Destinations in South Asia

South Asia

Security

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.

Extreme risk

Destinations in South Asia where we advise against all travel

India Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of the Ladakh region via Manali or by air to the region's main city of Leh. The India-Pakistan international border, other than at the international border crossing at Atari, India and Wagah, Pakistan
Pakistan

High risk

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

Bangladesh Chittagong Hill Tracts region
India eastern states of Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland

Some risk

Destinations in South Asia where we advise caution

Bangladesh
India except - Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of the Ladakh region via Manali or by air to the region's main city of Leh (extreme risk). The India-Pakistan international border, other than at the international border crossing at Atari, India and Wagah, Pakistan (extreme risk). North eastern states of Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland (high risk).
Maldives Malé Island (excluding Malé International Airport)
Nepal
Sri Lanka