Sri Lanka Travel Advisory
Consular Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealanders Advised Against Travel To Sri Lanka

There is an extreme risk to your security in the northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka due to the fighting between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan authorities. New Zealanders are advised not to travel to these areas. New Zealanders currently in area should not attempt to depart the conflict area on their own. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is currently finalising an evacuation of foreign nationals who wish to leave the Jaffna district. New Zealanders wishing to take part in the ICRC evacuation are urged to contact the New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi, tel. +91 11 2688 3170 as soon as possible.

Reports of heavy fighting, including the use of ground forces, air and naval attacks, shelling, continue in the north and east of the country. Much of these areas remain landmined.

Elsewhere in Sri Lanka, there is a high risk to your security as the situation is unpredictable. We advise against tourist and non-essential travel. In the capital, Colombo, on 8 and 14 August 2006 bomb attacks caused deaths and injuries. You should avoid areas where there are Sri Lankan military bases and where the military are operating, eg convoys, patrols. Be security conscious. Keep yourself updated on the situation by monitoring local media and follow any instructions issued by local authorities and security forces. The state of emergency declared by the government on 13 August 2005 remains in effect.

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