Auckland: The New Zealand Government has updated its travel advisory for the Middle East, warning that the military conflict between Iran and the United States could escalate further in the coming days.
In a new advisory issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (MFAT) SafeTravel service, the government said the security situation across the Middle East remains highly unpredictable, with military strikes and retaliatory attacks continuing in several locations.
According to the ministry, any further deterioration in the security situation could lead to significant travel disruptions, including airspace closures and widespread interruptions to international flights.
The advisory also warned that New Zealanders travelling through major transit hubs in the Middle East could face lengthy delays or become stranded if the situation worsens.
As a result, New Zealand has raised its travel advice to Level 3 – Avoid Non-Essential Travel for Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The government is also urging travellers to carefully review their travel insurance policies before departure, noting that government travel advisories or war-related exclusions could affect insurance coverage.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to avoid using Gulf airspace until at least 29 July 2026 due to the ongoing security risks.
Travellers have also been advised to check directly with their airlines or travel providers to confirm whether their flights have been affected.
For New Zealanders currently in countries where travel warnings have been issued, the government recommends closely monitoring local media, staying informed about potential targets in the region, and following all instructions issued by local authorities.
“We strongly advise New Zealanders to avoid travelling through the Middle East and to consider alternative travel routes wherever possible,” the advisory states. “If transit through these locations is unavoidable, keep your stay as short as possible, avoid unnecessary activities, and be prepared for sudden airspace closures, flight cancellations, or border closures.”
The advisory also notes that the United States has reportedly carried out military strikes at multiple locations across Iran, including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Konarak, Kurdistan, Sirik, Tabriz and Hamadan.
It further states that Iran has targeted US military facilities and other American interests across the region, while also attacking—or threatening to attack—civilian infrastructure, including airports and water desalination plants.
The updated advisory reflects New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to keep its citizens informed and safe as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
