20/03/2026
Kiwis in UAE and Qatar ⬇️
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.
At the moment we advise that New Zealanders do not travel (Level 4 of 4) to Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, 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.
Emirates and Etihad Airways 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.
Since this conflict began, we have worked closely with the airlines to support flight connectivity for New Zealanders. We are grateful to Emirates, Qatar and Etihad for their support in making more flight options available for Kiwis to get home.
Please register on Safetravel.govt.nz and follow our social media for important updates and advice.
If you are in need of urgent consular assistance, please call 0800 30 10 30 or +64 99 20 20 20