New Zealand Consulate-General in Chengdu temporarily closes due to COVID-19

Ministry Statements & Speeches: 25 March 2020

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has temporarily closed the New Zealand Consulate-General in Chengdu, China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the increasing unavailability of air links in and out of China and unprecedented operational pressures, the Ministry has decided to temporarily withdraw New Zealand staff and their families from Chengdu. Staff will return to the head office in Wellington to support critical COVID-19 response work.

The closure took effect on 25 March and the Ministry will be reviewing the temporary closure of the Embassy in four weeks’ time. New Zealand’s other Mainland China posts in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou remain operational.

Consular services will continue to be provided to New Zealanders in China through the Ministry’s 24/7 Consular helpline (0800 30 10 30 or +64 99 20 20 20).

New Zealanders are advised not to travel overseas at this time. If travelling, the advice is to register on SafeTravel(external link).

The Ministry is working actively to sustain its network of Embassies and High Commissions across the globe, and the services it provides to New Zealanders overseas in the face of considerable disruption.