David Taylor

Middle East Travel Options updates: Qatar 📷: We have been advised that there may be seats available on a transfer arranged by the Danish Government for transport from Doha to Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport). The transfer option is available through Experience Qatar, a private Qatari bus company. The price is approximately EUR 140 per passenger (same price for adults and children). Departures are on Sunday 8 March at 08:00 and Monday 9 March at 08:00 from Al Qassar Park and Ride. If you are interested in this option, you would be required to organise onward travel from Riyadh after disembarking the bus, in addition to accommodation as required. Tickets are available through this link: experience.qa/cross-border-t… Please note that a Saudi e-visa will be required to take up this offer. You can obtain one here: visa.visitsaudi.com United Arab Emirates 📷: While there have been flight disruptions across the UAE, some flights have now resumed. We understand there are available seats on flights to New Zealand, Australia and to other destinations in Asia and Europe. Flights are operating from airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For example, the next direct Emirates flight from Dubai to Auckland is currently planned for Monday 9 March. Please note that these flights are dependent on the changing security situation and can be delayed or cancelled, including at short notice. We strongly encourage New Zealanders in the UAE who wish to leave to explore these flight options directly on airline websites or with travel agents. You may also want to consider transiting a third destination, for example Australia, on your way back to New Zealand in order to depart the UAE more quickly. If you plan on transiting a third destination, ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel. In addition to commercial flight options, overland routes to Oman and Saudi Arabia also remain open, and onwards commercial flights are available from both countries. Travellers should only consider overland options if they assess it as safe to do so. Please be aware that there have been reports of congestion on these routes and at the border crossings. You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel, and keep in mind that the situation may change without warning. Travellers should ensure they build in enough time to make onwards travel connections even in the event of border or travel delays. We recommend you should have a backup plan for accommodation in the event you do not make your onwards flight, or it is delayed or cancelled. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines. New Zealanders in need of consular assistance can call our 24/7 consular line on +64 99 20 20 20.