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

Philippines Throughout Mindanao. Sulu Archipelago including Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi island groups

High risk

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

Cambodia Cambodia/Thailand border region in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple
Indonesia
Malaysia coastal areas and offshore Islands and dive sites remote from the main towns of eastern Sabah (from Kudat in the North and around the coast to Tawau)
Burma (Myanmar) along the Burma (Myanmar)/Thailand border
Thailand Thailand/Cambodia border region in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear Temple.  Southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla.

Some risk

Destinations in Southeast Asia where we advise caution

Cambodia except for Cambodia/Thailand border region in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple (high risk)
Malaysia except for areas in eastern Sabah listed as 'High Risk'
Burma (Myanmar)
Philippines except Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago including Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi island groups (extreme risk)
Singapore
Thailand: Bangkok
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: Tuesday, 15 September 2009, 15:10 NZST