Updated travel advice for Iran

The Federal government has up to date travel warnings for Iran and is urging New Zealanders presently in that state to depart.

“The new suggestions for Iran reiterates the existing “Do Not Travel” warning, and adds that due to the potential for violent civil unrest, the hazard of arrest or detention and the volatile security condition in the area, the possibility to protection in Iran is major,” reported Nanaia Mahuta.

“The Ministry of International Affairs and Trade has warned towards vacation to Iran considering the fact that early 2020. New Zealanders at present in Iran are recommended to go away. Protests are continuing throughout the state, and there has been an enhanced amount of foreign nationals arrested.

“New Zealanders in Iran are encouraged to prevent all demonstrations, rallies and huge public gatherings as they could switch violent with very little warning. New Zealanders in Iran should really stay absent from any locations the place police or safety forces are deployed as their existence on your own could be misinterpreted.

“The new advisory warns New Zealanders of the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention. The threat might be better if they undertake routines that could draw in the interest of nearby authorities. For twin New Zealand/Iranian nationals this threat may possibly be even increased.

“In all scenarios of arbitrary arrest or detention in Iran, the ability of the Government to give consular guidance by way of the Embassy and other formal channels is incredibly limited. It is crucial that individuals thinking about likely to Iran assume significantly about these dangers and heed the travel tips.

“New Zealand continues to connect with for an independent and credible investigation into the tragic loss of life of Mahsa Amini. We continue on to get in touch with for restraint by authorities in responding to the demonstrations, and for greater safety of women’s rights and independence of expression.

“At the government’s ask for, MFAT officials also referred to as in the Iranian Ambassador to convey these problems right to the Iranian govt in September. We also constantly elevate our worries around human rights troubles in international discussion boards, as lately as March 2022 at a UN session in Geneva,” explained Nanaia Mahuta.

The full current travel advisory for Iran can be identified on the SafeTravel website listed here: Iran | SafeTravel. All New Zealanders who are travelling or living abroad are strongly inspired to register their information on the SafeTravel website.