19/06/2026
GOOD NEWS to share on the UAE & Qatar
SafeTravel New Zealand has this morning updated and reduced their Do Not Travel advisory level for the United Arab Emirates/Gulf region.
Regions are considered officially safer to travel into and through
Whilst caution is excercised this does see travel regions open up with more confidence
Main Points to note:-
• Risk in the Middle East may be easing after a US–Iran agreement, but threats like terrorism, crime, and unrest remain—stay alert.
• Be aware of how emergency warnings are issued locally and sign up for alerts if available.
• Follow local authority instructions at all times, including evacuation or shelter advice, and stay updated via local media.
• Know safe shelter locations; if none are available, go inside to a basement or interior room away from windows and stay there until safe.
• Avoid high-risk targets (e.g. military sites, airports, US facilities) and register your travel details to stay connected with authorities.
See the below safetravel link for full information on the advice and more information will as usual come from the APM’s in due course.
https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/middle-east-security-situation
We expect insurers to amend policies to reflect the down grade of the travel alert and will pass this onto our customers as they come to hand
The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile. Here's our advice for New Zealanders travelling in the Middle East.