Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed 24 April 2008, 13:40 NZDT
Still current at:
14 October 2008
There is extreme risk to your security in Afghanistan and travellers are advised against all travel. Unless you are in Afghanistan under the auspices of the New Zealand government, or an international agency/NGO that has security arrangements in place to ensure your safety, you should depart.
Throughout Afghanistan, including Kabul, there is a continuing high threat of terrorism. This can take the form of suicide car bombings, improvised explosive devices, and specific terrorist threats against western organisations and individuals. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Afghanistan, and could be directed at any location known to be frequented by foreigners. There was an attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul on 14 January 2008. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to) public and commercial areas including hotels, restaurants, shops and market places. Those involved in humanitarian and reconstruction work have been threatened. There is a nation-wide threat of kidnapping of foreigners (including those working for NGOs). A number of kidnappings have resulted in death. Protests targeting western interests occur and can become violent. Rocket and bomb attacks have targeted NATO’s force. Kabul International Airport has been attacked several times and further attacks could well occur.
Throughout the country there is unexploded ordnance and landmines.
Beyond Kabul the situation is unpredictable and volatile. Many areas are controlled by warlords. The Taliban and some Al Qaeda fighters are active in large parts of the country. This makes travelling extremely dangerous, even by convoy. Banditry in the countryside is common.
Because of the security situation and because there is no resident New Zealand diplomatic or consular representation in Afghanistan, the ability of the government to assist any New Zealand civilians who get into trouble in Afghanistan is very limited. Moreover, with the conflict situation, medical facilities are very limited and normal insurance cover is not available.
Those who, despite the above information, do travel to Afghanistan should ensure that appropriate security and insurance arrangements have been made.
New Zealanders in Afghanistan are strongly urged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Central Asia
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Street Address No. 34, corner of
2nd Park Alley and Sosan Street, North Golestan complex,
Aghdasiyeh Street, Niavaran, Tehran 11365, Iran.
Telephone +98 21 2612 2175 or +44
20 7316 8972 via London
Facsimile +98 21 2612 1973 or
+44 20 7316 8954 via London
Email Tehran@nzembassy.org
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/iran
Office Hours Sun–Thu, 0800–1230;
1300–1500 hrs
