Protocol Guide for International organisations

This Protocol Guide is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of our efforts to be a transparent and accommodating host to our distinguished guests. It contains practical information based on the Dutch authorities’ interpretation of the rules for privileged persons.

The special rights enjoyed by privileged persons in the Netherlands derive from a number of international agreements, including the Vienna and Ottawa Conventions, UN conventions, the headquarters agreements with international organisations based in the Netherlands. 

The basis for the application of rules or regulations to a specific situation will always be the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations or the applicable headquarters agreement. A list of useful addresses when dealing with the Dutch authorities can be found in Annex E. 

Please note: the Protocol Guide is not a statutory document and no rights can be derived from it. This document is for information purposes only.

The privileges and immunities enjoyed by privileged persons are granted to the international organisation – rather than to the individuals in question – to allow the organisation and its staff to function properly.

International organisations may address their questions about the implementation of the rules to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the contact form.

Registration Officers with questions regarding the registration 
process in the Probas system may contact the Ministry via the service form.

The Ministry can only take matters into consideration that are submitted by an international organisation. Individual cases submitted by staff members or their family cannot be processed.