Middle East: advice for temporary visa holders in New Zealand affected by travel disruptions

The ongoing situation in the Middle East continues to disrupt international travel, including flight cancellations and delays through key transit hubs.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) understands this is a stressful situation for people whose travel plans have been affected. INZ services continue to operate, and we are taking a pragmatic and empathetic approach where people are affected by circumstances beyond their control.

This information is for people who hold a temporary New Zealand visa, including visitor, work, student and other temporary visas, whether they are currently in New Zealand or outside New Zealand.

If you hold a New Zealand visa

If you hold a New Zealand visa and are planning to travel, you must continue to meet all visa conditions, including checking:

• your visa expiry date
• any travel conditions attached to your visa.

The current situation in Iran and surrounding regions may disrupt flights at short notice. You should ensure your travel plans are confirmed before departing.

Holding a valid visa does not guarantee access to flights, as international air services may be affected by the closure of international airspace.

Your temporary visa is about to expire

What you need to do depends on where you are and your visa status.

If you are in New Zealand

If you need to stay past the expiry date of your current temporary visa, you cannot extend your visa. You must apply for another temporary visa before your current visa expires.

If you apply before expiry and a decision has not been made, you may be issued an Interim Visa, allowing you to remain in New Zealand lawfully while your application is processed.

INZ understands that, in crisis situations, it may not be possible to obtain all usual documentation. Applications will be assessed based on the information people can reasonably access, and individual circumstances will be taken into account.

If you are outside New Zealand

If your visa expires while you are offshore, you will not be able to return on that visa and must apply for a new visa before travelling to New Zealand.

Some visas issued offshore include first entry travel dates. If the current Middle East situation has delayed your travel, you should check whether your visa’s travel validity still applies before making plans.

INZ understands that in crisis situations it may not be possible to obtain all usual documentation. Applications will be assessed based on the information people can reasonably access, and individual circumstances will be taken into account.

What type of visa should you apply for

The visa you should apply for depends on your current visa and your reason for staying.

• Visitor visa holders should apply for another temporary visa (for example, a further visitor visa).
• Work visa holders should apply for a new work visa if they still meet the requirements, or another appropriate temporary visa if their circumstances have changed.
• Student visa holders should apply for a new student visa or another appropriate temporary visa if they are unable to depart as planned.
• Other temporary visa holders should apply for the visa that best matches their circumstances.

You must apply before your current visa expires to remain eligible for an Interim Visa.

If you should apply for another visitor visa or submit a Section 61 request

The correct option depends on whether you are still lawful in New Zealand.

If you still hold a valid visa

You should apply for another temporary visa before your current visa expires. This is the correct and expected pathway while you remain lawful.

If your visa has already expired

If your visa has expired, you are in New Zealand unlawfully and must leave immediately. Staying in New Zealand without a visa is against the law and may result in detention and deportation.

Will a temporary extension or grace period be granted?

There is no automatic extension or grace period linked to the Middle East conflict.

INZ recognises that current events are creating disruption and uncertainty for some travellers. Where people are affected by circumstances beyond their control, INZ is taking a pragmatic and empathetic approach, with each situation considered on its individual merits within existing immigration settings.

People are expected to take timely action to remain lawful, as remaining in New Zealand without a valid visa is not permitted.

Section 61 requests

You must hold a valid visa to stay in New Zealand.

If your visa expires and you become unlawful in New Zealand and cannot depart, you may be able to request a visa under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009 (a special case request). This process is discretionary and intended for exceptional circumstances.

Submitting a section 61 request:

• does not guarantee a visa will be granted
• does not automatically prevent deportation.

How to make a Section 61 request

Email your written request to: s61@mbie.govt.nz

Include:

• your personal details and contact details
• an explanation of why you became unlawful
• your personal circumstances
• how you may contribute to New Zealand
• the type of visa you are requesting.

Attach a copy of your passport photo and details page and any supporting evidence.

Do not include credit card details. INZ will contact you for payment only if a visa is approved in principle.

Are any special visa arrangements being considered for affected nationals?

INZ recognises the conflict is a difficult situation for people separated from loved ones.

INZ is following standard application processes, and affected nationals can apply for the same visa categories that were available before the conflict.

Any decision to introduce a special visa category or immigration direction would be a matter for the Government.

More information

People affected by travel disruption are encouraged to use online services where possible:

• Explore all visas
• Check or change your visitor visa conditions
• Interim visas so you can stay here lawfully
• Contact us

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if advice or settings change.