Frequently asked questions about the situation in the Middle East
The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable. Please review the frequently asked questions and read what this means for you.
General
Since 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States have been carrying out attacks on targets in Iran. Iran is also carrying out counter-attacks on countries in the region. As a result, the security situation in several countries and areas is uncertain.
Check the travel advisories for countries and areas in the region (information in Dutch):
Are you in the crisis area? We hope you are safe and staying in a secure location. Please follow the advice below:
- Would you like to receive updates about the security situation and options for leaving the country independently? Register for the Information Service if you have not already done so (information in Dutch).
- Follow the instructions of the local authorities. Avoid crowded places and keep up to date with reports in the local media.
- Let your family and friends know that you are safe. Stay in a well-secured hotel. Arrange transport through your hotel or a reliable local contact. Travel preferably during the day. Avoid potential targets of attacks.
- Do you have questions about a planned or cancelled flight? Contact your travel organisation, airline or insurer.
- Follow the travel advice for the country or area you are in (information in Dutch). If you find yourself in a crisis situation, see what you can do in a crisis situation.
- Are you in Iran? Read the frequently asked questions about the situation in Iran.
We hope that your family members or friends are in a safe place. It is important that they register for the Information Service (information in Dutch). You can also do this for them from the Netherlands. This allows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send them information and contact them if necessary.
Please note that communication channels such as internet and telephone services may fail. If you cannot reach your family or friends, keep trying.
How you can leave the crisis area depends on the country or area where you are currently located.
Would you like to stay informed about options for leaving the country? Register for the Information Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (information in Dutch).
Do you have questions about a planned or cancelled flight? Contact your travel organisation, airline or insurer.
Due to the situation in the Middle East, many flights to the Netherlands with a stopover in the region have been or are being cancelled.
Are you stranded as a result? Contact your travel organisation, airline or insurer for advice and to book an alternative flight. The Dutch embassy cannot assist you with this.
Would you like to receive updates about the security situation and options for leaving the country independently? Register for the Information Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (information in Dutch).
Consular services
Would you like to contact the Dutch representative in the country where you are currently located? Select your country or territory and view the contact details of the embassy or consulate-general. Please note: this information may change on a daily basis. Therefore, please keep a close eye on this page.
Need help from the Dutch government? You can contact NetherlandsWorldwide 24/7 on +31 247 247 247 or via WhatsApp +31 857 737 400.
Are you currently in the crisis area? And has your Dutch passport or ID card been lost or stolen? For some countries and areas, it is still possible to apply for an emergency document.
Did you have an appointment at a VFS Global application centre? Please check the VFS Global website to see if the application centre is still open.
Do you have any questions about your appointment at VFS Global? Please contact your application centre.
Whether you can apply for a short-stay visa depends on where you are currently located. Find out how to make an appointment in your country or region on the VFS Global website (information in English). Is the application location closed? Then it is temporarily not possible to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa.
Due to the situation in the Middle East, the airspace above this region is largely closed. Many flights to the Netherlands with a stopover in the Middle East have been cancelled as a result. Does this apply to you? It is not possible to change the validity of your visa. You can apply for a new visa.
Whether you can apply for an MVV visa sticker depends on where you are currently located. Find out how to make an appointment in your country or region. Is the application location closed? Then it is temporarily not possible to apply for your MVV visa sticker.
You must apply for a residence permit and MVV for your partner through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Read how to apply for a residence permit and MVV for your partner (IND)
Has the IND approved the application? Then your partner can apply for the MVV visa sticker at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general. Find out how your partner can make an appointment. Is the application location closed? Then it is temporarily not possible to apply for an MVV visa sticker.