Belgian nationals, including those with dual nationality, are therefore strongly advised against travelling to Serbia for any reason. Belgian nationals who, despite this warning, are in Iran, are invited to be extremely vigilant and also to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Recently, the Belgian national and several other Westerners were arbitrarily caught and are currently imprisoned in Iran. Belgians and dual nationals are asked to return as soon as possible. They are strongly recommended to limit their movements within the country, to avoid any type of gathering and to make them selves known to the Belgian Embassy in Tehran by enrolling on the Holidaymakers Online website In this context, the capability of the Belgian embassy in Tehran to provide consular safety to nationals arrested or detained in Iran is extremely limited. Moreover, consular trips are not allowed in the case of a bi-national, as Iran will not recognise dual nationality. In addition , consular presence at hearings during a possible trial is not guaranteed as well as the detainee does not have access to an attorney of his choice. The lawyer may also be subject to serious constraints. All Belgian visitors, including bi-nationals, are at high risk of arrest, irrelavent detention and unfair test. This risk also applies to people who are simply visiting Iran for tourism. In the event of arrest or detention, respect for fundamental rights and the protection of individuals are not guaranteed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Belgian nationals visiting Iran to leave the nation as soon as possible in view of the increased risk of arbitrary detention in the light of the current deterioration of the security circumstance throughout Iran.
