Iran visa ban

At a glance

New Zealand maintains a list of Iranian individuals linked to human rights violations or malign activities [E2.135]. Those named on this list are ordinarily barred from being granted any visa or entry permission [E2.135]. Exceptions exist only where special circumstances are demonstrated, supported by cogent evidence and with consultation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) [E2.135]. Decisions to grant a visa in such cases are limited to immigration officers holding Schedule 1-2 delegations [E2.135][A15.5].

Definition

The ban applies to two categories of persons named on an INZ-held list [E2.135]:

• Individuals identified as involved in or linked to the death of Mahsa Amini and/or the violent and malign response to the subsequent protests, or otherwise responsible for human rights violations in Iran [E2.135].
• Individuals identified as involved in or linked to illegal or malign activities carried out by Iran in other countries outside Iran [E2.135].

The list is not publicly available. The ban covers all visa types and entry permission [E2.135].

Application in decisions

When an application is lodged, INZ checks whether the applicant is named on the list [E2.135]. If listed, the application must ordinarily be refused unless special circumstances are established [E2.135]. Special circumstances require:

• cogent and reliable evidence;
• consultation with MFAT.

If those conditions are satisfied, only an immigration officer holding Schedule 1-2 delegations (see A15.5) may grant the visa [E2.135][A15.5]. Officers without that delegation cannot override the ban even if special circumstances exist.

Interpretation & edge cases

• The term "ordinarily" indicates a strong presumption against granting a visa, but the ban is not absolute [E2.135].
• "Special circumstances" is not defined in this section; the officer, in consultation with MFAT, has discretion to assess what qualifies [E2.135].
• The burden of proof lies with the applicant to provide cogent and reliable evidence — mere assertions are insufficient [E2.135].
• The list is not published, so an applicant may not know they are on it until they apply [E2.135].
• The ban covers all visa categories and entry permission; even transit through New Zealand may be refused [E2.135].
• The effective date of this instruction is 16 March 2026 [E2.135].
• The section does not specify a review or appeal process; general fairness principles apply to the decision-making.

Citations

• E2.135 — Ban on the grant of visas to certain Iranian individuals
• A15.5 — Delegation of Powers