Saturday, July 12, 2025
Denmark has been added to New Zealand’s Level 1 travel advisory list, which includes Japan, Luxembourg, Australia, Malaysia, and other nations, officially, since the country was reviewed to prove generally a person-safe destination, and only minimal precautions are needed. Though these nations represent solid places to visit with minimum overall risk, those traveling to them are cautioned by New Zealand officials due to petty crime, occasional civil disturbances, terrorism risk, and natural disasters, among others. The update on Denmark shows New Zealand’s continued efforts to notify its residents about new considerations pertaining to the safety on destinations that are considered by many to be minimum-risk countries.
As part of an extensive update to its worldwide travel advisory system, Denmark was officially placed on New Zealand’s Level 1 alert list, joining an expanding list that includes Japan, Canada, Luxembourg, Australia, Malaysia, Poland, and several others deemed to be travel-safe destinations. Being on this level means New Zealand residents are cautioned to take usual security and safety precautions when going to those destinations—implying that risks are present, yet minimal and containable.
The classification of Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions is the lowest level risk within New Zealand’s four-level travel advisory scale. Although not without security or health risks, nations within this category pose no severe risk to New Zealanders. Travelers, however, should still stay informed, exercise awareness of one’s surroundings, and prepare for possible disruptions such as natural disasters, street crime, civil disturbances, or unforeseen changes to local laws.
Denmark: Low Threats, High Awareness in a Safe and Modern Nation
One of the safest and most advanced countries globally, Denmark still has New Zealand’s advisory which has significant caveats related to safety. The alert mentions petty crime, particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching, that may take place within busy tourist spots, cafes, hotels, train stations, and public transit. Personal belongings should be kept secure, valuables should not be shown, and one should stay vigilant within busy areas.
Notably, the advisory mentions an ongoing risk of terrorism. Although there have not been any significant recent attacks, there continues to be a risk that radicalized individuals, such as those who return from combat zones, might attack public areas. The risk is not specific or near-term, but travelers should always stay attuned to their surroundings and pay attention to local media reports for security information.
New Zealanders are further reminded that Greenland and the Faroe Islands are within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Denmark. Travellers to Greenland, in particular, need to prepare to find limited emergency and medical facilities. The Arctic climate, isolation, and harsh terrain exacerbate rescue efforts and evacuations, making them very expensive and difficult. Travel insurance that covers full medical and emergency assistance, including air ambulance, is highly recommended.
Japan: Extremely Safe but Not Without Risks
Japan is a favorite among Kiwi travelers due to its safety, culture, cuisine, and efficient infrastructure. It continues to hold a Level 1 status, but the advisory highlights certain risks. While violent crime is rare, theft and drink-spiking have occurred in entertainment districts like Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Shibuya. Tourists are encouraged to stay in groups at night, monitor their drinks, and avoid unlicensed establishments.
Japan also sits on the Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic activity. Visitors are urged to download the NHK World-Japan app, which offers timely alerts in English for natural disasters. Additionally, tensions with North Korea—especially due to its missile tests over Japanese territory—remain a distant but noted geopolitical concern.
Nonetheless, Japan continues to rank among the safest nations on earth, and New Zealanders may travel there confidently, provided that they stay informed and prepared.
Canada: Natural Beauty with Seasonal Challenges
Canada is another nation listed under the Level 1 advisory. The advisory underscores the need to be aware of petty crime in busy tourist zones and larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Theft from parked vehicles, bag snatching, and occasional scams can affect tourists.
More pressing, however, are environmental risks. Snow and ice storms during the winter months can cause transportation disruptions and road hazards, especially in remote regions. During spring and summer, wildfires can spark rapidly and pose a serious threat to forested and mountainous areas. New Zealanders traveling to Canada should have evacuation plans and monitor weather advisories closely.
Comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is very much recommended because medical expenses can become costly to foreigners who are uninsured.
Luxembourg: A Tiny but Important Stop on Europe’s Safe List
Although Luxembourg’s size may be diminutive, there’s no doubting its importance within European politics and economics. And there’s a spot for Luxembourg on New Zealand’s Level 1 travel advisory list too. Petty crime, much like everywhere else on this list, is the most common issue—specifically on public transit and central parts of cities.
Visitors are cautioned not to leave valuables in unsecured cars, and to take particular precautions during a festival or big event. While the risk from terrorism is very low, officials urge tourists to remain vigilant while moving about and to heed local authorities’ advice in the event of an emergency.
Australia: Trusted Neighbor with Unique Threats
As its nearest neighbor, Australia receives tens of thousands of Kiwi tourists annually. While considered Level 1, Australia offers its own share of risks—mostly natural dangers and severe weather.
Bushfires may occur during the summer months in country and coastal regions. Flooding and cyclones are possibilities in the north, which may interfere with travel arrangements. The alert actually names Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to hit Brisbane in early March, to illustrate that travelers should always stay on guard.
Another thing to consider is wildlife. Though not common, tourists should take precautions against crocodiles, snakes, and spiders from rural or jungle regions.
People from New Zealand are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV subclass 444) on arrival. Yet, not meeting the requirements for character or health might cause visa cancellation, detention by the Australian immigration, or even deportation.
Malaysia: Culturally Rich, Regionally Complex
The status of Malaysia remains at Level 1, yet New Zealand discourages travel to the north-eastern coastal states within East Malaysia, such as Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, and Semporna, and to offshore islands and dive sites, since this area is found to have a high risk from criminal groups and kidnapping activity.
In major cities like Kuala Lumpur, travelers should watch for petty crime, scams, and drink-spiking. Additionally, Malaysia’s zero-tolerance drug policy is strictly enforced. Authorities can conduct urine tests upon arrival if drug use is suspected, and penalties for possession can include the death penalty.
New Zealand advises against traveling overland from Malaysia to southern Thailand, where violent attacks and politically motivated attacks continue to take place.
Poland: Stable But Watch for Protests and Dual Citizenship Rules
Poland falls under the Level 1 advisory and has special advisory notes. Demonstrations and protests, although typically peaceful, may cause disruptions to public transit or result in confrontations with law enforcement. Travelers should exercise care to avoid large groups and stay prudent within city centers.
The advisory further mentions Poland’s strict stance on dual nationality. New Zealand–Polish dual citizens are only considered Polish citizens within Poland. Therefore, they have to travel and leave on a Polish passport, and New Zealand might not be in a position to offer consular help should there be difficulties.
New Zealand Travel Advisory Summary Table (Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions)CountryAdvisory LevelKey Risks & WarningsDenmarkLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsPetty theft in tourist zones, terrorism threat, protest risks, limited Arctic response in Greenland/Faroe IslandsJapanLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsPickpocketing, drink-spiking in nightlife areas, frequent earthquakes, typhoons, North Korea tensionCanadaLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsTheft in urban tourist areas, severe winter storms, summer wildfires, expensive medical servicesLuxembourgLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsPickpocketing on public transport, occasional theft from vehicles, low terrorism riskAustraliaLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsBushfires, tropical cyclones, venomous wildlife, SCV visa enforcement and deportation risksMalaysiaLevel 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (Eastern Sabah: Level 3)Petty theft, drug testing on arrival, kidnapping risks in Sabah, political unrest near Thai borderPolandLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsPetty crime, drink-spiking, civil protests, limited consular support for dual nationalsGeneral Advice Across All Level 1 Countries
Even though these countries fall under the safest advisory level, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) recommends that all travelers:
Stay informed by monitoring local news and government updatesAvoid large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, which may turn violentCarry valid identification and travel documents at all timesKeep belongings secure, particularly in crowded tourist areas or on public transportMaintain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation, natural disasters, and cancellation disruptions
Also, tourists going to Europe, such as Denmark, Poland, and Luxembourg, should take note that these countries are within the Schengen Area, and there’s free movement between borders, yet tourists should always carry passports and should anticipate spot checks or identification validation on the borders.
While overseas travel is back on track, there’s a reminder to Kiwis that even the safest spots carry risks. Denmark, Japan, Canada, and Australia still offer first-class trips with relatively modest risks, but tourists should remain proactive and up to date.
Denmark was included on New Zealand’s Level 1 travel advisory list along with nations such as Japan and Australia because its overall safety and security risk are minimal. Travelers, though, should still remain vigilant against petty crime and terrorism threats.
The recent inclusion of Denmark on New Zealand’s travel advisory list mirrors a current effort to keep citizens up to date, prepared, and empowered to travel safely. Whether you head to Greenland’s fjords, Tokyo’s crowded streets, or Canada and Australia’s attractions, a pinch of caution goes a long way to ensuring an unforgettable and safe trip.
