Security

There is an increased global risk of terrorism. No country is immune from a terrorist attack, and no person is immune from becoming a victim of an attack. Terrorists have little regard for civilian casualties and, in many cases, attacks are designed to maximise casualties.

Although New Zealand travellers are unlikely to be targeted deliberately, they are usually indistinguishable from any “Western” tourist, and frequent places where other Western tourists are found. This puts New Zealanders at the same risk as others.

Wherever you are, you should keep yourself informed about the latest alerts and stay aware of your surroundings in areas where large numbers of people congregate, such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, demonstrations and on any public transport.

Random and indiscriminate attacks in the Middle East demonstrate the continuing security threat throughout the region.

Al Qaeda is the most notorious group to have emerged out of the Middle East and spread its attacks globally. It is reported to have cells operating in a number of countries in the region, as evidenced by bombings in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Al Qaeda is also alleged to have close links with Jemaah Islamiyah and other Islamic terrorist groups.

Prominent among many other groups in the region are Hizbollah operating in southern Lebanon, and Hamas, which has been responsible for attacks in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

In recent years terrorist attacks have occurred in Amman, Jordan.

In Iraq, the situation remains hazardous and unpredictable.

Do not travel

Destinations in Middle East where we advise against all travel.

Iran

Do not travel to Iran due to the potential for violent civil unrest, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention and the volatile security situation in the region (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders who are currently in Iran, including dual nationals, are strongly  advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Iraq

Do not travel to Iraq including the Kurdistan region due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation, the ongoing threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in Iraq despite our advice who have concerns for their safety are strongly advised to depart as soon as possible.

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Do not travel to the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza (including the waters off Gaza) due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Gaza are advised to shelter in a secure place and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as departure from Gaza is extremely difficult. The New Zealand Government has an extremely limited ability to provide assistance to New Zealand nationals in Gaza.

Do not travel to the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank due to military operations, the unpredictable security situation and the potential for violent civil unrest (level 4 of 4). 

Do not travel to Israel due to the risk of further escalation in the current conflict and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4). Monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only). New Zealanders currently in Israel should depart now via commercial options.

Jordan

Do not travel within 5km of the borders with Syria and Iraq, with the exception of the tourist site Umm Qais, due to military activity and the uncertain security situation. Jordanian authorities have increased security along the border with Syria and military activity has resulted in fatalities and injuries. (Level 4 of 4).

Lebanon

Do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further (level 4 of 4).

Saudi Arabia

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including Najran and the southern and eastern areas of Jizan, due to ongoing sporadic cross-border attacks (level 4 of 4).

Syria

Do not travel to Syria due to the ongoing civil war and extremely dangerous security situation (level 4 of 4).

There is a significant risk of terrorism, violence and kidnapping throughout Syria. A number of foreign nationals have been targeted and some have been murdered.

We strongly recommend any New Zealanders currently in Syria depart immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so. As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Syria, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens requiring consular assistance is severely limited.

Yemen

Do not travel to Yemen (including the island of Socotra). The ongoing conflict and the extreme threat of terrorism and kidnapping presents a significant risk to New Zealanders in Yemen (level 4 of 4). 

New Zealanders currently in Yemen are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Yemen, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited. The United Kingdom and United States Embassies in Yemen have closed due to the security situation and will not be in a position to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens. You should take this absence of available consular assistance into consideration if you decide to remain in Yemen against our advice.

Avoid non-essential travel

Destinations in Middle East where we advise against tourist and other non-essential travel.

Oman

Avoid non-essential travel to the border area with Yemen due to the ongoing conflict (level 3 of 4).

Saudi Arabia

Avoid non-essential travel between 30 and 80 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including central Jizan and Abha International Airport, due to the potential for cross-border missile and drone attacks (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel to Al Qatif governorate due to violent clashes between government forces and armed groups (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Destinations in Middle East where we advise caution.

Bahrain

Exercise increased caution in Bahrain due to the potential for civil unrest and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Jordan

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Jordan due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest. New Zealanders in Jordan should be aware that there is the potential for neighbouring conflicts in Syria and Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to affect the security situation in Jordan, including beyond the immediate border areas. A number of demonstrations have taken place in Jordan to protest events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Demonstrations are typically peaceful, but they can become confrontational. (Level 2 of 4).

Kuwait

Exercise increased caution in Kuwait due to the threat of terrorism and potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

Oman

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Oman due to the potential for violent demonstrations and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Qatar

Exercise increased caution in Qatar due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Saudi Arabia

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Saudi Arabia due to the threat from terrorism and drone/missile attacks (level 2 of 4).

United Arab Emirates

Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the threat from terrorism and drone/missile attacks (level 2 of 4).