The Swedish Foreign Ministry (UD) has tightened its travel advisory for Iran, urging all Swedish citizens in the country to leave immediately due to the deteriorating security situation. Protests that erupted on December 28 have led to violence and hundreds of deaths. The advisory remains in effect until further notice.
On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Swedish Foreign Ministry (UD) decided to tighten its travel advisory for Iran, citing the unstable security situation. All Swedish citizens are urged to leave the country immediately, and an SMS has been sent to registered Swedes on site. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) wrote on X: "Leave the country now." She emphasized that it is UD's strongest advisory and that travelers bear personal responsibility despite warnings in place since 2022.
Approximately 1,500 Swedish citizens are estimated to be in Iran, according to UD, though the figure is uncertain. The government is closely monitoring developments and views reports of increased violence from the regime and the internet shutdown seriously, which hinders assessment of the situation. Malmer Stenergard said: "We also view seriously the shutdown of the internet for several days, which makes it very difficult to form an opinion about the actual development."
The protests erupted on December 28 in Tehran, triggered by frustration over the country's record-low currency and economic crisis. Shop owners and students took to the streets, and the demonstrations have escalated into the largest since 2022. They have been met with severe violence: the human rights group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reports 650 deaths, while Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) previously stated 500. Around 10,000 protesters have been arrested, and several have been sentenced to death in what are described as sham courts, according to Hengaw. UD advises against participating in manifestations and reminds of limited ability to assist those arrested, especially dual nationals.
