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Reviewed: 22 September 2011, 14:40 NZDT
Still current at:
04 February 2012
There is extreme risk to your security in Jammu, Kashmir, Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and along the India-Pakistan international border and we advise against all travel to these areas. Terrorist activity, political violence and violent crime pose an extreme risk to security.
There is high risk to your security in Bihar and Jharkhand due to violent crime in rural areas and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in India, including in New Delhi, due to the threat from terrorism and we advise caution.
There is a significant threat from terrorism in India and New Zealanders travelling in India should take account of the potential for terrorist attacks by militant groups. We continue to receive reports of planning for terrorist attacks in India. Terrorist attacks in India may be directed at national institutions within major cities, religious sites, festivals, tourist sites, hotels, markets, fairs, major sporting events, and public transport. Terrorist attacks have targeted public places that are frequented by Western tourists. Further attacks cannot be ruled out, including in large cities and popular tourist destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Goa.
New Zealanders should exercise a high degree of caution and security awareness when travelling in India and avoid all rallies and demonstrations. Significant dates (such as religious festivals or dates of national significance) could be a particular focus for terrorists and travellers should avoid national monuments and major tourist sites on these days.
On 7 September 2011, a bomb exploded outside New Delhi’s High Court killing 15 people and injuring over 85 others. On 13 July 2011, there were bombings in Mumbai at the Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and in Dadar killing 26 people and injuring over 130 others.
In December 2010, an explosion in the holy city of Varanasi killed two people and injured over 40 others, including a number of foreigners. In September 2010, two tourists were injured in a shooting incident near the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi. In April 2010, two bombs exploded outside a cricket stadium in Bangalore where an Indian Premier League match was being played, injuring seventeen people. Three unexploded devices were also found at the venue by the Indian authorities. In February 2010, a bomb exploded at the German Bakery in Pune, killing nine people and injuring 60 others. This attack occurred in an area popular with tourists.
In October 2009, a bomb exploded in the town of Margao, Goa, killing one person. In January 2009, three bombs exploded in Guwahati in the north-eastern state of Assam killing 5 people and injuring 30.
In December 2008, the Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security issued a public warning that airports in India may be targeted by terrorists intent on conducting attacks or hijackings. Airport security across all airports in India has been strengthened. Travellers should be aware that additional security measures may result in travel delays.
In November 2008, terrorists attacked a number of locations in Mumbai killing over 170 people and injuring hundreds of others. The attacks targeted locations frequented by tourists including the railway station, Taj Mahal and Oberoi Hotels, and a popular restaurant.
We advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir (with the exceptions of Ladakh via Manali or air to Leh), due to ongoing political violence there, and to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan international border and the Line of Control (where a ceasefire is in place but risks, particularly from landmines, remain). We also advise against all travel to the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur and the need for additional caution if travelling in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
The risk of politically motivated violence elsewhere in India remains. We advise New Zealanders in India to closely monitor developments that might affect their safety. We recommend you avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they could result in violent confrontations. You should follow the instructions of the local authorities at all times. We recommend you exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times.
New Zealanders living or travelling in India should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders in India are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for South Asia
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Contact details are
Street Address Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Telephone +91 11 4688 3170 Facsimile +91 11 4688 3165
Email nzhc@airtelmail.in
Website New Zealand High Commission New Delhi [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs
Street Address Level 2, 3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051, India
Telephone +91 22 6131 6668 Facsimile +91 22 6131 6673
Email nzcg.mumbai@nzte.govt.nz
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 hrs - 1700 hrs
Street Address Maithri, 132 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086, India
Telephone +91 44 2811 2472 Facsimile +91 44 2811 2449
Email l.ganesh@rane.co.in
