Travel Advice For India Revised - 13 August 2004

Issued on Friday 13 August 2004 NZT

We continue to advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir and to the India-Pakistan border.

New Zealanders should take account of the potential for terrorist activity by militant groups, including attacks against national institutions within major cities and at religious sites, festivals, tourist resorts, hotels, and fairs frequented by westerners. Significant dates such as Independence Day on 15 August could be a particular focus and travellers should avoid national monuments and major tourist sites such as the Red Fort on these days.

Since April 2003 there has been a reduction in tension between India and Pakistan, and some confidence-building measures, including the resumption of some road, rail and air links, have been undertaken. However, the security situation remains unpredictable and there remains scope for it to deteriorate.

We advise against all travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, 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 deferral of non-essential travel to the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur and the need for additional caution if travelling in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, or Mizoram.

The risk of politically motivated violence elsewhere in India remains significant. On 25 August two bomb blasts in Mumbai killed at least 40 people and injured many more. Travellers throughout India should avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations, especially during festivals. Travellers should be aware, too, of attacks on public transport facilities. We advise New Zealanders in India to closely monitor developments that might affect their safety and maintain a high level of personal security awareness, such as using only authorised taxis and avoiding travelling alone.

We urge New Zealanders in India to register with the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi to report their presence and to receive current advice.

New Zealanders resident in or travelling to India should have comprehensive medical insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air, as many parts of India do not have high quality medical facilities. Good quality treatment is often expensive by New Zealand standards. New Zealanders should also keep in mind that many insurance policies have terrorism exclusion clauses.

New Zealanders in India requiring consular assistance or wishing to record their details should contact :

The New Zealand High Commission
Sir Edmund Hillary Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi, India

Tel: (+ 91 11) 2688 3170 Fax : (+ 91 11) 2688 3165
nzhc@ndf.vsnl.net.in
or
ramita.kumar@mfat.govt.nz

Please provide the following information :
full names of individuals and accompanying dependents
New Zealand passport number(s)
contact details whilst in India
departure dates and details, and
contact information for a family member or friend in New Zealand

New Zealand citizens may also register on-line.

Please note: While every care has been taken in preparing these travel advisories, neither the New Zealand Government nor its agents and employees can accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

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