Southeast 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 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.

Kidnappings and bombings have been the hallmark of several groups operating in the southern Philippines such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf Group. In Indonesia members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (which allegedly has links to Al Qaeda) have been charged with responsibility for the Bali Bombings in 2002 and 2005. There is a risk of kidnapping of foreigners travelling to the islands and coastal areas in Eastern Sabah (from Kudat in the north around eastwards to Tawau) by the Abu Sayyaf Group operating out of the Philippines.

Other countries in Southeast Asia, particularly those with Islamic populations, have terrorism concerns. Accordingly, there is now a region-wide warning out about the possibility of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia.

In many Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Viet Nam, the penalties for drug offences (possession or trafficking) are severe and can include the death penalty. The possession of even small quantities of drugs for recreational purposes can result in lengthy jail sentences and deportation. While "party pills" may be legal in New Zealand, travellers should not take them on holiday overseas as they are classed as prohibited substances/drugs in many countries.

Extreme risk

Destinations in Southeast Asia where we advise against all travel

Malaysia Eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna and the offshore islands and dive sites
Philippines Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (including Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi, Cotabato City and Isabella City

High risk

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

Cambodia Cambodia/Thailand border
Indonesia Central Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua provinces
Myanmar state of Rakhine, borders with China, Laos and Thailand, and townships of Meiktila, Mahlaing, Tharzi, Wundwin and Yamethin (Mandalay Division, Central Myanmar)
Philippines Provinces of Mindanao not covered in the Extreme Risk areas.
Thailand Provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla, Thailand/Cambodia border and Thailand/Myanmar border

Some risk

Destinations in Southeast Asia where we advise caution

Cambodia except for Cambodia/Thailand border (high risk)
Malaysia except for eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna and the offshore islands and dive sites (extreme risk)
Myanmar except state of Rakhine, borders with China, Laos and Thailand, and townships of Meiktila, Mahlaing, Tharzi, Wundwin and Yamethin (Mandalay Division, Central Myanmar) (high risk)
Indonesia except Central Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua provinces (high risk)
Philippines except Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (including Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi, Cotabato City and Isabella City (extreme risk) and Provinces of Mindanao not covered in the Extreme Risk areas (high risk)
Singapore
Thailand except provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla, Thailand/Cambodia border and Thailand/Myanmar border (high risk)
Timor-Leste

Health

For current health alerts

Where New Zealand has embassies in Southeast Asia

Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Viet Nam

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Page last updated: Thursday, 04 April 2013, 16:14 NZDT