and unexploded mines and ordnance makes travel to these areas extremely dangerous (level 4 of 4). 

Previous incidents of terrorism have included improvised explosive devices and other acts of violence in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There is also a danger from unexploded landmines in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and mined areas may be unmarked. New Zealanders are advised not to stray off well-used roads and paths in those areas.

As these regions are not under the control of Georgian authorities, the New Zealand Government has a severely limited ability to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens.

Do not travel to Haiti due to the high level of kidnapping, violent crime and civil unrest (level 4 of 4).

On 3 March 2024, prisoners escaped after gangs overwhelmed security forces at the main prison in Port au Prince, Haiti’s capital. The Haitian government frequently declares regional states of emergency and nightly curfews remain in place.

If you are currently in Haiti, you should consider leaving via commercial options, if you can do so safely.

New Zealanders in Haiti should be aware that commercial options for departing the country could be severely disrupted or cancelled at short notice. Airports and airlines may pause or cancel operations without warning. Road transportation could also be severely disrupted. New Zealanders who wish to depart Haiti are responsible for their own departure. 

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Haiti, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Haiti should consider.

Do not travel to Chamelecón, Choloma, and Cofradía in the department of Cortés, and the Department of Gracias a Dios due to high levels of violent crime (level 4 of 4).

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).

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

Do not travel to Iran due to the potential for violent civil unrest, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention and the volatile security situation in the region (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders who are currently in Iran, including dual nationals, are strongly  advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Do not travel to Iraq including the Kurdistan region due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation, the ongoing threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in Iraq despite our advice who have concerns for their safety are strongly advised to depart as soon as possible.

Do not travel to the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza (including the waters off Gaza) due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Gaza are advised to shelter in a secure place and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as departure from Gaza is extremely difficult. The New Zealand Government has an extremely limited ability to provide assistance to New Zealand nationals in Gaza.

Do not travel to the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank due to military operations, the unpredictable security situation and the potential for violent civil unrest (level 4 of 4). 

Do not travel to Israel due to the risk of further escalation in the current conflict and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4). Monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only). New Zealanders currently in Israel should depart now via commercial options.

Do not travel within 5km of the borders with Syria and Iraq, with the exception of the tourist site Umm Qais, due to military activity and the uncertain security situation. Jordanian authorities have increased security along the border with Syria and military activity has resulted in fatalities and injuries. (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 Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further (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 to Transnistria due to the volatile security situation (as the region is not under the control of the Moldovan authorities) as well the military conflict in neighbouring Ukraine (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 elsewhere in Myanmar due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflict.

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 North Korea due to extensive restrictions placed on foreigners, serious risk of arrest and detention, and an uncertain security situation that could change with very little warning. The security situation on the Korean Peninsula remains volatile – technically North Korea and South Korea are still at war (level 4 of 4).

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.

Do not travel to the Darién Gap, south of the town of Yaviza, due to high levels of violent crime and the presence of drug traffickers and armed guerrilla forces. This includes the Darién National Park, nature reserves and tourist resorts (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, due to high levels of crime, particularly drug and human trafficking (level 4 of 4).

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).

Do not travel to Russia due to the impacts the armed conflict with Ukraine has had on commercial flight availability and access to financial services. There is also potential for the security situation to deteriorate with little warning (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Cherkessia, Republic of North Ossetia and the south-east parts of Stavropol Krai in the North Caucasian Federal District (level 4 of 4). Terrorism, kidnapping and military activity in these areas presents a significant risk to security.

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including Najran and the southern and eastern areas of Jizan, due to ongoing sporadic cross-border attacks (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 Syria due to the ongoing civil war and extremely dangerous security situation (level 4 of 4).

There is a significant risk of terrorism, violence and kidnapping throughout Syria. A number of foreign nationals have been targeted and some have been murdered.

We strongly recommend any New Zealanders currently in Syria depart immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so. As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Syria, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens requiring consular assistance is severely limited.

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).

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 within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and the potential for violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Syria (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).

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion and ongoing military aggression (level 4 of 4). There is a real risk to life.

New Zealanders currently in Ukraine are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so. The New Zealand Government is severely limited in its ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens in Ukraine.

Do not travel to Venezuela due to the unstable political and economic situation, ongoing high levels of violent crime, the potential for violent civil unrest, and shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies (level 4 of 4).

There is a risk of kidnapping due to drug traffickers and illegal armed groups operating within 80 kilometres of the border with Colombia, particularly in the States of Zulia, Tachira and Apure.

Do not travel to Yemen (including the island of Socotra). The ongoing conflict and the extreme threat of terrorism and kidnapping presents a significant risk to New Zealanders in Yemen (level 4 of 4). 

New Zealanders currently in Yemen are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Yemen, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited. The United Kingdom and United States Embassies in Yemen have closed due to the security situation and will not be in a position to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens. You should take this absence of available consular assistance into consideration if you decide to remain in Yemen against our advice.