New Zealanders in Lebanon have been urged to "leave now" by the Government as tensions rise in the Middle East region.
A do not travel advisory, the highest of four levels of risk, has been issued by government website SafeTravel for the country due to the "volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further".
Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran and a top Hezbollah commander was killed in Lebanon earlier this week, sparking fears of an all-out war in the Middle East.
The website said: "We now advise that New Zealanders do not travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now via commercial options."
Commercial options for departing the country could be "severely disrupted" or cancelled at short notice.
Airports and airlines may pause or cancel operations at short notice and road transportation could also be "severely disrupted", it said.
"New Zealanders who wish to depart Lebanon are responsible for their own departure."
The ability of the New Zealand Government to provide assistance to citizens was "severely limited" as there was no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Lebanon, the SafeTravel website said.
"Tensions are high and the security situation could deteriorate further with little warning."
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told 1News there were 18 New Zealanders currently registered as being in Lebanon.
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