Middle East security situation

The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile and unpredictable.

Military airstrikes in Israel and in Iran

There are ongoing military airstrikes in Israel and in Iran. While strikes are under way, New Zealanders in the affected areas should shelter in a safe place and follow appropriate advice from local authorities. Remain security conscious and monitor media for updates.

It is likely that communications will be disrupted for a period of time, which will make it difficult for you to make contact with your family and friends to let them know you are safe. You should keep trying as lines become clear.

Transportation, particularly flights, will also be disrupted. It may not be safe to travel for a period of time, depending on where you are.

Once it is safe to, you should consider making plans to leave.

More information on keeping yourself safe and sheltering in place can be found on the our violence or conflict page.

Read our travel advice for Iran

Read our travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Making plans to leave

Due to the ongoing military activity, there are airspace closures over Iran and Israel. Flight cancellations may mean it is not possible to leave via plane for a number of days, or even longer. If you plan on exiting Iran or Israel via land borders instead, keep in mind there are significant safety risks associated with overland travel. See below for options for exiting Israel and Iran with a valid New Zealand passport. Please note that border crossings could close without notice and any timings listed are subject to change. Check the latest public information before you travel.

Israel

Israel-Jordan border

• Allenby/King Hussein bridge is open from approximately 8:00 am - 2:30 pm.
• The northern crossing at the Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein is open from approximately 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. 
• The Southern crossing at Tizhak Rabin/Wadi Araba is open from approximately 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. 
• Read more about our travel advice for Jordan here. 

Israel-Egypt border

• Menahem Begin/Taba border crossing, from southern Israel into the Sinai Peninsula, has been reported as open for 24 hours a day. 
• A charge of approximately 30 NZD has been reported for a Sinai Permit at the Taba crossing. 
• Please note you will require a visa if you wish to leave the Sinai Peninsula to other areas in Egypt. There is an international airport at Sharm el Sheikh located in the Sinai Peninsula.  
• Read more about our travel advice for Egypt here. 

Iran

Iran-Türkiye border

• New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to cross the Turkish border.
• Qator/Kadıköy
• Bazargan/Gürbulak
• Sero/Esendere
• Read more about our travel advice for Türkiye here.

Iran-Armenia border

• New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to cross the Armenian border.
• Nordoz/Agarak
• Read more about our travel advice for Armenia here.

Azerbaijan

• We understand the Astara land border between Azerbaijan is currently open. 
• New Zealand passport holders who wish to enter Azerbaijan via the land border must first obtain an e-visa through the official online portal here, as well as a border number. 
• To receive a border number: 

1. You must register your information with the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara by emailing them your full name, passport number, your e-visa for Azerbaijan, and a scan of your passport biodata page. The Embassy's contact email address can be found on the New Zealand Embassy to Türkiye page. 
2. Where New Zealand visa holders are travelling with their New Zealand citizen family members, all information for the visa holders (full name, passport number, e-visa for Azerbaijan, and a scan of passport bio page) must be submitted together and include information on the relationship of the New Zealand citizen they are travelling with. 
3. This process must be completed through the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara. All decisions on issuance of e-visas and border numbers are made by Azerbaijan authorities. 
4. The single-entry e-visa for Azerbaijan is valid for 30 days, and travellers are permitted to remain in the country for the full duration of that validity period.

• Read more about our travel advice for Azerbaijan here. 

Travel elsewhere in the Middle East

If you are currently travelling in, or considering travel to, other countries in the region, you should read our travel advice before travelling for the latest information. To get updates to our advice while you're travelling, register your details on SafeTravel.

If you have concerns for your safety, or you're unsure about your intended travel plans, consider making alternative arrangements.

Monitor the media to stay informed about current events in your travel destination.

All New Zealanders travelling overseas should take out comprehensive travel insurance.

Demonstrations and unrest

Demonstrations and unrest linked to the situation in the Middle East are occurring in countries worldwide. If you're travelling overseas, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Monitor local and international media for information about possible safety or security risks.

The Government respects the right of New Zealanders to engage in peaceful protests. New Zealanders also need to respect the laws of the country they are in. The reality is that some governments place more rules around protest activity than New Zealand.

New Zealanders should also be aware that protest actions may be contrary to visa conditions in some countries. In some countries, demonstrations without prior approval by authorities are unlawful.

Consular assistance

If you require urgent consular assistance, please contact the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.