Frequently asked questions about the situation in Iran

Since October 2022, a red travel advisory has applied to all of Iran. This means it is advised against travelling to Iran, regardless of your situation, because it is too dangerous there. And it means that if you are in Iran, you should leave the country as soon as possible if you can do so safely.

Read the current travel advisory for Iran (information in Dutch)

We hope that you are somewhere safe. Below are some things you can do:

• Keep up with the local news and follow the local authorities’ instructions.
• Leave Iran if you can do so safely. The Dutch government cannot help you leave the country.
• Check the travel advisory for Iran regularly for updates (information in Dutch). And sign up for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service (information in Dutch), so the ministry can send you information and contact you if necessary.
• Let your family and friends know how you are doing.

It is your own responsibility to decide whether to stay or go. Consider your options carefully. But be aware that the Dutch embassy cannot help you if you encounter problems.

We hope that your family members/friends are somewhere safe. It is important that they sign up for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service so that the ministry can send them information or contact them if necessary.

You can also sign up for the Information Service yourself so that you receive messages from the ministry too.

Keep in mind that communication channels in Iran such as internet and phone services may be disrupted. If you cannot reach your family or friends, keep trying.

The Dutch embassy in Tehran is temporarily closed to the public. You cannot go there for consular services.

It is not yet known when the embassy will reopen to the public. Check the embassy’s page regularly for updates.

You can reach the NetherlandsWorldwide contact centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling +31 247 247 247 or sending a WhatsApp message to +31 857 737 400.

VFS Global in Tehran is temporarily closed. It is not known when the application center will reopen.

Please check the VFS Global website regularly for updates.

It is currently not possible to apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Iran. 

In some situations you can apply for a Schengen visa outside Iran. For example, if you have a valid residence permit for a neighbouring country.

Please check the VFS Global website regularly for updates.

Do you need to travel to the Netherlands urgently? For example, for the funeral of a first-degree or second-degree family member? Please contact the IND.

It is currently not possible to apply for a an MVV visa sticker for the Netherlands in Iran. 

It is currently not possible to apply for a Dutch passport in Iran. 

It is currently not possible to legalize documents from Iran for use in the Netherlands.

It is currently not possible to legalize a signature or a copy of an identity document in Iran.