Insights

Dual Iranian nationals are advised to be aware of Iran’s move to not recognise dual nationality

On 15 August, the US Department of State updated its travel warning for Iran. “The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Iran. This replaces the Travel Warning for Iran dated August 22, 2016, to reiterate and highlight the risk of arrest and detention for U.S. citizens, particularly dual national Iranian-Americans. Foreigners, in particular dual nationals of Iran and other countries, including the United States, continue to be detained or prevented from leaving Iran. U.S. citizens should very carefully weigh the risks of and consider postponing planned travel to Iran. U.S. citizens residing in Iran should closely follow media reports, monitor local conditions, and evaluate the risks of remaining in the country."

In January 2017, Iran announced that they would no longer recognise dual nationality and that they would revoke the citizenship of any national who holds another foreign citizenship. The announcement was made by the Iranian judiciary and coincided with the controversy over Iranian officials holding dual nationalities who were accused of espionage. Under Iranian law, all Iranian nationals must travel to and from Iran using an Iranian passport. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be Iranian, you may be regarded as an Iranian national by the Iranian authorities – eg, if your father is Iranian, or if you’re married to an Iranian man.

Dual Iranian nationals are advised to be aware of Iran’s move to not recognise dual nationality and their plans to revoke the citizenship of any national who holds another foreign citizenship. According to Iranian law, holding a dual citizenship is akin to a crime, for which you may be seriously punished. Iranian dual nationals should avoid travelling to or within Iran with two passports, due to the credible threat of serious punishment and detention.