New Zealand Retains ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ Advisory for Travel to India

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has reaffirmed its ‘Exercise increased caution’ advisory for travellers to India in its latest bulletin updated on 4 October. The travel notice maintains a higher ‘Do not travel’ level (4/4) within 10 km of the India-Pakistan international border, but stops short of broader restrictions, citing stable security conditions in most metro areas. The confirmation is particularly relevant for Kiwi businesses sending staff to New Delhi later this month for the Tech 4 Good Summit and for New Zealand universities with faculty exchange programmes starting their October terms. While MFAT flags petty crime and occasional political demonstrations, it acknowledges that India’s inbound traveller processes have “significantly digitised”, noting the mandatory e-arrival form and faster e-Visa approvals for New Zealand passport holders (typically under 48 hours). Corporate travel managers are advised to ensure travellers enrol in the Safe Travel registration programme and carry hard copies of the e-Visa approval letter, as some Indian carriers still ask for printouts at check-in. MFAT also reminds citizens that most Indian hospitals demand proof of funds or insurance before treatment—critical for assignees venturing beyond Tier-1 cities, where cashless facilities under global insurance networks may be limited. The advisory coincides with an uptick in bilateral commercial activity ahead of the New Zealand–India Business Council’s annual forum in Mumbai on 17 October. Immigration consultants say the stable risk rating should reassure SMEs planning exploratory trips but emphasise that visitors whose work involves filming or technical installations must seek the appropriate (B-1) business visa category rather than arriving on an e-Tourist visa. MFAT will continue to monitor developments, especially along the western border, and urges companies to run updated security briefings for staff transiting through Amritsar or travelling overland to Wagah for day trips into Pakistan.