Category: Transport

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

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to the unpredictable security situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).  

Liberia

Violent Crime
Violent crime occurs throughout Liberia, and there is a high incidence of armed robbery, sexual assault, mugging and residential burglary. Most crime is opportunistic but there are also organised criminal groups. Criminals are often armed, typically with a knife or a machete. The level of crime is much higher after dark. 

As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery. Walking alone or travelling after dark should be avoided. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or mugging, as this could lead to an escalation in violence. Avoid travelling alone or after dark.

Liberian police and authorities have a very limited capacity to respond and provide effective protective services, particularly outside the capital Monrovia.  

Terrorism
There is no history of terrorism in Liberia; however, terrorist groups remain active across West Africa and attacks in other countries have targeted beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.

New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Local travel
New Zealanders considering travel to Liberia are advised to make adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. 

You should avoid local public transport. Pre-arrange transport for the duration of your stay, including to and from the airport, which is located some distance from downtown Monrovia. Taxis should be booked using a reputable company via a trusted friend or through your hotel. When travelling by road, keep doors locked and windows up at all times, as taxis have been occasionally targeted for robbery. Secure tourist facilities and accommodation are very limited and poorly maintained. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding. Photo identification should be carried at all times.

The security situation in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, which border Cote D’Ivoire, can be unstable. There are armed groups near the border and occasional cross-border attacks have occurred in the past.

Civil Unrest
The security situation in Liberia remains fragile. Sporadic demonstrations and local disturbances can turn violent and there is ongoing potential for unrest. Police may use tear gas and/or water cannons to disperse demonstrations.  New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to avoid all large crowds, political rallies and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. 

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Liberia. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams. 

Ebola Virus Disease
Following an Ebola outbreak in 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Liberia free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission in June 2016. For more information on Ebola, please see the Ministry of Health’s website and the WHO website. 

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Liberia, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Liberia should consider. 

Modern medical services in Liberia are very limited, so we advise New Zealanders travelling or living in Liberia to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments or officials, is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa for Liberia at all times. Checkpoints operate throughout the country.

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

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

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

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of kidnapping, terrorism and armed banditry (level 4 of 4). 

Burkina Faso

Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism in Burkina Faso, particularly in border areas with Mali and Niger. States of emergencies remain in place in several border regions. In 2018, terrorist groups released a statement declaring their intention to target westerners and western companies in the Sahel. There have been multiple attacks in the capital and elsewhere in the country since 2016, including:

• On 11 June 2022, over 100 people were killed in an attack in Seytenga, Seno Province.
• On 4 and 5 June 2021, over 160 people were killed in attack on Solhan village, in the northeast.
• On 26 April 2021, 3 foreign nationals were killed in an ambush on the PK 60 road between Fada-N’Gourma and Pama.
• On 1 December 2019, at least 14 people were killed in a shooting attack inside a church in Hantoukoura.
• On 5 November 2019, 37 people were killed and a further 60 injured in an attack on a convoy carrying workers to a Canadian gold mine near Boungou.
• On March 2, 2018, extremists attacked the French Embassy and Burkina Faso’s military headquarters in downtown Ouagadougou. Eight security force personnel, including soldiers and police officers were killed and over 80 others were injured.
• On 13 August 2017, gunmen attacked the Aziz Istanbul restaurant in Ouagadougou, killing at least 18 people.
• On 15 January 2016, armed gunmen attacked the Splendid Hotel and Café Cappuccino in Ouagadougou resulted in 30 deaths, a large number of whom were foreign nationals.

Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Burkina Faso and may be directed at locations with foreign interests or known to be frequented by foreigners, such as embassies, hotels, bars, restaurants, markets, airports, shopping areas, tourist sites, public transport facilities, mining operations and places of worship.

New Zealanders throughout Burkina Faso are advised to maintain a high degree of security awareness at all times, particularly in public areas. Avoid all large gatherings, including music festivals, concerts, sporting events and any public demonstrations or protests. Keep yourself informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local sources of information and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

Kidnapping
There is a heightened threat of kidnapping in Burkina Faso. Terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have stated their intention to kidnap foreigners and may cross the borders from Mali and Niger to carry out kidnappings.

A number of foreigners have previously been kidnapped in Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. In April 2022, a Polish national was kidnapped in north-eastern Burkina Faso and in September 2022, a US national was kidnapped in Yalgo, also in north-eastern Burkina Faso. The threat is likely to continue.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to seek professional security advice or protection before travelling to areas of particular risk.

Political Situation/Civil Unrest
The security situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The political situation continues to evolve following the military coup on 30 September 2022. 

Demonstrations occur regularly and have taken place in major cities. They have the potential to result in violence or clashes, gunfire has been reported in Ougadougou. Expect an increased security presence country-wide and comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews or restrictions of movement. Continued disruptions to internet and other telecommunication services are possible.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large gatherings. 

Banditry
Banditry is a security concern in Burkina Faso. There continue to be reports of attacks by armed criminals on vehicles, including buses, travelling on a variety of main and secondary roads across the country. Criminals have used road blocks to stop and rob travellers and have been known to open fire on vehicles that refuse to stop. While bandits mainly steal valuables, they may physically harm victims during the course of a robbery.

The highest number of incidents occur in the eastern region but there have been a number of attacks in other regions and the threat exists throughout Burkina Faso. Remote and border regions are especially vulnerable.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are advised to travel in convoy if possible, stay on clearly marked roads and avoid travel by night outside major centres. You should seek local advice before setting out and follow a police patrol where possible.

Crime
Street crime is prevalent in Burkina Faso and foreigners may be specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Bag-snatchings, muggings and theft from hotel rooms are common, particularly in Ouagadougou. The central market and the area around the United Nations circle are often targeted by thieves. Theft is often perpetrated by one or two people on motorbikes.

Criminals in urban areas may carry knives in order to cut straps on bags and can become violent if the victim is non-compliant. Sexual assault occurs periodically in smaller towns and within Ouagadougou.

New Zealanders are advised to exercise particular vigilance in crowded or public areas, avoid showing signs of affluence and keep personal belongings secure at all times.

When driving you should keep doors locked, windows up and keep any valuables out of sight. Avoid travelling alone at night, as risks increase after dark.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is a common problem in Burkino Faso. New Zealanders in Burkina Faso should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Burkina Faso, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is extremely limited.

We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Burkina Faso should consider.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Burkina Faso to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Modern medical services in Burkina Faso are very limited, New Zealanders travelling or living in Burkina Faso should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

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

 

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

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

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Somalia, including Somaliland (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Somalia are advised to leave. There is a significant threat from terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and a high level of violent crime throughout the country.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Somalia against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company with experience in Somalia for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely. No part of Somalia can be considered safe. This includes large cities such as Mogadishu and Kismayo.

Somalia

Terrorism
There is an extreme threat from terrorism throughout Somalia. Terrorist attacks could occur without warning at anytime, anywhere in Somalia and often involve car bombs, multiple explosions and heavily armed gunmen.

The threat is particularly high in the capital Mogadishu, where terrorist group Al Shabaab continues to conduct attacks on a regular basis. Previous attacks have specifically targeted foreigners and personnel from international organisations.

• On 29 October 2022, two large bombs were used to attack the Somali Ministry of Education. Reporting indicates that over 100 were killed and 300 injured in the attack.
• On 23 October 2022, an attack on the Tawakal Hotel in Kismayo reportedly killed 13 people and injured 47.
• On 29 August 2022, an attack at the Hayat Hotel in central Mogadishu left a reported 21 killed and 117 injured.
• On 22 April 2022, a bomb attack at the Pescatore Seafood restaurant in south Mogadishu reportedly killed 8 and injured 27.
• On 19 February 2022, a bomb attack inside Hassan Dhiif restaurant in Beledweyne city reportedly killed 18 and injured 30.
• On 16 August 2020, an attack on the Elite Hotel in central Mogadishu, which is popular with foreigners, reportedly killed 15 and injured at least 15.
• On 14 October 2017, a large truck bomb exploded in central Mogadishu, killing 358 people and injuring 228.

Other attacks have targeted government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, public transport, places of worship and airports. The Mogadishu international airport is a high-priority target for terrorists due to the presence of Westerners. Further attacks are likely and may target crowded places, high-profile events and events involving government officials. Days of national or religious significance may see more attacks than usual.

New Zealanders in Somalia should monitor local information sources for information on new safety and security risks as the security situation can change very quickly.

Kidnapping
There is an ongoing, very high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in Puntland and Somaliland. Kidnappers may be motivated by financial gain or terrorism. The threat to foreigners is high and a number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Somalia in recent years, and some have been killed.

In addition to taking professional security advice, you should vary your routines to avoid setting predictable patterns of movement, particularly around travel routes.

Violent Crime
Levels of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery and banditry are very high in Somalia and there is no effective police force in place to enforce the rule of law. Anti-western attitudes are strong in parts of Somalia, there have been incidents of foreigners being violently harassed. 

Some schools and facilities acting as “cultural rehabilitation” centres operate throughout Somalia without oversight. There are reports that minors and young adults may be abused or held against their will at these facilities.

Civil Unrest and political tensions
The political situation in Somalia is unpredictable, particularly in Mogadishu. 

There is ongoing, serious violence between opposing factions throughout the country. Fighting often involves heavy weapons.

Demonstrations do occur and there have been clashes between security forces and demonstrators. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings in Somalia. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should leave the area if it is safe to do so, or find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice.

Piracy
Piracy against all forms of maritime traffic is a significant issue in the coastal waters off Somalia, including at some distance from the coast. Mariners are advised to exercise a heightened degree of vigilance and take appropriate precautionary measures in Somali waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report. 

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Somalia, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who require consular assistance is severely limited.  

We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Somalia should consider.

Thousands of people have been displaced due to both conflict and environmental problems (such as droughts and flooding). This has led to an increase in health issues and crime, and a heightened security threat to foreigners. Many areas of Somalia suffer from food shortages.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Somalia to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Same-sex relations are illegal.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Somalia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Somalia – exclusions may well apply. Only very limited medical facilities are available in Somalia and there are shortages of even the most basic medical supplies.

New Zealanders who decide to travel or live in Somalia against our advice are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa