Visiting Iran as a dual EU-American citizen
I am a dual Dutch-American citizen that is planning to visit Iran in the upcoming week. I have both a Dutch and an American passport.
According to the Wikipedia page for Iran's visa policy, "British, Canadian and American citizens are required to be escorted by a government approved guide at all times. Independent travel for these citizens has been banned due to the closure of Iranian foreign missions in these countries."
However, I asked an Iranian friend who said that I should have no problem as long as I enter on my Dutch passport, and this seems consistent with what I have read here.
As Iran has a visa-on-arrival program for Dutch citizens, I assume that I can just show up at the airport in Tehran, show my Dutch passport, get a visa, and walk out of the airport and into Tehran.
Is this correct?
[edit 11/08/16] I've contacted the embassies of both countries and posted my answer below. My flight is tomorrow morning and I land in Tehran around 1am Thursday. I'll let everyone know what happens.
Best Answer
So I've now done a bit more research and called both the Dutch embassy in Tehran and the Iranian embassy in the Hague. The Dutch embassy in Tehran told me that I should be fine if I present only my Dutch passport, even with my NYC birthplace. The Iranian embassy staff in the Hague very quickly told me that it would not be a problem, and that I could apply for a visa on arrival. Although I have my doubts that it'll go as smoothly as they say, I'm going to take their word for it and book my flight.
I have recordings of both conversations with the staff of both embassies, which I'll be bringing with me in case there are any problems. I've also got a "backup" vacation planned in Kiev (in case Trump gets elected, says something really stupid and starts a third world war.)
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Answer 2
With the exception of dual Iranian nationals, Iranian immigration apply the rules for the passport you present. Meaning, if you apply for entry as a Dutch citizen, you will be treated as a Dutch citizen, and as such can get a visa on arrival.
Several travel agents have reportedly contacted the MFA, who have confirmed that it is the passport used for entry that counts
Besides, how should they even know you're also a US citizen if you present a Dutch passport?
Answer 3
I went to Iran as a dual UK / Irish citizen. I used my Irish passport and left my UK one at home. My Irish passport gave my place of birth as England but only in Irish: Sasana; no one realised the meaning. I was quite welcome: "Ireland, Iran's friend". Many thought that Ireland was at war with Britain and my enemy's enemy is my friend.
However, this story is very old. My latest passport gives my place of birth as GBR which might be more comprehensible.
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