India

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

India

Terrorism
There is a significant threat of terrorism in India. Terrorist groups have in the past issued statements threatening to carry out attacks in India. In some areas terrorist incidents are frequent, especially Jammu and Kashmir and less frequently in parts of the north east. There are multiple threat actors that conduct attacks in India and attribution of responsibility can be difficult.

On 29 October 2019, a terrorist attack occurred in Kalgum district, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 7 people being killed and 1 injured.

On 14 February 2019, a terrorist attack occurred on the Jammu – Srinagar highway in Kashmir, which resulted in a number of fatalities and casualties. 

Terrorist attacks may be directed at national institutions within major cities, religious sites, festivals, tourist sites, hotels, markets, fairs, major sporting events, and public transport. Attacks have in the past targeted public places that are frequented by tourists and foreigners. 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. Be particularly vigilant during election periods and in the lead-up to and during times of national significance, such as Diwali, Eid, Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) as these could be a particular focus for attacks.

Crime
Personal safety, particularly for women and girls is a concern in India. There have been a number of sexual offences reported against foreign women in different parts of India, including in major cities and tourist destinations. Women travellers should take particular care, even when travelling in a group and avoid travelling alone, especially at night. We recommend all travellers respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas, including beaches.

There have been occasional reports of food or drink being spiked with sedatives so extra care should be taken to ensure your food or drink is never left unattended. We recommend being cautious accepting food or drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances. There are reports where food and drink has been drugged, and travellers robbed of their possessions. 

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common, particularly in crowded areas such as markets, airports and on buses, metros and trains (including overnight and long-distance trains). We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents.

Scams are common throughout India. Some scams targeting travellers include fake tour guide services and train tickets, taxi drivers taking clients on unwanted tours and extended rides, or bank card details being copied from compromised ATMs. Scams involving the export of jewels and carpets have also occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you offering money to export such items. Don’t accept any offer, no matter how convincing. If you believe you are the victim of a scam we advise contacting the police immediately.

Road travel
Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death overseas and India leads the world in traffic-related deaths. Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout India. Most roads and vehicles are not well maintained, and drivers often do not follow traffic rules.  Avoid travelling by road outside city centres after dark. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts. If you travel by motorbike, wear a helmet and proper footwear. Be very careful when crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings.

Exercise vigilance and avoid taking public transport, or in taxis and auto-rickshaws after dark. If you have to use a taxi, get one from hotel taxi ranks, try to avoid hailing taxis on the street. Avoid walking alone at night in less populous and unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches.

Civil unrest
Protests and demonstrations (or “bandh”) occur sporadically throughout India and may cause politically motivated violence. These can cause major disruption to transportation and tourist-related services. There is a risk of armed insurgent activity in Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Assam. Attacks by insurgents usually target Indian government and security forces, however bystanders are susceptible to being caught up and insurgents have attacked local transport and train services.

Violent extremist groups are also active in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha to the west of Delhi, Maharashtra, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and in remote parts of Bihar and West Bengal, primarily targeting Indian government facilities and security forces. Strikes and disruptions in these areas can affect rail and road transport networks.

We advise New Zealanders to closely monitor developments that might affect their safety via local media channels. We recommend you avoid all demonstrations, protests and political campaign rallies as they could result in spontaneous violent confrontations, particularly around elections or in the wake of the death of party or government leaders. You should follow the instructions of the local authorities, including curfews and exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times. Be prepared to change your travel plans if there’s an incident.

General travel advice
New Zealanders should familiarise themselves with local laws and customs in India. There are serious penalties for activities that may not be illegal in New Zealand, such as the government ban on e-cigarettes and related products, carrying a satellite phone, or consuming alcohol without a permit in some states or territories. Air pollution in some parts of India can spike to hazardous levels, especially during winter months and those with pre-existing medical conditions, the very young, or the elderly may be particularly vulnerable. If you intend to travel or live in India, you may wish to seek medical advice in advance of your trip. 

New Zealanders living or travelling in India should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

New Zealanders in India are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand High Commission New Delhi, India

Street Address Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India Telephone +91 11 4688 3170 Fax +91 11 4688 3165 Email nzhcindia@mfat.net Web Site http://www.nzembassy.com/india Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700 hrs

New Zealand Consulate-General Mumbai, India

Street Address Level 2, 3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051, India Telephone +91 22 6131 6666 Fax +91 22 6131 6673 Email nzcg.mumbai@nzte.govt.nz Hours Mon – Fri 0830 hrs – 1700 hrs

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Chennai, India

Street Address Maithri, 132 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086, India Telephone +91 44 2811 2472 Fax +91 44 2811 2449 Email l.ganesh@rane.co.in

See our regional advice for South Asia

MIL OSI