Overview

Given ongoing military strikes impacting Iran, we continue to advise New Zealanders to leave Iran if it is safe and possible to do so. If you are unable to leave Iran, you should shelter in place and follow the advice of local authorities at all times. Familiarise yourself with our advice about what to do during violence or conflict.

Due to the deteriorating security situation, New Zealanders in Iran should leave as soon as possible, provided it is safe to do so. 

New Zealanders should consider leaving via crossings into Türkiye and Armenia. New Zealanders have successfully used these routes to leave Iran. A limited number of flights continue to operate out of Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, though airspace closures could be instituted at any moment.

We also recognise that many New Zealanders will may have safety concerns or won’t have access to transport. Those in this situation will need to move to or continue to shelter in a safe place. You should prepare essential supplies including sufficient food, water, torches, batteries, and necessary daily medications. 

You should know what to do in the event of a drone or missile attack:

• Know how alerts are communicated in your location (for example, sirens or mobile phone alerts).
  • Sign up to ensure you receive any alerts issued by local civil defence authorities if this exists in your area. Be aware that drone or missile attacks could occur without any official warning being issued. 
• Know what to do – follow the advice of local authorities at all times. This includes any evacuation orders or shelter in place instructions. Monitor and subscribe to local media to stay informed of local developments.
• Know where to go if an attack occurs, including whether there are shelters in your location or nearby.
  • If there are no designated shelters, immediately move inside a building and ideally to a basement or interior room away from windows.
  • Shelter in place until you receive an all‑clear notification, or for at least one hour after the last attack or intercept is heard.
• No go. Know where likely targets are and avoid these locations, relocating to a safer location if they’re close by. Likely targets include military bases, oil infrastructure, critical infrastructure like airports, power plants and sub-stations, telecommunication sites, de-salination plants.
• When possible, keep in touch with loved ones in New Zealand to let them know of your wellbeing.

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.

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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