Situation Middle East: updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There is currently an increasing military build-up in the Middle East. This increases the risk of armed conflict between Iran and other countries. If this happens, there is a chance of reactions in the wider Middle East region, including Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

• Israel: The travel advice colour code is red for the border areas between Israel and Gaza, Lebanon and Egypt. For the occupied Golan Heights the colour code is also red. Whatever your situation: do not travel to these areas. It is too dangerous. For the rest of Israel, the colour code is orange. Only travel there if it is strictly necessary. It is not safe to go there on holiday. Read the full travel advice for Israel (in Dutch).
• Palestinian Territories: The travel advice colour code is red for Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Whatever your situation: do not travel to these areas. It is too dangerous. Read more under Regional risks. For the central part of the West Bank, the colour code is orange. Only travel there if it is strictly necessary. It is not safe to go there on holiday. Read the full travel advice for the Palestinian Territories (in Dutch).

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Dear Dutch national in Lebanon,

There is currently an ongoing build-up of United States military forces in the Middle East. This increases the risk of armed conflict between Iran and other countries. If this happens, there is a chance of reactions across the Middle East, including Lebanon. In the event of an escalation, flights may be cancelled and prolonged airspace closures are possible. We are closely monitoring developments.

The travel advice colour code is red for large parts of northern, eastern and southern Lebanon. Whatever your situation: do not travel to these areas. For parts of Beirut, North Lebanon and Mount Lebanon, the colour code is orange. Only travel to these areas if it is strictly necessary. It is not safe to go there on holiday. If you find yourself in trouble, the Dutch embassy may not be able to assist you. 

Are you in Lebanon? Stay informed about developments:

• Follow local and international news.
• Stay up to date via the local authorities and the Dutch embassy.
• Be prepared for a crisis situation. Read what you can do in a crisis situation.

Do you need assistance from the Dutch government? The embassy is available 24/7 via NetherlandsWorldwide on telephone number +31 247 247 247 or via WhatsApp on +31 857 737 400. Are you in Lebanon and do you have a local phone number? Call the local number of the Dutch embassy in Lebanon: +961 150 55 00. You will then pay the local rate.

Kind regards,
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beirut

Do you know Dutch nationals who have not yet registered for the Information Service? They can register via: https://informatieservice.nederlandwereldwijd.nl.

Are you no longer in Lebanon? Please update your details via the Information Service.

Dear Dutch national in Iran,

We hope that you and your family and friends are doing well. With this message we repeat our call, and the information about the situation in Iran, from 30 January 2026.

We are closely monitoring developments in Iran. There is still an ongoing military build-up in the Middle East. The situation is highly unpredictable. In the event of an escalation, it will be difficult, or impossible, to leave Iran.

Since 7 October 2022, the colour code of the travel advisory for Iran is red. Are you still in Iran despite the negative travel advice? Our advice is: leave the country if you can do so safely. If you find yourself in trouble, the Dutch embassy cannot help you. 

• Avoid protests and large crowds. There are major security risks if you attend a protest or are nearby. You may be arrested and detained for a longer period of time.

• The airspace is regularly closed for an indefinite period. International flights are then not possible. Do you want to leave the country? Check before departure whether your flight is operating. Are you travelling over land? Check whether the border crossing is open.
• Follow (local) news. Stay informed about the situation.
• Be prepared for a crisis situation. Read what you can do in a crisis situation.

Would you like to contact the embassy? The embassy is available 24/7 via NetherlandsWorldwide on telephone number +31 247 247 247 or via WhatsApp on +31 857 737 400. Are you in Iran and do you have a local phone number? Call the local number of the Dutch embassy in Tehran: +98 21 23 66 00 00. You will then pay the local rate.

Read the full travel advice for Iran (in Dutch).

Kind regards,
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tehran

On 12 January and 13 January (in Dutch), then Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel issued two statements on behalf of the Netherlands regarding the situation in Iran. He spoke out against the violence used against peaceful demonstrators. Van Weel said: “Iran must respect fundamental rights and immediately restore internet access. Perpetrators must be held accountable. The Netherlands therefore supports European sanctions against human rights violators in Iran.”