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

Date: 25 Sep 2026
Released by: Immigration New Zealand

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Immigration New Zealand on 25 September 2026 issued advice for temporary visa holders affected by Middle East travel disruptions, including flight cancellations through key transit hubs. The guidance covers visitor, work, student and other temporary visas in or outside New Zealand. INZ says services continue and it will take a pragmatic approach where circumstances are beyond people’s control.

## Original release

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

## Key details

- Issued by: Immigration New Zealand
- Published: 25 Sep 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand
- Subject country/region: National (New Zealand)
- Original source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/middle-east-advice-for-temporary-visa-holders-in-new-zealand-affected-by-travel-disruptions/
- MediaRelease.co URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr01057-middle-east-advice-for-temporary-visa-holders-in-new-zealand-25092026.html

Original source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/middle-east-advice-for-temporary-visa-holders-in-new-zealand-affected-by-travel-disruptions/
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