Read this before booking any trip. Iran does not recognise dual nationality. An Iranian-American in Iran is treated as Iranian only, and the United States cannot intervene on their behalf as it would for a foreign national. The U.S. government has for many years warned of the arrest and detention of American citizens, particularly Iranian-Americans, including students, journalists, academics and business travellers, on charges such as espionage.
Quick facts
Iranian nationality by birth is also, in practice, very difficult to renounce: it passes from an Iranian father regardless of where a child is born, and it does not lapse through living abroad or naturalising elsewhere. Many Iranian-Americans are Iranian citizens whether or not they have ever held an Iranian document.
What this means in practice
| Situation | Consequence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iranian-American travels to Iran | Treated as Iranian only | No consular protection from the U.S. |
| Man of conscription age | Service obligations may apply | Can affect departure |
| Child of an Iranian father born abroad | Iranian by descent | Whether documented or not |
| Renouncing Iranian nationality | Very difficult in practice | Take legal advice |
| Travel on the U.S. passport alone | Does not change your status | Iran does not treat you as foreign |
The practical point is not administrative. Holding an American passport does not make you a foreigner in Iranian eyes, and the protections an American would normally expect abroad do not apply.
What to do
- Establish whether you are, in Iranian law, an Iranian citizen. Many people are without realising.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in these cases before travelling, not after.
- For men, establish the military service position before any trip.
- If you travel, tell family in the United States your itinerary and keep them informed.
- Understand that registering a child creates Iranian obligations as well as rights.
- Read the current U.S. travel advisory in full rather than a summary of it.
Required documents
- Iranian passport, if you hold one.
- Shenasnameh and national identity card.
- U.S. passport and naturalisation certificate.
- Military service card or exemption for men.
- Mikhak reference for any consular filing.
- Legal advice specific to your circumstances.
Where to go
To the Interests Section for documents; to a qualified lawyer before making any decision about travel or status. A directory is not the right source for this question.
Additional notes
This is not a formality
Of everything in this directory, this page describes the situation with the most serious potential consequences. A wrong assumption here is not a wasted appointment.
Get advice from someone qualified
A lawyer who handles Iranian nationality matters is the right source. Community advice and online forums are not, however well meant.
Descent through the father
Iranian nationality passes from an Iranian father regardless of place of birth, which is why so many people hold it unknowingly.
Think about children
Parents deciding whether to register a child born here should understand what the Iranian legal identity brings with it, particularly for sons.