Frequently asked questions about the situation in Iran

Try to leave Iran by land if you can do so safely. Information is being shared through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service (information in Dutch) about topics such as options for leaving Iran by land via Türkiye or Armenia. See also previous Information Service messages on central government’s live blog.

Leaving Iran via Türkiye

You can travel by land to Türkiye via the border crossings at Esendere, Gürbulak and Kapıköy. Keep in mind that it can be crowded, especially at Gürbulak. Once in Türkiye various airports can be reached within a few hours. Please note: check beforehand whether flights from these airports are operating and whether tickets are still available. Read also the travel advisory for Türkiye (information in Dutch).

Dutch passport holders do not need a visa for Türkiye. If you do not have a Dutch passport, read about the visa requirements for Türkiye on the Turkish government’s website.

Leaving Iran via Armenia

You can travel by land to Armenia via the border crossing at Meghri. From Meghri it is about a seven-hour drive through the mountains to Yerevan, where flights are available to various destinations in Europe. Read also the travel advisory for Armenia (information in Dutch).

Dutch passport holders do not need a visa for Armenia. If you do not have a Dutch passport, read about the visa requirements for Armenia on the Armenian government’s website.

Leaving Iran via Azerbaijan

If you have a Dutch passport, you can travel to Azerbaijan via the Astara border crossing under certain conditions. Azerbaijan’s land borders are officially closed. However, the Dutch embassy in Baku can apply for permission for you to cross the land border. In addition, you will need an e-visa.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Apply online for an e-visa beforehand on the Azerbaijan government’s website. You will need to upload a photo or scan of your Dutch passport.
2. Email bak-ca@minbuza.nl with a copy of your passport and visa.
3. The embassy will use your email to start the process of applying to the Azerbaijani authorities for special permission for you to cross the land border. It is not possible to say beforehand how long this process will take. Be prepared to wait at least 24 hours.
4. As soon as permission has been granted, the embassy will send you a code by email. Do not contact the embassy for updates on the status of your application.
5. Only go to the border crossing once you have received the code by email. If you decide to go to the border crossing before you have received the code, you do so at your own risk. Take your passport with you. You must be able to show your e-visa and the code digitally. You do not need a paper copy.

Please note: this procedure is only available to holders of a Dutch passport. The Dutch government cannot guarantee that you will be able to leave Iran via this route.

Once you cross into Azerbaijan you are responsible for arranging your own accommodation and onward travel. Leave Azerbaijan before your visa expires. Read also the travel advisory for Azerbaijan (information in Dutch).

Leaving Iran via the United Arab Emirates

Valfajr Shipping Line offers a direct sea connection for passengers from Iran to the United Arab Emirates. Sailings from Bandar Abbas to Sharjah are available on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. From Bandar Lengeh to Dubai (Port Rashid), sailings are available on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Other options

Travelling out via Turkmenistan is not recommended. This is due to the lengthy administrative procedure and little to no phone and internet coverage at the border crossing. If you choose to travel out via Turkmenistan, this will be at your own risk. The Dutch embassy cannot help you if you have any problems.

A Crisis Contact Team has been set up for stranded Dutch nationals who have specific questions. For example, if you’re experiencing problems crossing a border. Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247 between 8:45 AM and 5:15 PM (Dutch time). You can ask to be connected to the Crisis Contact Team.

No. The Dutch government’s options for repatriating Dutch travellers stranded in Iran or Iraq are limited. The geographical location of these countries also makes it difficult to provide direct assistance.

The travel advisories for Iran and Iraq, with the exception of Iraqi Kurdistan, have been ‘red’ for a number of years. This means: do not travel there.

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.

Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire. However, the security situation remains unpredictable. 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.

A Crisis Contact Team has been set up for stranded Dutch nationals who have specific questions — for example, if you’re experiencing problems crossing a border. Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247 between 8:45 AM and 5:15 PM (Dutch time). You can ask to be connected to the Crisis Contact Team.

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 (information in Dutch) 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 due to the unsafe situation. We do not know for how long. Check the embassy’s page regularly for updates on opening hours.

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.

The VFS Global location in Tehran will reopen on Monday, 25 June, for passport collection only. If you have an appointment at VFS Global in Tehran, check the VFS Global website regularly for updates.

The Dutch embassy in Tehran is temporarily closed to the public due to the unsafe situation. We do not know for how long. Check the embassy’s page regularly for updates.

If you want to apply for a short-stay visa, you can temporarily go to a neighbouring country. Find out where you can apply for a visa.

The Dutch embassy in Tehran is temporarily closed to the public due to the unsafe situation. We do not know for how long. Check the embassy’s page regularly for updates.

Has your application for a residence permit been approved by the IND? Contact the IND and ask whether you can apply for your MVV visa sticker in another country. The IND will check the possibilities.