Visa Iran

VFS Global is expected to resume full operations on 7 June 2026. Applicants are advised to check the VFS Global website for appointment availability and further updates.

For the most current information and updates visit the website of the embassy.

Current Situation

• Embassy Reopened: The Belgian Embassy in Tehran has been fully operational again since Sunday, May 10th.

• Focus on Legalizations: As a crucial first step, all activities regarding legalization requests have resumed. This is essential to prepare for the subsequent visa applications.

• Delays at VFS: Unfortunately, the external partner VFS is currently facing technical difficulties. Due to the nationwide internet shutdown in Iran since February 28th, VFS is temporarily unable to operate online. Efforts are being made in cooperation with local authorities to obtain exemptions and find a solution.

Implication for Applicants

Urgent Applications: In the meantime, the Embassy in Tehran will accept and process a limited number of highly urgent applications directly at the embassy itself.

The embassy is fully aware of the strict deadlines students face. The explicit expectation remains that visas will be issued on time, allowing students to arrive in Belgium for a timely start to the academic year.

Communication Guidelines

While the anxiety surrounding these applications is completely understandable, the high volume of daily status inquiries slows down the process. To ensure maximum efficiency:

• Please refrain from sending repetitive follow-up emails if an application is already in progress.

• This allows the team on-site to focus fully on processing documents and clearing the backlog.

Further concrete updates regarding VFS operations or adapted procedures will be posted directly on this page as soon as they become available.

The Belgian embassy in Iran is open but not entirely operational.

You can find the latest updates regarding the embassy here.

The Flemish universities have jointly submitted a letter to Minister Prévot (Minister of Foreign Affairs) addressing the challenges currently faced by current and prospective Iranian students and researchers. The letter outlines the difficulties arising from the embassy closure to financial issues (currency devaluation, restrited bank transfers,...) and puts forward several proposals to facilitate the visa application/residence renewal process.

We are presently awaiting a formal response from the Ministry. Given that these discussions involve diplomatic protocols and coordination with visa offices in other countries, we kindly ask for your patience.