Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory warning Iranian citizens against non-essential travel to European Union (EU) states experiencing large-scale street protests. The warning, published Monday, Oct. 19, specifically names France, Belgium, and Italy as countries where authorities have reported unrest and disruption to public order [1][2][3].
The advisory cites risks to personal safety and possible disruption to transport and public services in the affected countries, the statement said [3].
Iranian officials framed the warning as a precautionary measure.
Advisory Details and Ministry Statement
Iranians already present in France, Belgium, and Italy were advised to avoid protest areas and to contact Iranian diplomatic missions for updates on security conditions [3]. The ministry urged travelers to limit unnecessary movement and to monitor local transportation announcements, according to the advisory [1].
The Foreign Ministry said its embassies and consulates in the affected countries remain operational and are prepared to assist Iranian nationals. No end date for the advisory was announced, and officials said the guidance would be reviewed as conditions change [3].
Protests in France and Other EU States
The advisory follows days of protests in France since September 2026 [4].
French officials reported more than 3,000 arrests nationwide and deployed approximately 45,000 police officers to quell the recent unrest, the Interior Ministry said. Municipalities across France imposed curfews and restricted public gatherings in an effort to restore order, local officials said [4].
Unrest was also reported in Belgium and other EU states, according to local police and media reports [3]. Governments in Europe and Asia, including China, advised their citizens traveling to France to avoid large crowds and exercise caution, warning of a deterioration in security conditions [4].
The protests in France represented one of the most widespread episodes of civil unrest in the country in nearly two decades.
EU Response and Travel Conditions
French President Emmanuel Macron held emergency meetings and called for calm, according to statements from the Elysee Palace. Macron urged parents to keep teenagers off the streets and blamed social media for fueling the violence [4].
Some municipalities imposed curfews and restricted public gatherings, local officials said.
European Union officials said they were monitoring the situation but did not issue a bloc-wide travel warning, according to a European Commission spokesperson.
Implications for Iranian Travelers
Iranian citizens in EU states may face transport cancellations, curfews and increased security checks, according to the advisory. The ministry urged travelers to follow local authorities' instructions and maintain contact with Iranian embassies, officials said [1][3].
No immediate reports indicated that Iranian nationals had been injured or detained in the protests, according to Iranian officials. The Foreign Ministry said it had not received reports of Iranian citizens being directly affected by the unrest as of Monday [3].
The advisory mirrors similar travel warnings issued by other governments in recent days. Advisories from China and several European countries reflect broader international concern about the security situation [4].
Tehran's advisory remains in effect as protests continue in several EU states, the Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said it would update its guidance based on security conditions, according to the statement [1].
Iranian citizens were advised to check with diplomatic missions before making travel plans.
Various reports have revealed that the protests resulted in various casualties, such as looting in some countries. Reports have also confirmed that France has endured one of its most violent weekends in years on Oct. 17 and 18, with at least 2,400 people arrested, at least two people died and several people suffered serious injuries.
References
- Iran warns citizens against travel to France, Belgium and Italy. https://www.iranintl.com/en/202610198163
- Iran warns citizens against travel to France, Belgium and Italy amid .... https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-issues-travel-warning-france-belgium-and-italy-amid-violent-unrest
- Tehran warns citizens against traveling to EU states gripped by massive .... https://thecradle.co/articles/tehran-warns-citizens-against-traveling-to-eu-states-gripped-by-massive-street-protests
- Governments warn citizens over security in France after riots. https://www.reuters.com/world/european-governments-warn-citizens-over-security-france-after-riots-2026-10-19/
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