Violent protest in Iran

New Zealand Embassy in Tehran is temporarily closed

Due to the deteriorating security situation in 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 call centre on +64 99 20 20 20

Or

The New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye

Telephone: +90(312)4463333

Email: [email protected]

Advice for New Zealanders in Iran

All New Zealanders in Iran should leave now, if it is safe to do so. To receive up to date advice from the New Zealand government be sure to register on SafeTravel.

Violent protests are occurring across Iran. 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. 

There is currently an internet and communications blackout across Iran which makes keeping in touch difficult. If you have concerns for family members in Iran, you should attempt to contact them directly in the first instance, via calls, text, email, or social media channels like Facebook and WhatsApp.   If you're unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their well-being, please let us know. 

If you are in Iran, reach out to your loved ones as soon as you can to let them know you're safe. 

There continues to be significant ongoing risk of conflict in the region, including between Israel and Iran. Public reports continue to refer to threats of renewed military action by both governments. This reinforces our advice to New Zealanders to leave Iran while it is still possible and safe to do so.

Commercial options for departure from Iran are still available but may quickly become limited. The decision by Iranian authorities to temporarily close its airspace (except for approved international flights) demonstrates that commercial flights may be suspended at any time making it difficult to leave later. 

We continue to advise against all travel to Iran. Our full travel advice for Iran can be found on our Iran page.

Travellers can also read our advice about keeping safe when there is a threat of violence or conflict.

Advice for New Zealanders considering travel elsewhere in the Middle East

Media reports have indicated that some personnel have been advised to leave military bases in the region. The security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. We encourage you to monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities. 

If you are currently travelling in, or considering travel to, other countries in the Middle East, you should read our:

• travel advice for the country you are travelling
• advice about keeping yourself safe when there is a threat of violence or conflict. 

All New Zealanders travelling overseas should take out comprehensive travel insurance that provides cover for all activities you plan to undertake.

Consular assistance

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

The New Zealand Embassy in Tehran, Iran can be contacted on +98 212 273 5962 or at [email protected]

See our travel advice for your nearest Embassy or High Commission.