Page updated 22 March 2026
Middle East security situation
Security
Middle East
Page updated 22 March 2026
Military strikes continue to impact several countries across the Middle East.
If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may not be able to leave if conflict escalates.
Flights can change at short notice. Roads and borders can close. Even if your final destination is not in the Middle East, your travel plans could still be disrupted. That is why we are still advising New Zealanders who are in the region to leave now on a commercial flight while these remain available, if they can do so safely.
Civilian infrastructure across multiple Middle Eastern territories continues to be targeted. This includes hotels, roads, bridges, water infrastructure and airports. There is also a high risk of strikes near government buildings, military sites and facilities, energy infrastructure (including oil production facilities), and US Embassies, Consulates and other locations with US links.
For a number of locations, we recognise it is not currently possible depart. You should shelter in place if you are concerned about your safety.
Stay alert to any possible threats, particularly in public places and at large gatherings. Follow the advice of local authorities at all times, including shelter in place orders.
Monitor official warning systems in your location. If warned of an imminent attack, move to a shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level. If that isn't possible, shelter away from windows, ideally an inner space if you are in high-rise building.
Stay up-to-date through local and international news.
Update your SafeTravel registration details if your departure date has been delayed, or if you have been able to leave the region.
Ensure your passport is up-to-date and is valid for more than six months. If you are travelling at short notice and your passport has expired, our Emergency Contact Centre may be able to help if you are flying directly to New Zealand, +64 99 20 20.
All airlines and airports continue to stress that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating.
Stay in contact with family and friends and keep them up-to-date on your location and plans.
Emirates continue to operate flights to New Zealand (including via Australia and other destinations). Qatar Airways is operating a number of special flights, including to Australian destinations.
The most up to date and reliable flight information can be obtained from the airlines’ websites. Please check your flight’s status and your airline’s website for operational information, before travelling to the airport.
We advise against travel to almost all countries in the Middle East.
At the moment we advise that New Zealanders do not travel (Level 4 of 4) to most countries in the region, due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and the current risk posed by military strikes and armed conflict. This includes stop overs at Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, or Hamad International Airport in Doha.
The following countries carry our highest advisory level – do not travel:
We advise against all non-essential travel to the following locations:
These advisories are likely to impact travel insurance coverage. If you still plan to travel, you should discuss this with your insurer.
The New Zealand Government has sent consular staff and response teams into the Middle East to support stranded travellers.
In the last week, regular updates on airline services and availability have been sent to New Zealanders that are registered on SafeTravel. New Zealanders in Kuwait and Qatar have been evacuated through assisted departure operations. Support for New Zealanders in Bahrain is also being planned. Embassies and consular officials continue to be in close contact, as communication networks allow, with New Zealanders registered in a number of other countries.
The Ministry’s Emergency Coordination Centre continues to explore all other options for how we can support New Zealanders who have been impacted by this conflict.
New Zealanders that require urgent consular assistance, should contact the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.