Frequently asked questions about the situation in Iran
The situation in Iran is unpredictable. Read the frequently asked questions and find out what this means for you.
General questions
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.
The security situation in Iran is unpredictable. Large-scale protests may occur in various parts of Iran. These protests can result in fatalities and arrests. Be aware that internet and telephone connections may be shut down.
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.
Embassy and VFS Global
The Dutch embassy in Tehran is partially open with limited services. You can currently only visit the embassy for:
- applying for an MVV visa sticker after IND approval
- applying for an MVV and residence permit
- applying for a Dutch passport
- legalisations
It is not yet known when the embassy will fully reopen. 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 open. You can go there for the following visa applications:
- Schengen visa (all travel purposes, except for tourism)
- Schengen visa after the IND agreed with your objection against the denial
- entry visa
- visa for returning migrants
Please check the VFS Global website regularly for updates.
Visa and MVV
From 1 February 2026, you can apply for a Schengen visa at VFS Global in Teheran for all travel purposes, except for tourism. Please note that appointment availability is limited.
Read how to apply for a Schengen visa 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.
The embassy in Tehran is open to the public. After your application has been approved by the IND, you can apply for your MVV visa sticker. Please note that appointment availability is limited.
Read how to apply for an MVV visa sticker in Iran
Has your application for a residence permit been approved by the IND in another country? Contact the IND and ask whether you can apply for your MVV visa sticker in Iran. The IND will check the possibilities.
You can apply for an MVV and residence permit at the embassy in Iran yourself.
This is possible for the following purposes of stay:
- start-up
- self-employed person
- orientation year
If you want to apply for an MVV and residence permit for one of the above purposes of stay, visit the IND website for more information.
Passport
The embassy in Tehran is partially open to the public with limited services. You can apply for a Dutch passport. Please note that appointment availability is limited.
Legalisation
The embassy in Tehran is partially open to the public with limited services. You can have your documents from Iran legalised for use in the Netherlands. Please note that appointment availability is limited.
The embassy in Tehran is partially open to the public with limited services. Are you in Iran and do you have Dutch nationality? Then you can have your signature or a copy of your ID legalised at the embassy. Please note that appointment availability is limited.