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