Overview

On 8 April (NZT) the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire.  While the situation remains volatile, the ceasefire creates a potential window for New Zealanders to leave Iran. 

The New Zealand Embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed from 16 January 2026 until further notice.

While the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide assistance to New Zealanders in Iran is extremely limited, those needing consular support should contact:

MFAT’s 24/7 consular emergency line: +64 99 20 20 20, or

The New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye

Telephone: +90(312)4463333

Email: [email protected]

Iran's airspace is closed and commercial flights are suspended. We continue to advise that you should leave Iran when it is safe to do so.

If you cannot leave, shelter in a safe place. Make sure you have sufficient food and water, torches, and batteries, as well as any medications you need. Prioritise your safety, monitor local media and events.

Departing Iran via land crossings

Land borders remain open but could close without notice. We understand roads to Türkiye and Armenia remain open, and as of 10 April, we are aware of buses running daily from Tehran to Istanbul, Van and Yerevan. Please note that depending on your destination, the route out may require taking multiple buses. We recommend booking a week in advance to secure a seat on bus services, although you may be able to secure a seat earlier. 

If you plan on exiting Iran via land borders, bear in mind there are significant safety risks associated with road movements and overland travel. Check in advance the opening hours of the border crossings. 

Before you travel, check the latest public information from local authorities in both Iran, and the country you plan to travel through. We also advise you check our travel advice for any country you plan to travel through.

• We are aware of reports that some dual nationals have been able to exit Iran via border crossings. Iran doesn't recognise dual citizenship. Under Iranian law, Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on their Iranian passport. If you hold both Iranian and New Zealand citizenship, it is highly unlikely the New Zealand Government would be informed of your arrest or granted access to provide consular assistance to you.
• There may be additional requirements for Iranian nationals from the Iranian government before you exit Iran.

If you choose to depart Iran via a land border crossing, you will need to comply with any entry conditions of the country you are entering and make your own arrangements for accommodation and any onward travel.

We are aware of the following available overland border crossings:

Türkiye
New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to cross the Turkish border:

• Qator/Kapıköy
• Bazargan/Gürbulak
• Sero/Esendere.

Armenia
New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to cross the Armenian border

• Nordoz/Agarak

Azerbaijan
We understand the Astara land border between Azerbaijan and Iran is currently open. 

• To cross into Azerbaijan, you must register your information with the New Zealand Embassy in Türkiye first by sending your full name, passport number, and a copy of your passport to [email protected]. You will then be issued with a border number for entry. 

Turkmenistan
We understand the land border between Turkmenistan and Iran is currently open.

• If you plan to cross into Turkmenistan, you must register your information with the New Zealand Embassy in Türkiye by sending your full name, passport number, and a copy of your passport to [email protected]. You will then be issued with a border number for entry. 

Other things that New Zealanders travelling to or living in Iran should be aware of are:

• Violent protests - Violent protests have occurred across Iran, and the security situation is volatile. Security forces have responded by using tear gas and force to disperse demonstrators. The protests have resulted in a number of deaths, injuries, and a significant number of arrests. New Zealanders in Iran should avoid all demonstrations, rallies, and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. 
• Violent civil unrest, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention - these, and the volatile security situation in the region, are significant threats to New Zealanders in Iran. 
• Water shortage - there is water scarcity currently in some parts of Iran. Local authorities may ration water supplies, and running water may not always be available. If you're in Iran, keep supplies of bottled water and water purification tablets on hand and stay informed of the current situation and any restrictions by monitoring local media. 

New Zealanders in Iran should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place, which includes provision for medical evacuation by air. Confirm that the policy covers Iran. 

See below for detailed travel advice. 

Consular assistance

The ability of the New Zealand Government to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders in Iran is extremely limited. We can't guarantee consular access or assistance if you are detained, encounter difficulties, or in military conflict.

The New Zealand Embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed from 16 January 2026 until further notice.

Iran doesn't recognise dual citizenship. Under Iranian law, Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on their Iranian passport. This further constrains the New Zealand Government's ability to provide consular assistance within Iran.

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