I’ve been to three of the Do Not Travel List

Stuff has reported on the 22 countries Kiwis are advised not to travel to. They are:

• Afghanistan – “There is an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack throughout Afghanistan. The threat to New Zealanders in Afghanistan is very high. Attacks target hotels, housing compounds, restaurants and other places visited by foreigners. There are also threats around airports.”
• Belarus – “Do not travel to Belarus due to the volatile security situation caused by the Russian military action in neighbouring Ukraine and the conducting of military operations by Russian forces from Belarus.”
• Burkina Faso – “You should leave as soon as it is safe. There is a high threat of terrorism and terrorist attacks which could happen at anytime, anywhere.”
• Central African Republic – “New Zealanders who remain in CAR against our advice should avoid any unnecessary travel, keep a low profile, maintain a high degree of personal security awareness and take all possible security precautions to protect their safety.”
• Haiti – “Murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault and carjacking is prevalent and there is an increased risk at night and in isolated areas. Local law enforcement’s response to crime or emergencies is often limited due to lack of resources.”
• Iran – “Violent civil unrest, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention, and the volatile security situation in the region are significant threats to New Zealanders in Iran.”
• Iraq – “The security situation in Iraq remains highly volatile and could deteriorate further, with little or no warning. The terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant remains active in parts of the country, as do other violent extremist groups engaged in sectarian, ethnic and tribal violence and organised crime. Political instability, crime and corruption, and civil unrest are also common in Iraq.”
• Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories – “There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could occur at any time – the situation is highly unpredictable. New Zealanders are advised to be security-conscious at all times.”
• Lebanon – “The political situation in Lebanon is unpredictable. Political developments in the region and international events can escalate tensions and result in outbreaks of civil unrest.”
• Libya – “The political and security situation in Libya remains extremely fragile.”
• Mali – “There is a transitional government in place in Mali, and higher security measures are in place, including random identity checks and roadblocks. Civil unrest is common and demonstrations can turn violent.”
• Myanmar – “The Myanmar military has declared a state of emergency and taken control of the country. There is violence, night-time curfews, and bans on public gatherings across the country. You can also expect an increased security presence.”
• Niger – “Terrorism and kidnapping, the presence of armed militants and an unpredictable security situation are all significant threats in Niger. Terrorist groups are active across Niger and attacks could happen anytime, and in places visited by foreigners.”
• North Korea – “Do not travel to North Korea due to extensive restrictions placed on foreigners, serious risk of arrest and detention, and an uncertain security situation that could change with very little warning. The security situation on the Korean Peninsula remains volatile – technically North Korea and South Korea are still at war.”
• Russian Federation – “Do not travel to Russia due to the impacts the armed conflict with Ukraine has had on commercial flight availability and access to financial services.”
• Somalia, including Somaliland – “Terrorist attacks could occur without warning at anytime, anywhere in Somalia and often involve car bombs, multiple explosions and heavily armed gunmen.”
• South Sudan – “The government has limited capacity to deter crime and maintain law and order throughout South Sudan. Banditry and lawlessness is an issue in rural areas. Humanitarian workers have been the targets of killings and violence in the past.”
• Sudan – “New Zealanders in Sudan should ensure they have appropriate security measures in place including a contingency plan for departure due to the deteriorating security situation.”
• Syria – “There is a significant risk of terrorism, violence and kidnapping throughout Syria. A number of foreign nationals have been targeted and some have been murdered.”
• Ukraine – “The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with heavy fighting on the frontlines in northern, eastern and southern Ukraine and missile and drone strikes possible across the country.”
• Venezuela – “There is a very high level of violent crime throughout Venezuela, including in national parks and tourist areas.”
• Yemen – “The security environment in Yemen is highly unstable and the political situation remains volatile. There is ongoing conflict throughout the country between government forces, Houthi rebels and other groups, with a high risk of gunfire and indiscriminate shelling.”

Ive been to Israel, Iran and Ukraine. I’d like to go back to all three countries in the future.

Others on the list which I would like to visit one day are:

• Iraq (visit Babylon)
• Lebanon (Tripoli and castles)
• Myanmar (Shwedagon Pagoda)
• Russia (Moscow, St Petersberg, Trans-Siberian Express)
• Syria (Tartous and Krak des Chevaliers)
• Venezuela (Canaima National Park)

Most likely is Myanmar and Russia when the current hostilities die down. Syria may become safe in a couple of years if the new Government doesn’t turn repressive. I can’t see Lebanon or Venezuela being safe anytime soon.

Iraq is unlikely, but I do have a good friend from Iraq, so might do it if she was my travel guide!