Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has issued an urgent advisory for temporary visa holders whose travel plans have been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The guidance, published on September 8, 2026, addresses visitor, work, student, and other temporary visa holders, both those currently in New Zealand and those stranded abroad. The advisory comes amid widespread flight cancellations and delays caused by disruptions to key international transit hubs and the closure of airspace in Iran and surrounding regions.
No Automatic Relief for Affected Visa Holders
INZ made it clear that the disruptions do not come with any automatic relief for visa holders. There is no grace period linked to the Middle East conflict, and individuals are expected to take timely action to remain lawful in the country. The advisory emphasizes that overstaying a visa could lead to detention and deportation.
For those still inside New Zealand whose visas are nearing expiry, INZ advises applying for a new temporary visa before the current one expires. Applicants who submit before expiry and are still awaiting a decision may be issued an Interim Visa, allowing them to remain in New Zealand lawfully while their case is processed. INZ noted that if complete documentation is unavailable due to the crisis, applications will still be assessed based on whatever information applicants can reasonably gather.
Guidance for Visa Holders Outside New Zealand
For those outside New Zealand whose visas expired while abroad, the situation is more pressing. Such individuals will not be permitted to return on an expired visa and must secure a new one before travelling. INZ also flagged that some offshore visas carry first entry travel dates, urging holders to check whether those dates remain valid given the disruption.
The advisory specifically covers visitor, work, and student visa holders, spelling out what each category must do to remain compliant. INZ stressed that the conflict does not exempt anyone from the usual visa requirements, and proactive steps are necessary to avoid legal complications.
Consequences of Overstaying and Section 61 Discretion
INZ was firm on the consequences of overstaying. Anyone whose visa has already expired while in New Zealand is considered unlawful and is required to leave immediately. The advisory states plainly that staying without a valid visa is against the law and could result in detention and deportation.
In exceptional cases where a person becomes unlawful and cannot depart, INZ outlined a discretionary route under Section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009. This provision allows INZ to consider granting a visa to an unlawful person in special circumstances, though it is not a guaranteed remedy and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The advisory also reminded visa holders that the disruptions to international transit hubs and airspace closures are beyond individual control, but the responsibility to maintain lawful status rests with the visa holder. INZ encouraged applicants to gather as much documentation as possible, even if incomplete, to support their applications during the crisis.
Meanwhile, in a related development, New Zealand has announced that paper applications for selected visitor and transit visas will no longer be accepted from October 1, 2026. The shift to online-only applications is part of INZ's broader move to improve efficiency through its enhanced Immigration Online system, which will affect future visa applications.
