is it ok to travel to iran now

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Iran Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 11, 2024, iran - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens . Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions .  

Country Summary: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran have been kidnapped, arrested, and detained on spurious charges.

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.  

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Iran.

If you are currently in Iran:   

• Consider the risks involved in possessing dual  U.S. Iranian nationality .
• Review your personal security plan and visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
• Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Why you should travel to Iran as an American (and what to expect)

Packed with over 5,000 years of history, Iran is a destination everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime. From the ancient Persian Empire to the Zoroastrians temples, the countless mosques, and even the modern cities like Tehran, there is so much to see that one visit will not be enough.

After traveling to Iran on Intrepid Travel’s 14-day Iran Adventure trip, I shared my experience with many of my friends. Most of them replied with a similar response, “I’d love to go to Iran!”

This is a common response among travelers, yet not many actually plan a trip to the country due to misinformation, lack of information, or fear.

Sunrise at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Esfahan

To encourage you to plan a trip to this wonderful destination, I’ll share with you a few reasons why you should travel to Iran as an American, debunk a few myths, and tell you what to expect there.

No, they don’t hate Americans

Contrary to what you see in the media, Iran is one of the friendliest and culturally-rich countries you’ll ever visit. And no, they do not hate Americans or any other Western nation. That’s just fear-mongering and it is far from reality.

READ MORE: 6 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL IN IRAN

When I arrived, I debated how open I wanted to be about my nationality. But as soon as I met Nadia, our Intrepid Travel guide, she put to rest any mild concerns I had about sharing openly that I’m American. No one has an issue with it.

Intrepid leader, Nadia

MEET NADIA, THE INTREPID LEADER WHO WILL CHALLENGE YOUR PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS ABOUT IRAN

As we traveled the country, countless locals approached me and my other tour companions to chat with us. They were all curious to know about us, our life in our respective countries, and how we were enjoying Iran. On our part, we were just as curious to learn about them, so we fed each other’s curiosities over tea and casual chatting.

One of my favorite random encounters happened just before leaving Iran. I spent my last few hours in the country visiting the Azadi Tower, where I met a few early 20-something local guys. As soon as one of them learned I was American, he expressed with joy how much he’d love to visit the US and shared his vast knowledge of the country. In fact, he was wearing an American flag bandana.

Everywhere you go, you always feel that warm welcome Iranians are known for.

Azadi Tower in Tehran

The visa process is extensive, but worth it in the end

Yes, the visa process is more complicated than in many other countries, but it should not be a deterrent to visiting Iran. Due to the current political environment, Americans are having a tougher time to get their tourist visas approved, but still, it is possible to get them. Thankfully, Intrepid Travel helps you get your visa by guiding you every step of the way with their visa application form.

HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VISA SITUATION

Once you get the visa, set foot in the country, and experience everything it has to offer, you’ll see that that the extra process was all worth it.

There’s so much history to be learned and experienced

As the host to one of the oldest civilizations in history, Iran has no lack of ancient ruins and historical sites. Everywhere you go, you’ll be surrounded in hundreds, if not thousands of years of history.

Gate of All Nations in Persepolis

From the Elamite Kingdoms, to the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great’s conquest, the Arab invasion, and even the 1979 revolution, each city you visit will show you a piece of the historical puzzle and how they played a part in the development of Iran as we know it, its neighboring countries, and even the rest of the world.

One of my favorite experiences on this trip was spending a night at the Zein-o-din Caravanserai. A caravanserai is an ancient fortress-like facility used by merchants traveling along the silk road around 450 years ago. They would spend the night there to rest, feed their camels, and trade goods before continuing their journey. Today, this one caravanserai is open for us to spend the night right where merchants used to sleep.

BROWSE INTREPID TRAVEL’S RANGE OF TRIPS TO IRAN

You’ll experience a positive culture shock

I think some of the best travel destinations are the ones that teach you something new through experiences, and Iran has no shortage of that. The level of culture shock in the country is significant, but in a positive way. You’ll see how, despite their current economic and political status, Iranians still welcome you with a smile and the warmest hospitality you could hope for.

You’ll be welcomed with an abundance of food, too!

You’ll see how women are proud of their trendy fashion, how their carpet artistry is among the finest in the world, how the nomadic culture is still alive, how their local markets are the center of activity, and how families gather at parks and squares to picnic at night until well past midnight (it can get too hot to picnic during the day).

You’ll also see how religion is deeply tied to their society and the many intricate details that make their culture unique. You’ll see all kinds of people, from the most conservative to the most liberal, and the beauty of all of them coexisting in one place.

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL TIPS, STORIES, GIVEAWAYS & MORE

It’s good to be ambassadors of our country

As I mentioned previously, locals will talk to you and ask you about life in the US or your country. This is our opportunity to show them who we really are not only as a Western nation but also as humans. There is no better way to learn about a country than by talking firsthand with locals, the people who live and breathe their country every day. They will share with you their proudest moments, their struggles, and their desires.

Locals in the vegetable market in Shiraz

Another fear-mongering myth is that Iran is not safe. But again, it is the opposite. Locals aren’t looking to harm, kidnap, or threaten Americans. I never felt in danger, not even when I walked on my own in the city of Esfahan past midnight.

Traveling solo is safe, but as Americans, you will be traveling on a tour (since it is required), so that’s even another safety layer.

TRAVEL STORY: “I’VE CYCLED THROUGH OVER 40 COUNTRIES; HERE’S WHY IRAN STANDS OUT”

There’s no alcohol, pork, and no American/Western chains

For good or for bad, alcohol has been banned in the country since the revolution in 1979. Pork isn’t found either, but this is more because of Islamic customs. American and Western chains are not found in the country due to economic sanctions and the complicated political relationship Iran has had with the Western world for decades now.

Esfahan – one of Iran’s many unique and compelling destinations

What you will find, though, are knock-off versions of popular fast foods like McFood, a different KFC, Burger Queen, and so on. It’s fun to see how they reinterpret and adopt the Western culture not only on their food but also on their fashion and entertainment too.

There is so much more to be discovered and experienced in Iran and no post will compare to the beauty of seeing it all firsthand. If you are as intrigued by the country as I was before I went there, I’ll tell you, it will impress you and possibly even surpass your expectations. At least, it surpassed mine.

Ready to visit this incredible destination for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s small group tours in Iran.

Further reading

• Travel to Iran: a 2019 visa update for US, UK and Canadian citizens
• Everything you need to know before visiting Iran
• Why you should visit Iran now, more than ever
• 5 unique experiences you shouldn’t miss in Iran
• What to wear in Iran: a packing guide

(All images courtesy of the writer, Norbert, and taken on Intrepid Travel’s Iran Adventure trip.)

Feeling inspired?

Norbert Figueroa

Norbert Figueroa is an architect from Puerto Rico who hit pause on his career in 2011 to travel the world long-term. So far he’s traveled to over 125 countries in hopes of achieving his goal of visiting all 195 UN-recognized countries. You can follow his adventures at globotreks.com and on Facebook and Instagram @globotreks.

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Is Iran Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Iran : Safety by City

Iran is a large country located in the Greater Middle East, between the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea.

It is part of the South-Central Asian Union and is sharing its borders with Iraq to the west, Turkey, Azerbaijan’s Naxcivan enclave, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to the northwest, Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east.

The entire northern part of Iran is completely covered in rain forests called Shomal, which mostly resemble simply forests or woods rather than rain forests, but they are still called the Jungles of Iran.

If you’re more into deserts, there are plenty of them in the east of the country.

You will have a great time in the Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s largest desert, located in the north-central portion of the country, and the Dasht-e Lut, in the east.

The country also offers some salt lakes, but don’t be fooled that you will be bored in Iran.

There are plenty of activities that Iranian deserts offer, like desert tracking, camel riding, bicycle riding, safari, and 4×4 driving excursions.

• Warnings & Dangers in Iran

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Iran is safe to visit when it comes to the crime rate but you have to avoid some very dangerous parts of the country if you want to have a safe trip.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

You should be careful while on the road, as accidents while driving are known to happen frequently. The roads aren't all bad and they vary from being in an excellent condition to being in a very poor condition. However, there are other factors that make driving in Iran dangerous, such as poorly lit roads, reckless drivers that ignore traffic signs, etc. There is also a risk of being attacked by pirates operating in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are definitely an issue in this country and you should keep in mind that they operate mostly in the overcrowded bazaars and public transports. Remain vigilant at all times and leave your most valuable belongings in your accommodation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Among natural disasters that are known to hit Iran are extremely high temperatures sometimes exceeding 50C, sandstorms that are a regular occurrence, and severe sandstorms that occur sporadically. Earthquakes are also a threat.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Except in the tourist area of Isfahan, where mugging has been on the rise lately, this isn't generally a concern in Iran. Make sure you only take licensed taxis as 90% of muggings occur in unlicensed ones.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are likely to carry out attacks in Iran. The threat is believed to be coming from the Sunni extremist groups, which are probably the perpetrators of several bombings that have taken place in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There are almost no known scams in Iran. Still, just in case, be wary of people trying to distract you or offering you unwanted help, check your change twice and always negotiate every service beforehand.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Many women have traveled to Iran without having any negative experiences. Generally speaking, it is no more dangerous in Iran than in most European countries, Australia or USA. Still, you should be very vigilant if you're traveling alone and always apply basic precaution measures you would in your own country.

• So... How Safe Is Iran Really?

Generally speaking, Iran is a safe country when it comes to violent crime. Its crime rates are relatively low, with the exception of the dangerous areas in the southeast of the country.

You should be aware that there is a lot of petty theft in the urban areas of the country, especially in crowded bazaars, bus and train stations, as well as airports.

Mugging has become more common during the last couple of years in the tourist center of Isfahan.

There are certain areas that are best to be avoided, and considered dangerous for foreigners, like all areas east of the line running from Bam to Jusk, the Sistan-Baluchistan province, and the area within 20km of the entire border of Iraq.

These areas are especially dangerous because they are known for drug traders using them to smuggle heroin from Afghanistan here.

Because of this, there have been robberies, kidnappings and even murders happening here.

Cities of Zahedan, Zabol, and Mirjaveh are particularly dangerous.

Do not go anywhere within 120 km of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border.

These areas are regularly affected by ethnic conflicts and they have been known as places where kidnappings of foreigners occur on occasion.

The tourist center of Isfahan is also known for problems with muggings of foreigners in unlicensed taxis.

Keep in mind that there are fake police officers making random and impromptu checks of tourists’ passports.

Only use official taxis, and never let these fake officials search you without asking for identification.

• How Does Iran Compare?
• Useful Information

Many countries do need a visa to enter Iran. If you're from Israel or have been to Israel, your visa is going to be denied. Your visa must be acquired before traveling to Iran and it will be issued for up to 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Iranian Riyal is the official currency in Iran. Don't count of ATMs and credit cards. You can't use them or debit cards, or travelers' cheques. Bring lots of cash.

The climate in Iran varies depending on the area. In the northwest, winters can be cold with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures during December and January. Spring and fall are relatively mild, while summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching as high as 50C.

Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport is the busiest and primary airport of Tehran, the capital city of Iran. It is located 30 km southwest of Tehran, near the localities of Robat Karim and Eslamshahr.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Iran, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Iran Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Iran - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

28 Reviews on Iran

You are wrong about terrorists risk , there is not such a thing in Iran . There may be conflicts in shared borders with Afganistan and Pakistan but not inside Iran .

Can US citizens visit?

Yes but you have to visit Iran in group of tourists not alone

I am about to go in Iran on december, but i am kinda afraid but i still wanna visit the country because i wanna see on my own eyes how iran is beautiful country and i wanna make people regret what they negative say about it.

There are absolutely no terrorist attacks!! Where did this info come from? Can you name one single terrorist attack that happened in the past 10 years?

Just beware of the imbecile Trump bombing you at the airport.

As Americans we love that

As non-americans we hate that

as Iranians, you seem to be sick…very much.

there is no terrorist attack in Iran , in general Iran is very safe to travel , also pickpockets risk is not high ,i would say its medium like any other normal countries , but keep in mind that you should not do any political related things in Iran as the government is very sensitive about political activities by foreign people .

Such a bullshit! Terrorist attack in Iran!!!! No way! There is not any terrorist attack in Iran at all!

Iran is bigger than you think buddy!

Iran is not only Tehran, some big cities and the northern parts. While I can agree there is absolutely no risk of terrorism in most parts of the country, the regions close to Pakistan and Afghanistan are not very safe and unfortunately the terrorist groups are active in those regions.

There is no terrorist attack.

Top of my “must see” list of countries – birthplace of civilization, and wonderful people. Can’t wait to go!

Best country in the world

Iran is one of the best countries I saw.

no terrorist attacks, no discrimination, and many beautiful things like Milad tower and much more things that I love.

I have visited over 46 countries in the world. I will put Iran first because of the culture, history, food and especially the people who are extremely kind. I didn’t feel insecure at any point. I’ve talked to a lot of people and I haven’t heard from anyone that they hate America or Americans. People will be at your service at every step.

I live near the borders of Iran (northwestern Iran), so I have never encountered a terrorist. In my opinion, the mentioned security indicators are determined based on political relations and not on the existing reality. Ask those who came to Iran and see if Iran is a safe country. This is nothing but a media game against Iran.

Generally accurate except the part about terrorist attacks. The possibility of terrorist attacks even in the border areas are quite low and would be higher in most European countries.

I’m an Englishman who spent an entire month travelling with my wife to several Iranian cities including Tehran, Mashad, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Banda Abbas, and had never felt threatened at any time throughout my travels in that beautiful country.

I’m Italian and I went to Iran in June 2022. It is an amazing country with great things to see and very friendly people. I felt very safe in this country, and I would be very happy to go back.

This is not true!!!

Oh my GOD why on earth would someone go anywhere within 120 km of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border, or Pakistan or Iraq border?! There is nothing there for tourists! Or anyone else!! Iran is a huge country, there are literally thousands of places to visit only in the northern area, Tehran and central area! So, you’ve got The capital, the forests, Tabriz in the norther area too, the deserts, the historical cities like Shiraz, Isfahan and Yazd, and in the southern area like Boushehr or Islands like Hormoz, Kish and Qeshm you can see a really different, beautiful, stunning nature!! Yes, Sistaan and Balouchestan is not really safe, unfortunately! But what I am saying is, there is a very long distance between these places!! You can see everywhere and everything without even being nearly around any dangerous areas! And, honestly, Seriously, terrorist attack?! No!!!! Not in Iran! Not inside of the borders of Iran!!!! Never! No way!

GO AT YOUR OWN RISK

This place is run by cruel and heartless group of terrorists who call themselves the Taliban. I cannot travel there cause i am a united states citizen. So go at your own risk.

Dear Lucario Taliban is in Afghanistan not Iran! you mixed up the countries. There is no terrorism risk in Iran and of course you can travel to Iran if you are US citizen. Please come and see how beautiful is this country and how kind and friendly are people with you. Do not believe so much in Media!!

DANGER HIGH

Dear Fahi Stop tricking unaware people. The IRGC end even the whole IRI itself are both akin to Taliban. Iran is a hellhole occupied by the worst scums and thugs who have no regard for human lives and even enjoy killing children. Tourists could be kidnapped, tortured, raped and killed and no one could do anything to rescue them because the IRI and their thugs do not answer to anyone but themselves. No tasty food or pretty tilework is going to change the reality.

awesome, we dont want you there too…no choke on your McDonalds, while I eat delicious and healthy ghorme sabzi

If you travel to Iran as a foreigner 100% sure you will be arrested! Just check the news or search google for this, and see how many foreigners are in prison now

Because you’re western and you believe media so much

iran, best country to see in the world…

iran, worst to visit from international media point of view cause it dosent spends money on international mafia media…

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Iran travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: May 6, 2024 10:24 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, iran - avoid all travel.

You should consider leaving by commercial means if you can do so safely. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is severely limited.

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There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

Canadians in Iran may be closely watched by Iranian authorities. Seemingly innocuous behaviours, such as the use of cameras in public places, travel beyond well-established tourist attractions or casual interactions with Iranian friends, may be misinterpreted and may lead to investigation.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and gatherings may occur.

Large-scale and violent protests took place across Iran in the Fall of 2022 following the strict enforcement of the hijab law by the Iranian authorities. Security forces strongly repressed demonstrators resulting in numerous arrests, injuries and casualties. In some cases, arrested individuals were sentenced to death for charges arising from their participation in the demonstrations.

The situation remains highly volatile and could escalate without notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Security forces could use excessive and lethal force to disperse crowds. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Disruptions to telecommunications services, including mobile internet access, may occur during large-scale demonstrations.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Monitor local and international media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Border areas

Pakistan and afghanistan.

Bandits in border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan are usually involved in drug trafficking and use kidnapping to secure the release of group members from prison.

Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan, is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts and is also a known route for smugglers. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Terrorist attacks may also occur in this province.

If you decide to travel overland to Pakistan and Afghanistan despite this warning:

• travel only on main roads
• travel in organized groups
• avoid travel after dark

The province of Khuzestan borders Iraq. It is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Border with Iraq is usually closed. It can be opened on a case-by-case basis to allow the passage of certain foreigners or to give refugees access to containment camps located on the Iranian side of the border.

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan

The borders with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are open only to citizens of those countries.

Foreigners travelling in the vicinity of these sensitive borders often attract the attention of local security forces, which can result in short periods of detention.

There is an increased threat of attacks against Western interests and of terrorist attacks in general. The security situation could worsen rapidly and with little warning.

Attacks have targeted:

• foreign interests
• Iranian military and government establishments
• tourist attractions and popular public places
• nightclubs and entertainment venues
• public transportation

Further attacks may occur, and terrorists may also target:

• crowded places
• places with high pedestrian traffic where foreigners may gather
• commercial establishments
• local government offices
• public transit stations
• busy streets
• places of worship

Exercise a high degree of caution at all times.

Kidnapping for ransom can occur, especially in Baluchistan and in the border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Foreign nationals have also been the target of kidnapping.

Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Violent crime affects both Iranians and foreigners.

Thieves often target four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Plainclothes individuals may pose as police officers and ask to see foreign currency and passports. If you are approached, you should politely decline to cooperate but offer to go to the nearest police station.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery
• Ensure personal belongings, including your passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page at all times and leave a photocopy with a relative
• Don’t surrender any documents or cash
• Stay in touch with family and friends, especially if you’re travelling alone
• Avoid walking after dark

Women's safety

Women may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is common in Iran.

Some Canadian and Canadian-Iranian women have been stranded in Iran or mistreated by an Iranian husband or a male relative. Local authorities consider domestic violence to be a private matter and rarely discuss it in public.

Women and children require the permission of the husband, or an Iranian male head of household, to obtain a passport or travel document. They also require permission to leave the country.

The dress code is strictly enforced in Iran. Women must wear a headscarf and a long jacket that covers the arms and upper legs while in public.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, and city streets are poorly lit. The highway system is relatively well developed.

Trucks run mostly at night, often without headlights. Motorists are reckless and don’t respect traffic laws. They almost never give way to pedestrians at designated crossing points. Parked cars may obstruct sidewalks on main roads in urban areas. Sidewalks are rare in residential areas.

Expect roadblocks and checkpoints.

• Avoid travelling at night
• Consider hiring a personal driver who’s familiar with local conditions
• If you are involved in an accident, remain at the scene until authorities arrive

Public transportation

Most taxis don’t have meters. Drivers often overcharge foreigners.

• Only hire official taxis from agencies or hotel-based companies
• Take pre-booked official taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street
• Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter
• Never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers
• Note the licence plate number and name of the driver when you travel
• Immediately communicate this information to family or friends

Railway transport

Trains are comfortable and punctual, but service is limited and slow.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over the islands in the Gulf and the military patrols the waters. Foreigners navigating Iranian waters have been arrested and detained. In September 2019, Iranian authorities specifically called for the seizure of Canadian assets and vessels.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunb.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Iranian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Canadians can verify this information with the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

• Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Iran.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Pilgrimage visa: required Press visa: required Transit visa: required

Overstaying your visa period may lead to detention, imprisonment and fines. You will be required to remain in Iran until the situation has been resolved.

• E-Visa Portal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Iran

Transit pass

If you enter Iran with a transit pass issued by an Iranian embassy or consulate abroad, you may have to obtain an Iranian passport to exit the country.

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Iran because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Cases of locally-acquired   Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS) have been reported in this country.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Some people infected with MERS-CoV experience no symptoms, while others may experience mild flu-like or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms. About one-third of reported cases have result ed in death.

Eat and drink safely ,   and   avoid close contact with animals, especially camels. If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you practise good hygiene and  wash your hands  before and after contact with animals.

There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against MERS.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Air quality

Air pollution can be severe in major cities. It may affect people suffering from respiratory ailments. 

During periods of high pollution:

• consult your doctor before traveling to see if the situation could affect you
• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Iran is under international and Canadian sanctions . While these sanctions don’t prohibit travel to Iran, they could be relevant to your travel.

Legal system

The Iranian legal system differs from the one in Canada.

You may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials if you are suspected of or witness to offences.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs and alcohol are severe. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Iran is an Islamic theocratic republic. A conservative interpretation of Islamic practices and beliefs is closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations.

Islamic law is strictly enforced. Breach of public morality, non-compliance with dress-code and making disparaging remarks about Islam, the clergy and religious symbols, including on social networks, are considered serious offences. They are punished severely.

Former Muslims who have converted to other religions have been subject to arrest and prosecution.

• Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times
• Be aware of your actions and behaviour

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Dress and behaviour

Iranian customs, laws and regulations reflect the conservative interpretation of traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs adhered to by the Iranian authorities.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women.

Women should carry a headscarf to cover their head at all times while travelling in Iran.

There are reports indicating that the police are using surveillance cameras to identify and monitor women who don’t wear the hijab in public places, as required by Iranian law. Employers and owners of businesses such as stores, restaurants, cafés and shopping malls face closure and prosecution if they don’t enforce the hijab law.

If you promote unveiling while you are in Iran, you could face criminal charges.

Women who fail to comply with the law may face:

• arrest and detention
• jail sentences
• restricted access to public institutions such as hospitals, schools, airports and other social services .
• restricted access to mobile phones and Internet

Intimate and extramarital relations

Public displays of affection between two people of the opposite sex, especially between a non-Muslim man and a Muslim woman, is not well socially accepted.

If you engage in extramarital relationships, you may be subject to severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Canadian women who register their marriage with the Iranian authorities automatically become Iranian citizens. They are treated as such by Iranian law.

Marriage between an Iranian and a foreigner is subject to the rules of conduct and Islamic laws. As such, an Iranian husband may prevent his wife and children from leaving Iran, even if they are of foreign nationality.

Marriage Overseas

Iranian and Canadian family law systems are significantly different.

Iran doesn’t automatically recognize the orders of Canadian courts in matters of family law.

A Canadian divorce certificate is not automatically recognized in Iran.

You must get the Canadian divorce certificate authenticated by a Canadian Embassy prior to have it sanctioned by an Iranian Court for it to be recognized under Iranian law.

If an Iranian court doesn’t sanction your divorce, and you return to Iran as a woman, your ex-husband may request the Iranian authorities to confiscate your passport. As a husband, authorities may not allow you to leave Iran if you have not paid the dowry to your wife after divorce.

Children custody

Iran isn’t a signatory to The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Children of a male Iranian national, including Canadian-Iranian citizens, are in the sole custody of their father. They require their father’s permission to leave Iran.

To avoid any difficulties in Iran, consult a Canadian and an Iranian lawyer before travelling. If you're involved in local legal proceedings such as divorce or custody, seek legal advice regarding your rights and responsibilities.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Iran.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Iran by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Iran to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Iranian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

If you are convicted, you could face corporal punishment, imprisonment or the death penalty.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Iran doesn’t legally recognize dual citizenship.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Iran, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you're a Canadian-Iranian citizen, you must enter and exit Iran using your Iranian passport. You may also not be able to leave Iran unless you meet certain conditions.

Canadians, particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of:

• being arbitrarily questioned, arrested or detained
• having their passport confiscated

Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service

Military service is mandatory for male Iranian citizens aged 18 to 34, unless exempt. This also applies to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, even those born in Canada.

If you are a Canadian-Iranian citizen older than 17 years, and planning to visit Iran, check your military service obligation prior to your travel. You may not be allowed to leave Iran without first having completed your military service.

Communications and political activities

Communications are closely scrutinized by local authorities. You may face severe consequences if you discuss, share or publish information on the political situation or criticize the regime in place, including on social media.

Photography

It is prohibited to photograph (including with drones);

• government buildings
• security forces, military and police installations and vehicles
• public buildings, including airports, ports, bridges, embassies and power plants

Such sites are not always well identified. In doubt, seek permission, or refrain from taking the photo.

Always ask permission before taking photographs of local residents.

All luggage may be subject to search upon arrival and departure.

Customs officials may screen your electronic device.

Prohibited items

Possession of prohibited items is forbidden and may result in detention and or imprisonment. Such items include:

• Magazines and DVDs with sexual or explicit content
• Satellite dishes
• Western CDs and film

Pork Products

It’s prohibited to import and consume pork-based products.

The workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Iran is the Iranian rial (IRR).

The economy is exclusively cash-based. Credit cards aren’t accepted in Iran. ATMs exist only for local banking, for the use of Iranians. Due to international sanctions, it’s not possible to transfer funds to Iran using commercial banking system or money transfer company.

• Bring sufficient cash, preferably in U.S. dollars or euros
• Note that U.S. banknotes used must be in crisp condition

Seismic activity

Iran is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur.

Severe weather

Dust storms.

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October. Dust storms and sand storms may occur during the summer months.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal in some individuals.

If a dust storm is occurring:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March. During the rainy season, flooding, including flash flooding, can occur.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable, due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings and infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 115
• firefighters: 125 / 123

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Iran. The Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara has consular responsibility for Iran.

Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Iran Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Iran.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Iran.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Iran. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Iran.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Iran. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Iran, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Iran. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

• Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
• May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Counsel your patients on actions they can take on their trip to stay healthy and safe.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Iran. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Iran include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Iran. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Iran’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Iran. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Iran may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Iran, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Remind your patients to pack health and safety items. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Iran for a list of health-related items they should consider packing.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO  advises against all travel to Iran

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

If you’re a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention in Iran. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to question you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years in prison.

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel .

Risks to British nationals in Iran 

Consular support is extremely limited in Iran. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy in Tehran . 

FCDO  advises against all travel to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention in Iran. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to question you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years in prison. 

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel

Dual nationals 

The Iranian authorities do not recognise dual nationality. If you are a British-Iranian dual national and you are detained in Iran, the authorities will not tell FCDO  or grant FCDO access to see you. If you are detained, your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who have shown a pattern of hostility towards the UK and British citizens.

Before you travel 

FCDO  advises against all travel to Iran.

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes: 

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks 
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

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Latest update

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Iran as there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested. 

Iran (PDF 927.2 KB)

The Middle East (PDF 1.45 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 115 or go direct to the hospital.

Mountaineers can also contact the Red Crescent on 112 for help.

Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Do not travel to Iran.

Do not travel to Iran as there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested.

• An increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. 
• Regional tensions are high, and the security situation could deteriorate quickly with little or no notice. In an attack or other armed conflict, you should follow the advice of local authorities. See our general advice on protecting your safety ( There’s an armed conflict ).
• Increased tensions in the Middle East may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions. 
• Dependants of Australian officials in Iran have been offered voluntary departure to return to Australia.
• Demonstrations and protests are expected. Small, localised protests continue in parts of Iran. Previously, security forces' response to protests has been severe, and many protesters and bystanders have been injured, killed or detained. There has been an increase in the number of foreign nationals arrested during previous protests. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
• Terrorist attacks could happen anywhere in Iran, including Tehran or other locations frequented by foreigners and tourists. They could occur at any time with little or no warning. Avoid possible targets and areas with a low level of security. Possible targets for attacks include embassies, hotels, places of worship, tourist sites, government interests, military parades and locations, Western businesses and other interests. Take official warnings seriously.
• Australians, including dual nationals, should strongly consider leaving Iran as soon as possible. Foreigners in Iran, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Foreign and dual nationals have been detained without due process of law. Iran does not recognise dual nationality. Our ability to provide consular support to dual Australian-Iranian nationals is extremely limited. We can't guarantee access to consular services or legal representation if you're detained or arrested.
• There are ongoing disruptions to telecommunications services, including mobile internet access.
• Regional tensions are high and could escalate rapidly. There is ongoing hostility between Iran and Israel, and military tensions between Iran, the US and other countries in the Middle East. The Iran-Iraq, Iran-Afghanistan, and Iran-Pakistan border areas are extremely dangerous.
• Regional and international politics can trigger protests. These may target Western or UN diplomatic missions. Avoid vigils, marches, demonstrations and large public gatherings, as they can turn violent without warning.
• Kidnapping for ransom can occur. Foreign nationals have also been the target of kidnapping. Drug traffickers and bandits are active in the Afghanistan and Pakistan border areas. They often clash violently with security forces. Bombings and shootings occur. Be alert to your surroundings, especially at night. Outside these areas, the level of violent crime is low.
• Women can face unwanted attention and harassment. If you're a woman, take care when travelling alone, particularly at night.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Outbreaks of insect borne diseases such as malaria, tick-borne encephalitis and leishmaniasis occur. Use insect and mosquito repellent.
• HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. These include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Significant air pollution occurs in major cities. Sandstorms and dust storms happen often. Get medical advice if you have allergies or breathing difficulties.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use, carry or import illegal drugs. Punishments for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty.
• Get professional advice if you're involved in local legal proceedings. In particular, seek advice on matters of family law, such as divorce, child custody and child support.
• Same-sex relations are illegal for both men and women. Penalties include corporal punishment and death.
• Iran has strict codes of dress and behaviour. Women are required by law to wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing covering their arms and legs. Men face fewer clothing restrictions but should avoid shorts and sleeveless t-shirts. Close contact between unmarried men and women is illegal, as is being in a de facto relationship. This is particularly the case for interactions between Muslims and non-Muslims. It's against the law to behave in a way that offends Islam, such as encouraging a Muslim to convert.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph military or government sites, critical civil infrastructure and public protests. It's illegal to use drones without authorisation.
• Iran has strict importation laws. You can't import alcohol, pornography, pork products or short-wave radios. It's also illegal to import printed or recorded Western materials, including religious material. Get permission to bring in electronics, such as satellite phones, GPS trackers and walkie-talkies.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• We advise Australians not to travel to Iran. If you're in Iran, you should strongly consider leaving as soon as possible. If despite our advice you travel to Iran, you'll need a visa to enter and you'll need to get it before you travel. Contact your nearest  Iranian embassy  for details. 
• Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations into and out of Iran at short notice.
• Some countries have restrictions on travellers coming out of Iran.
• If your passport contains Israeli stamps or visas, Iranian authorities will refuse you entry.
• If you overstay your visa in Iran for any reason, even one beyond your control, you'll incur a fine. The Australian Government cannot pay this fine for you. You must also apply for an exit visa. You can get more information on Iranian visa and exit permit requirements from the Iranian Passport Police Office or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Iran. You'll need a specialised policy.
• The local currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR). Declare any foreign currency you have when you arrive in Iran or authorities may confiscate it when you leave. You can exchange major currencies in all big cities. You can't use international credit or bank cards. You can't transfer money using commercial banks or money transfer companies. Bring enough cash to cover your stay.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Tehran . The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.
• Our ability to provide consular support to dual Australian-Iranian nationals is extremely limited.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Protests and demonstrations are expected. Some airlines may cancel flights at short notice - check with your airline. Australian embassy staff and their families in Tehran have been advised to stay close to home and avoid protest areas.

In late 2022 and early 2023, there were widespread protests across many cities and towns in Iran. Previously, security forces' response to protests has been severe, and many protesters and bystanders have been injured, killed or detained. During past protest periods, there have been increases in the number of foreign nationals arrested. You should avoid all protest activity.

Political developments in the region and local political tensions can trigger protests, demonstrations and vigils.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can potentially turn violent.

Iranians sometimes protest against some Western and Middle East embassies and UN missions.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests, large crowds and vigils
• do not photograph demonstrations, protests, large crowds or vigils
• monitor media for possible threats
• plan activities to avoid disruption on national or commemorative days
• follow the advice of local authorities
• share your itinerary with family and friends and keep in close contact so they know where you are.

Be prepared to change your plans in case of disruptions.

If civil unrest disrupts transport, ask your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Risk of arbitrary detention or arrest

Travellers in Iran, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. A number of Australians, including dual nationals, have been detained in Iran without due process of law.

There's been an increase in the number of foreign nationals being arrested or detained in Iran.

You may be at greater risk of detention if authorities are suspicious of your activities or background. You could attract the attention of authorities if you:

• study or do other academic activity
• travel outside tourist areas
• are near crowds, demonstrations or sensitive sites
• take photos, except in major tourist sites
• have contact with Iranians who are of interest to authorities
• behave or express views perceived as anti-Iranian, anti-Iranian Government, or that could cause religious offence
• are affiliated with, or have links to, Iranian opposition or other political groups.

Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual Australian-Iranian national and are detained in Iran, our ability to provide consular support is extremely limited.

The Australian Government may not be notified if you're detained. We can't guarantee consular access to any Australian detained or arrested. We also can't guarantee access to legal representation.

If you're in Iran, you should leave immediately.

• Advice for dual nationals
• Fact sheet: Arrested or jailed overseas   

Security situation

Regional tensions are high, and the security situation could deteriorate quickly with little or no notice. This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions, and other travel disruptions. 

The security situation in Iran remains volatile. Tensions in the region are high and may escalate further, due to ongoing hostility between Iran and Israel, and military tensions between Iran, the US, and other countries in the Middle East.

If despite our advice you go to Iran, or decide to stay there, monitor media for possible threats and take extra precautions for your safety:

• keep a low profile.
• keep in contact with family and friends
• don't travel alone or at night
• check routes before you travel
• don't put your travel or other plans on social media
• work with only reliable, registered and authorised organisations and travel agencies
• don't carry large amounts of cash

Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations to and from Iran at short notice.  If tensions escalate, your options to leave may be limited. The Australian Government may not be able to assist with your departure. Check the latest flight status with your airline or travel provider and make arrangements in case you can’t leave. Share those plans with family and friends.

Iranian authorities are active in and closely monitor border areas with Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The security situation within 10km of the Iran-Iraq border is extremely dangerous.

Do not visit military or nuclear sites; these are not always clearly marked. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media.

A terrorist attack could happen anywhere in Iran at any time, including in Tehran. 

In January 2024, at least 84 people were killed and more than 200 wounded in suicide bombing attacks in Kerman, southern Iran, carried out by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

On 26 October 2022, a terrorist attack on the Shah Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz killed at least 14 people and injured 40 others.

Possible targets for attacks include:

• places of worship
• tourist sites
• government interests
• military parades and locations
• Western businesses and other interests

To stay safe from terrorist risks:

• be alert to possible threats throughout the country
• avoid places where there is a low level of security and possible target areas
• monitor the media for new threats
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in Iran. Foreign nationals have been targeted. The kidnapping risk is heightened in the border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan, including in the area east of Bam, Jask, and the Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. Drug traffickers and bandits are active in these regions.

Kidnapping happens with political, ideological and criminal motives. Targets have included foreigners.

Always be alert to your personal security and surroundings.

To protect yourself from kidnapping:

• seek professional security advice
• arrange effective personal safety measures
• be alert to possible threats
• change your daily routines and patterns of travel

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Violent crime

The level of violent crime in Iran is generally low, but petty crime is increasing due to the worsening economic situation.

Drug traffickers and bandits are active in the border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan. This includes: 

• Sistan and Baluchestan province
• east of the city of Bam in Kerman province

Violent incidents often occur in these areas, such as:

• clashes between security forces and drug traffickers

Travel at night in these areas is particularly dangerous.

Be alert to your surroundings, especially at night. Don't draw unwanted attention to yourself.

Petty crime

There have been increasing reports of thieves in passing vehicles snatching bags from pedestrians, home break-ins and robberies. 

Women can face unwanted attention and harassment. Women  should take care travelling alone, particularly at night.

Scams and fraud

Men may approach foreigners and claim to be plain-clothes police. They say they're looking for foreign drug dealers and ask to see wallets and ID.

If this happens, it could be a scam . Ask a uniformed police officer for help.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Climate and natural disasters

Earthquakes and severe weather occur in Iran.

If a natural disaster happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Earthquakes

Iran experiences frequent earthquakes . There have been several major earthquakes in recent years.

Aftershocks often follow a major earthquake. They can cause further damage to already weakened structures.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Severe weather

Iran experiences extremely high temperatures.

The temperature in some areas can reach over 50˚C in July and August, the hottest months of the year.

Some regions have heavy snowfall during winter.

Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.

Widespread flash flooding affected large parts of Iran in March-April 2019, causing a number of deaths.

Travel insurance

If despite our advice you plan to travel to Iran, you'll need a specialised travel insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Iran. Check that Iran is not excluded from your cover because of sanctions.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. The Australian Government won't pay for any costs or organise evacuation.

If you can't get travel insurance , you should not travel.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some specialised medicines are in short supply in Iran.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Iran. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Medical evacuation may be difficult.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is endemic outside the major towns in Iran's south and west.

Other insect-borne diseases are common, including:

• leishmaniasis
• tick-borne encephalitis

Ticks are most active in spring, summer and autumn.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS is a risk.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur, such as:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Air pollution

Significant air pollution occurs in major cities. Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.

Get medical advice if you have allergies or breathing difficulties.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities varies. Facilities in remote areas are extremely limited.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as London or Dubai. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and may not be possible.

Medical tourism

Medical tourism including for cosmetic operations is common in Iran. The standard of medical service providers can vary. If you're considering getting medical treatment in Iran, you should research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Serious post-surgery complications and deaths have occurred.

You should discuss your plans with your Australian doctor or specialist before committing to getting procedures done in Iran.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. 

Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If you're an Australian citizen with Iranian nationality, our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and include the death penalty.

Authorities have executed foreigners for drug-related offences in recent years.

Carrying or using drugs

Get professional advice if you're involved in local legal proceedings. In particular, seek advice on matters of family law, such as:

• child custody
• child support

Know your rights and responsibilities.

Penalties for serious offences include death and corporal punishment. Same-sex relations are considered serious offences.

These activities are illegal in Iran:

• homosexual acts for both men and women
• failing to meet the legal dress code
• import alcohol, pornography, pork products or short-wave radios
• import printed or recorded Western material, including those with a religious theme

Local authorities consider domestic violence to be a private family matter. Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Dress and behaviour

Iran has strict Islamic codes of dress and behaviour.

It's illegal to behave in a way considered to offend Islam. For example, you must not encourage Muslims to convert to another religion.

It's also illegal to:

• have close contact between unmarried men and women — in particular between non-Muslims and Muslims
• be in a de facto relationship

In public women are required by law to wear:

• loose-fitting clothing to cover arms and legs
• a long coat
• a headscarf

If you fail to follow these dress requirements, you may be detained, fined or denied access to government and other services.

In public men should not wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts.

Photography

You cannot photograph sensitive sites or events, including:

• military and nuclear sites
• government buildings and installations
• critical civil infrastructure
• public demonstrations

Electronic equipment

It's illegal to use drones without authorisation.

You will need permission to bring in a range of electronic equipment, including:

• satellite phones
• GPS trackers
• walkie-talkies

Unauthorised use may result in arrest or detention. Tracking software installed on mobile phones, tablets or other computer equipment may attract the attention of authorities.

For advice, contact your nearest Iranian embassy or consulate .

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Iran doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, you may be at greater risk of arbitrary arrest or detention. Our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

If you're arrested or detained, it's highly unlikely the Government of Iran would:

• allow us to give you consular services
• notify the Australian Embassy that you've been arrested or detained.

Under Iranian law, Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on their Iranian passport. Iranian immigration officials routinely confiscate the foreign passports of dual nationals.

If you're an Australian-Iranian dual national, authorities may not allow you to leave Iran if:

• you're male and you haven't completed military service
• you're female and you don't have permission from your husband or a senior male relative to leave Iran
• you're male and have not paid back the dowry to your wife after divorce
• you've overstayed your visa and not paid the fine.

We advise you not to travel to Iran if you are dual Australian-US or Australian-Israeli citizen, in line with those countries' advice to their citizens.  For other nationalities, you should check with the relevant country’s travel advice for advice about your risks.

• Dual nationals
• US travel advice for Iran
• UK Government travel advice for Iran
• Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Local customs

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan  is observed in Iran. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visitor visa

If despite our advice you decide to travel to Iran, you'll need a visa to enter. You must apply for a visa before you travel. Contact  Iranian embassy  in Australia to apply.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the embassy of Iran for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

The Government of Iran issues Iranian visas. The Australian Embassy can't intervene in visa matters, including visas on arrival.

If you overstay your visa in Iran for any reason, even one beyond your control, you'll incur a fine. The Australian Government cannot pay this fine for you. You must also apply for an exit visa. You can get more information on Iranian visa and exit permit requirements from the Iranian Passport Police Office or Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

• Embassies and Consulates of Iran

Other formalities

If your passport has evidence you've travelled to Israel, such as an Israeli exit or entry stamp, authorities will refuse you entry to Iran.

Strict import restrictions apply.

If you're a dual national, you may not be able to leave Iran unless you meet certain conditions.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR).

Declare any foreign currency you have when you arrive in Iran. If you don't, authorities may confiscate it when you leave.

You can change major currencies in all major cities. However, recent government action has made it harder to change money in exchange bureaus.

You can't use international credit or bank cards.

You can't transfer funds into Iran using:

• the commercial banking system
• a money transfer company 

Bring enough cash to cover your stay.

Local travel

Driving permit.

To drive in Iran you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get an IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world.

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Iran than in Australia.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have enough insurance cover
• ensure you understand local traffic laws and practices
• don't drink and drive

Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when crossing roads, as traffic can be very congested and road-users unpredictable or undisciplined.

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle. 

Always wear a helmet.

Only use registered taxis and limousines. Book them through your hotel.

Public transport

Iran is serviced by extensive bus and rail options. Road conditions and road safety vary across the country. Rail services are more limited and slower.  Public transport  in the main cities is often very crowded.

The Gulf has many areas with security issues and territorial disputes. Authorities may inspect, detain and arrest vessels.  Foreigners navigating Iranian waters have been arrested and detained.

Piracy occurs in the Gulf.

Check the International Maritime Bureau's  piracy report .

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) hasn't audited air safety authorities in Iran.

The EU has operational restrictions in place for some of Iran Air's fleet. The airline hasn't met the EU's international safety standards.

Ageing planes on many of Iran's domestic air services create serious safety concerns.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Iran's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network .

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

English speakers are generally not available.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Tehran.

Australian Embassy

No.11, Yekta Street Bahar Street, Shahid Fallahi Street Valie Asr Avenue Tehran, Iran

Phone: +98 21 7206 8666 Fax: +98 21 7206 8777 Website: iran.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australia in Iran Instagram: @AustraliaInIran

The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

1300 555 135 in Australia

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How to Travel to Iran as An American

I just came back from Iran and I’m still digesting everything I saw and experienced. What a country! So much history, so many beautiful monuments (and you know me, nature being my jam, I don’t usually do museums or monuments). Iran was my first Middle East country I’ve visited and I think I made the right choice in picking Iran as my introduction to the region. Because of my US citizenship, I had to go with a guide – which is not usually my style – but having a guide and a car made the trip very smooth and hassle-free.

On this post, you will find all the necessary information for traveling to Iran as a US citizen. You’ll also find my thoughts on safety issue, traveling to Iran as a vegetarian, and other brain-dump type of commentaries.

But first, let’s get something out of the way…

Pink mosque in Shiraz

Can Americans Travel to Iran?

Yes, Americans can legally travel to Iran , with the following restrictions:

• Americans will not be eligible for visa-on-arrival, so you’ll need to get your Iran visa before your trip. The process takes 2-3 months.
• Americans (as well as UK and Canada citizens) must apply for their visa through an Iranian travel agency. No exception.
• Americans are also required to be accompanied with a guide with a pre-determined itinerary.

This means that you must travel following a fixed itinerary and you’re not allowed to deviate from it. No spontaneous change of plan, no accepting invitations to people’s houses. You will have to be accompanied by a licensed guide throughout the duration of your stay in Iran. Technically this means that your guide is supposed to be with you the second you step out of your hotel.

A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Iran

As someone who thrives on solo travel, personal time alone, and unstructured free time, I worried that I’d find this constrictive. Thankfully I had a great guide that was willing to be flexible and I do have some experience traveling with randos off the Internet .

You can try finding a licensed guide through online forum or referral (ask me!), but going through a travel agency will make most sense for first time visitors to Iran. There’s no need to join a group tour though, instead you could go on a private, custom trip based on your interests and schedule. Surprisingly, it’s not that much more expensive than a group tour.

Iran Visa for Americans

Step 1. Find a reputable travel agency Step 2. Work out your Iran itinerary Step 3. Submit requested documentation to the travel agency. At this step, you also need to specify where you’re going to pick up your visa. For me this was the Iranian interest in Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC. Step 4. After 2-3 months, if approved you will receive a Visa Grant Code (also called authorization code). Step 5. Mail your Visa Grant Code + visa fee + passport to your pre-determined pick up point. Step 6. Pick up/receive your passport with an attached Iran visa.

How to Guide: Iran Visa for Americans

Is it Safe to Visit Iran?

Safety is such a tricky question I almost never talk about it. Safety is subjective (is it real or perceived risk?), anecdotal (just because nothing happens to you, it doesn’t mean it’s safe), and contextual (like when a 6’4″ tall, 200lbs man claims a country is “safe”).

But safety is the first thing that comes to mind to a lot of people when the subject of travel to Iran comes up, so I feel that I have to mention it here. So how safe is Iran? Should Americans travel in Iran?

Petty Crimes in Iran

I felt safer walking the streets in Iran than I do back home here in San Francisco. While in Iran, I didn’t feel like someone would snatch the phone off my hand while I’m walking down the street. I never felt like I had to constantly keep an eye on my belonging in public (I still do, because it’s a smart thing to do).

Generally speaking, nobody in Iran is out to scam you. No tea house invitations, no friendship bracelets, or such non-sense. My time in Iran was hassle-free. It was so nice not to have to be on my guard all the time.

Rooftop meander in Kashan

Female Safety in Iran

As a female, I found it refreshing not to get ogled or cat-called. Instead I was treated with deference by every male I interacted with even when I was by myself. I can’t speak for what it’s like to be a solo woman traveler in Iran dealing with public transportation and such. However from my research, solo women travelers find Iran to be one of the safest countries to travel (as in anywhere else, common sense prevails).

But it doesn’t mean that my trip in Iran was worry-free. As an American, I did have some safety concern.

Is Iran safe for Americans?

When I was traveling in Iran, the rhetoric against Iran by the Trump administration was at its peak. The US aircraft carriers were on their way to the Gulf. There was even talk about sending troops. In response, Iranian government increased their anti-American, anti-Israel counter-rhetoric back.

If war broke out, selfishly I wondered how it would affect me, especially on my ability to leave. My biggest Iran safety concerns was our governments’ hostility towards each other, but never the Iranian people themselves.

Because of that, I never felt that I had to hide my nationality. When people ask, and they do ask, where I’m from, I don’t hesitate to say “the US” or “America”. We often bonded immediately over our shared frustration at the current situation and the feelings that our respective governments don’t represent our best interest.

Iranians are very aware of how they’re being being portrayed in the West – an Iranian I met literally said “Please tell your friends we are not terrorists” – they go out of their way to prove just the opposite. Among avid travelers, the hospitality of Iranian people are widely known.

Warm smiles and colors of Iran.

Best Time to Travel to Iran

Most first time travelers to Iran will follow the “classic route” which includes the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz. For this classic Iran itinerary, Spring time (March – May) and Fall (September – October) would be the best time to travel to Iran since temperature will be milder. I was warned that desert cities such as Yazd gets searing hot during summer (> 40C). As a woman in Iran, having to cover up, I can’t imagine it would be comfortable at all.

Traveling in Iran during Ramadan

Purely by coincidence, I found myself traveling in Iran during Ramadan (which in 2019 fell on May). Ramadan is not the most ideal time to travel in Iran . Most shops and restaurants are closed during the day. Bazaars and the streets are quieter because of it. Monuments and museums do stay open, however.

Evenings is your prime people watching time during Ramadan in Iran. Shops and restaurants shift their opening hour to around 4-5pm, a few hours before iftar (end of fast). Our strategy was to get our sightseeing done early and afterwards, we were able to enjoy lively iftar atmosphere in public squares and bazaars.

Lunch time during Ramadan can be tricky. Only restaurants with special permit are allowed to be open during the day in Ramadan and finding these restaurants is not easy even with an experienced guide. A restaurant that was open last year isn’t necessarily going to get a permit this year. Not to mention that for sensitivity reason, these restaurants do not look open from the outside.

Drinking and eating in public during Ramadan is discouraged. So if you find yourself traveling in Iran during Ramadan, just be discreet if you need to take sip of water or snack in public.

So yeah, it wasn’t ideal since I do love to snack and check out the street food scene when traveling. As a matter of fact, I lost weight during this trip. First since Tibet!

What to Wear in Iran

I feel that being a tourist in Iran gets you a lot of leeway in terms of clothing. As long as you make an effort, I wouldn’t stress too much about it. Also, as a woman, you will adjust your head cover about 10 million times a day. You’ve been warned.

I bought the green/blue manteau in Iran ($8) and the yellow scarf ($3). Plus a sleeveless top underneath, and thin legging from Uniqlo.

You will need to cover your hair as soon as you land in Iran , so make sure that you have a scarf in your carry-on bag. Arms, legs, cleavage, and hair should be covered. 3/4 sleeves seem to be acceptable. One of your layers will need to be long enough to cover your butt. For traveling in warmer months, I’d go for long light-weight, loose tunics such a this .

I spent more time than than usual figuring out what to bring to Iran but in the end none of the stuff I brought with me worked out. The 3 scarfs I brought were either too slippery or too thick. My cardigans, suitable for San Francisco mild summer temperature, were too warm for springtime in Iran. I ended up buying pretty much a whole new ayatollah-approved wardrobe in Iran such as scarfs, long shirts, and a light-weight manteau.

Visiting Iran in spring/summer? My recommendation is to get a light-weight manteau as soon as you arrive in Iran. Then you can wear any tops you want underneath. I paired the manteau with a pair of thin leggings from Uniqlo. I wore that combo most days in Iran.

Make up, jewelry, tight jeans/leggings, and wearing sandals is also completely acceptable in Iran. The latter was the only salvation on warmer days.

Men can get by with regular clothes with the exception for shorts, muscle shirts, and sleeve-less shirts.

Food and Drink

You can drink the tap water.

Tap water is drinkable in most cities in Iran and you’ll see plenty of water fountains in public areas all throughout Iran. Double check with your guide or your hotel. Bottled water is very cheap, but bringing a water bottle with built-in filter (like this ) means less plastic and less waste.

You won’t find alcohol sold anywhere in Iran (at least not publicly). Learn to embrace it by ordering one of the many creative mocktails and colorful herbal drinks.

Being a Vegetarian in Iran

Not to sugarcoat it, but being a vegetarian in Iran wasn’t easy. I do hope you love eggplant because you’ll be eating a lot of it. In restaurants, your best bet would be to look for Kashk-e Bademjan (often listed on the menu as “eggplant with whey”), a vegetarian dish made of eggplants, herbs, and yoghurt. There’s also Mirza Ghasemi made with eggplants, tomato, and eggs. Less often seen is Kookoo Sabzi , some type of crust-less quiche made of spinach and egg.

Restaurants in touristy places might serve vegetarian version of some of Iran’s popular traditional dishes such as fesenjan , a pomegranate-walnut stew, but this was an exception rather than the rule.

There are plenty of fast food restaurants selling falafels and samosas (and also spaghetti?). These are handy for quick snacks or when you’re tired of eating eggplant.

What if you’re vegan? Oh man, it’s going to be so tough. You might want to bring your own food?

Day 4 in Iran, I begged my guide at a restaurant “Anything but eggplant, pleaaaase!” He talked to the restaurant owner and he agreed to make me something off menu. Not sure what this is, but it was delicious (and more importantly, not eggplant!)

Left: Zulbiya (fried dough soaked in syrup). Right: A mocktail – no alcohol, no problem. Get one of these colorful, delicious mocktails in one of the many Iranian cafes.

Home Cooked Food

I feel that Iran is one of those countries where the best food come from homes and not restaurants. I think many would agree? Try to include a cooking class or a dinner with a local family in your itinerary.

If you have sweet tooth, you’re in luck. Iran has a lot of different types of sweets and desert, many are region-specific. They often incorporate rose water, saffron, and pistachios. Some regional Iranian sweets you have to try are:

• Koluche/Kolooche , a type of bready cookie stuffed with a mix of cinnamon and sugar. The best known kolooche comes from the city of Fuman, where we stopped on our way to Masouleh.
• Gaz , Iranian nougat from Yazd
• Zulbiya & Bamiye – fried dough drenched in syrup, popular during Ramadan.
• Sohan from Qom. A type of brittle toffee made of saffron, cardamom, and rose butter. And butter. Tons of butter.
• Shiraz-faloudeh from Shiraz. A starch-based noodle served with ice cream, rose syrup, and optional lemon juice.

Pink lake near Shiraz

Money Matter

Bring all the cash you think you’ll need. You can’t use debit or credit cards in Iran, and ATMs will not work. Iran has its own banking system, separate from any global financial network such as Visa or Mastercard.

How much money do you need to bring?

Your tour price will at least include hotel and transportation. It might or might not include entrance fee. On top of the tour, I spent 120 USD for the 12 days I was Iran paying for my own food, entrance fees, and other incidentals (SIM card, souvenirs, etc). Because of the weak exchange rate (especially with the sanctions), your dollar or euro will go far.

If you come to Iran wanting to buy a Persian carpet (that can cost up to thousands of dollars), don’t feel the need to bring a duffel bag of cash with you. Bigger stores will actually accept Visa/Mastercard. Some will charge a percentage for the convenience but you can find some that don’t. Having said that, cash is king and you’ll have a better bargaining power when paying with cash.

Iran Tourist Card

This is a type of reloadable debit card that’s very convenient since it’s accepted pretty much everywhere in Iran. Everybody in Iran uses some type of debit card for payment. So when using cash, be prepared to get panic looks whenever a shop owner realises he can’t give you change.

Ask your travel agency to help set up a prepaid debit card for you or get it yourself at MahCard (they deliver to your accommodation, set up fee 20 Euros). I also heard that you can get an Iran debit card at the Melli Bank branch at Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Currency Exchange Rate

Keep in mind that the “official” exchange rate, the kind you’ll see on Xe.com is not what you’ll get in Iran. The black market or the free market rate can be 3x more that. Check current market rate here . In most other countries, changing money in the non-official market means covert dealing in some quiet, dark alley. In Iran, however, any currency exchange office will be able to sell you Rials at the free market rate.

TLDR; Don’t exchange at the banks who will give you much lower rate. Go instead to one of the licensed exchange shops. In Tehran, these shops can be found on Ferdowsi Street around Ferdowsi Square.

Toman vs Rial

I’m not sure why exactly, but in Iran there are 2 different currencies commonly used: Rial and Toman.

“Iranian Rial” is the officialy currency of Iran. The bills and coins that in Iran are in Rials. However, prices all throughout the country are quoted in “Tomans” with 1 Toman = 10 Rials. For example, you’ll see a scarf with the price tag of 50.000. This is 50.000 Tomans. The actual price is 500.000 Rials and that’s how much you’ll need to pay in physical money.

It can be very confusing. In the first couple of days, I kept thinking everyone was short-changing me, but I quickly got used to it. I’m sure you will too.

While in Iran, always look up

I recently switched to Google Project Fi, Google’s pay as you go network ( get $20 credit ) that has coverage in over 170 countries. Of course Iran isn’t one of them. Ugh.

Local SIM Card

Many social media apps are blocked such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Random websites (some Wikipedia pages) are also blocked. VPN to the rescue! I use ExpressVPN myself, but just to be on the safe side, get different VPN providers before you arrive because some might work better than others.

PSA: I always use paid service from reputable VPN providers because there’s no such thing as a free lunch (how much is your personal data worth to you?)

Recommended Pre-Trip Reading

• Lipstick Jihad – a memoir by an Iranian-American. I read this for the first time in college, this book and my Iranian roommate was how Iran entered my consciousness for the first time.
• Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope – this is the story of an Iranian female lawyer fighting the regime on behalf of Canadian journalist – Zara Kazemi. This book was a tough read because of the subject and it stayed with me for a long time.
• I, Who Did Not Die – a true story set in the little known, but extremely brutal Iran-Iraq war in 1980’s.
• The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master – you can’t visit Iran and not hear about Hafez, a much-beloved Persian poet who hailed from Shiraz. Iranian children learn about Hafiz in school and his works can be found in almost every Iranian home.

— Anything else you’d like to know about traveling to Iran as a US citizen? Let me know in the comments or get in touch with me. Looking for inspirations on where to visit in Iran ? See this post. I also have a great recommendation for a guide who speaks excellent English and is licensed to take US, UK, and Canada citizens.

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Explore More Iran

The Best of Iran, A Guide to the Best Places to Visit

Masuleh, Visiting Iran’s Prettiest Village

How to Get Iran Visa for US Citizens (2019)

After a few weeks I am flying to Iran (but just for one day) and then I am going to stay in Jordan for a week. I do have a Surfshark subscription it worked in Turkey and UAE, so everything should be fine, but just in case, maybe you know is social media apps are blocked in Jordan too?

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

• Share full article

By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Israel said that it would send more troops to Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza and the current focal point in the war between Israel and Hamas. Fighting in the city has closed off a vital border crossing, forced hundreds of thousands to flee  and cut off humanitarian aid.

President Biden is pushing for a broad deal that would get Israel to approve a Palestinian nation  in return for Saudi recognition of Israel. But officials need to overcome Israeli opposition.

The Arab League called for a United Nations peacekeeping force to be deployed in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank until a two-state solution can be negotiated , in a statement that also called for the U.N. Security Council to set a time limit for that process.

FIFA Delays a Vote: Soccer’s global governing body postponed a decision to temporarily suspend Israel  over its actions in Gaza, saying it needed to solicit legal advice before taking up a motion submitted by the Palestinian Football Association.

PEN America’s Literary Gala: The free-expression group has been engulfed by debate  over its response to the Gaza war that forced the cancellation of its literary awards and annual festival. But its literary gala went on as planned .

Jerusalem Quartet Will Perform: The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, said that it would allow the Jerusalem Quartet to perform , two days after it had canceled the ensemble’s concerts amid security concerns.

A Key Weapon: When President Biden threatened to pause some weapons shipments to Israel if it invaded Rafah, the devastating effects of the 2,000-pound Mark 84 bomb  were of particular concern to him.

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Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Iran , Misunderstood Destinations

This Is How to Travel to Iran – Everything You Need to Know

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Many travel to Iran to experience the delights of the ancient Persian Empire yet are unaware of the limitations faced by the rules and regulations of what is now the strict Islamic Republic.

As travel warnings persist and diplomatic relations with other countries continue with varying degrees of existence, many are confused about how to go about entering Iran and travelling in Iran safely, efficiently, and within the boundaries set by the current regime.

However, an Iran trip doesn’t have to be difficult at all – tourism is growing as relations develop; hatred of the western world is not as rife as the media likes you to think, and travel in the country is safe. Ancient Persia is within easy grasp, most notably in the central region where key sites have been maintained and the infrastructure linking them is growing, and tourists are not subjected to as heavily enforced rules as the locals.

With enough pre-planning and prior research, you can easily avoid the limitations and stresses of travelling in what is perceived as a closed and tricky country to traverse.

Use this checklist and list of tips for when you visit Iran as a comprehensive guide to help get you started. This Iran travel guide shows you how and is constantly revised with the help of an authorised tour guide on the ground in Tehran, alongside access to regular Iran tourism updates via tourism business partners. 

Travel Warning: Due to the volatile security in the region and the recent developments in April 2024, check your government and official advisories before visiting Iran. 

Check Before you Visit Iran

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Inbound bookings for Iran usually change when something has severed particular diplomatic ties, which then reverberates to tourism apprehension and a halt to tourism altogether. Always check the news and the political landscape before travelling to Iran to see if you (and your nationality/country) are affected by visas and entry to Iran. It’s always a matter of time and patiently waiting to see how the political landscape plays out following these events. Here are some of the more recent ones.

On 3rd January 2020, it was announced that the Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike, with Iran calling for ‘severe revenge’. While the outcome is not yet known, this does ignite fears of a conflict in the Middle East , and it pays to be more aware of travel warnings at this time. American citizens, in particular, may face more restrictions. 

Following the Ukrainian Airlines plane crash near Tehran, several flights routes to Iran have been cancelled following the news that the Ukrainian jet was ‘unintentionally’ shot down . If you have any Iran travel planned, check your airline to see if the service is still running.

The arrest of the UK Ambassador to Iran in Tehran as part of government protests have further sparked an international row between the two countries. UK travellers should be on alert for developments. 

Both Iran and Persia are used interchangeably about the country and also while you are on the ground. Reference to Persia is more so in the context of the history and legacy of the ancient kingdom of the Persian Empire; Iran is about the modern-day Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East.

READ MORE: Best Places to Visit in Iran to See Ancient Persia

You’ll stumble between modern-day cities and the sights of ancient Persia, like the Persepolis, on any Iran trip.

Can Everyone Travel to Iran? Iran Visas and Authorisation Codes

Getting a visa for Iran is quite possibly the most stressful and challenging part of your entire trip. You first need to know if you are eligible and what limitations you may face.

For countries like the UK, which have strained and little to no diplomatic relations with Iran, you may find that you cannot even get an Iran visa in your country because there is no Iranian embassy. British travel to Iran means a little more legwork, where you may also have to travel elsewhere, like Dublin or Paris for example, to obtain the visa since there is no Iran embassy in the UK.

Most airlines flying to Iran will not allow you on a flight unless you show you have an Iran visa, but you can get a visa on arrival. However, sanctions have been lifted, most notably in 2016, with up to 900 Iran visas daily on average granted on arrival, according to the Office of Foreign Affairs. Tourism numbers annually have increased year on year, with 5.2 million foreign visitors entering Iran in 2015, in comparison to 4.7 million in 2013.

On the 14th February 2016, the Ministry of Iran announced that airports could issue 30-day visas for Iran, for nationals of 180 countries.

Non-eligible nationalities for Iran Visa On Arrival:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, USA, UK

A 30-day Tourist Visa Upon Arrival, for those of eligible nationality , can be obtained at the following Iran airports:

IKA:  Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport THR:  Tehran Mehrabad Airport MHD:  Mashad Airport SYZ:  Shiraz Airport TBZ:  Tabriz Airport ISF:  Isfahan Airport

Follow the signs that say ‘Visa on Arrival’ where you will be asked questions about your trip to Iran and asked to present:

• Details about your confirmed first night’s accommodation in Iran, including the address and phone number (you may also be asked about your travel plans on-going).
• Proof of a confirmed return flight ticket.
• A copy of your travel insurance policy document and policy number.
• Those people I met who were granted an Iran tourist  visa on arrival as part of the tour   were given a special letter from the company that they could present to both the airline and passport control on arrival.

You can be waiting up to 30 minutes before your visa is granted and you can proceed to immigration. You will need:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Two passport photos, in which women should be wearing a headscarf
• The completed visa form. You can also fill out the form online before arrival in Iran, from which you will receive a visa application reference number, print it off and take it with you.

One of the many beautiful places in Iran to visit – The UNESCO World Heritage site of The Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh) of Isfahan.

The costs for a visa in Iran and visa on arrival in Iran – each country is different.

Iran Travel insurance is a requirement to obtain your visa for Iran. Without proof of purchase and printed documentation, you cannot pick up your visa from the embassy or secure your visa on arrival at the airport.

Aside from it being a stupid idea not to have travel insurance coverage, check that your current policy (or the one you are thinking of getting) covers Iran. Some do not provide travel insurance for Iran or only cover limited regions of the country and activities.

Getting Your Iran Authorisation Code – Non-Eligible Nationalities

For those not eligible for a visa on arrival, and those wanting to apply for a visa for peace of mind before they arrive,  you have to apply for an Authorisation Code. EVERYONE has to have one of these, which will determine if you are granted an application for a visa.

• For those who HAVE to travel in a group (see below), this code will generally be processed by your tour company.
• For everyone else, you can use 1stQuest which offers essential travel services for Iran travel. Otherwise, source an Iranian travel agency local to you at the time of planning or seek direction from the embassy you wish to get a visa from about where to apply for it.
• When applying for the authorisation code, you will need to specify which embassy you will be processing your visa at – a pain for those travelling around with no solid plans. Once the code is released, you cannot change the embassy choice. It’s wise to choose an embassy in a city you are likely to fly to Iran from (see also timings below).

Authorisation codes (if not booking with tour) come with an administration cost of around 35 Euro, which is dependent on the agency you are working with. There is no set price for an Iran Tourist Visa since it is determined by nationality and where you process your visa.

I paid €180 for mine in Tbilisi, Georgia and a British guy on my tour paid a little more to process his in Paris. The Australians in my tour group paid differing amounts between €50-€100, as did the Germans. There’s no hard and fast rule – it’s more about luck.

If all that wasn’t enough, it is highly likely that

1. Your authorisation code will take WEEKS to process

2. It will most likely arrive with only a matter of DAYS to spare before your planned arrival in Iran or tour start date.

This means that before any trip to Iran, especially when travelling on a tour, you will be rushing to the embassy in the hope of getting your authorisation code for Iran processed quickly. You may have to pay extra for fast-tracking and organise your flight ticket to Iran very last minute. This doesn’t always guarantee the best price and the idea of getting a cheap ticket to Iran has to be pushed aside.

DON’T book your flights to Iran or any travel arrangements until you know your Iran visa will be processed. Many people travel to Turkey beforehand to process their visas and fly to Iran from there, using the country as a cost-effective flight or train route for entry.

Everybody needs to get an Authorisation Code before travelling in Iran.

Refusal of Entry to Iran

The main reason for Iranian visa refusal is when there is proof you have travelled to Israel and the government’s paranoia based on your career (think journalists, media workers and similar).

Iran tourism issues are not linear, and while anything can happen at any time that would affect a particular nationality entry, the majority of the problems are political-based and beyond our control. Diplomatic relations and any political actions for/against Iran based on historical or current affairs at the time of applying may affect your refusal of entry into the country, or an Iran travel ban put in place.

On 4th January 2020, it was announced that the Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike, with Iran calling for ‘severe revenge’. While the outcome is not yet known, this does ignite fears of a conflict in the Middle East , and it pays to be more aware of travel warnings at this time. 

On 6th October 2019, it was reported that the two Australians imprisoned in Iran for flying a drone were freed in a political swap. It is suggested that strained relations between the UK and Iran after Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar are inciting such political moves to detain people breaking the rules.

On 29th August 2018, France informed diplomats to postpone all but non-essential travel to Iran after a foiled bomb plot near Paris. The following day, Iran dismissed such restrictions , proving that it is best to stay aware of any sudden changes. 

Solo Travel in Iran vs Tours in Iran

One of the biggest questions I hear is: Can US citizens / Americans travel to Iran? They absolutely can, but because of the long-standing history of coups, espionage, nuclear sanctions and everything else in between (outside of the control of the average American citizen unconnected to the historical actions of their government), all US passport holders are only allowed into Iran if part of Iran tour packages (or with a tour guide).

Despite restrictions, it is safe for Americans to travel to Iran, so don’t be put off by the bureaucracy needed to get there. US travel tips to Iran focus on this red tape. For example, it still stands that Americans must also be escorted from the airport to the hotel, and cannot make their arrangements. This all has to be pre-organised pick-up (a simple addition via the tour company) so do check this before you leave.

READ MORE: Inside The Den of Espionage – Former US Embassy in Tehran Turned Museum

The former US Embassy in Tehran, Iran

As of February 2014, British and Canadian citizens going to Iran became subjected to the same ‘tour only’ sanction (official Iran tour operator or private Iran guide). As a result, your visa is usually only granted for the exact number of days of your tour, with a couple of days on either side if you list this as part of the arrival and departure options.

British passports holders should also pay attention to Foreign Office updates following strained relations between the two countries after the oil tanker seizure, as listed above in ‘Current Diplomatic Relations’. 

Unfortunately, Israeli citizens cannot enter Iran at all, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Check on any nationality restrictions before you visit Iran. It may mean having to join a tour and hire a guide.

While those booking up Iran holidays might choose a tour package for the fact that everything is taken care of on the ground and for ease of travel, I had no choice since I had a British passport.

There’s an overwhelming amount of Iran tour packages, and it can often be hard to know where to start. At the time, I travelled with G Adventures on a Discover Persia tour which operated through the revered Iranian agency AITO. I allowed myself free time to visit Tehran on either side of my trip, so I had a taste of both worlds, albeit on a small scale. Currently this trip is not running. 

The upside to a tour, however nomadic and sporadic you usually are, is that these trips pack a real punch in getting you to many sites in 14 days. On the G Adventures Iran tour, I saw places I would not have been able to access easily on my own or with public transport. Plus, my local guide to Iran was the bundle of knowledge that a history and sociology geek like me needed for an ancient civilisation such as Persia. The downside of such holidays in Iran is a lack of free time and lazy resting for an itinerary that would normally, on my terms, take about three weeks, not two.

Being in a tour group when visiting Iran does not mean being chaperoned and watched 24-7. ven while on a small group tour, we were allowed time to ourselves in each destination. 

Choosing between and small group tour and a private guide – with a local who will show you all the historical places in Iran.

Generally, under the condition that you must have two people minimum, hiring a private tour guide in Iran is also an option. This is a viable option for those with visa restrictions who do not want to travel in slightly larger groups.

Come2Persia  is a certified and reliable Iran travel agency run by a trusted Iranian friend of mine, Ali Reza Nokhostin, who I met and travelled with when in Georgia. He is both passionate about showing off his country and in changing perceptions of Iran. Specialising in incoming tours to Iran, Come2Persia also provides other travel services needed to complete the private tour package, including hotel bookings, visa application, transportation and access to various guides, not just Ali.

Note that while solo / independent travel is moderately easy in Iran (if of a free nationality), Iran is not that well-trodden on the independent travel path. There’s little to no hostels and guesthouses, and a dominance of big, expensive hotels (especially in Tehran) and even then it is rare to stumble upon a bunch of solo travellers to join.

However, solo travel in Iran is happening, and it is safe, it’s just a little more challenging than usual, which can, in itself, be pretty exhilarating. 

Note that Couchsurfing in Iran is officially illegal, but it happens anyway. Nearly all independent travellers I have spoken to have mentioned that they have travelled here via this resource with your local hosts, of course, being the best guides. However, travellers looking to Couchsurf in Iran must be aware that they can not hold the Couchsurfing host responsible if anything goes wrong because there is no official ‘filter’ in place when it comes to the hosts listed online.

In a society where women are much more restricted than their male counterparts, to travel Iran as a solo female is a little harder and viewed with surprise/suspicion depending on where you go.

Also in Iran, since public displays of affection between males and females are not allowed, any harassment or inappropriate contact by an Iranian male to a female traveller would be frowned upon and draw attention. 

Iran is one of the safest countries in the world based on tourists’ feedback. There have been many solo female travellers who have experienced Iranian hospitality and kindness.

However, it is vital to bear in mind that Iran is an Islamic country with traditional values and of course, some types of outfits would send the wrong message, especially in smaller and more conservative cities, such as Yazd, Kashan and Qom.

Solo female travel in Iran is safe, but with awareness of the conservative values of this Islamic country.

Iran is a four-season country, which means in different corners of the country, you can experience various climates at the same time. So, when is the best time to go to Iran, based on the different climates in the country? As a quick guide to Iran and its geographical mix, we can divide the country into three regions:

• From early March until late May
• From early September until late November
• There is one high season, from mid-April until mid-November
• Only one high season, from late November until late March

In between the high seasons from July to September is marked by high temperatures rendering travel on the classic route potentially uncomfortable.

The stunning Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is Isfahan is one of the must-see sites.

Iranians love to shout about the abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As my local friend stated, “It gives Iranians a lot of pride to possess such ancient lineage”.

Iran has 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – 22 cultural and two natural. Each of which is the result of years of investigation and presentation of evidence as to why they should be regarded as world heritage sites. It would take more than one trip to traverse them all.

The Zoroastrian Towers of Silence in Yazd – one of the 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran.

Dress Code in Iran – Headscarves and Hijabs

Iran does have a strict dress code, and this is one of the biggest concerns for female travellers to Iran. Most importantly – PACK A HEADSCARF IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE.  It’s called ‘Roosari’ in Farsi, and you MUST be wearing it the moment you exit the plane and are officially in Iran.

You must wear a headscarf the entire time you are in Iran (except when in your hotel room), as well as loose clothing that covers your body. But let’s get one thing straight – you don’t have to wear a burka or anything that completely hides you.

When you arrive, you will soon see that reality is far removed from the stereotype. Iranian women are super stylish and proud of their appearance – fashion being a means to stand out and make a statement.

The dress code for women in Iran doesn’t have to be complicated.

The ‘Morality Police’ you hear of do exist in Iran but are not spending their time chasing down foreign visitors, so do not worry too much with that. If anything, you will get a polite mention. Visitors have a bit more flexibility when it comes to the rules.

• A headscarf is the most immediate essential item, and you can buy more when you are there) . If your headscarf falls, don’t worry – quickly put it back on again. You won’t be in trouble for this, but pay attention at all times. Wearing your hair in a high bun or ponytail helps keep the scarf in place. Many Iranian women wear it a little loose and halfway back on their head, since showing a little hair is granted.
• Tops must be loose-fitting, and three-quarter length sleeves are ok – a little more comfortable in the heat. The general rule of thumb is that the body should be covered and arms should not be bare.
• It is said that trousers must be baggy, but some local women wear tight, brightly coloured leggings.  As long as your legs are covered down to the ankles, it is fine. For tourists, leggings worn with a long, loose-fitting top are acceptable. However, in the more conservative areas such as Isfahan, Mashad and Qum, respect the values and revert to looser fitting trousers.
• Colour of clothing. It’s a myth that you need to dress in dark colours or black tunics. Embrace fashion the ways the locals do and bring some colour into your Iran packing list!
• Open toes sandals are OK. Pack some sports shoes for longer day trips where you might be walking a lot (such as at the Persepolis). You’ll soon see how sports shoes are fashionable in Iran, especially in bright colours!
• Worried you do not have enough appropriate attire? Fear not, as soon as you arrive in Tehran or even Shiraz (if you fly into the city), hit the bazaars and the local markets . There’s plenty to be sought out. Other people on my trip stuck with two outfits and alternately hand-washed them every night.
• Strict dress codes do not apply in the same manner when travelling with children . Young boys can wear shorts and t-shirts and girls under ten are not required to wear a headscarf.

For men it’s more straightforward – you will be dressing much the same as you do in western countries, except no short shorts, no super short sleeves and no extreme tight-fitting clothing.

READ MORE: Iran Dress Code for Women (What to Wear in Iran)

Is Iran Safe? Is it Safe to Travel to Iran?

Iran’s image of being a terrorist-driven, American bashing, nuclear weapon holding, burka-clad society is something that has been highly driven mainly by western media. “Is Iran safe?” “Isn’t it dangerous in Iran?” are likely to be some of the first questions you encounter from others when you announce you are travelling here. 

In short: Iran is a safe place to visit. 

Since the election of the more moderate President, Hassan Rouhani in August 2013 and his re-election in 2017 , both international relations and internal rules have become less severe and slightly more open.  It won’t take long before Iranians give you a warm welcome, ask where you are from or even invite you to dinner or tea.

It is a part of Iranian culture to go out of their way to help you, and it’s not uncommon to be given a phone number on a piece of paper or a business card in case you need to call upon someone.

The people of Iran are just as keen to show you they are the opposite of how they are portrayed, just as you should be teaching them that the western world doesn’t hate them.

Is it safe to travel in Iran? Absoluely. Locals are very welcoming.

There’s never a right time for those who are worried, anxious or scared. Of course, you need to keep up to date with any significant political changes and your country’s diplomatic ties, but avoid listening to the hive of scaremongering out there and those who say don’t travel in Iran.

For example, in June 2018, there were protests about the economic situation in Iran, and these took place inside and around the Grand Bazaar in Tehran. It means being aware of any internal demonstrations and staying away from those areas, as you would in any country. 

Iran remains as one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. While breaking the rules of Islamic society (including drinking alcohol, taking drugs and engaging in sexual activity with locals) can result in deportation, arrest or worse, general travel here is entirely safe.

Don’t assume you can break any rules in Iran, play the dumb tourist and get away with it. Iran is a Muslim country where Islamic law is strictly enforced.

An example of harsh punishment is with the case of the two Australians imprisoned in Iran for illegally flying a drone near a military installation, freed in October 2019, but as part of a political swap. It might seem that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime, but what is justified in your country can have harsher consequences elsewhere. 

This is an Islamic State with a strict system, and if you can’t play by Iran rules, don’t go.

Given the location of Iran in the Middle East, the Muslim religion and some similarities in culture and language, the scaremongering of Iran can often revolve around the ‘it’s Arab’ misconception.

Iran is not an Arab country. Iranians are not Arabs. The language spoken is Persian (also known as Farsi) and not Arabic (although there are many languages spoken within Iran including Kurdish and forms of Turkish, Indo-European languages and Khuzi Arabic for example, due to the many ethnic groups that exist within the country).

Not only is the Arab misconception a source of contention generally, but Persians can take offence at these preconceived ideas.

Take US Dollars or Euros with you to Iran and change them up into Iranian Rial at the local exchange offices (not the dodgy guys on the street or at the hotels which have the lower government exchange rate). Before you know it, you have millions of Rials, and it all looks easy.

However, while ALL notes state ‘Rial’ there is another ‘currency’ or ‘super unit’ that is used – Toman – which is not listed on any note or coin.

Toman is used by locals and is one-tenth of the Rial total. 1 Toman = 10 Rial.

When I was first presented with a dinner bill of “37,000”, I was quietly happy that my food had cost the equivalent of $1.5, but this was, in fact, the price in Toman.

To convert to Rial, you simply add a zero – therefore my dinner was 370,000 Rial.

Lost? It takes a couple of days to get used to, but in the majority of cases, unless stated clearly, all prices are in Toman and not Rial. Hence, the basic equation anywhere in Iran is to add a zero onto printed prices (if ‘Rial’ is not listed), or ask market vendors and others which ‘currency’ they are operating in to save the confusion.

A big question is if you can use your credit or debit card in Iran. Sadly not, since there is no network in Iran for the use of international cards. It’s always been the best option to carry enough cash with you for your trip to convert to Iranian Rial on the ground.

However, there is now an Iranian prepaid debit card for tourists and temporary visitors called the Mah Card. Like most travel cards, you can instantly add funds to your card in your preferred or home currency, and it will convert it to Iranian Rial. It is more convenient than carrying cash, protects you from unauthorised purchases and is accepted country-wide.

To get 40% off the price of a Mah Card (Full price €19)  enter BECKI at the checkout.

Public Transport in Iran – Options, Usage and Cost

When traveling in Iran, you have various options for public transport:

Intercity transport:

Private car

• Domestic flight

The Metro is available in several cities in Iran, mainly in Tehran; alongside Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad and Isfahan. It is the best option to get around in Tehran, and the stations are also easily accessible by taxi and buses. The ticket price for one trip is 1000 Tomans (approximately 25 cents). You can also buy a card to pay for the metro trips and even the buses in Tehran. The rush hours are mainly 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. 

Tehran metro map and the three lines that cover the city.

You can find buses in every corner of the country. There are two main types of buses in big cities: regular and BRT. BRT buses are red, and because they have designated stations and paths, they are express buses. You can pay for the buses by your Metro card, and the fares would vary between 500 to 1000 Tomans (12 to 25 cents) per trip. You can find all the bus and BRT stations on Google Maps.

There are different types of taxis inside the cities:

• Shuttle/shared taxis (khatti): It is a way cheaper way to get around the cities. The two downsides are that they are for fixed destinations and you will have to wait for the taxi to be filled. The fares are also fixed, and you cannot negotiate.
• Private taxis (darbast): You can easily hail a taxi and say ‘darbast’. It means the driver will not pick any other passengers up and you must negotiate the price before getting on.
• Non-registered taxis (shakhsi): These are non-taxi drivers who you would easily spot from the yellow and green cabs. These are people who try to earn some money by giving people a ride. Again you must negotiate the price before getting on.
• Uber-like apps: Tap30 and Snapp are the two leading apps that you can easily use on your phone. Unfortunately, they’re not available on App Store and Google Play, but you can ask a local to help you with downloading them on your phone. Tap30 is available in many cities including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz and Mashhad. Snapp is available in the same cities and also in Ahwaz and Qom.
• Bisim Taxi: You can also call the numbers 133, 1828 and 1833 in major cities in Iran to call a taxi wherever you are.

There are plenty of taxi options in Iran.

There are two types of buses between the cities in Iran: regular buses (44 people on board) and VIP buses (25 to 35 people on board). You have more legroom on VIP buses, and you can almost lie down on the seats. You can ask a receptionist at the front desk of the hotel, go to a local travel agency or go directly to the bus terminal to buy a bus ticket in Iran. The prices vary according to the type of bus and the distance. For example, the price for a VIP ticket from Tehran to Shiraz is around 70,000 Tomans ($16).

Using trains is the best and safest option to get around the cities in Iran. There are different types of trains: 4-bed, 6-bed and the so-called ‘bus’ trains. You can also ask if the train you are trying to take is an express train or a regular train. You can book trains through the hotels, local agencies or go directly to the train station. The price for a ticket from Tehran to Yazd, for example, is between 30,000 to 70,000 Tomans ($8 to $15).

You have two options to travel in Iran by a private car. You can hire a driver or a licensed driver-guide who can not only drive you from one city to another but show you the sites en route and give you all the information you need in English and other languages. You can find a driver-guide in Iran through TourHQ . You can either go to a taxi company or a local travel agency to hire a driver or a guide. Beware a killing machine in Iran named ‘Pride’ it’s a very low-quality car produced by Saipa company. It’s the worst car in Iran. Recommended cars in Iran are Peugeots and Samand by Iran Khodro Co.

Domestic flights

If you do not have much time on your hands and you want to visit the classic route (Tehran, Qom, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz), it is recommended to take a domestic flight from Tehran to Shiraz. From there, you can continue your journey by other means of public transportation eventually back to Tehran. You can buy flight tickets from local travel agencies. The price of the flight ticket is approximately 180,000 Tomans ($40), and it takes around 80 minutes.

On the Metro: Generally, the cars are mixed gender, but if women need more privacy, they can get on the first and the last car on both sides.

On the Buses:  In some buses, the women sit in the back and the men in front. Other times it is the opposite. However, a couple can sit together in the men’s section and not vice versa.

Different countries have different specifications, rules and warnings about travel to Iran – some way more dramatic than others. If you can, register or alert your foreign office about your whereabouts for safety and as a piece of mind measure. As a British citizen, with no embassy representation in Iran, this is more so a good idea.

Not that some travellers cannot secure travel insurance until they have alerted the relevant authorities of their travel plans. Hence, it is worth checking precisely who you need to inform before you depart, to be comprehensively covered.

Internet Access in Iran

Be prepared to take a forced ‘Digital Detox’ during your time in Iran. Internet in Iran is slow, all social media (except Instagram and What’s App) is blocked, and you usually are paying per hour for the privilege of a sluggish connection. While I sporadically got decent internet, which allowed my VPN to work, it was never superb. Want to look up sites in Iran? Super quick. Want to find some decent news in the outside world? Good luck.

Tell your family and friends that they may not hear from you that often, and be prepared to do without the connection, however hard it may be.

Irancell is the best phone operator in Iran which offers temporary SIM-cards designed for tourists. They offer a pre-paid 4G internet and credit balance, and when it is used up you can put in a new credit code sold at any supermarket all around Iran to increase your credit and buy internet packages.

You can only have only one VPN app on your phone, so you will need to test which one works best. For Android users, Hi VPN, Psiphon, Hotspot Shield are recommended, and for IOS users Psiphon, Free VPN, VPNProxyMaster and X-VPN are deemed to be the best VPN in Iran that work well at the moment.

Food in Iran (and Vegetarian Difficulties)

I had built up incredible visions of Persian cuisine in my mind before I got to Iran. I thought it would be everywhere – easily accessible and in abundance. Wrong.

Traditional Persian food is available, but you have to do some digging on where to go and find it. Try delicious vegetable and pomegranate stews, traditional Dizi (a lamb based strew where the broth is separated from the solids which are then mashed together and eaten separately) or Ash (a thick and tasty soup of lentils, beans, starch noodles, vegetables, fried mint, fried onion and yoghurt).

Other than that, you will realise that Iran’s streets are paved with fast food outlets, whose neon lights advertise the norm – kebabs, burgers and pizzas. Try and seek out the falafel places, since these are usually the best choice for a cheap and tasty fix.

Vegetarians have more of an issue. I travelled with a vegetarian and whether at a big buffet or a local teahouse or restaurant, what appeared to be the vegetarian option still had meat in it. It may mean living on aubergine/eggplant-based dishes, which are your safest bet, or begging for meat to be left out of your meal if not already pre-prepared.

Food in Iran is better when locals show you real Persian cuisine.

There’s no alcohol in Iran. No bars, no clubs. Nothing. The best you get is non-alcoholic beer in a variety of fruity flavours like peach, lemon and strawberry which grace most menus.

There’s no set of different rules for travellers in Iran and those visiting. A local might be being kind in offering to find you the real deal at some underground gathering, but really, don’t take the chance. They might be able to waver the punishment; you won’t.

Like any country, it is crucial to know, understand and adhere to cultural and religious customs and rules that can often be very different from those at home. Here are the main rules for etiquette in Iran and interesting Iranian culture facts:

• One of the primary forms of social etiquette is TAROF, which is where Iranians usually insist on offering things to people and sometimes they do not mean it. However, you should not accept the first time.
• In Muharram month (the mourning month of Imam Hossein) people DO NOT usually wear bright colours (especially red) to respect the religious values.
• In Ramadan month , in which the majority of people keep fast during the day, it is disrespectful to eat and drink in public.
• In restaurants in Iran , it is incredibly unpleasant to see anyone clear their nose, especially loudly. In general, restaurant or not, it is also unusual to see somebody break wind.
• Shaking hands between men and women is a complicated topic. Generally speaking, it is not okay for men and women who are not related to shake hands. However, it is entirely relative. Usually, it is not advised for female tourists to extend their hand towards men, and it’s best to wait and see if the men do so first.
• The thumbs-up hand signal a derogatory sign in Iran, and it is best not to use it, especially in the presence of older people.
• When it comes to public displays of affection , you’ll see that affectionate touching, kissing, and shaking hands between men and women who are relatives are very normal. Iranian dating customs are more complex. You can kiss your significant other on the cheek, but french kissing strictly goes beyond the line. Holding hands is not something one would raise an eyebrow about at all, whereas hugging, on the other hand, would seem to be crossing the line a little. It is relative as to what extent the public display of affection is tolerated. For example, inside holy places and religious cities, it would not be easily tolerated.

Wherever you are in Iran, it is important to adhere to cultural and religious customs and rules.

‘Persian Time’ is much like ‘Asian Time’ – things take much longer than you expect. When you travel Iran you’ll soon see that service is slower and the times you are given for things, like an arrival at a destination, are not always clear or roundabout correct, like this example:

Guide: “It takes four or five hours. So if we leave at 8 am, we will get there around 4 pm.”

Me: “But that’s eight hours, not four.”

Guide: “Yes, it takes about eight hours. We will stop at x, y and z on the way and arrive around 2 pm.”

In short, don’t rely on or worry about time, and pack a bit more patience than you would at home, especially when it comes to food, service and paying.

Ancient Persia isn’t an easily absorbed history lesson. While your guide (if you choose to have one or if you are a part of a tour group) will spout a level of information that will blow your mind, it is worth reading up on the history of Persia, as well as details on the lead-up to the Iranian Revolution in 1979. This will give a valuable understanding of the basic makeup of the country.

It will mean names like Zoroastrian, Cyrus the Great, the Achaemenid Empire, Reza Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei won’t be lost on you when you go to Iran.

Great books to read before you arrive include:

• Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic  for a guide on the more recent history

Iran: What Everyone Needs to Know is by the same author, Michael Axworthy, and tries to explain how there’s more to Iran than its foreign relations, with part of the book also unravelling Iran’s economy, politics, culture and people. 

Daughter of Persia: A Woman’s Journey from Her Father’s Harem Through the Islamic Revolution  is about a woman who was born in Iran, left to study in the States and returned to a country in the grip of profound change.

• The Wind in My Hair: My Fight for Freedom in Modern Iran  about a journalist in exile after being arrested for political activism

Best for when on the road:

• Easy reference for most of us came from the Lonely Planet Iran guide book . While it shouldn’t be your sole source of information, this particular Lonely Planet is a quick fix Iran travel guide, especially for historical hotspots. Having this paper guide was a handy resource for the entire trip, especially since quick access to the internet in Iran both at the hotels and while on the road is very limited.

Have you been to Iran? Are there any other pre-departure tips you would add? And if planning a trip there, and what difficulties are you facing, if any?

Any plagiarism of this Iran travel blog or any of its descriptions used on other sites and blogs without attribution is not information authorised by myself for use. Know your source. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Marcela says

19 April 2022 at 7:42 pm

Hi, is it possible to rent a car without a driver in Iran? Thanks, I loved your post!

28 April 2022 at 11:39 am

I think you can, yes! However, it isn’t something I know much about.

Hanieh says

28 March 2022 at 8:19 pm

Iran and Tehran are great🤩

7 August 2021 at 4:02 pm

Hello. I want to thank for this text. It is completely true about Iran and I as an Iranian approciate that describe Iran and Iranians truly. I really enjoy it. Most of Iranians think people of world consider us as a terrorist country while people of Iran differ from Republic Islamic Iran.

Miranda says

24 October 2019 at 8:53 am

I really like to travel to Iran, but I don’t know when is the best time to travel there, what is your recommendation?

24 October 2019 at 10:52 am

Hi Miranda. All the details are in the article. You can find an overview of the best time to visit Iran here: https://www.bordersofadventure.com/travel-to-iran-things-to-know/#When_is_the_Best_Time_to_Visit_Iran

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Is Iran Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Nasir-al-Molk mosque in Shiraz

Table of Contents

1. Iran isn’t a destination you hear many travelers talking about. What made you decide to go there and what type of traveler do you think would enjoy going to Iran?

Eating hardened sheep yogurt balls with the Qashqaei nomads

2. For those wanting to experience local culture in Iran, what do you recommend?

3. for someone wanting a traditional meal in iran, what would you recommend they try, 4. for those wanting to partake in some adventure, what’s something in iran they can do.

The bazaar during siesta in Isfahan

5. What tip(s) would you give backpackers and extreme budget travelers heading to Iran?

6. for those wanting to assimilate into local culture, what’s one etiquette rule they should remember to avoid offending locals in iran.

Caravansary turned into a hotel, the “rooms” consist of a raised bed behind each curtain.

7. Are there any local accommodations you would recommend in Iran that reflect the local culture or have a lot of character?

Friday Mosque in Isfahan

8. What cities or regions in Iran would you recommend travelers to spend the most time in?

The main ceremonial entryway to Persepolis

9. For history buffs visiting Iran, what’s a recommended experience?

The ancient mud-walled citadel of Rayen, near Kerman

10. What are some things travelers need to think about BEFORE leaving their home country for Iran?

Peacock dome inside the Imam Mosque in Isfahan

11. Were there any instances during your trip to Iran where you felt unsafe?

12. for solo travelers heading to iran what advice would you give how can they stay safe.

Mirrored porch at Narenjestan in Shiraz

13. What are some misconceptions Westerners have about Iran?

Standing in front of the tomb of Cyrus the Great

14. For those wanting to experience Iran with a local guide, is there a guide or tour company you would recommend or not recommend?

Recommended Reads: The Road to Oxiana Iran (Bradt Travel Guide) Inside Iran Mirrors of the Unseen: Journeys In Iran Saraban: A Chef’s Journey through Persia

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49 Comments

Great tips! I’m going to Iran in a month so these are in perfect timing! I’m definitely going to try to stay in caravansaries, looks awesome! Thanks for this article!

@Sarah: Thank you for the kind words. Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Yay! I’m so glad to know you’re going to check out Iran. You’re going to have a great time.

I’m a Iranian man. I live in Tehran and I have at least a guest every month from other countries. My fiance and I like to explore in Iran with foreign people. She speaks English and French well and I can speak English. Traveling to Iran is safe, cheap and very interesting. Sina Nanosi is my facebook name to join us.

Thank you so much for this blog post! My husband and I are planning to take a trip to Iran and were a little nervous about all of the stigma and uneducated perceptions of this country.. We are now looking forward to it with less anxiety! 🙂 Beautiful insight to a wonderful country.

Have a great time! One of the things I have really enjoyed upon my returned is blowing all the misperceptions about Iranians out of the water. Yes our governments and ideologies have some problems with one another, but person-to-person, you could not meet friendlier more hospitable people to welcome you to their country.

Although it was a pretty good article about a journey through Iran,but still Mrs.Johnson has not been quite fair and accurate about many things which are mentioned in her article,specially those parts which are about government and its popularity among people and the matter of private and public of Iranians.

I am not sure she even had talked to 3 of each 10 Iranians whom she had met or not,since the biggest point which she has not mentioned in her article is that this type of government is still quite popular among most Iranians specially those who belong to below-average classes of the society.Sorry but I cannot convince myself that this article was completely unbiased.

Hi A.F. … I’m only writing an article about my experiences for travelers to find helpful in making them feel comfortable traveling to Iran. I have no agenda about which to be biased or unbiased other than to encourage travelers to see this amazing country by helping them shed some of the fears they may have. Before I left, all my friends and family were concerned that I would not be safe and that people would hate me because I’m American and throw rocks at me or something. I wrote in this article about what I found instead (no rocks, friendly people interested in Western culture). You’re right that I did not talk to 10 out of 10 Iranians I met on the streets … so I can only write about those to whom I did speak and I had many in-depth conversations. This isn’t a conscientious bias, this is me being able to tell only the experiences I personally had; I’ve faithfully relayed what the Iranians I met said and explained to me, but I make no claim to have spoken to everyone in the country. I was originally hesitant to voice my observance about the private vs. public faces of many Iranians … this was specifically pointed out to me by people I met who practice this duality themselves (and I witnessed it myself in some people). But after reading The Cypress Tree, an entire book about this aspect of Iranians written by one, I decided to go ahead and say it, knowing this is a common phenomenon as described in the book … the point being for people to realize that we have much more in common with each other than the surface might indicate. As a traveler, that is to say a short-term visitor in a foreign country, I observe and listen to what people say to me and write what I personally experience. I hope in this case that my experiences encourage Americans and other Westerners to feel confident that they will be treated awesomely inside Iran, and to go see the country themselves.

Also would you please tell me how you realized that hosting Americans in their own private houses can be troublesome for Iranians?Because as long as I remember,there is no restriction on inviting foreign tourists (including Americans) to their private houses for Iranians.Because I know many have done this and hadn’t had any problem with the government after that…

@AF: Thank you for sharing your perspective. Unfortunately I cannot comment as I personally have never been, but I can ask Mrs. Johnson if she has a reply.

Hi A.F. … it is no problem having foreign tourists inside your home with the only exception of Americans. It is technically illegal … I know this from several tour guides inside the country. It is unlikely the police will knock on your door and arrest you, but it may get noticed by the government and they simply make a note of it somewhere in a file. Maybe you do something in the future that is troublesome/suspicious and now in your file there is information that you also associate with Americans. That’s all. I wanted to couch surf in Iran, but all the tour guides told me I could not and that it was forbidden. I looked up more information online at that time and found confirmation of this. Two people I contacted through couchsurfing originally invited me to their homes for dinner, after finding out I was American, one canceled the meeting altogether, the other one told me he was specifically advised by a tour-guide friend to meet me in a public place instead. So we ate at a restaurant.

What?? Having American guests is illegal? ? Why are you making up story? I am iranian and telling to all you that is not true at all. Nobody care who is your guest as long as the person is not involve with any anti iranian action. My western husband love his journey to iran.

Hi. You had such a generous treatment that you didn’t want your host to get in trouble but you and those guys found the goverment’s warnings so serious 😀 Nothing would happened for the host. That dude could pretend to be one of your relatives or something (if the cops had knocked the door!) ^_~

first of all I have to say I really enjoyed reading your article and I laughed a lot when I read about iranian driving (you are right) Byron here no body cares if you are hosting Americans or not as my family did host an American family on 2012 and nothing happened.

Good summary, but you missed the part of Iranian history where it was in fact the CIA and U.S. government that installed the Shah in the first place, after overthrowing the Iranian Prime Minister. Like all countries, the future is more important than the past. Hopefully we can make more diplomatic progress.

@Mike: I also hope we can. From what many travelers seem to (positively) experience in Iran, it seems sad that so many Americans are terrified to go over there.

I’m not unaware of the US government’s meddling and agendas in Iran, but the article would have been quite long indeed if I also included a modern history lecture. haha. 🙂 But my point in writing a travel article was simply that as travelers, the political engagements of our countrys’ governments seemed pretty irrelevant. My experience (which is the only experience I can write about) is that Iranian citizens treat American citizens in their country as warmly and respectfully as their own countrymen, at least in the tourist zones where I visited. So despite all the unfortunate past, there seems to be goodwill going forward. As you say … “hopefully.” Thanks for your comment.

I’ve been to Iran twice and I absolutely love it! The people are easily the most hospitable I’ve encountered anywhere and I was constantly invited into homes for dinner or offered help to find somewhere to stay or a lift in a car. I’ll definitely be going back.

@Candice: Great to hear you also had a positive experience. It’s definitely on my bucket list!

So great to hear this. I personally don’t know anyone else who has traveled in Iran … it would be great to meet some others some day and trade stories. It was so much fun. Enjoy your return!!

I am travelling to Iran in May 15 and am not sure about how strict the dress code is for women do I need to have a matenau or are long tunic tops OK. I look forward to any feedback

Hi Robyn … the dress code is more relaxed than I first imagined it would be, but of course it’s best to be conservative. I wore long tunic tops. The most important things are that your top (a) extend below/completely cover your butt, (2) have long sleeves (though you can often push them up your forearm a little), (3) have a collar or high neckline … i.e. no v-neck lines or low backs and keep any buttons buttoned up to the top or maybe second-from-top. Since you will be there in May, you can actually wear light, open-toed shoes. As far as how loosely you can arrange your headscarf, just take your cues from the women around you. Some cities are more conservative than others. Hope this helps. 🙂 You can always buy clothes in the bazaars, as you know they will be culturally appropriate, typically really cheap. Another thing is that you can wear short dresses over your pants, even short-sleeve ones with a long-sleeve shirt underneath … I saw some really adorable fashionable ones in the bazaars.

Thanks Shara that has really helped off to the dressmaker today . I hope it’s not too hot in May but even if it is I can’t wait to get there .

Hi Shara – what tour company did you book with, and/or are there others you’d consider looking into? I’m overwhelmed by the options but, given that this is the only way for an American to visit Iran, I want to make sure I’m choosing the right one.

Although I don’t leave for Iran until may I have done my booking through Gashttour they are in Shiraz and have been very helpful My brother in law used them last year and was very happy with them

Hey Shara, I was really motivated to travel to Iran after reading this post… and Im Iranian! Just wanted to say great job on this post! 😀 and everything you mentioned here seems right to me

@Soroosh: Thank you for the kind words! 🙂

Thanks so much for sharing this interview about traveling to Iran. I just returned from a 12 day trip and loved it. I enjoyed seeing the historic sites and the beautiful architecture but most of all meeting the incredibly friendly Iranian people. As an American, I was greeted warmly everywhere I went. And on the issue of safety, Shara is right. The only time I felt uneasy was crossing the street! To anyone wanting a different travel experience, go to Iran, you won’t regret it.

@Connie: Glad you had a great experience there. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Thanks for this post! I’m trying to plan a trip to Iran at the end of December, but I’m finding it very expensive for Americans because of the tour guide requirement. If I can find others to travel with it will be much cheaper, anybody want to go with me? 🙂

hello Jessica I have traveled to Iran before and I love it, sharah’s information was great for the great country. I will be traveling to Iran in a near future so if you are up for it let’s be co-traveler dear. [email protected]

@Reza: Have a great trip! 🙂

Nice article and definitely some useful information. I can understand the confusion about some of the “rules”, laws, and etiquette. I recently came back to Canada from a month long trip to Iran. My partner is from there, and before we went I had a chance to get to know many of the local Iranians. They were all excited that I was travelling to their country, but even amongst them I received much conflicting information. For example we went there during the middle of summer, and one concern I had was if I could wear shorts while there. I was told its illegal, to its fine, and everything in-between. This issue caused much debate among the Iranian Canadians during get togethers. One must understand that if there is confusion even among people that have lived their the majority of their life, there may be conflicting reports from tourists spending a much shorter time there. All you can do is write about your experience, it may not be the one everyone has or the norm but at least it can give you an idea. Also while I was there I could see that things seemed to be changing quite rapidly in regards to culture and tradition, much like it is in the west. What may have been true 3 years ago may be completely different today. Anyway before my trip I didn’t base preparation from one website or person’s recommendations. It’s always good to have multiple sources of information, you will get a wider view and deep view of what to expect. For anyone that is interested, here is the link to my experience. 🙂 Happy travels everyone. http://www.realitymelt.com/2015/09/wearing-shorts-in-iran-part-1/

hi Having American guests is illegal? no its not right im iranin and its was firs time that i hear this! there is no law aboud havin a gust in iran… but at the end your text generally was very good.

This was very helpful. I’m going to Iran in June. I’m going as a tourist but since I’m an educator, I wanted to look in on some English classes at one of the universities. From what you know, do you think this would be possible?

@Deirdre: Thank you for the kind words. On this I’m not positive, but have you chosen your tour operator yet? They should be able to advise you on this. Have the best time!

Hello . Salaam Thank you for the awesome article

I was wondering while in Iran if you heard any news of how much longer until Americans can travel Iran without a guide. I dream of traveling all through Iran, I love middle east culture, the architecture, music, mysticism, etc.. but I am low budget backpacker who if even had the $ could never travel with a guide I would go crazy haha.

I will be in India in early february and will stay there and nepal, bangladesh for the next 9-12 months traveling by motorcycle Hero Impulse. Afterwards I really want to travel Pakistan and Iran and eventually back to to Turkey ..but with my motorcycle and without a guide.

Any information is much appreciated Thank you 🙂

Hi Sufi_Sadhu, First of all, as an Iranian I thank Shara for this article and Jessie (with lovely smile) and others for their fair comments. Some points regarding traveling by motorcycle, the distance between fuel stations are more than usual in the southern cities (in desert areas). So make sure you use an update map with service stations marked on it for planing your ride. In case you face a mechanical problem with your motorcycle, lorry drivers are help full. in case you run out of fuel hold up a 2m long flexible hose and show to passing by cars and they will provide you with fuel. most accidents in Iran are by pedestrians, motorcycles and bikes are next. using GPS is advantageous.

hi everyone can have a nice and safe travel to Iran. its my country and im sure that you will like it. yes we have a lot of problem here and we are in middle east. but we have safe place to have a exiting journey. its my email and i will be glad to help you have a good time in iran. [email protected]

Hi, I’m an Iranian and I have to say having American guests is not illegal, you can Have American guests and no one’s gonna stop you unless you play music too loud or if you drink an alcoholic drink and the police finds out.

hi…. im an iranian 17 years- old boy,my name is kazem…it means a man who doesnt cry because of problems!!!!!!! u know…when i imagine that other people around the world think that we are those kinds of muslims live in Saudi Arabia who kill a lot of people, i really suffer….we are not Arabs!!we really hate them!!! we are not such a bad people….if u come to Iran ,see us,live with us,u will really experience a joyful life… and finally i wanna say that an ayatollah is not a bad guy!!! u should read more about our culture and religion to know that who shah was and what he did…. and also about ayatollah….he is a person who helps people live better and have a better life up above… thank u so much Jessica Festa and other readers! if u want to know more about iran and its culture u can install telegram app on your smartphone and add me!! my id is:telegram.me/KAZEMIZADI

Hi everyone, Thanks Shara for this article. as it is mentioned above Iran is relatively a safe country. But it is logical to take normal precautions as in European countries or America. If you go to seaside for swimming, please note that ladies and gents can wear swim wear only in separated dedicated areas. Caspian sea is less salty with cool water with Caviar fish, but Persian Gulf is very salty with exotic marine life. travelers who visited Dizin ski resort they loved it. if you are interested in history of Iran before Islam, you can visit cities of Kermanshah, Hamedan, Shoosh, Yazd and Persepolis. Cities of Isfahan are Shiraz (near Persepolis)are most beautiful cities with many historical attractions. if you are short of time, these two cities are most interesting to visit. if you are a biologist you can rent a diving suit in kish island and see underwater life, or study vegetables and herbs in mountain areas and riversides. Enjoy your stay in Iran.

Hello dear Jessie, i’m so delighted to hear your comments about my country, Iran. i read your comments and other friends and it’s our proud to see more travelers in Iran. we have a lot of knowledgeble leaders in our country to help you. i’m a tour leader for 9 years so if everyone of your friends and of course you is interested to visit Iran i’m at your service and i can give you these services from my company that i work there. our travel agency has activity for 15 years in this field. we have different kinds of tour. i hope see you very soon in Iran. Best Regards Sima

Iranian love their supreme leader Ayatollah. And they are proud of the revolutionary guards. i dont agree with the double life part at all. people are not hypocrites in Iran. People are free to act and behave here.

Hey guys! Thank you for this amazing article. Im Iranian, and I just want to recommend several places in iran which I belive are worth visitng. People usually visit Iran because they think that it has a rich culture, an important history, and friendly people (which is very true). But there are several more things that Iran has which I believe people are not yet aware of. Qeshm island located in the south of Iran, is one of the most becautiful desinations. If you just google the place, you will see the amazing uniqe nature it has that words cannot describe. Kish island, another island in the south is also amazing. Unlike all the other cities in iran where the traffic is a big nightmare, Kish one of the few places in the world with no traffic lights and motorcyles!!! There are also so many great water sports available including bannana rides, sky diving, parasels, and maaaany more. I also recommend skiing in the mountains in Winter. People think that Iran is a desert country, and you cannot belive your eyes when you see so much snow!! Its breathtaking.

Thank you for sharing these tips with us!

As an Iranian, you don’t have to eat onions whole. You can have them sliced too in any way. And you don’t have to eat them with all foods. Your choice with onions but I recommend them with any kabob.

Hi I’m iranian too and thank you♡

@Zahra: You’re welcome!! 🙂

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25 Things to Know Before You Visit Iran

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

We’ve been all around the world, spent a lot of time in a lot of different countries, and if there’s one thing we can honestly tell you it’s that we’ve never felt as welcomed, fascinated and humbled as we did when we visited Iran.

Iran is such an incredible country to travel. The architecture will amaze you, the friendliness of the people will leave you speechless, the culture is fascinating and the landscapes are out of this world.

Iran is also very misunderstood, with many people believing whatever propaganda they hear on the media about how dangerous or difficult it is to travel there.

Table of Contents

Iran is Safe!

There’s a lot of customs to follow, you need a visa for iran, have a head scarf in your carry-on luggage before arrival, bring a phrase book or have google translate on your phone, bring a lot of cash, the currency has two names, bring comfortable footwear, research the food and don’t just eat kebabs, bring a backpack rather than a suitcase, draw up an itinerary, but keep it flexible, let your guard down and talk to locals, always ask the price before buying, book domestic flights with your accommodation or travel agent, team up with other travellers and share tours, be on time for your appointments, the traffic is horrible, you need a vpn to access some social media platforms, there is wifi, but be patient with it, pick up a local sim card, iran has its own uber called snapp, you can drink the tap water, good coffee is hard to find, there’s a female-only carriage on the metros, what to know before you visit iran.

The truth is travelling in Iran definitely has its quirks, and being an Islamic country means there’s a few things you need to know about the religion and culture before you go so you can show absolute respect.

Luckily these are easy enough to know before you go if you do a bit of research. We spent one month travelling around Iran and learnt so much during our time there.

To help put your mind at ease about travelling in this incredible country, here’s our list of the most important things to know before you visit Iran.

All of the mainstream media outlets portray Iran as an unsafe country, somewhere that you’ll be at risk if you visit.

The mainstream media is wrong.

We did not feel unsafe once through the whole 4 weeks of us backpacking independently in Iran.

We weren’t with a tour group, had no tour guides, don’t speak the local language, took public transport and taxis, wandered the streets on our own – basically everything you shouldn’t do if you’re in a dangerous country.

And guess what? Nothing bad happened to us at all!

The Iranian people are so friendly and helpful. They want you to have a great time and tell your friends so more people will come and visit.

We were walking around one morning on a quiet street when a car passed us and turned around. A group of young people stopped the car, came up to us, and asked if we were ok or if we needed help.

Once we told them we were just looking for a coffee they pulled out their phones and started showing us where the cafes were on a map.

They even offered us a ride, and said if the cafes were closed they had coffee at their home and would love to make us some.

This is just one example of dozens of interactions that happened to us when we were in Iran. Iranians love that tourists are coming to their country and travelling around.

The locals know what the media says about them and what a lot of the world thinks of their country, and the people just want to show that they are nice, generous people.

Theft against tourists is very rare and even the Religion Police (secret police) tend to leave tourists alone.

Just be careful around the bazaars and crowed places for pickpocketing. We didn’t have any issue and didn’t hear of any other travellers having problems, but this is common sense in any busy place in the world.

With all that being said, there is a large military and police presence in Iran. Do not photograph any military areas or government buildings, and stay away from any protests if you see them.

Obviously there are some areas of Iran that are no-go zones, such as the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, so do your research and talk to locals if you’re thinking about going anywhere near them.

When you travel somewhere you want to take in everything about the country and its people, and that includes the culture and customs.

Iran has quite a few local customs that may take some getting used to, so it’s important to learn about them before you go so you don’t accidentally offend or disrespect anyone.

Some of the most common ones that throw tourists off are:

• Women must wear hijabs (headscarves) at all times in public. They must also wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t show their figure.
• Giving a thumbs-up sign is considered rude, similar to giving the middle finger in Western society.
• Men can wear short-sleeved shirts, but long pants must be worn at all times.
• Men and women who aren’t related shouldn’t touch either. That means no shaking hands or hugging someone of the opposite sex.
• If you are travelling with your significant other, avoid any public displays of affection.
• Always bring a gift if you are invited to someone’s house. Candy, pastries or flowers are fine.

Now we want to give a special mention to ta’arof – This is a hospitality trait where it’s customary for someone to refuse payment for a service, and is probably the most confusing thing for any tourist to get their head around.

Basically what happens is if you make a purchase (a souvenir, taxi ride, etc), the person may refuse your payment out of politeness. It is then up to you to insist despite their refusals that you want to pay. After two or three times they’ll then accept your money.

If they still keep refusing then perhaps you have just experienced some amazing Iranian hospitality! But chances are they’ll accept the payment once the process has been completed. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.

The locals are so lovely, that if you do something wrong someone will approach you and nicely let you know. For example, if you are a lady and your headscarf falls off without you knowing, a local will kindly let you know.

Don’t stress about getting your outfits beforehand as shopping in Iran is cheap. Just bring one headscarf and set of loose-fitting clothes, and buy more once you get there.

The culture is the best thing about visiting Iran, and after a few days, you’ll start to understand and fall in love with it just like we did.

In order to visit Iran, you’re going to need to get a tourist visa. This used to be a very difficult process, but luckily things have gotten easier with the introduction of visa on arrivals in 2016

On the 14th February 2016, the Ministry of Iran announced that citizens of 180 countries can now apply for VOA of 30-days at most international airports, including Tehran, Shiraz, Mashad, Tabriz and Isfahan.

There’s an exception to this rule though, and if you are from Canada, the UK or the USA, we have some bad news for you…You can only visit Iran if you join a guided tour, so no chance of getting a VOA and travelling independently.

Your tour company will help organise your visa for you.

Check out our article on how to apply for a  Visa On Arrival in Iran.

You Need to Dress Appropriately

This follows on from the customs section above, but in a bit more detail.

Iran is an Islamic country, and as such you need to follow the Islamic dress code. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Women need to cover their arms, legs and head. This including a Hijab, loose long length shirt with long sleeves and pants.

Leggings or tight jeans are ok as long as your top is long and covers your bottom. When wearing pants, you need to be covered down to your ankles.

The most common way to cover your head is with a scarf. The local women wear bright colours and are very stylish with their clothing, so don’t think you need to wear all black.

Black is still worn a lot but not so much among the younger generation.

You can wear sandals. Some guesthouses and hostels will allow you to take your headscarf off on their premises but do check first.

Men aren’t allowed to wear shorts in public, so bring long, lightweight pants as the best option. T-shirts are fine to wear in public. Men can wear sandals too.

If you do wear inappropriate clothing it’s not the end of the world, and besides some angry looks from some of the older generation, you’ll probably just end up having a friendly local let you know what’s best to wear.

In Tehran, the locals push the limits in terms of what they wear in public. At the end of 2017, an uprising occurred and supposedly women were no longer required to wear the Hijab in public in Tehran, but wait until you are in the country to find out for certain.

When you land at the airport, it is respectful to put a scarf straight on your head ladies. This will cause no trouble for you by locals or the officials at the airport.

Once you’re in the air on an international flight you’ll see most young ladies take their hijab as soon as the plane leaves the ground. Just follow what the locals do.

We were quite surprised to discover that a lot of Iranians could speak a little bit of English, but that wasn’t always the case, so do yourself a favour and bring along something that can help translate English to Persian.

We always travel with Google Translate and offline languages saved on our phones, but at times having a phrasebook is the best (and most social) way to interact with people who don’t speak any English.

Remember, you are in a country that doesn’t have English as an official language, so don’t be that rude tourist that gets upset if people aren’t understanding you.

Persian (Farsi) is difficult, and no locals expect you to learn much beyond hello and thank you while you are there, but do your best anyway as a few extra words will go a long way in showing respect.

Also don’t be surprised if you are constantly invited out for tea with people so they can practice their English. If the opportunity comes up, make time for it, as it’s an amazing experience for both the local and yourself.

Don’t forget your cash when visiting Iran, as none of the ATMs in the country accepts foreign credit or debit cards thanks to the embargo. So if you forget to bring all of your cash for your entire trip, you’re out of luck.

Figure out what your usual budget is for a trip ($50 a day, $100 a day, etc), then bring a bit extra just in case. USD is best for all around the country but Euros and British Pounds are also accepted in Tehran.

There’s two exchange rates in the country – official rate and black market rate – and the black market rate is of course much better.

We actually found an exchange booth at Tehran airport that gave pretty close to the black market rate, so we traded some cash there.

As a tip don’t exchange all of your foreign cash into Rials at once, because you’ll either get ripped off on the exchange rate back if you have any left over, or you’ll be unable to trade it outside of the country.

Also don’t be too concerned about travelling around with thousands of dollars in your backpacks. As we mentioned earlier theft is rare. Do keep your money stashed in different spots though just in case.

UPDATE: If you’d prefer not to carry all your cash with you, can actually pre-order a local Iranian debit card from the company, Mah Card . It works just like a normal debit card in your home country.

You order it on their website and they’ll deliver it to your hotel in Tehran when you arrive. They have an online system too where you can top up the funds if you’re running low.

Use the code ‘ NOMADASAURUS ‘ at check-out to get a 40% discount on the card when ordering. Instead of a 19 Euro issue fee, our code brings it down to 11 Euro.

“Toman or Rial?” Get used to asking that question, because if you don’t it could end up being a costly mistake.

The currency in Iran is officially known as the Rial, and is valued at roughly 30’000 IRL to USD$1. That’s a lot of zeros, so what the locals have started doing is dropping a zero and calling the new value a Toman.

1 Toman = 10 Rial

When you hear prices quoted in Tomans you need to add a zero on the end and pay the amount in Rials. It sounds confusing, but you’ll pick it up pretty quickly.

That’s why it’s important to always ask Toman or Rial, so you don’t accidentally pay too much on an item. Most vendors quote in Tomans anyway, so chances are if the price seems too good to be true, you need to multiply it by 10.

Rumour has it that Iran will officially introduce Toman as a currency in the coming years, but that hasn’t come into effect yet.

You are going to do a lot of walking in Iran, so bring comfortable footwear. The towns here are so amazing that you’ll probably end up walking at least 10km every day, so look after your feet.

These don’t necessarily have to be hiking boots (unless you’re planning on doing some treks). Just make sure you have some flat shoes that you can wear all day without a problem.

Don’t bring heels. You don’t need them, and you won’t wear them. We had a pair of hiking shoes each and a pair of sandals. That was perfect.

Persian food is varied and delicious, and there’s plenty of different styles to try, so be adventurous!

Most people travelling on a budget will end up eating falafel sandwiches when they’re in Iran because they are cheap ($1 !), filling and delicious, but there’s plenty more to Iranian cuisine then just kebabs.

We don’t consider ourselves to be foodies, but luckily we were travelling with our good friends Dan and John and they are all about culinary travel, so they had a huge list of food they wanted to try. And boy were we thankful they did!

They had looked up the different types of food they wanted to try, so we basically followed their advice and tried it all. Of course, it was super delicious too.

One particular dish we all loved was dizi. It’s quite confusing how to eat the first time, so we had the restaurant owner show us how to mix and grind all the ingredients. If she didn’t show us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to eat it.

If you are a vegetarian, there are food options but they can be limited. There is a lot of eggplant, lentil and chickpea dishes. There are simple salads and rice also.

Try to get away from the popular tourist areas as well, as the prices are going to be a lot higher than the average place.

Move away and you will be surprised how much the price drops, and the portions are larger. If you are passing a local restaurant and it is packed with locals, that is going to be a winner.

We always recommend people travel with a backpack rather than a suitcase, but this is especially useful when you visit Iran.

The road and paths are uneven, and wheeling a suitcase would be a nightmare. A lot of hotels don’t have lifts, so unless you’re feeling strong it’s going to be hard to carry your suitcase up a lot of flights of stairs.

Always choose a lightweight backpack that fits you perfectly for the best support.

There are also hybrid backpacks, that have harnesses and wheels on the bottom for the times where you just don’t want to carry it.

Unless you are on a whirlwind 7-day trip of the country we recommend you design an itinerary of what you want to see and do, but don’t book anything until you are in the country.

Iran is one of those countries that is best to research beforehand so you can make the most of your time and you don’t miss anything, but don’t be surprised if some places you end up liking more than others.

Be willing to change your plans if you get somewhere that you want to stay an extra day, or if you meet a backpacker that raves about one town you hadn’t considered before.

Don’t stress about booking buses, flights or trains before you arrive. Everything can be booked in-country, for a much cheaper price than you’ll find online.

By not locking in your travel plans, you can change and swap your itinerary easy enough.

Disclaimer:  The one time that you may need to book everything ahead of time is during Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. If you’re planning on travelling to Iran during this time (it happens around the spring equinox in March) you’ll find things are extremely busy with millions of locals travelling around the country to spend time with their families too.

Looking for somewhere else to check out when you visit Iran? Don’t miss our article on the best  things to do in Shiraz!

One of the best experiences you will have in Iran is spending time with all the friendly locals. And trust us, you’ll get plenty of opportunities if you are open to it.

The city squares are usually where locals will approach you to welcome you to their country, have a chat and practice their English.

Don’t shy away from this, even if you are a solo traveller. We found out so much information about Iran and how the locals live simply by chatting away.

Most people asked us questions about where we are from and were very happy to answer our questions. It was a true insight to Iran and we made some beautiful friends from it (many of whom we still keep in contact with).

Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of invitations to people’s homes as well, and this may be one of the few countries where we’d say hanging out with strangers is highly encouraged. The Couchsurfing scene is huge here too if you’re into that.

Do be wary of some people who will take you to an expensive tea house though. They are nice people, you will have great conversations, but they can be a little cheeky.

Also always look at the menu before you start ordering to make sure they haven’t taken you somewhere that has crazy prices.

Some will invite you out and try to sell carpets to you. If you are not interested just be firm and move on with the conversation.

We only had this happen to us once out of more than a dozen great experiences, and once we made it clear we weren’t buying a carpet we still had a great chat with him.

There is only one thing with all this – Expect to be stopped every few minutes by people wanting to chat! Make sure you’re mentally prepared when you go out around town to have a million friendly conversations.

You shouldn’t just do this in Iran, you should do this everywhere you travel, but it’s important to keep in mind.

In some countries, there are tourist prices and local prices. To be honest, we almost never felt ripped off here, but it did happen occasionally.

Before you buy anything, whether it’s a souvenir, a meal, a pot of tea, a tour, a taxi ride or whatever, ask to see the menu or how much it will cost to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Get out of the tourist squares too. Chances are if you walk a couple of blocks outside of those popular areas, the prices will drop dramatically.

When buying survivors, ask the price at a few places, get the vibe from the person/place and then buy. Try your bartering skills, but don’t be offensive.

We always try to settle in the middle so both parties are happy. This is their business and they need the money more than you do.

If you are flying domestic, book through an agent or your local guesthouse in the country. All the local airline pages are in Persian, and these are where the best deals are.

Online booking agencies like Skyscanner and Momondo will not bring up these flights. We were in the west near the Iraqi border and wanted to fly to Tehran. Our local guesthouse helped us out and we booked it for $50 USD including snack and bags.

They were charging $200 USD on one of those online booking agencies above. We never were questioned at the airport about the local price and everything went smoothly.

If you’re not travelling in a group of four, ask at your guesthouse or talk to other travellers to see if you can share the cost of a driver with them.

Sometimes hiring a driver between towns as private transport would work out to be the same price as 4 bus tickets. You get there faster and can stop when you like along the way.

This will save you money and you might even make some awesome friends out of it.

Iranians are very punctual. If you plan to leave for a tour at 8am be in reception at 7:45am, and the driver will most likely already be there.

Buses and trains also won’t wait for you if you aren’t there. The last thing you want to do is miss your tour because you slept in or hadn’t packed yet.

If you’re heading to the airport, bus or train station make sure you leave plenty of time in case of bad traffic.

When we say horrible, we’re being polite. The traffic in Iran is actually insane.

If you’re exploring Tehran don’t be surprised if you have plenty of “Holy s**t!” moments as you go to cross the street or you get around in taxi.

It’s not that Iranians are bad drivers…they just don’t have a concept of space when driving around. In one way it’s almost as entertaining as it is scary.

No one is actively trying to run pedestrians down, but if you do try to run the gauntlet of crossing a busy road it’s best to wait for a local to join them on their hell-bent journey to the other side.

Some social media platforms are banned in Iran and you cannot access them without a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

You cannot access Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest. You can access Instagram , but the rest only with a VPN.

We used ExpressVPN and had no issues. Here is a link to get your first 30 days for free .

Make sure you download your VPN before you arrive in Iran, because a lot of the VPN sites are blocked by the government.

If you can, we also recommend having access to a few different VPNs, because every now and then one might be blocked in Iran.

ExpressVPN worked for us during our trip, but some people have reported that it didn’t work during their own trip. Last we heard it’s back up and running properly now though.

Most of the guesthouses we stayed at had free wifi, but don’t expect it to be fast.

Some hotels had wifi available in the rooms, while others were only in the reception area or dining rooms. It all depends on how upmarket your place is. In popular cities, tea and coffee houses had wifi also.

One thing to keep in mind though is that just because there is wifi at your hotel, be respectful on how much you use it.

There are no unlimited data plans in Iran, so the hotels have to pre-purchase data in small packets.

Please don’t be that person that streams Netflix or tries to download the new season of Game of Thrones, because all that will happen is you’ll end up using all the net for everybody else in the hotel, and cost the owner more money.

Yep, we met a guy that did just that in Varzaneh, and because it was a weekend it meant nobody in the hostel could get internet until Monday. Thanks, mate.

Despite what you may have been told, you can buy a local sim card in Iran as a foreigner, and it’s a great idea to do so.

This way you can call hotels to make bookings use WhatsApp and Snap (more on that below) on the go, and keep in touch with friends and family back home.

We bought up a sim card with the telecommunications company IranCel through our hostel in Tehran, however, they marked the price up by double.

We found out later that you can buy sim cards at the airport or at any store, so our suggestion is to do this yourself.

When going into the phone store bring your phrasebook or a local friend. You will not need to show any ID, just pay in cash, but it helps to have your passport with you just in case.

You can top up at little general stores that display the IranCel sign. They will do it all on your phone and charge a small fee for their time. Please don’t argue with that, it’s maybe 25c USD.

We were getting 5GB of data for about $10 USD.

There is an app in Iran called Snapp, and it is similar to Uber. It’s a rideshare app where drivers register and customers can order cars to get around town.

This was a lifesaver for us!

What makes Snapp so great is that a price is determined by the app and you pay in cash once you get to your destination. There’s no metre, so the driver will take the most direct way possible.

When you book it you’ll get the driver’s name, their car model and their registration number, so you know you’re getting in the right vehicle.

Yo drop a pin on a map for where you want to go, so there’s no need to try and explain it to the driver in case he doesn’t speak English (or your pronunciation is crap).

The other added benefit is you can rate the drivers afterwards, so they are more likely to be honest rather than a taxi driver.

The only thing is you cannot easily download it onto an iPhone, as Apple is an American company and does not support Iran. It doesn’t show up in the App Store.

If you go to the Snapp website  you can download it to your Apple phone through a special link there. Downloading it on an Android phone is easy with no issues.

This one was a big surprise to us, but you can drink the tap water just about everywhere in Iran.

It’s totally safe to drink, even if you’re new to the country, so don’t worry about buying plastic water bottles everywhere you go.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead and simply fill up as you go.

Don’t drink river water tough if you are out hiking.

Iran is a nation of tea drinkers, so it’s no surprise that you’ll get delicious fresh tea for cheap (or free) just about everywhere.

But what about us coffee drinkers??

The bad news is that getting good coffee is very hard in Iran. Despite their close proximity to places like Turkey, the coffee culture phased out years ago and so now the best you’ll find is usually those horrible instant packets.

There is a silver lining though, and some entrepreneurial locals have discovered that coffee is basically the second greatest thing on earth (after a delicious IPA, which you also can’t get in Iran), and some Western-style coffee shops are popping up in major towns.

They’re not cheap, but when you need that caffeine hit in the morning it’s totally worth it.

When you catch the metro around Tehran or Esfahan, there are carriages designated just for women, which is great if you’re a solo female traveller.

These are basically sections that males aren’t allowed in to stop accidental touching of non-related mixed genders, but it also adds a sense of security for women taking public transport.

Occasionally if the mixed carriages are full you’ll see one or two men in the female ones, but they tend to stand next to the door away from everyone.

[box] Those were just some of the things you need to know before you visit Iran. Has the article helped you? Do you have anything else to add? Leave a comment below and let us know![/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hello friends, I read your comments and I wish I could say that I am happy that you think so naively about the Iranian regime, but the truth of Iran and its people is not what these friends say, and unfortunately the bitter truth is that all those media that They present this regime and the leaders of the Islamic Republic as terrorists and a bunch of dishonorable and inhuman people, they are telling the truth and only the oppressed people of Iran understand this! you can ask them. But for you tourist friends, yes, this country can be a paradise because your money is worth many times more than ours, and not you tourist friends, but the unfortunate people of this cursed country feel the pressure. Our only wish was to have normal rights and a normal life like you, but this regime stole that life from the people of Iran and blackened the lives of the people of this country. Hoping for a day when this terrorist regime, which has made the Middle East and the whole world insecure, will be destroyed and we Iranian people have good and sincere relations with the people of other countries of the world . That day we will have at least a normal life and the world will not recognize this country as a criminal terrorist country. Written by a 27 young Iranian.

hi I want to just say now ( 2023-15-11 ) that the US dollar is 510000 Rials and here is heaven for people of countries where the currency is the dollar and Iran just is Hell for local people thanks to the Iran government for this situation!!!!!!

Hi dear Alisha and Jerry My name is Raziyeh. As an Iranian, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your kind words and appreciation of our beautiful country. Contrary to media propaganda, Iran is safe, and Contrary to media statements, we are hospitable and genial people who do everything to ensure you have a fun time in Iran. Please do not believe the lies that social media tells about our country. We’ll be happy to see tourists and give information to them. I hope you revisit our country. Best regards, Raziyeh.

Hi everyone I’m from Iran. I’m happy that you liked your trip to Iran. Iran has a lot of museums and attractive places if you’ll come you should visit them. And we’ll be happy to see tourists and give informations to them.

Iran is an extremely lovely place to travel. Thank you for the trip advice. I adore your article.

For foreigners especially Westerners Iran is a very dangerous country. There is a high risk of being arrested on fake charges. Atleast 50 foreigners have been arrested recently and sentenced without a fair trail. The “friendly” citizens of Iran will not help you out unless you pay them witg Euro or Dollars…..

Well! I accidentally found this while surfing the net, and it’s a bit sad that each dollar is 450000 Rials… People are still friendly to tourists though, no matter how hard our lives are. I hope you visit our country again, after all these sad events, of course.

22 days later and its 510000. when will these evil leaders leave us alone

We are glad that you were satisfied with your trip.You pointed out great points like someone who has lived inside for years… Our people believed, but the government has crushed the people so much under the economic pressure that they have become a little unfair to each other. Be sure to use SNAP inside Iran.. Be sure to check the price before buying.. Our common currency is Toman and Rial is nominal. For example, now every 1 dollar is equivalent to 33000 Tomans.. To eat a pizza, you need 6 or 7 dollars.3 cents are required for 1.5 liter of taqriya water.. If you have an acquaintance in Iran, you can be much easier.. Don’t pay too much attention to the capital because it has very beautiful cities with a very old history. Thank you for choosing which country for your trip. Good luck

Thank you for the excellent information and for taking an interest in the lovely country. really nice tips for visiting Iran.

I’m glad you liked Iran. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty in managing economic affairs, the Iranian people suffer from the high cost of goods. Now each dollar is equivalent to 277,000 rials, which is really terrible, of course for our people! Of course, Iran is still full of beautiful places and amazing places! I hope you have good trips …❤

Hi guys I am Ava. I am from Iran/ Isfahan. If you want to come to Iran I would be happy to help you. I have a beautiful Iranian old house.

Can you please write about traveling in Iran at the moment. I would be traveling on a New Zealand passport. Thank you. Evan.

Iran holds many surprises for visitors; like the climate which can fluctuate greatly, depending on the area and time of year, dispelling the long-held myth that Iran is nothing more than a vast, sweltering desert. But Iran is a historical place and i like to visit this type of places that is why few days ago i read this type of article on another site it contain huge information. While some surprises are nice when travelling, it’s important to be as well prepared as possible.

Is $1000 for 7 days visiting 5 cities everything included except airline tickets a reasonable price? Please let me know what you think! Cities included are Tehran, Yazd, Esfahan, Shiraz, and the desert side with Caspian sea. Thanks,

Definitely if you stay at budget accommodation, take public buses as transport and not eat at fancy restaurants. Have a good trip

it’s very good

Indeed it is 🙂

I am Iranian. You described Iran very well. I am glad that you visited Iran

Thank you for your comment Masoud. We really enjoyed travelling around Iran. 🙂

Hi Thank you for your essay about Iran. As an Iranian I do hope you have good memories generally from Iran. No country is perfectly free of any trouble but please do not believe propaganda against Iran unless you travel to Iran and live with Iranian for a couple of weeks (at least) and then judge.

Hi there! I’m an Iranian, and i’m REALLY happy that you loved our country! I hope other tourists enjoy their travel to Iran, and I wanted to say, that Pinterest doesn’t need VPN! 🙂 And also about hijab, if you’re thinking that it’s gonna make you struggle, well, it definitely isn’t. I mean, it’s not such a big deal, and you’ll get used to it and continue enjoying! Anyways, hope you like our country

Reasons for a Group Visit to Iran Experienced travelers may want to look away. Guided tours can really be the best option for some travelers going abroad. Of course, they limit you a little and lose a little freedom. You will not have enough time to fall in love with a place and you will not have enough time to stay there, and other companions may not be with you. But no matter what the veterans might say, there are good reasons to tour for those who want to.

Salaam All, I’ve travelled extensively in the Middle East (Egypt, Palestine, Lybia, Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Iran and India. My wife, daughter and myself went on holiday to Iran in 2012 and 2015 (for my 60th birthday). An Iranian couple came to sing happy bithday to me in farsi. It was an inexplicable experience, no crime on the street, no fighting, very, very safe, people very friendly and warm, food and confectionary very good, not expensive to shop but hotel accommodation could be expensive, public transport (bus and metro rail) very good and effecient, metro stations very clean and very easy for foreigners to use. Although we were based in Northern Tehran (Eliheyah), we once drove by luxury coach to Ishfahan to spend one week there (2012), the other trip we flew to Shiraz to spend one week there (2015). I fell in love with this country, it’s absolutely beautiful. In Tehran, we even went in the cable cars on the Azborg mountains. O, I just cannot stop raving about IRAN. I’ll visit there anytime. Please don’t believe the media with their negative reports, go see for yourself and discover this amazing country. Salaam from Riedwaan Salie (Cape Town, South Africa.

That is so nice. What a great birthday trip. We are so glad you had a wonderful time with you family. We found the country very welcoming and friendly also. Thank you for your comment. 🙂

Your itinerary was perfect! I hope you come back again very soon! I heard now you should ask for visa only from agencies. Also now for your money matters you can use a local debit card like Daricpay to charge and transfer money online

We hope to visit again one day. Take care

Hi Im am an iranian person and your information was totally correct about iran I am very glad to see you were anjoyed traveling to iran If you come to iran again you can visit other cities like shiraz,Tabriz,Isfahan,Hamedan they are as beautiful as Tehran

Thank you so much for your comment. 🙂

Hi all, I have been 2 weeks in Iran the last month, my friends and I were travelling the west part of this huge country touring the famous cities and recommended places over the countryside. I could never thought how beautiful were every little point that we stopped by: landscapes, restaurants, seacoast, food… persian landmarks will remind forever in my mind. As we were travelling by car we trusted (company removed, you can message below if interested), a notorious iranian company which offers a wide variety of car for rent. The service was excelent and they provided us whatever we need in order to make our trip easer. I would definetely recommend this company If you are thinking about renting a car to shuttle from a place to another, they are serious and reliable. Thanks persian people and the company for making our dreamt trip happen!!

We love Iran!!!!

Sounds like you had a great trip. We are so glad so had a great time.

Hi Alesha and Jarryd, Thank you for the useful info and your interest in my beautiful country. I’m Zahra Mazaheri an English – Farsi translator. I would be more than happy to help the tourist to Iran in having a pleasant journey.

Glad you liked our article. All the best

Iran is a wonderful country for all nations to visit. Whether you’re interested in going to cultural and historical places, try local food, shopping, or visiting new people, the country is one of the best places for all of these.

Thank you for your comment. It is a magnificent country

thanks so much for your tips, and i want to add this there is something that we call it “Taarof” This is a polite exchange that takes place in all aspects of life in Iran, in shops, in streets, in businesses, at homes. Simply stated, it is a form of one person making an offering and the other, refusing it. This ritual may repeat itself several times before the individuals finally determine whether the offer and refusal are real or simply polite. Be very careful how and with whom you taarof so that it does not interfere with your stay. Use common sense as to when to do it and when not to.

Thank you so much for this. After travelling the country for 3 weeks, we only experienced this once in Tehran on the outskirts of the city, We ate locally, bought locally, stayed locally, bought a lot of items on the street but only experienced it once. We were shocked. We had read about it and was waiting every time but it never came. Maybe if you are a foreigner they don’t do it as much. Thank you the explanation.

I really appreciate for your thoughts on this topic. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

Hi Alesha and Jarryd, this was so helpful. We’re off to Iran in a couple of weeks and great to get some tips re luggage, local currency cards and communication options. thanks david

Hi David, We are so happy the article was helpful. You will have a great time in Iran. Do not over pack. Woman have to be covered. Loose clothing is a must and a long top/dress is best as it covers the figure. Her arms and legs have to be covered. Sandels can be wore. A hijab is a must so bring scarfs. For the men, your arms do not have to be covered. Do bring pants as you need it for mosques. Our advice is to bring zip off pants. They are great. We did not use local currency cards. We bought all our cash in euros and exchanged it in Tehran on day 1. We did it with our guesthouse. They gave us a great rate. As for communication, do download Farsi offline before you go so communication can be easier. Surprisingly a lot of people do speak broken English. have a great trip.

Hi guys. Im so glad you had a good time over here. I believe Iran is the most misunderstood nation (thanks to media!) and articles like this may help people see Iran for what it is. One thing i need to point out is the currency exchange rate. the rate of 30,000 to 1 USD is no longer valid. 1 USD would be exchanged to about 110,000 rials now (11,000 Toman). Hope to see you back here soon! cheers

i promise to passengers ( our guess ❤) that we can make nice memory for you , and hope you enjoy that

Hi guys, great article! Just wanted to suggest that you include information about the Pocket WiFi and Travel Debit card services offered by MahCard (www.mahcard.com) as well… We travelled from Amsterdam to Iran during January this year and we used both services from MahCard and they really made our trip much easier…

Thank you for your tip Lotte. We have never heard of these guy. Definitely would be helpful. We strongly encourage travellers to do their on research on companies and make their own judgements. All the best

Hello! Very useful info about Iran. I am preparing a trip with car from UAE to ROMANI so it will be Bandar Abbas to Turkey Border. Any info and advices are welcomme! Thx

Hi Als, not too sure about that border. We flew in to Tehran. All the best.

Hello Dear Guys, I’m really glad to find your blog. It’s really interesting to me. I should say thank you to you for giving this good information about my country to people. It would be our honor to be host in your next travels to Iran.

I have been to a lot countries. I have been to super cold areas like Norway and have lived in the snowy Switzerland, and have also been to warm countries such as Bali, Sri Lanka, etc… What I love about Iran is that whenever and in whatever season you go, there are always 4 seasons. The southern part (Persian Gulf) is known for its golden beaches and hot climates, other areas such as Shemshak, Darbandsar, etc… are known for their snow and mountains. I recommend going to ski resorts in winter, and as a person who has lived in Switzerland I can tell that they are better. At the same time where you find snow in Iran, you can also travel to the other side where there are hot deserts. I recommend you go to these desert areas with a local tour called RONATURE, which is an ecofriendly tour and provides vegan and vegetarian food, furthermore supports locals and the environment. The Persian Gulf is unimaginably beautiful. Qeshm island in the south is probably the most beautiful place in the world, unfortunately there are not many photos of this island online because not many people know about it yet, but I do recommend taking diving courses there. The water park in Kish island is the best I’ve ever seen, much better than the ones in Dubai. I could go on for forever but you go to Iran once and experience all the four seasons. You get snowy mountains and sunny beaches. You go skiing and after a short flight you are tanning on the beach. This is a miracle and not something other countries dont have to offer. I can say nothing more but to recommend this marvellous country. Do not listen to the media, Iran is safer than Europe and Im not even slightly exaggerating.

Thank you for helping people to travel to Iran, I believe everyone should visit Iran beyond the media portrayal.

We totally agree with you Vahid. Never listen to the media about a destination, we don’t. We really enjoyed our time in Iran and encourage people to experience this country for themselves. 🙂

Sorry, I won’t support Iran. The government is evil. They imprison and torture their own citizens and they execute gay people. How can you support a government like that? Oh, and if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport, they won’t let you in. That’s ok with you?

We don’t support the government, we support the people of the country, who are among the friendliest, most genuine and hospitable people we have ever encountered. If we were to boycott countries with corrupt and evil governments, we’d start with the US.

I recently moved to Iran, as I am Iranian-American (well, now mainly just Iranian). I really appreciate all of the sweet and insightful comments and your wonderful website. Since the last time I lived here I was a child and have only visited every few years, when I arrived I was definitely feeling like a Persian that came back from a lost time warp of sorts, and had to learn the deeper levels of what you all already thoughtfully mentioned like tarof and the culture. Iran is a BEAUTIFUL & AMAZING country and I am lucky to be here. Just to let people know, everything I read here is true and helpful. 🙂 Even riding a bus from Iran into Armenia (to access my american bank for my final paycheck), I started out feeling slightly awkward as the 99% Persian only passenger peers around me were playing cute little games with each other laughing, with LOTS of incredible Persian music… I started getting many happy flashbacks of American-Iranian dance parties… but this was the REAL thing! Within minutes I joined in after being invited to clap my hands and a few girls were doing little hand dances in their seats… within about 10 minutes half the people on the bus were all SINGING together, it was precious. I felt like I was home, with my (native) Iranian people, and I got little happy tears in my eyes. YOU CANNOT FIND THESE MOMENTS IN AMERICA or EUROPE where nearly everyone around you surrounds you with welcoming bright eyes all at the same time. It’s like they are making you part of their family. I recommend visiting Iran for ANYONE… You will see that Iranians are good hearted and loving, even with all the sanctions. Give them a genuine smile, and you will get 100 smiles back, with tea and poetry. 😀

What a beautiful moment. That is great you are going back to your roots. We hear you. Iranians are good hearted and so generous. It is a beautiful country. Have a great time and hope you settle in quickly. All the best

Thanks for visiting my country. Hope tourism breaks all the wall of this global village.

We hope so too. It is a beautiful country with many beautiful people. We loved our time there

Thank you so much for this amazing article! I am going to visit Iran, but just for one week, so I need to take everything that I can from this short trip. I didn’t know that I need a VPN, that is a surprise! I have Surfshark subscription. Maybe you know how it works in Iran?

Not too sure if it will work or not. We used VPN Express and had no issues. There are free VPNs if you get suck and find yours does not work. Have a great trip.

So disappointing to learn that Canada is not one of the countries included on the Visa on Arrival program…I really want to spend a week in Tehran but it looks as though that won’t be possible. That’s really too bad 🙁

I know. It is a little more of a hassle but worth it. I know Canadians, UK and USA citizens have to go on a tour but there are many great tours within the country. If you want a tour that is not a tour, check out Yomadic. He’s tours are informative but relaxed and have great reviews. All the best.

I was 10 days in Iran (Teerah, Esfahan, Yazd and Siraz) and … is a great country, good food, culture and fantastic people. Thank you Iran!

Glad you had a wonderful time Vitor. 🙂

hi im ghazal from kermanshah iran! a offer all to come here and feel how friendly people are

Yourwellcom

I’m sorry for this government rule.

Your welcome. I hope you back soon in my country.

hello,im shahzad from iran. thank you so much for your excelent content about Iran. all of the sentences are true about my country and u knew it very well.im so happy that you had good times here. As the other iranian people said,now 1 USD is equal with 141,000 Rials :).so Iran is a very cheap country for tourists,too:). come to my country and enjoy,it would be your best trip with no debt:)

Hi Shahzad, We had a wonderful time there. Thank you for the update with the exchange rate. We recommend all travellers to visit Iran. 🙂

Thanks for this guys! I am super excited leaving for Tehran on Monday I booked a small tour as I felt anxious about travelling independently first time ever in Iran. If I like it -and I am sure I will – I shall go back. I was advised to take a day travel backpack and a medium sized wheely which I hope to fill up with things bought locally. Of course I shall take essentials. Is a long skirt allowed? It might be cooler than trousers. What do you think?

Hi Alex, I hope you are having a wonderful trip, That great you booked a small tour. Sometimes it is the best way to see the country and learn about the people and culture. There is so many great souvenirs to buy. Unfortunately my bag wasn’t big enough. 🙂 Absolutely a long shirt is allowed but not a tight body fitting one. Long sleeve and maxi dresses are perfect. Trousers are great just make sure you top is loose and long past your bottom. Have a great trip.

Wow, Thanks for this. I’am glad, that I found your page. I’ll travel in october alone to isfahan. I’m already so excited

That’s amazing. You will have a great time. The Iranians are so friendly and welcoming. There is so much to do there. Here is a video we made about Isfahan if you want to check it out. https://youtu.be/XDYJ44CutT4

Great points!

Regarding bringing a load of cash though, I found a solution. In my last trip to Iran, I got a DaricPay card. It made everything easier!

Thank you for your suggestion and information. Glad that worked for you. We still recommend visitors to take cash as not everywhere will accept cards.

Hello everyone. This is Ali, an Iranian. This page is a good guidance; LIKE ! Iran is a country of different climates and has very beautiful historical monuments and natural areas. Contrary to propaganda, Iran is safe and a good choice for travel. Come to Iran and have nice time here.

Thank you Ali. 🙂

This is great ! Thank you! I’m preparing to go there in June and your article answered a lot of questions! I will come back to it just to remember everything. Thanks again.

Glad the article could help. Have a wonderful trip Joanna.

Great i read your experiences you had great fun in Iran. Everyone should need to aware about your guidelines before visit.

Hi Eric, thank you. We had a great time in Iran. Definitely everyone should read up on the guidelines, not just what we have written but from other also. It is important to do your research before travelling to a country. 🙂

Hey, great article on Iran tourism. What should I plan in terms of budget, if I want to plan a 7-day trip to Iran and cover major tourist/historical destination.

How would you rate food for just vegetarians. Thanks!

We budgeted $80 USD a day for a couple. We came home with a little bit of money but we rather have more than less as there is no ATMs that work for foreigners. As for vegetarian food, there are many options.

This is awesome article, I’ve read a ton of articles online these past couple of months as I’m traveling to Iran in May. I’ve already bought a NordVPN subscription regarding the social media access, I hope it will work fine too, saw some recommendations for it too. Other than that I really cannot wait for the trip, so I keep reading about it. Thanks 🙂

Awesome Steve. Have a great time. The people there are so friendly. It is an amazing country.

hi steve, i recommend, first travel to iran then try free vpn then buy subscription.because some vpn in iran dose not work. instagram and what up don’t need vpn.have a nice trip!

Hi I am very pleased to be pleased with your trip to Iran I hope that one day we will be able to travel to other countries as well These days, people in my country are very sad.

Hi Mostafa, thank you for your message. We did enjoy visiting your country but did hear this from many locals. We hope that one day it all changes and travel will be a lot easier for Iranians. We saw nothing but friendly and welcoming people. The most friendliest country we have visited. We hope happiness comes soon.

Glad to hear that you had good trip in Iran guys. However things get worse and now 110,000 rials = 1 USD which is good for tourists. Lol.

Thanks for that Mohammad. Not good for the locals. We thought it was cheap when we visited last year. Sorry to hear that

I glad to read this site My country has very beautiful natural scenery and tourism, as well as very caring and kind people… I hope to see you in my city, Isfahan, the city of culture and art, and we can spend good times together^_^ I hope that there will always be in all countries, including my country

Hello I am Iranian I am very pleased that you have been satisfied with traveling to Iran I wish you success

Thank you for stopping by. We loved travelling Iran. The people were so welcoming and we had a lot of great chats with many. We are looking forward to returning one day.

You were ok travelling without a guide? Is it easy to travel around without one? And is it possible to hire guides to specific places, such as Persefone of some mosque? My wife and I are planning to visit Iran on April or October? What’d say? Thanks a lot.

Absolutely. We met so many local people and had so much fun. It is an easy country to get around in. Their transport system within the cities were easy and great. Their bus system across the country was comfortable and faster than the train. You can hire guides at main attractions as you go. The hotels can help with that also. Have a great trip.

If you are from the USA, Canada or UK you need to go on a tour.

Hi We are older Australians and are wanting to go to Iran. We usually plan our holiday booking accommodation and transport before we go so are a little hesitate going without anything booked. We have not been on a tour before and they don’t appeal to us.

Thank you so much for this valuable information. My mother and I are trying to book an organized trip with Intrepid Travel. They told us that we were not allowed to be out and about without the accompaniment of a male. Which they say we would have to stay in our hotel during our free time unless we go with a male. Have you heard of this before?

I am Mehdi and I am from, Shiraz Iran. I welcome your arrival to Iran in advance. Staying you in your hotel during your free time in Iran is not right. You can go out without a male. I can help you if you have any question. please don’t hesitate to ask me. you can contact me at [email protected] . I hope you have a nice trip in Iran. Regards; Mehdi

Hi Cathy, that is so strange they would tell you this. That is wrong on Intrepid Travel to tell you this and if they are concerned about this for their guests they should provide tours for you free of charge as staying in the hotel room is not a very good experience at all. I hope you wrote to them to express your disappointment with this.

As Mehdi said above, that is not right. When we were travelling throughout Iran there were many woman travelling on their own that out and about by them selves. We did not hear of any issues. Obviously have your wits about yourself. The people of Iran are so friendly. The friendliest we have come across in our travels. I hope you got to experience this and see a lot of the beautiful country.

Hi Cathy, I’m an Iranian person, this is not right, you can go out without a male. Iran is full of friendly people and I’m sure you will enjoy your time and this would be one of the most unforgettable trips.

Hello kathy I’m very surprised by your talk I am from Iran and I assure you that it is not

Hey guys! This is one of the *very* few articles about Iran that I completely agree with. Oh, apart from one sentence: “Iranians are very punctual”… I actually laughed out loud. You must have got lucky. In any case, I’m glad you enjoyed your time, and hope we cross paths one day.

(also, feel free to edit this out: the photo of Alesha at Friday mosque in Yazd is actually Friday mosque in Esfahan)

Thanks so much Nate! Glad the piece got the seal of approval from the Iran expert himself! And I guess we did get super lucky with the locals being punctual. For the whole month we were there we were never left waiting. Will count our lucky stars, and make a note that perhaps it’s not always the case.

And thanks for the correction on the Friday mosque! Have amended it now. Happy travels mate.

Hi dears! I’m an iranian girl & I love my country… Actually my father is a tour guide & I’ve heared such lovely words from so many tourists… they mostly say they had heard many bad things about iran and they have experienced the bests when they came here… I’m so glad to here such nice words by many travelers and i really appreciate you cause you ‘re telling the truth about my amazing country!!!! I love you all dears!!

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Tips and how to travel to Iran in 2024

By Joan Torres 99 Comments Last updated on April 11, 2024

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What used to be a country that everybody believed was filled with danger and nuclear weapon lovers is, today, becoming the destination with the most exponential tourism growth in the world.

From the most hospitable people to the oldest history, stunning architecture, the most desolate deserts, green mountains, islands, and many other things, slowly, travelers are realizing that Iran is the ultimate destination.

However, since it has opened to tourism very recently, traveling in Iran is not that easy, as it presents several difficulties and peculiarities, ranging from strict Islamic rules to credit card issues and even the need to get special travel insurance.

But don’t worry.

After visiting this country twice for more than 2 months, on this blog, I have compiled loads of travel tips for traveling to Iran  which will help you to plan your trip easily.

In this travel guide to Iran you will find:

Table of Contents

• Best time to visit
• Accommodation
• Access blocked site s
• Travel Insurance
• Useful books
• Money costs & budget
• Solo female travel
• The people and culture
• Religion and Islamic Law
• Transportation
• Internet & SIM Card
• Food and alcohol
• Other curiosities
• More information

How to book hotels, flights and tours in Iran

Because of the sanctions, foreign cards or popular sites such as booking.com can’t be used in Iran, but now you can thanks to 1stQuest .

1stQuest is a local company that offers services such as visa LOI, hotel booking, tours, domestic flights, and travel insurance for Iran.

5% discount on ALL bookings with voucher code:

🪪 Visa for traveling to Iran

Visa on arrival (voa) for iran.

Everybody, except for citizens of Canada, UK, US, Afghanistan , Bangladesh, Colombia, Iraq , Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka, can get a visa on arrival at any of Iran’s international airports.

The only real requirement is to have a valid host contact

During the process of getting your VOA, the authorities may contact your host, whether they are a hotel or a friend. If they can’t contact them, they may make you wait at the airport for a very long time.

Waiting time ranges from 2 to 6 hours

At the very least, you will have to wait for 2 hours at the airport.

On my second visit, I had to wait for more than 5 hours, as I had a brand-new passport and didn’t have a return flight ticket.

How much does the tourist visa for Iran costs?

Prices range from 40€ to 150€, depending on nationality.

I hold a Spanish passport and paid 75€ and I believe that that is the price for the other European nationalities.

You can’t get a VOA if you enter Iran overland

If you travel to Iran by land, you will need to arrange your visa in advance.

How to get your visa in advance

If you don’t want to wait at the airport, want to secure your visa or enter overland, you should get the visa in advance.

For this, you need to get an authorization code from an authorized company, which you will use to easily collect your visa at the airport or embassy (if you enter by land).

I strongly recommend the guys from 1st Quest , a very reliable company that offers plenty of different services for traveling in Iran.

The visa authorization code only costs 29€ but remember that with my voucher code, you can get an additional 5% discount. 

My voucher code: ATC-QST

Typically, they give you up to 30 days

A one-month visa is the standard number of days they give for traveling in Iran.

But you can easily extend your visa

You can extend it twice for 30 days. This means that you can be in Iran for up to 90 days. Extensions can be arranged in all provincial capitals.

Iran and Israel

For more details regarding the Israeli stamp, read: Avoid the Israeli stamp – FAQ

Iran doesn’t stamp passports anymore – An Iranian stamp on your passport can be an issue, especially if you are traveling to the USA. That’s why they are now giving your visa on a separate piece of paper.

⛅ Best time to travel to Iran

Iran is a massive country with many climatic zones, which range from the dry regions of the Persian Gulf to the wetlands of the north-western provinces.

Ideally, the northern mountains should be visited during late spring, summer and early autumn. On the other hand, the classic Persian cities of Esfahan, Yazd, Kashan, and Shiraz can get utterly hot in summer, so winter, spring, and autumn are the optimum months for visiting them.

Moreover, the southern provinces, which include Qeshm Island , Bandar Abbas, etc. should be avoided during the summer months, as temperatures may reach up to 50ºC and the air is extremely humid.

Last, Tehran has extremely cold winters and overwhelmingly hot summers. Therefore, spring and autumn are the ideal months for traveling to Iran.

You can also visit the Persian cities during the summer months, no problem, but just be prepared for the heavy heat!

What to actually do in Iran From following the classic Persian historical trail to contemplating the magnificent Islamic architecture, trekking, visiting the Persian Gulf Islands, meeting Iranian nomads , making local friends or even making a pilgrimage trip to the city of Mashhad, Iran can be a destination for all types of travelers, both history and adventure lovers.

🏨 Travel tips for accommodation in Iran

Because of the sanctions, websites like Booking.com don’t have hotels listed in Iran.

How to book a hotel in Iran?

• Via a phone call
• You just show up at the hotel and try your luck
• Via a travel agency (if you go on a tour)
• Via 1stQuest  

Yes, a good alternative would be booking your hotels via 1stQuest because, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels, they have hotels listed in all the main cities in Iran. 

You can get a 5% discount in ALL your hotels bookings.

Use my promotional code: ATC-QST

By the way, keep in mind that the Government of Iran tends to block this kind of travel sites, so 1stQuest may not work when you try to connect from Iran. If this is the case, there are 2 possible solutions:

• Book all your hotels in advance, before traveling to Iran.
• Get a VPN to access all blocked sites. For more information, read how to find the right VPN for Iran . 

For more options, check: Best areas to stay in Tehran .

Couchsurfing in Iran

If you are on a budget, you should know that Couchsurfing is very popular in Iran and a great way to get immersed in the local culture, as Iranians are particularly hospitable and you are likely to be treated like a royal guest.

However, bear in mind that some hosts may be extremely intense and may want to be with you at all times.

🔓 How to access blocked sites in Iran

Fact: in Iran, many websites are censored, and that includes:

• Some Google services
• Pornography sites
• Against the Compass  (Yes, my website)

If you wanna post Facebook updates or just check the international news, you must get a VPN and the one I recommend is ExpressVPN

If you have no clue about VPNs, you should read my tutorial: How to find the right VPN for Iran .

🚑 Travel insurance for Iran

Because of the sanctions, few insurance providers cover travel in Iran. The one which does, however, is IATI Insurance .

Moreover, travel insurance is a must requirement for anyone trying to get a visa on arrival at the airport.

I strongly recommend IATI Insurance for these reasons:

• They have loads of different plans for all travelers: from families to budget backpackers
• Covers for up to 1 year trips
• Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount .

For more options, read How to find the right travel insurance for Iran

📚 Useful books to plan your trip to Iran

This is just a selection of a few books but since Iran is such a complex country with so much going on, I have compiled this list containing the best books on Iran , classified into history, novels, and politics.

Iran travel guide by Bradt

Bradt has always the most comprehensive guides to the most off-beat countries. I love Bradt because they give plenty of tips for the independent traveler, as well as loads of cultural insights.

Iran travel guide by Lonely Planet

I personally prefer Bradt but, if you are a Lonely Planet fan, they have just released their latest edition for Iran.

Best political novel – The Cypress Tree

The story of a writer and his family (currently a BBC journalist) who had to live in exile in the UK after the 1979 Revolution. The book is not only a critique of the dictatorial regime but also, he explains, in a very nostalgic way, all the things he misses from Iran.

🛫 How to get in Iran

It’s mandatory to have a travel insurance to get your visa on arrival in Iran. Because of the sanctions, most insurance companies don’t provide coverage for Iran, but IATI Insurance does Get your exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link.

How to travel to Iran by air

If you come by flight, Tehran would be the most obvious destination, as it has a large number of connections from Europe, especially Germany and Turkey. 

Read: Things to do in Tehran in 2 days

Shiraz has also an international airport and there are daily, very cheap flights from Dubai. 

Read: Things to do in Shiraz

How to travel to Iran by land

Iran shares a border with many countries but remember that, if overlanding, a visa is not available on arrival, so you will have to get it in advance.

Iraq – Surprisingly easy (the one I used). See here the full report .

Turkey – Another surprisingly easy border to cross.

Armenia – An easy, friendly border.  See here the full report .

Azerbaijan – Also pretty easy. Check Caravanistan for more information . 

Pakistan – A real adventure. See here the full report .

Afghanistan – Apparently, coming from Herat is relatively easy. Warning! In 2021, this border was taken over by the Taliban. For more information, read my Afghanistan safety guide

Turkmenistan – I am really jealous because you managed to get a Turkmen visa.

United Arab Emirates – You can take a ferry from Sharjah to Bandar Abbas.

💰 Iran Travel Guide – What you need to know about money

In Iran, they use the Iranian Rial (IRR) and approximately:

1 USD = 42,350 IRR

The Iranian Rial fluctuation is massive

Make sure to check the current rate just before leaving for Iran because the value is so unstable.

Exchanging money in Iran

Exchange offices are available everywhere and €, USD and GBP are always accepted.

Moreover, there is also the black market, which means that, in all cities, you will always find random people willing to buy your currency.

It is fine to exchange with them but just make sure to count your money twice, as some of them may try to trick you.

Wait, Rials or Tomans?

Since their currency is extremely low, in order to simplify things, most places will tell you the prices in Tomans, which is the same value divided by 10.

In the beginning, it is a bit confusing but you will quickly get used to it.

Foreign credit cards don’t work

Because of the sanctions, you can’t use your international credit card when you travel in Iran, so bring cash.

However, you can buy a local credit card

For people who don’t want to be carrying lots the cash, you can buy a local credit card and top it up. There are quite a few companies, for example, Mah Card Iran Travel .

(Note that I have never tried it but was recommended by a friend). 

The way it works is that you sign up on their website, give your passport details and they will bring your credit card once you arrive at your hotel in Tehran .

You will give them your cash and pay the 20€ service after receiving your card. I didn’t use it but I’ve been told it is a reliable company.

And you can pay by credit card absolutely everywhere

You will be surprised to know that local credit cards are accepted all across the country, including at street food stalls and grocery shops from rural areas.

Entrance fees

Most touristic sites, including mosques, gardens, and archaeological sites, charge between 100,000 and 150,000IR, which is 5 to 10 more times than what the locals pay.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Iran?

Iran is it safe to visit iran.

That’s it. It is a safe destination with no terrorism and a very low crime rate.

The UK Foreign advice says that you should avoid traveling to Balochistan and the area bordering Iraq. However, I think that this information is totally biased. You should be fine.

In Iran there is no Islamic State

On many occasions, my friends from back home told me: Be careful with ISIS in Iran!  I love my friends but this is a very naive comment because, first of all, Iranians are Shia, hence there are no Iranian linked to ISIS. And second of all, ISIS never made it to Iran.

If you aren’t convinced yet, I urge you to read this comprehensive analysis about safety in Iran .

Iran travel tip – Consider getting off the beaten track I traveled to Iran in 2015 and 2018 and, in only 3 years, things had changed significantly. The classic Persian cities of Yazd, Esfahan, Shiraz, and Kashan are filled with tour groups, overpriced restaurants, and souvenir shops. Local interactions, which usually involve house invitations, are less frequent and rip-offs are common. However, if you just step slightly out of your comfort zone, experiences with the locals can be totally different. Therefore, I strongly recommend visiting other places near the cities, as well as discovering other provinces, such as Golestan, Kurdistan , or the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad.

💃 Solo female travel in Iran

Iran is an Islamic dictatorship and, at the same time a day-by-day growing tourism destination, so it is not surprising at all that, every day, this Middle Eastern country is attracting more and more travelers, including many solo females. 

Many women have come to me asking for my opinion towards traveling to Iran as a solo female. Well, despite the fact that I am a man and tend to get a very different experience than most women, I don’t know a single lady who hasn’t had a wonderful experience in Iran so, based on their opinions, I can certainly tell that Iran is, definitely, a safe destination for women. 

If you want to know more details about it, I recently interviewed Eveline from Earth Wanderess , who shares her travel expertise about solo female travel in Iran . 

🕌 The people and culture

Remember that, in Iran, the internet is censored – including Facebook or WhatsApp. If you want to access them and navigate safely, you must get a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and I strongly recommend ExpressVPN , the one I personally use. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ExpressVPN

Iran is a highly educated society

Iran is the developing country with the largest number of highly educated people I’ve ever traveled to. Even in very rural, remote areas, such as Golestan, I met people who had Ph.D. degrees from Barcelona and Cambridge.

Iranians are not Arabs

People in Iran are not Arabs but Persians, which is a completely different ethnicity.

Nevertheless, it is ethnically diverse

From the Kurds in Iranian Kurdistan to the Turkmens of Golestan and the Arabs from the Persian Gulf shores, in Iran, there are several ethnic minorities.

Hospitality in Iran

Iranians are famous for their hospitality.

Don’t be surprised if someone who you just met 5 minutes ago invites you to his house, a random dude who you never talked to pays for your meal and, basically, everybody treats you like a king.

They love foreigners and are striving for the world to realize that they are a very peaceful society.

Do accept house invitations

You can’t say you have entirely traveled to Iran if you didn’t have a meal or stay at someone’s home.

Just say yes. If you get slightly off the beaten track and having a meal at a stranger’s house is 100% guaranteed.

Wait, what is tarof ?

If you are traveling in Iran for long enough and have experienced strong local interactions, the locals will tell you about something called tarof .

Basically, tarof is when a local tries to pay for your meal (or anything else) just because it is in their cultural code but they don’t really want to.

Say no and, if they insist more than 3 times, it means that it was a real invitation.

However, if they back off, it means that it was a bluff, so this is called tarof .

Farsi is the official language

Farsi (or Persian), which has nothing to do with Arabic, is the country’s language.

They also use the Arab alphabet.

Educated people speak English

In major cities, most educated people speak impeccable English and, in rural areas, they will speak the basic stuff.

Officially, the weekend is on Thursday and Friday

Iran follows the official Muslim calendar, so Friday is the official day off and, for most companies and the public sector, Thursday and Friday is the weekend.

Read: Things you need to know before traveling to Kyrgyzstan

🕌 Religion and Islamic law in Iran

Most iranians are shia.

Iran is the country with the largest Shia population.

However, there are Sunni minorities

In Balochistan, Golestan and the Persian Gulf, there are significant Sunni communities.

Iran is an Islamic Republic

Prior to 1979, Iran was ruled by a Shah who was a puppet of the USA and was leading the country to poverty. This led to a massive revolution, the Shah was overthrown and the clerics came to power, founding the Islamic Republic of Iran.

It’s also a religious dictatorship

In Iran, freedom of speech, demonstration, and protest is extremely limited and several rules based on Sharia law apply to everybody, including tourists.

Dressing code for men

You can’t dress in short pants, even when it is 40ºC. Other than that, you will be fine.

Dressing code for women

Women need to wear a headscarf and can’t show either their shoulders nor their curves. This means that you must wear a long, loose dress or skirt over your pants.

And of course, alcohol is illegal

In Iran, alcohol is forbidden and only available on the black market.

For more details, check the Food & Alcohol section.

Even in this situation, many Iranians are not religious at all

Across your journey, you will meet many Iranians from all ages who don’t care about religion at all, more than in any other Middle Eastern country.

This is because, before the 1979 Revolution, Iran was quite secular.

🛺 Travel tips for transportation in Iran

Traveling around iran by public transportation.

They go absolutely everywhere and are the preferred choice for locals.

There are two kinds of buses, the budget one and the VIP, which is around 70% more expensive.

Trust me, get the VIP bus

Seriously, the difference between VIP and non-VIP is so huge. VIP buses are extremely more comfortable, have AC and don’t smell. The cheap buses are horrible and, since they only cost a few USD, paying a 70% extra is not a big deal.

Where to buy your bus tickets

It was kind of a pain in the ass to buy them, as local sites don’t accept foreign cards, so you had to ask your hotel (who charges a high commission) or go to the bus station, which is always far away from downtown.

Because of the sanctions, in Iran, most booking sites don’t accept international foreign cards. Before you could book them via 1stQuest but they are not offering this particular service anymore. However, you may still use 1stQuest for visa services, hotels, flights, travel insurance and tours. 

Traveling around Iran by domestic flight

For those who are short on time, there are a lot of domestic flights, connecting most cities in the country.

You can check flight schedules and book your tickets through 1stQuest, and you can get a 5% discount on ALL flights:

With voucher code: ATC-QST

Train is also an option

Some cities have train stations. I personally took a train from Tehran to Gorgan and a 23-hour train from Mashhad to Bandar Abbas. It was pretty cool but not all cities have train stations plus they run less frequently than buses.

Get Snapp for taxis

Snapp is like the Iranian Uber and, as far as I know, it works in Tehran, Esfahan and, perhaps, in other big cities, as well. By default, it is cheaper than regular taxis plus you save all the negotiation hassle.

Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad have metro lines. They are cheap, fast and reliable!

Driving in Iran

You can self-drive in Iran, no problem, but just be aware that, like in all the Middle East , people drive like crazy.

Crossing the streets in Iran

For me, the worst thing about Iran is that nobody gives a s*** about pedestrians.

You should know that, when you cross the street, even if you go over a pedestrian crossing, cars will never slow down but will just dodge you. It’s crazy. You should always cross sticking close to a local.

💻 Internet & SIM Card

Wi-fi sucks.

A lot, practically everywhere.

But internet data is good

Wi-Fi sucked so much that, sometimes, I was using my 3G to watch movies.

Get an IranCell SIM Card

In my experience, the staff of IranCell shops speak good English. For just a couple of USD, you will get plenty of GB and calls. I suggest you check their website for the latest plans.

In Tehran, there is an IranCell shop inside Imam Khomeni metro station.

🍲 Food and alcohol in Iran

What is persian cuisine like.

Seriously, I could write an entire post about food in Iran. It is quite varied and many provinces have their own local specialties. Usually, most meals will be accompanied by tonnes of rice and bread.

The most popular appetizers have an eggplant base and main courses tend to be meat with gravy. Kebab is a fancy meal they eat outside.

So far, my favorite dishes are  bademjan , an eggplant and tomato stew;  ghormeh sabzi , a meat stew with plenty of spices and herbs;  ash , a breakfast consisting of a vegetable soup with chickpeas, noodles and caramelized onions; and dizi , lamb (or chicken) smashed with tomatoes, potatoes and chickpeas in a clay pot.

Vegetarians will be OK

For breakfast, they will serve you either ash (the vegetable soup) or an omelet with tomato sauce, as well as cheese, watermelon, and nuts.

For lunch and dinner, there are many eggplant-based vegetarian options, lentils, and rice.

The tea culture is really strong and a sign of hospitality.

The coffee culture is growing!

One of the differences I noticed on my second trip to Iran is that there were coffee places, serving authentic coffee absolutely everywhere.

It was, of course, pricey compared to any other drink but having breakfast over a good cup of coffee is a real must for me.

Alcohol is only available on the black market

It usually comes smuggled from Armenia or Iraqi Kurdistan .

But you are likely to drink

Once, I was hitchhiking in Golestan when a young couple from Tehran picked me up and offered me vodka shots. Another day, the owner of a café served me a real rum mojito.

I also drank home-made liquor at someone’s house in Shiraz and was offered a beer in Qeshm Island.

As I said, many Iranians are not very religious and, if you hang out with local people, eventually, you will be able to have some drinks.

Some curiosities you will see when traveling in Iran

You will see that in most major cities, especially in Tehran and Esfahan, a lot of women wear a bandage on their nose. That is because they just came from surgery. Many Persian women have an arched nose and some of them have a bit of complex about it.

The clerics

Those Muslim priests that you see all over Iran are Shia clergy. Most of them wear a white hat, which means that they are normal people.

However, those wearing a black one are, somehow, related to the prophet Mohammed. Within a period of 2 months, I spotted two of them. 

Creepy mannequins

In all bazaars all across the country, clothing shops have extremely creepy mannequins. They tend to be dirty, miss one eye or they have no jaw. I don’t know if the shopkeepers realize how weird this is. 

Drought in Iran

In Iran, lack of rain is a real problem and, across the country, many lakes and rivers, including the river that goes through Esfahan, are completely dry. This is one of the biggest concerns for most Iranians. 

Read more interesting facts about Iran

❗ More information for your trip to Iran

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Remember to always use my code –  From booking a hotel to visa services, hotels, flights, travel insurance and tours, if it is via  1stQuest , remember that you can use my 5% discount code, as many as you want, whenever you want:  ATC-QST

All guides and articles for traveling in Iran destination

• Iran itinerary
• Best Books about Iran
• Travel insurance for Iran
• VPN for Iran
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Qeshm Island Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Shiraz
• A trip to the desert of the Kaluts
• Trekking Guide to Zagros Mountains
• Meeting the Qashqai People
• Fars Province Travel Guide
• Visa Guide for Iran
• Masouleh Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Golestan Province
• Iran-Iraq border crossing
• Is Iran Safe?
• Darband Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Tehran

Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East

• Travel Guide to Oman
• Palestine Travel Guide
• Syria Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Iraq Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Yemen Travel Guide

You might also like our Pakistan Travel Guide or Azerbaijan Travel Guide .

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East .

99 comments

Hey Buddy, you wrote a great helpful article! almost covered all the tips. Btw , I would like to introduce our hostel in tehran to readers of your blog if its possible, HI Tehran Hostel offers excellent value budget accommodation in a convenient location of Tehran, stay with us and see what a difference a stay makes..

Im so happy to see that you wrote a excellent article about my country and specially my city and its beautiful valley(alamut). i would be more than happy to help any travelers in this adventure AS WE ALWAYS SAY (Taste Iran with locals)

Most welcome! Will come back there in September :p

I have just spent a goo hour reading your articles, they are very well and intelligently written! And also more informative than other sites. I am planning a trip to Iran in September too! Safe travels and keep writing awesome articles!

Thanks and hope you will enjoy it! I am traveling back to Iran in October 🙂

Informative excellent article. Though there was small mistake in foods names.

I get what you mean about the heat and humidity in the southern provinces Joan. We house sat during the cool, rainier season in Doha, Qatar last year, across the Persian Gulf from Iran. The homeowners noted temps to 50 C PLUS humidity. Meaning sometimes it feels like 140 F LOL! Insane. Rocking post bro.

In summer, the weather Gulf Area is really bad! I lived there for a few years and couldn’t handle it 😀

Did anyone invite you? Get lost to where you came from.

Thank you for all this interesting information, accurate and recent on top of it! On that subject, something that could also help although quite new it is the mobile app Fairswap. It allows to exchange cash currency in real-time by meeting with each other at a pre-agreed location.  Widely, people post their need in foreign currency and if there is someone nearby facing the reverse need, then they can get in touch each other and if both agree, they will meet and make the swap.

By chance, this could be a pleasant way to facilitate connections with locals and get unexpected additional tips.

Thank you Joan for this beautiful blog you have. very accurate and informative, hope you enjoy Iran even more next time. Cheers

Always a pleasure to go back and enjoy Iran 🙂

I’ve also been in Iran recently the people were very hospitable. It’s good to know that there’s a better way instead of carrying cash which caused lots of stress, Daricpay is a credit card for tourists that is acceptable all around the country.

HI, i’m going to Iran in mid April. I have small DJI drone, but i’m not sure if i should take it. I saw you had drone in Iran. How is the law about drones there?

It is risky. If you get caught they will definitely confiscate it, so be careful. When I travel, I check in the main body and then I put the battery in my hand luggage. This way, they never find it.

Hello from Poland, I am planning to visit Iran this summer (unfortunatelly I only have the summers off so I am bracing for the heat). My question is about the windmills of Nashtifan. I haven’t found any info on them here on the blog. (If there is though, please direct me to it). Have you been there? Do you know what’s the best way to get there? Is that area safe since it’s so close the the Afgan border? I would appreciate any info on the matter. Thanks Igor

Hey Igor, haven’t been there, unfortunately, but maybe you should first go to Mashhad? If so, stay at Vali’s and I am sure he will know all the details about getting there

Thnks a lot Joan!

Hey Igor, I’m sarah from Iran,Nashtifan is a city in the Central District, Khaf County,Razavi Khorasan Province,in my country and it’s very beautiful and totally safe and it’s famous because the ancient windmills.

Hello. dear friend,wind mills of nashtifan is in khorasan razavi province. If you want to go there, you have to go to mashhad and then get a bus to khaf. There are taxis that take you to nashtifan. But nashtifan is hot in the summer, the degree is about 50selcius. So I recommend you to go there in spring or atumn.

Also you can arrive ther from islam qaleh- dogharoon border crossing and then get a taxi to nashtifan.

Hi There, how about traveling to Iran while pandemic?is it easy or any term and condition to apply?

Thank you Joan for information and especially the beautiful pictures

Hi You are very welcome to Iran in advance  I am SHADI a licensed tourist guide in Iran. I can speak English and Turkish fluently and live in Kashan. I can show you my city, Kashan and its around and many hidden spots in this area and even all around Iran. I can arrange your whole trip in Iran like accommodations, driver guide / tourist guide to make your trip more enjoyable here in Iran. If you like to know better about me and need more information, please feel free to contact me. It will be my pleasure to meet you in Kashan or even all around Iran and be part of your enjoyable trip in Iran. Best regards Shadi

I came across your blog since we are both members of the “Nomadic Matt’s Superstarblogging Blogging Business Course.

I loved reading your blog posts about Iran and found them very helpful. I will be heading to Iran on September 4 and I cannot wait to see Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Persepolis, Kashan, Tehran and a few other places. Before leaving on this trip, I would like to publish a collaboration post “Travel bloggers tips for Iran” and I would be very happy if you contribute and write 150 to 200 words plus send me one photo (preferably in landscape format). I would love to get your impression and what you liked most. Since I am blogging bilingually in English and in German and have so far published every blog post in both languages I would love to translate the post also into German (by myself not automatically by Google Translate).

I have published similar posts before my trips to Uzbekistan, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and before my trip to the Maldives. If you are interested I could send you the links to those posts.

My email address is [email protected] .

I would like to publish the blog post before I leave for Iran on September 4, therefore, I would be happy if you could send me your piece till August 30.

I would be happy if you contribute. Thank you so much in advance.

Cheers Vanessa

Hey joan , I’m sarah from Iran ,i would like to say thank you for your beautiful blog, you have almost mentioned everything,next time when you went to Iran go to Guilan province,Rasht city it’s my hometown I’m sure you will love it♥️♥️

Thank you for your kind message 🙂 I’d really like to go there and explore the mountains of that area

I suggest you to visit Damavand mountain which is highest volcano in Asia. And if you heard about Iranian legends and Myths you would realize that Zahak who is Villain is perisond in Damavand.

thanks so much for your tips, and I want to add that Iran has some of the best dishes in the world. The Persian cuisine consists of a delicious array of stews and different rice among many other dishes. And of course Persian bread.

Your website is not blocked in Iran. I’m using it in iran without vpn

that’s really good news to hear 🙂

Would love to visit but I just can’t bring myself to go to a country where gay men (like myself) have the death penalty.

As an Iranian and also someone who is pro-equality for the members of LGBTQ I wish the situation was different, and that you didn’t have to worry about things such as sexual orientation. It’s true that Iranian government doesn’t have a shining reputation in their treatment of members of LGBTQ community, some of what’s being reported is often exaggeration. It’s not easy to condemn anyone of “sodomy” without compelling evidence, like actual witnesses! (Not that this should be an issue to begin with) What I’m trying to get at is that officials often look the other way, unless there is a case of rape, which was reported by the western media a few months ago, but it was really misrepresented, in that case someone who happened to be gay had raped a boy, that case is not representative of members of LGBTQ community, but a criminal that was proven to be guilty of rape. In either case, I’m not defending the current Iranian government treatment of LGBTQ, and I’m entirely in favor of equal rights for them.

Finally, regarding your point about your sexual orientation, no one will know your sexual orientation unless you bring it up yourself, I for example as a heterosexual male will not demonstrate anything outside of social norms just because I’m heterosexual, for example if I’m in a county whose general female population happen to be my type, I’m not going to approach them in every single instance or be aggressive, you have to gauge the person’s interest before taking a step towards the next step in your relationship. All I’m trying to get at is that there are many, many gays in Iran whether the Iranian government likes it or not, and you may come across them.

Sorry for the long post.

Can I get some information about Tehran university through what’s app number?

It seams that entrance fees to many tourist places are highly increased from October 23. Can you tell me more? Thanks Norberto

Hi Norberto, I don’t know yet but as soon as I get the updated info, I will update the post accordingly

Hi, I live in Tehran and the increasing is not highly. for example the most expensive ticket is less than 2 dollars, visiting Azadi tower.

Hi yes the entrance Fee is increased but it is not to that value that become impossible for tourists to pay that. It is currently about less than 2.5 EUR at an average.

Hello, how are you? First I want to congratulate you on the excellent blog. My wife and I are going to Iran in March 2020. I’m sure your blog will greatly help us.

thanks Carlos, enjoy Iran!

Hello, Transasia Express has started it’s operations once again between Ankara – Tehran. 60 hours long train journey is a beautiful alternative to flights.

Hi Joan Hope You are fine. I want to introduce some more topics about Iran gradually that may be interesting for you and other followers of your fantastic blog! Now I want to talk about the nature of Fars Province and its touristic potential. In Fars Province there exists different mountain peaks that are fantastic for mountaineering. Dena is the highest one and also more, like Ghashmastaan, Delo, Ronj, Bel ans more. It is really worth having experience about that. If these exist interest, I can give more detailed information about them. 🙂

Hi I’m Aria ,as an iranian, your blog was so interesting for me but I noticed the wrong information in this topic :Iran is an Islamic Republic. You have written about shah and you said he was puppet and leading country to poverty! Sorry but you are totally wrong , everything , really everything that you see even our culture is because of shah . I wonder to know who gave you this misleading information about shah.

Lmao Joan i love that part you explain tarof Dude you know iran really well, even better than meee Come here more! -Yasi

I’ve got a big question You said almost everywhere accepts local credit card like you were really interesed… You mean thats… surprisng or something?

Yes, it was definitely surprising. Paying by credit card for a bunch of oranges from a street food stall is something I have never seen before, especially in a developing country, and when I say food stall I mean a local man sitting on the floor with a box

Thanks, Joan! This a great guide for Iran. How easy it is to get accommodation for a solo female traveler? Are there any restrictions?

Hi Joan! Amazing blog full of very useful information! Just reading about it is giving me the itch to pack my back and hop on the first plane to Tehran! 🙂 I was just wondering, how is it with wild camping around Iran? Is it legal? Is it safe? Would it be a good idea to do it in May-June-July? Also by any chance, would you know what is the covid situation at the moment? Thanks so much!! And keep safe 🙂 Aneta

Hi Aneta! About COVID, all I can tell you is that Iran is not issuing tourist visas at the moment, unfortunately. About camping, is definitely safe, not sure if it 100% legal but many travelers have done that. May to June is great time weather-wise, all across the country, The souther shores might be a bit hot though.

Thank you Joan! 🙂

Hello Joan thanks so much for this post! I wanted to ask if you’ve taken Iran Air airlines from or to Azerbaijan? I will be flying to Tehran from Baku and all I can find on Western websites are very long non-direct flights… However, if I visit websites selling Iranian airlines they have direct flights but the calendar is different and I do not understand anything. Any tips on this, please? Also, I saw your last post from January saying Iran does not issue tourist visas. Does that mean I cannot get one in the airport upon arrival? kind regards, Dre

Hi Dre, probably there aren’t any flights because the country is not open for tourism yet. No, as of today, you can’t get in Iran as a tourist. Only business and medical visas.

Hello. I’m an Iranian person. l went to Balochistan province in the southeast of iran in 2019. l didn’t have any safety problem. It’s an amazing province. In north and center of province, there are mountains and desserts, but in the south, tropical fruits are grown. The best season for north and center is spring, and for south is September or july. If you go there, visit maki mosque in zahedan, taftan volcano in khash, remin and beris and gowatr fishing ports in chabahar, kahir and tang gelfeshan in konarak(gelfeshan is a big hill that throws out muds) and tropical gardens in sarbaz and zarabad. If you be smart, you won’t have any safety problem there. Thanks.

Hello, I lived in Iran in the 70s, in Esfahan. I made several Iranian friends. If I get a visa, and a tour guide, may I see these friends when I get there? I have their address, I haven’t heard from them in almost 40+++ years. I haven’t seen them either. Will I he able to visit them? Please let me know.

Hi Katie, the question would be, why wouldn’t you? 🙂

Well I’ve heard I must have a tour guide and that I’ll be watched. I mean can I go to their house without the guide? Do I have to go on a tour. I’ve already seen everything. Thank you for responding.

Hi Katie, some nationalities like Canadians, USA or UK do need to hire a guide but this isn’t like North Korea, and the guide doesn’t need to be with you at all times.

Hello, which Iranian provinces have you traveled to, have you gone to Lorestan ??? Lorestan is one of the most famous and beautiful provinces of Iran, which is one of the best provinces of Iran for tourism. It has very tasty kebabs and food, and kind and hospitable people, I suggest you come.

I took out €400 for my Iran trip. This will create a lot of rials. Will this last enough for my time in Iran, which is 10 days?

Hi Ron, it’s impossible for me to say, since each individual has completely different needs. For me, I target at least 50-60€ a day

Hi! I bought tickets to IRAN (before checking if I can get TOURIST VISA). The flight is tomorrow :((. Do you know if country is open for tourism yet and if I can get a tourist visa at the arrival?

Thank you in advance.

Hi Denis, the country is currently closed for tourism. No visas are issued.

Hello Joan I’m tourist guide and thank u so much for your useful information, beside, I would like to note that WhatsApp is not blocked in Iran but Telegram, Facebook and YouTube are blocked that can be unblocked easily by VPN. best regards Hengameh from Iran

Thanks for this article– very helpful. I will be in Kurdistan Iraq and will have a couple of days to cross over to Iran, do you recommend what places to see that are relatively close to the border as I don’t have much time? Also, I’ll arrange for my visa at the embassy in Iraq since I’m crossing the border by land, but can I hire a driver from Iraq for my entire trip or will I have to change at the border? Thank you!

Mariwan and Sanandaj are nice places, both within Iranian Kurdistan Iraqis need a visa to enter Iran. It’s easy for them, but they need to apply, so I think it could be hard to find a driver who takes you across the border

Thank you for replying and good to know. Will I need a visa into Iran if I am only visiting the Kurd religion of Iran as a USA passport holder? I will only have the visa from the Kurd region of Iraq.

Hey, so Iran Kurdistan is just part of Iran and don’t have special visa requirements. For going there, you just need an Iranian visa. Unfortunately, USA passport holders can only get it through a travel agency.

Hello Joan, Short question. I am planning to travel to Iran in 2022. Does it still hold that ”Iran doesn’t stamp passports anymore”? I am planning also to travel to the USA this year as well through an ESTA visa application (they are not enthusiastic about Iran, as you know). Thank you! JC

Hello, as far as I know, they still don’t stamp passports

Hello Joan: This is an amazing post. My wife and I are planning our trip to Iran. We are really keen on visiting Tabriz, Shiraz, and Tehran. If we were to buy carpets in Iran and try to bring them back to the US – I mean are tourists harassed at the Tehran Airport? In our past trips we had them delivered home but not sure how it will work in Iran. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you.

Hi there, I really can’t advise you on this… but in my experience, travelers ar never harassed in the airport

Hello people I’m ali and I’m from Iran Iran is safe in 2022, but if you’re a woman, you have to be careful about your hijab, because it is important in Iran. If you are a man, never take your wife or girlfriend in street. Because police will come and… So, WhatsApp is not blocked in Iran, But YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, BBC, twitter and porn sites are blocked. And when you want to use of them you have to connect to VPN I myself use of windscribe Oh I forgot…! PubG is blocked too And about internet… It is too expensive and it is never free

But with all this, Iran is a very beautiful country. You can see different cultures in this country. In different parts of Iran, you will see very good and beautiful cultures. You can also find historical monuments from thousands of years ago In Iran, you can have a lot of entertainment, such as a zoo, a game city, etc., and most importantly, its wonderful restaurants. You can eat local Iranian food that is amazing.You will be amazed at any city or province you visit. The climate in Iran is wonderful. It is humid and rainy in the north and hot in the south. Never miss agriculture in the south of the country.I want to introduce several cities that if you come to Iran, be sure to visit them Tehran Gildan Mazandran Golestan Tabriz Qazvin Zanjan Mash’had Esteban Shiraz Ahvaz Bandar abad Booshehr Yazd

تهران گیلان مازندران گلستان تبریز قزوین زنجان مشهد اصفهان شیراز بندرعباس بوشهر یزد اهواز

Thanks for your interesting post about Iran. have you any Instagram page? and have you had any post on Instagram about Iran?

Hi, yes I do: https://www.instagram.com/againstthecompass/

absolutely no problem 🙂 All touristic hotels welcome anyone

Hola Joan, In a couple of weeks we will be traveling to Iran. We have heard that it is difficult to get diesel/petrol as a foreigner in a petrol station and that a local fuel-card is required when refuelling. Do you have any information about the situation right now?

Mil gracias por el blog! es magnífico 👏 Saludos, Irati

Hello Irati, unfortunately, I am not aware of any of this you mention. Perhaps you should ask in a FB group called Overlanding Middle East

Iranian citizens’ fuel card is used for paying for “subsidized price”. But anyone who doesn’t have fuel card, still can pay for unsubsidized price. However, you need an Iranian Bank card (something like credit card) to pay the price in gas station. In fact, you need such a card to pay everywhere. I don’t know how foreigners solve this problem. Maybe other travelers’ can help you.

Hi Joan, I just love your blog! You have so many interesting and useful information. I have wanted to go to Iran since a long time but I will probably have vacation in December. Will it make sense to go during this month or the weather will be a problem? Many thanks

Hello Valentina, thanks for your message. December is great for going to Iran. While the north of the country will be cold, the south will be great. Personally, I’d prefer to travel to Iran in December than anytime between June and early september-.

Hi Joan, so sorry for my late answer and thank you so much!

Hi Joan, Two weeks ago I checked the search engine for flights and buses form 1stquest and it was pretty useful, but now the links are not working and the website seems to have changed. They don’t offer this service anymore?

Hi Riccardo, you are right, they removed those 2 services because they need to fix a few things on their end but they are currently working on it, even though they didn’t say a specific date

Thank you for your amazing and helpful blog! We would like to come to Iraq Kurdistan and Iran in October this year. Do you know if land boarders from Kurdistan to Iran are open for tourists at the moment? Thank you!! Daniela

It’s usually open but they recently closed due to the clashes in the Green Zone of Baghdad, not sure if they opened in back already but it should

Hi Riccardo, Thanks for this wonderful article! In the section : How to get in Iran – by land, you don’t mention Turkey. Is it on purpose? Be safe, H

we forgot it, thanks for pointing this out!

Hotels and hostels in Iran advice against getting your visa at the airport, because of high rejecting rates. There is an pre-authorisation code that one apply for through an official goverment website. The form is easy and clear. But apparently it can take up to a few weeks to be approved. So apply early! The information on the 1stQuest website is useful, BUT I CANNOT recommend their pre-authorisation application. The form on their website is truely the worst website I have seen in years. It is not even possible to fill in one’s home address or email normally. And it can take hours, even days, for anyone from 1stQuest to reply to questions about the form – and then some of the answers I received were wrong!

Hello and thanks for the great article. What about currently going to Iran? When were you last there? Have you heard from any travellers? My concern is the random arrests that the foreign offices of several EU countries are warning about. What’s your take on it?

Travelers are still going there all the time, everything is great and smooth

Fantastic article. This is one of the best travel blogs I have come across.

I have a specific question and I wonder if you would be able to provide any information by any chance. So, I hold an Indian passport and plan to go to Iran next (I am into travel vlogging), now while trying to get some pre-trip information, I came across some sources suggesting that if I visit Iran, it would be impossible for me to travel to the us in the future.

I did some more research and there is conflicting information with come people having a hard time getting visas to the us (post Iran trip) and some people are like they faced no issues at all. I am also aware that Iran does not stamp passports anymore and also, I will probably club my Iran trip with another border country so I can cross a land border and skip being on flight records to Iran too …, however. … Indian passport is a nightmare to have as it is due to obvious reasons but people like me suffer greatly… now I don’t want any risks because a US visa will open access for me in future to a lot of countries, especially south America…. What do you suggest?

Much appreciated.

I am not sure what is the policy for Indian citizens for Europeans, if you want to travel to the USA, you have to fill out a form and get a simple pre-authorization where they ask questions like: have you ever committed a felony, and stuff like that.

One of the questions is: Have you ever been in any of the following countries since 2011? and Iran is on that list. If you say yes, your entry will be denied, and you’ll have to get the visa via the embassy, but everyone gets it anyways, it’s just a slower process.

As an Indian citizen, you have to go to the embassy anyways, so I can’t tell whether they will be any additional requirements.

Hi Joan, thanks for the excellent, in-depth information in this article. Do you think wi-fi is completely unreliable throughout Iran, including hotels in bigger cities (e.g. Tabriz, Tehran)? I work remotely and don’t need much data for work. Am I just better off buying a SIM card and working with hotspot?

Mobile data is surprisingly fast, much better than WiFi!

Hi Joan, Thankyou for the fantastic article. I am looking at travelling from Pakistan via the land border crossing into Iran and eventually through to Turkey. As this route passes through Balochistan and near to Afghanistan, are you aware if it will be safe to undertake in 2023? Cheers,

Hi Sam, as far as I know, if using that border, you’ll be escorted right from the border to the city of Quetta (for free). Independent travel not allowed there due to security concerns but since you’ll be escorted there’s nothing to worry about

You note that the Visa On Arrival program does not work for US citiizens (like me) and others of problematic passport. Do you have special instructions for us? I understand we can only get a visa by booking a tour through a licensed operator. Last I checked, there were none organized and I cannot afford one on my own.

If an formal tour is still necessary, I’d like to join up with an already-organized one, especially with like-minded travelers (i.e., curious, frugal, ‘backpacker’ types, more interested in culture/life experience than product/service consumption, etc.)–but I’m willing to be flexible.

Know of any?

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Is It Safe to Travel to Iran Now? Iran Travel Safety Advices 2023

“the first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it” rudyard kipling.

Despite what mainstream media wants you to believe, Iran has always been one of the safest places for tourists. So much so that some have even described the Iranian people as the friendliest and most hospitable people they’ve met! And it is no exaggeration! Iranians go out of their way to make a tourist feel welcome. This hospitality ranges from a kind welcome and a lovely chat, to generous treats and warm invitations. What about a trip to Iran during the protests? Is it safe to travel to Iran? Stay with me to find out and read more about Iran travel safety.

• 1 Where Does the Iranian Hospitality Come From?
• 2 Is It Safe To Travel to Iran Now?
• 3 Iran Safety
• 4 Is It Safe to Travel to Iran as an American?
• 5 Travel to Iran Safety, What should I know before going to Iran?
• 6 Iran Travel Safety Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does the Iranian Hospitality Come From?

Iranian culture ! Looking at Iranian literature, major beliefs ( Zoroastrianism and Islam ) and local’s behavior you can trace the importance and even the sacredness of hospitality in the Iranian culture. Iranians are taught that guests are from God and they have tales in praise of hospitality. When the culture honors and applauds going out of your way to serve your guests well and make them feel good so much, no wonder that many tourists will have memorable experiences on their trip to Iran. So, it’s always safe to travel to Iran , because the kind people will be there for you. Especially in the western and southeastern part of Iran, seeing how people in deprived circumstances take pains to serve you with the bests they have and are protective of you will melt your heart.

Is It Safe To Travel to Iran Now?

At the moment, even in the midst of protests for compulsory hijab, you can have a safe and pleasant trip throughout Iran. The protests are often at nighttime when you will be resting peacefully at your hotel. And you can just get away from any protests you might encounter in daytime. The truth is, life is routine for many Iranians who are not protesting and many haven’t even encountered the protests. It is all a matter of getting a knowledge of the usual times and places for protests.

Iran Safety

Is Iran safe to visit? Indeed it is! Iran is a safe country because of its’ hospitable people. In fact, Iranian people are the reasons behind the safety in Iran. If you are about to visit Iran and you are worried about Iran safety, perhaps you will be surprised by Iranian’s kindness and hospitality as you get here.

Is It Safe to Travel to Iran as an American?

Iranian people don’t have a bad attitude toward another nations. On the contrary, Iranian people love to spend time with tourists coming from different countries. American tourists are so welcome in Iran as well. Numerous Americans who have traveled to Iran can vouch for the warmth and friendliness of the Iranian people. Because of this, visiting Iran as an American is not only safe but also a wonderful experience.

Travel to Iran Safety, What should I know before going to Iran?

Dress Code : Modesty is the key of dress code in Iran. Women should put on a scarf. But the great thing is that the rules are lax and you can be fashionable about it.

Travel to Iran Safety : Iran is a safe country for tourists. Political-wise, as long as you don’t enter illegal areas like military places, or don’t have political activities

The Vitality of VPNs : If you’d like to keep in touch with your loved ones back at home, you’ll need to go the Iranian style, meaning having a few good VPNs to try if one stops working.

Find more Iran travel tips here .

Iran Travel Safety Frequently Asked Questions

Iran safety, do tourists have to wear hijab in iran.

Yes, the rule for all women is to wear a hijab and don’t show skin. But Iranian women are very lax and fashionable about it and so can you. A long-sleeved shirt, pants that come down to your ankles, and a shawl that covers part of your hair is enough.

Iran Travel Advice, What happens if you don’t wear hijab in Iran?

Since the present rules of Iran demand women to wear a hijab, tourists must follow the rules as well, even more so. If the rule is not followed, you might also have to expect confrontation from some people or the morality police.

How Safe is Iran? Are Iranians nice people?

You will probably not find kinder, more hospitable and more welcoming people than the Iranians. Hospitality is so valuable in the Persian culture that Iranians believe ‘guests are from God’. That’s why they’ll go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, safe and cared for.

Travel to Iran Advice, Is there red light area in Iran?

Like in any other country around the world, military, para-military and sensitive governmental areas are of course red light areas in Iran.

Keywords: Iran tourism safety, is it safe to travel in Iran, is it safe to go to Iran, Iran safe to travel, travel advice Iran, travel advice for Iran, is traveling to Iran safe, is Tehran safe to visit, is traveling to Iran safe

Zahra Soltani

Content manager, international relations manager.

To Zahra, introducing the beauties of Iran is a delight and an inherent mission! Beyond that, arts, culture, literature, mythology, and all the astonishing secrets of our marvelous universe set her soul on fire! This is what makes Zahra a filmophile, an insatiable reader, and a passionate writer.

Iranian Rial: The Official Iranian Currency – Iran Travel Information

Best time to visit iran – when to travel to iran.

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Home » Middle East » Iran » Travel Safety

Is Iran Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

A country of deserts, beautiful mosques, the ancient ruins of  Persepolis,  and a whole lot more awaits you in incredible Iran. Seriously, this is an amazing destination that’s made even more awesome by the strength of its  extremely friendly  people.

Not so friendly is the  Iranian government itself.  This country is basically run by an authoritarian government which is accused of human abuses. Iran has also had its own trouble with  terrorists  as well as  border disputes,  and most recently there are tensions with the West.

There are a whole lot of things about Iran that would understandably have you wondering, “Is Iran safe to visit?”

This is where we show you how Iran is accessible to almost all travelers. We’re all about  smart travel  – and so is this guide.

There are a whole lot of topics that we’re going to be dealing with. From whether or not it’s safe for solo female travelers to be visiting Iran, to whether or not you should be driving in Iran, we’ve got it covered. Throughout, we’ll give special consideration for whether Iran is safe to visit  right now . So let’s have a look.

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How Safe is Iran? (Our take)

Is iran safe to visit right now, safest places in iran, 23 top safety tips for traveling to iran, is iran safe to travel alone, is iran safe for solo female travelers, more on safety in iran, faq about staying safe in iran, so, is iran safe.

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Ancient civilizations to learn about, some pretty amazing  food and friendly hospitable people. Off the radar it may be, but backpacking Iran is utterly amazing.

And as you knew before you landed on this guide, Iran isn’t without its problems

Tell people you’re going to Iran  and you’ll be raising a few eyebrows.

Tourism took a nosedive after the  Iranian Revolution.  And then decreased EVEN MORE after the  Iran-Iraq War  in the 1980s. It’s now back on the rise though.

Surprisingly, Iran is very safe. The crime levels are very low. 

There are things like earthquakes to watch out for, but that’s comparable to the risk in many parts of the world.

Most of all though it’s important to remember that  Iran is a theocracy.  It’s governed by Islamic laws. That means travelers have to possess cultural sensitivity for a lot of things… which we will address.

There are no-go areas in Iran. It borders Iraq .

There were protests in June 2018 at the  Grand Bazaar in Tehran.  Being near demonstrations is dangerous in any country, especially if it’s not your own. Don’t let your curiosity put you in danger.

Terrorist attacks have happened in recent years. However, these are less frequent than in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Iran Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Iran. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Iran.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

We said tourism is on the rise, and we weren’t joking. That’s  6 million tourists  in 2017, up from 3.6 million  in 2011 . That’s  a lot for a country that people are pretty paranoid  about!

The most-cited issues for the country are human rights issues , drug trafficking , and human trafficking . We  can’t say “all is well in Iran,” and we don’t want to diminish the situation of Iranian people who have to deal with national and day-to-day issues that tourists won’t experience.

We’re only going to speak about travelers, and as a traveler, you get to experience the country uniquely – its best side , if you will. It’s full of sights and food and history and tradition.

The Iranian government (despite its flaws) has taken steps to make sure tourists have this unique experience. There are very helpful tourist police  who speak English, in cities such as  Shiraz, Mashhad,  and Esfahan.  Tourism is growing and helping the country. Therefore crime against  foreigners  is also very rare.

The most crime you’ll see is a bit of  petty theft  in a crowded bazaar.

So Iran is safe to visit right now. In fact, people will be super happy to see you in their country. You’ll be invited to people’s houses. All that sort of stuff.

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Iran, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Iran below.

Tehran is a massive and sprawling city. Its bad reputation has led many travellers to avoid this Middle Eastern megacity for decades. While it’s still not perfect, Tehran has vastly improved in recent years and is now considered one of the up-and-coming cultural capitals of the world

The capital of Iran is also one of the best places for backpackers to party. A popular hub for the young and beautiful, this is a place of risky fashion statements, underground culture, and fascinating history. From its food and museums to its art galleries and cultural institutions – Tehran is a city that is absolutely enchanting. There are also some really great hostels in Tehran for backpackers too.

The heartland of Persian culture for more than 2000 years, Shiraz is famed for its scholars, poets, nightingales, and wine. Home to the impressive Arg-e Karim Khan fortress, this is a city that is best explored on foot. Many tourists only come to Iran to visit this city and we can definitely understand why. 

Since Shiraz is such a tourist hub, you’ll see quite a big police presence on the street. But don’t let that worry you, they’re there to make your stay as safe as possible. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. 

Often referred to as Iran’s Cappadocia, Kandovan is famed for its troglodyte (cave people) dwellings and fairy chimneys. It’s an ancient village that draws a lot of tourists in, however, Iran’s Kandovan is the only cave village worldwide where people still use the caves as their home – so it is definitely worth the visit. There are a few houses offering a basic place to sleep and a super posh hotel carved into the rocks complete with in-room jacuzzis.

It’s an incredible thing to see, especially towards the dark hours when the lights shine out of the stone caves. While it might not be a place to live in, it’s definitely a great experience and should not be missing from your Iran itinerary. 

Places to avoid in Iran

Unfortunately, not all places in Iran are safe. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and the same goes for visiting Iran. To help you have a safe trip, we’ve listed the areas you need to be more careful of below: 

• ANY border region – it’s best to avoid it. There may be tension, there’s definitely going to be a lot of military, and to be honest, there’s nothing to see anyway. It’s better to stay away!
• The South East – this is closer towards Afghanistan and it doesn’t really offer you anything apart from dull landscapes and loads of risks. 
• Sistan-Baluchistan – The province of Sistan-Baluchistan is home to a conflict between Kurds and Sunni extremists, which fortunately remains much more contained than similar ethnic conflicts in the Middle East.
• Dark side streets – it’s really a no-brainer, isn’t it. If it seems dodgy or sketchy, stay away! 

It’s important to know that Iran can be pretty safe, but a bit of caution and research before you start your travels will go a long way. If you want to increase your safety during your stay, read on for our insider travel tips. Stick to those and you won’t have a single issue in Iran.

Iran Travel Insurance

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So whilst crime levels are low in Iran, and people are friendly, there are some special considerations. There are certain things all travelers can do to improve safety. To help you keep out of trouble in Iran altogether, here are our top travel tips for Iran.

• Don’t speak Arabic  – Iranians are Persian and speak  Farsi.  So learn a few phrases! It will go down very well.
• Carry your ID  at all times  – you have to. Copies of your passport are ok.
• If asked, show photocopies of your passport  – until you can ascertain that the police asking you are genuine  police.
• Get an Iranian Bank Card – non-Iranian cards aren’t accepted at ATMs or anywhere . You  can’t transfer money into the country, period. The easiest and safest way to manage your money is to arrange a card in advance with Mah Card . You’ll get a 40% discount on the already-reasonable commission with the code  brokebackpacker .
• Make sure you have enough cash  – as before, plan ahead with your money. You can keep money and your IDs hidden in a security belt .
• Protect yourself against street crime  – there’s a hot trade in passports, for example, so keep that on lockdown. Be vigilant!
• Be extra careful in big bazaars – crowded places where pickpockets lurk. Watch your surroundings and once again, a money belt gives you a perfectly inaccessible cache of cash.
• Keep away from political demonstrations, big crowds, rallies  – anywhere police have been deployed. You shouldn’t be part of it anyway.
• Protests can occur on Friday after prayers  – if you find yourself out and about at this time, get off the streets.
• Earthquakes happen all the time  – know what to do when one happens. It’s not  Japan;  things aren’t very earthquake-proof.
• During Ramadan, you can’t eat, drink or smoke in daylight hours in public  – even foreigners.
• Dress appropriately  – rules are for tourists here, too. Modest clothing for  everyone.  And women must cover their heads. This is beginning to lighten, but we don’t recommend bending the rules.
• Pretend you’re married  – if you’re an unmarried couple. You won’t be able to share a room otherwise (sex outside marriage is illegal).
• And on the subject  – no homosexual behavior in public. Iran is far from thinking about gay rights. Any homosexual act carries the death penalty.
• Any media depicting ‘sexual relations’ are forbidden  – don’t bring any of that in, then.
• So is a lot of Western media – DVDs, CDs, books. Some of it is illegal. We bet there’s a black market for some of these items though.
• Alcohol is illegal – no bar crawls from your hostels in Iran we’re afraid.
• Take care when snapping pics  – even if you’re only near a military building, you might be seen as a spy. Even  Tehran  train station. Don’t argue if someone stops you and tells you to delete the picture(s). Just tell them you’re a tourist.
• And ask if you’re going to take a picture of anybody  – just polite, isn’t it?
• Digital nomads, beware  – using your laptop in public  is spy-like behavior, apparently.
• No drugs  – foreigners have been executed for drug offenses in Iran.
• If you get arrested – you may not be allowed access to consular assistance or legal representation. Don’t get arrested!
• No-go areas are no-go for a reason  – off the beaten track is not only suspicious in Iran, but  highly dangerous.

Islamic rule may have made Iran a generally safe place when it comes to crime  – or the lack of it – but at the same time, some of those laws are super strict.  You will have to make a big effort to be as ‘normal’ as possible when you’re traveling around Iran. So stick to well-trodden routes, take pictures of ancient ruins, not military installations, and be polite to officials. In the end, none of these concerns should keep you from having an incredible experience.

Yes. Iran is safe to travel alone. And people do travel. In fact, the locals are so friendly that you won’t even feel alone. It’s not unusual to find other backpackers traveling solo through Iran. So those solo backpacking blues almost don’t apply.

Here are our tips to help you travel solo in Iran like a pro!

• Find yourself a well-reviewed hostel or guesthouse.  These can be found along  well-trodden  tourist routes from  Tehran  to  Shiraz  and  Yazd.  It’s a great place to meet other solo travelers doing what you’re doing. Who knows, you might find yourself a travel buddy, too!
• If there are no  hostels  available where you are, an inexpensive local  guesthouse  can usually be found. They’re affordable and more often than not run by super friendly people.
• Join a tour!  Not only will you be able to meet some fellow travelers, but you’ll get to properly learn about Iran – not just read what your guide book is telling you.
• Get a  sim card  for Iran. There are kiosks for just this at  Imam Khomeini International Airport. You’ll be able to use maps and – more importantly – keeping in contact with your friends and family.
• You should definitely stay connected. Going off-grid isn’t cool or clever. So keep in touch with people back home, let them know where in Iran you are, what you’re doing. A good way to keep grounded , too.
• But forget about staying connected through Facebook  or  Twitter.  Unless  you download yourself a VPN service before you go. Do some research on the best ones before making the plunge and downloading something (potentially) shady. Or just use this as a chance to stop spending so much time scrolling and liking.
• As a solo traveler, you’ll be more of a target for petty thieves, so you’ll have to pay extra attention to your surroundings and what’s going on around you.
• And you should talk to the locals!  The ones running your guesthouse or hostel will be more than happy to chat with you. This is also a good chance to ask for some tips on things to do in the vicinity. This could be anything from the best places to eat  to general things to see and do. Great chance to learn more about  actual  Iranians, as well.
• Learning a bit of  Farsi  wouldn’t go amiss either. People will appreciate the effort – definitely.

Iran is safe for solo travelers. Crime is pretty low on the whole and you won’t even have to worry about having no one to talk to;  other backpackers  and  super friendly locals  make traveling around Iran a social experience. Still… travel smart.  In Iran, this means watching out for suspicious characters and not being one yourself.

When you tell people that you’re going to Iran as a solo female traveller you’ll get one of two reactions: “you’re mad” or “you’re brave”. We think it’s just cool. For the most part, Iran IS safe for solo female travelers, but like most places in the world, being a woman means extra to worry about.

There will be annoyances, inconveniences and – of course –  pesky men.  But if you’re a world-traveling female with a few stamps in your passport, you’ll be used to this stuff anyway. Either way, we’ve got some tailor-made safety tips for solo female travelers in Iran.

• There are actual laws on so-called modest dress  and have been in place ever since the  1979 Iranian Revolution.  You’ll have to cover your head in public and wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t show off your body. It is officially called hijab.
• Watch out in certain places, such as  religious sites,  you might also have to wear a  chador . This is extra coverage to make you even more shapeless.
• All that said, don’t worry too much in public. In cities, women wear jeans and heels. No one’s chasing after them because of how they’re dressed. But in more rural areas, more traditional dress applies. As ever, watch what the locals are wearing.
• As a Western woman, most likely you won’t be put under the same scrutiny  as Iranian women. The main thing is to cover your hair. That’s the main rule – even for tourists.
• And also as a Western woman  by yourself , you might be seen as  free and easy  in more ways than just one by some (not all) Iranian men. Be aware of this and you might avoid unwanted attention, i.e. overfriendly men. Have your radar on. To put it into perspective, Iranian women often travel with a male chaperone (usually a member of their family).
• If an Iranian man goes to shake your hand,  that’s cool – reciprocate with your left hand over your heart. BUT if there’s not one going, just leave it – don’t initiate a handshake.
• If you need to ask for directions,  find and ask a local woman.  They’ll be happy to help you.
• Not only is there a  women’s section  at the back of buses in Iran, but there’s also a handy  women’s entrance  too because men cannot share the same door as women. Havoc and mayhem .
• In Iran, women and families areas  exist in restaurants. Women don’t have to sit here, but you might find it more comfortable than the men’s area.
• And on a similar note,  steer clear of teahouses.  These are the male domains of Iran and you will most likely get some harassment for going there as a solo female traveler. Iranian women don’t frequent them.
• If an Iranian guy invites you round his house, that’s fine. But you shouldn’t go if there are none of his female relatives in the house.
• Violence against women isn’t common – or at least you don’t hear much about it – but you may get groped, touched on the bum, that sort of thing, in crowds. The only things to do are remove yourself and then tell someone if the harassment escalates.
• In some cities, such as  Yazd there are  women-only taxi services.  This is a safe way to get around. You can even hire female guides in some places too.
• And make sure that the places you’re staying in Iran have  good reviews  from other solo female backpackers. Doing your research when it comes to accommodation is always important, but favorable reviews from other women is usually a good sign of a great place to stay.
• You can also  meet other female travelers at hostels. Good for chatting, sharing tips, getting rid of solo traveling blues, or even making a travel buddy to explore Iran with.
• Don’t expect to have  sanitary bins  in the toilets. So go prepared with a little bag yourself and dispose of it elsewhere. That said, you  can  find sanitary pads if you need to buy them. Stock up on tampons though.

Women in Iran, especially in the cities, aren’t so different from Western women. That might surprise you. Often they’ll even date like Western people, but they don’t advertise it to the rest of the world. They’re much more  private  about their personal lives. Fair enough.

Surprisingly it IS safe to travel as a solo female traveler to Iran. It’s not without its annoyances, and you MAY find the separation of men and women  a bit weird, but it’s just another way of doing things in this world.

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Iran.

Bringing Money into Iran

No debit or credit cards will work in the country and traveller’s cheques are usually not accepted. Don’t try your luck with changing money in-country either. The rates you get will be insane because of your minimal and questionably legal options. This time, it pays to go with a good company and Mah Card is the one that’s helped me get money in and out of Iran.

Mah Card is an Iranian prepaid debit card for travelers in Iran. It’s an equivalent of your usual international credit/debit card (i.e. Visa or MasterCard) with the one major difference that  your card doesn’t work in Iran . Banks in-country either don’t issue cards to foreigners or require a big, thick list of documents that tourists normally don’t carry around!

Check around with exchange rates yourself online to be sure, but we’ve found Mah Card to be pretty trustworthy and they offered Broke Backpacker readers 40% off their commission fee when they use our code, which is (you guessed it):  brokebackpacker . Check them out and get your card here .

Iran is one of the world’s leading countries to get  affordable dental work  done and many people travel to Iran for dental work or cosmetic surgery. You can get cosmetic surgery SUPER CHEAP in Iran and support awesome local people at the same time. Mansoureh, who I know personally, is a top notch dentist with ten years experience and speaks fluent English – you can reach her at  +989358278112  on Whatsapp.

Is Iran safe to travel for families?

If you travel to Iran with your children, be prepared for everyone to literally fall in love with them. Children are a big deal in Iran, and Western children are a huge novelty.

You’ll honestly have to get used to your kids getting showered with attention. Lots of people wanting to take pictures, your kid getting handed around and kissed  a lot (even on the lips) to the point where you might be like, “ok guys, enough’s enough”. That’s doesn’t mean it’s  not safe.  The opposite actually!

And Iran can be a great place to take children. Small children can be quite a challenge, though, as it’s not particularly set-up for babies or small children.

Older kids  will love it though. Seriously, what an adventure!

If you’re traveling with your daughter over 9 years old,  the rules about hijab (head covering and loose clothing) apply.

Eating big meals with family is  normal.  People will be more than happy to help you out at restaurants. They may even be happy to make you child-sized portions that are non-spicy, too! Staying at guesthouses and hotels mean that you’ll have a big breakfast  included.

Seatbelts in the back of cars and baby seats  aren’t common either. Going on a  roadtrip in Iran  with children in tow can be really tricky. You’ll have to plan ahead well. You can also use the  women-only carriages  on the metro in  Tehran  with your children. Only mum, not dad though.

Be aware also that a lot of toilets are  squat toilets  and don’t come with toilet roll. Remember to carry enough hygienic paper for your entire party.

So whilst it’s safe to travel for families in Iran, it’s not the easiest place. 

Is it safe to drive in Iran?

Iran’s got  big, beautiful landscapes  that are ACE for exploring by car. There are some AWESOME roadtrips along the scenic coastline,  hidden villages to unearth, and mountainous routes to wind around. That said… You’ll have to be  pretty brave  to get behind the wheel in Iran.

Drivers can be pretty erratic and aggressive. There’s not a lot of courtesy for other drivers and they often drive at high speeds. Even if you’re being driven around  by somebody, you might have to tell them to slow down  sometimes!

There are other things to worry about too, like roadblocks.  These can be set up in cities or on highways equally. The officers who staff these aren’t always the most experienced, so make sure you have your ID.  And definitely don’t get into any arguments. Just do what they say.

The cities can be hectic. They are traffic-laden and polluted. Intersections in cities can be super busy.  No one really seems to know where they’re going. Crazy beeping horns, buses, and motorbikes that jump red lights  and zip along the sidewalks to get ahead.

As a side note: Women ARE allowed to drive – but not motorbikes, weirdly. Sorry about that.

So in general, unless you really want to, or you’ve got some experience driving in places like this,  we would say just get the train. Even statistically speaking, it’s not really safe to drive in Iran.

Is Uber safe in Iran?

No Uber. Nope.

There IS another option but in  Tehran.  It’s called  Snapp.  This came to the market in 2014 but it’s the same. You hail a taxi from your phone. Download the app, verify a number, and then… Use it like Uber.

You can only pay with cash (unless you’ve got an Iranian debit card).

The good thing about Snapp is that they do have  female drivers  for women and children. So that’s a plus. Other than that, all the other Uber-like benefits are there for Snapp, making it a pretty safe option.

Are taxis safe in Iran?

There are loads of taxis in Iran. However, they’re not always going to be honest.  A lot of the time, you’ll find yourself being ripped off. Don’t expect to see  meters  in the taxis.

There are a few types of taxis.

The safest of them all are agency taxis.  Surprise surprise, they’re also the most expensive. But they are pretty safe. You can call these or get your hotel to arrange one for you. Sometimes the driver might even speak English, too.

In  Tehran  and  Yazd  you’ll find female taxi drivers for females and families, so you won’t have to worry about any dodgy taxi drivers.

You also won’t have to worry about the state of the cars. They’re usually new(ish). Otherwise, there are just  regular taxis  that you can either hire privately or shared.

Any  empty taxi  can basically be ‘chartered’. When you get in the driver will probably ask you:  Dar baste?  This means, ‘Closed door?’ If you say  Nah dar baste   – then you’re up for sharing the taxi. Not up for sharing? Then nod your head. Or say  yes.

Then that taxi is yours ! They’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Like a taxi should, obviously. But go by landmark  rather than a specific address.

But make sure you don’t get ripped off on these. Do not agree on the first fare they give you.  It’ll be astronomically high. Go low and meet somewhere in the middle.

Avoid/ignore hawkers or taxi touts, whatever you want to call them.

Taxis are safe in Iran but there IS a high chance of being ripped off.  Be savvy and do your research on how much things should cost.

Is public transportation in Iran safe?

Like most other things in this country, the public transport in Iran is safe.

Tehran  has a  metro.  Amazing! It’s fairly easy to navigate. There are four lines. But like anywhere, watch your pockets in rush hour. The metro is clean, not too hectic, and pretty cheap. It’s ideal if you’re on a budget. Get yourself a  metro card,  which is handy. Just beep yourself in and out. Fortunately, a lot of the signs are in English.

There are  female-only sections  on the metro. That’s just because that’s how it is here, not because of safety. Use them if you’re a woman, but you don’t have to.

City buses  connect all over the place and make  a lot of stops. Yes, they’re slow and they may not have English information. They can also be quite confusing for tourists. Women enter and sit at the back.

The  BRT  buses in  Tehran  are much better. They have English signage and information. They’re red and have their own lanes. They’re quick, newer, and women sit at the front.

When it comes to  traveling intercity, buses are cheap, frequent, and easy to use to get around.

You can always get a VIP bus. These are more comfortable, quicker, and even come with a SNACK! That snack (and the rest of the perks) comes at a price though, but it’s not going to break the bank.

Intercity buses have  arranged seating.  Women sit next to women, men sit next to men; unless you’re traveling as a couple in Iran.

Train travel  is a whole lot of fun in Iran! The  Trans Iranian Railway  connects the  Caspian Sea  with the  Persian Gulf  and dates back to the 1930s. It’s got a lot going for it. It’s well connected. It’s budget friendly; choose between private cabins or mixed ones.

The only problem is trains often arrive at their destinations in the middle of the night.  No, not the easiest way to arrive at a new place. So you may prefer to take the bus.

But that’s pretty much it . The public transport is safe in Iran.

Is the food in Iran safe?

Food in Iran is wonderfully tasty. There are meat stews like the chicken fesenjen , with pomegranates and walnuts (delicious). There’s the  dizi  (slow cooked beef and vegetables). You can even try camel stew. If you really want to, that is. Basically, there’s a lot on offer.

And then there’s the ever faithful  kebab.  Always a good option. But a lot of travelers find it hard to get into Iran’s food. Not understanding what things are  and being scared to try will mean you won’t discover anything new. So we’ve got some tips to help you out.

• Freshly prepared dishes are your best bet if you want to avoid a bad stomach. Going for something like the  khoresh  – the Farsi word for a stew – might give you some trouble, especially if you’ve got a fragile stomach anyway.
• Breakfast and dinner are pretty small affairs. Lunch fans, you’ll love this:  lunch is the main event.  Expect big portions and people sitting around for a LONG time enjoying it all. You’re going to have to adjust your eating habits accordingly.
• Find restaurants that are  busy with locals.  In Iran as in most places in the world, a restaurant is going to be pretty popular if it’s tasty. It will also be unlikely to be making anyone ill.
• The  bread  is pretty tasty in Iran. It goes with most meals. This big flatbread cooked hot and fresh in a kiln. So if you’re struggling with food, go for some bread. Simple and delicious, as bread should be.
• There’s fruit galore in Iran.  There’s a lot of it. If you’re worried about how they may affect your stomach, then you should steer clear of pretty much everything that you can’t peel yourself.
• A lot of Iranians eat food at  picnics.  Grab something from the market (something freshly cooked), put it in your fridge (hotels pretty much always have one in each room) and head to the parks to join Iranians in their picnicking.
• But during  Ramadan…  You cannot eat in public during daylight hours. Plan in advance. This is the actual law and it applies to tourists as well.
• And WASH YOUR HANDS before you eat. The most simple thing and a very easy way to keep yourself healthy.

Basically, the food in Iran is safe. Food hygiene isn’t much of an issue. A lot of dishes have been cooked hot  – we’re talking stews that have been cooked for 12 hours straight. If you’re really worried, never go to a restaurant that looks dirty or is completely deserted.

And tuck into falafel and figs. Meat might not always be your stomach’s friend in Iran. To be on the safe side, you could always pack yourself some anti-diarrhea medication, and hand sanitizer won’t go amiss, either. In general, the food here is safe and  delicious!

Can you drink the water in Iran?

Water in Iran is mainly safe to drink. That’s the case through  most of the country.

A lot of people who DO visit Iran prefer to drink  bottled water, but please don’t. It’s best to bring along a refillable water bottle and a purification system to save on all that plastic.

We use a filter bottle or a the GRAYL GEOPRESS to make sure our water is clean, but boiling for a few minutes works if you have the supplies and the time.

Don’t drink from rivers and lakes without treating; you can get really sick  from doing that.

Is Iran safe to live?

There’s a lot of propaganda surrounding Iran. Many people in the West assume it’s  hostile  to foreigners. To be fair, the Iranian government does have disagreements with various governments around the world.

However, Westerners DO live in Iran. Most of these are in  Tehran.  This is the obvious choice. It’s more developed and everything you’d expect of a capital city. If you want to live in Tehran , the north of the city is the  affluent area.  We’re talking European style buildings, lower levels of pollution, mountain scenery, and a good selection of amenities.

It’s probably best to avoid South Tehran  as it’s got high pollution levels and a bad reputation.

In terms of safety during daily life in Tehran, the most dangerous thing you’ll have to deal with is  car-based. Crossing the road and heavy pollution are issues. You’ll also have to get used to a  new weekend.

Thursday afternoons and all of Friday will replace Saturdays and Sundays. This can take some getting used to.

Other things to get used to: covering your hair if you’re a female, not wearing shorts, not drinking alcohol, and not really being able to criticize the government.

But Iranian people are very friendly, social, family-oriented people. They’re welcoming and hospitable. You shouldn’t have any problem with your security and safety living in Iran.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Iran?

Unfortunately, there are no Airbnbs in Iran. It’s one of the few countries that do not offer these property rentals. However, there are plenty of incredible hostels that are just as comfy and private as Airbnbs.

Is Iran LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Unfortunately, Iran is as bad as it gets for LGBTQ+ travellers. Unless you want to live completely hidden and go back into the closet, we wouldn’t recommend visiting this country. 

Visiting Iran as anything but heterosexual can lead to heavy punishments and sometimes even persecution. Therefore we can definitely say that it is not LGBTQ+ friendly, or even a slightly bit safe for gay travellers.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Iran.

Is it dangerous to visit Iran?

Unless you stick to the rules, Iran is not dangerous to visit. If you go looking for trouble, you’ll definitely find it. Listen to your gut, do some research on the do’s and don’ts of the culture and you’ll have a great trip.

Can Americans go to Iran?

Yes, Americans can travel to Iran safely, but it’ll take longer and more documents than for other nationalities. The relationship with Iran and the US is still sketchy, but travellers shouldn’t be affected too much by it.

What should you avoid in Iran?

Avoid these things when visiting Iran: – Don’t forget to carry your ID with you at all times – During Ramadan, you can’t eat, drink or smoke in daylight hours in public – Don’t wear anything that goes against the dress code – Avoid using your laptop in public

Is Iran safe for female travellers?

Iran is only safe for female travellers if you follow the rules. Stick strictly to the dress code try to blend in – that’ll definitely keep you out of trouble with local authorities. Make sure to read up on the rules for women in Iran before you start your travels.

We think if you travel smartly, Iran can be a safe destination.

It is in some respects  unfairly vilified.  It’s definitely enemy of the peace in the eyes of the West, but for the most part, this is to do entirely with governments; Governments not agreeing with each other on world issues. There are definitely some alarming things about Iran – the level of political freedom. But when it comes to visiting Iran: it’s safe.

Whether or not it’s a result of strict laws, crime levels are low.  Surprisingly – unlike many other countries in the region – women fare quite well in Iran; in terms of safety, at least. Freedom-wise, we’re not so sure. It’s a pretty interesting place. Like many ‘no-go’ countries, it ends being a fascinating visit because many of us only ever knew it (quite incorrectly) as a demonic place under the crushing rule of Islam.

You may have to be modest in your dress. You can’t eat in public during Ramadan. You’ve got to be careful how you talk to police and government officials. But we haven’t disqualified countries like Singapore and Indonesia because of their strict rules.   Iran is a different country. We mean, it has an actual different weekend! That’s pretty different. And when it comes to difference, we should embrace it as travelers. So go and see what all the fuss is about.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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I just checked, World Nomads is not currently supporting insurance options for Iran. Do you know why, or have any other recommendations?.

I believe IATA are covering trips to Iran.

As an American citizen do I need to have a government approved guide with me at all times?

If you are intending to visit Iran on an American passport then yes, your visa will only be granted if you join an organised tour from a gov approved agency.

Very nice article. You have covered almost all aspects. I need to also add that for accommodations Iran has a website similar to airbnb called sepanja which covers the entire country and all informations are in English.

In Iran even in villages we have health centers with doctors and nurses serving people.

Iran has large beautiful forests, beaches, waterfalls and lakes too! Especially north of Iran which is mostly forests.

That was interesting that you had all of those informations, but as an iranian, I have to add them some other too . 1-Other cities has metro too: Mashhad , Tabriz , Isfahan, and shiraz has metro too. 2-There are many restaurants that you can eat in the Ramadan ( they are usually marked with a half closed tent on them) 3-Do everything you want, but don’t mess with the government (even after many tourist-supporting rules they may capture you because of taking photos near the military bases . bases exists in the cities and they are usually with a barbed wire on their wall ) 4-Ask locals for help and tips before you travel to every city ( meet them in Instagram or facebook before you travel to iran ) 5-Don’t be afraid of the police, their job is helping people ( but do not go to a place witch is surennded by police and many people are watching and taking photoes and videos (usually something bad happened there)) 6-Don’t worry about language at all, likely 70+% of the people know english here. Children start learning English even from 5 ( the most common language after Farsi and English is Arabic, likely 10% know how to talk Arabic ( 6 years of Arabic book in school but it is a hated book and most of pepole have forgot it ) 7-Don’t even try to drive here ( I’m personally scared of driving here ) 95%(or more) of people drive aggressively, they only want to arive doesn’t matter dead or alive ! just make sure you find a good driver you can ask the hotels staff for a good driver. 8-If you are going to a road trip and you need a restaurant just look for a place that many trucks are there (bus drivers are usually paid for bring the travelers to the restuarant(likely 10% the bill are for them)) 9-if you want to travel between cities train is the best , it has some problems like the arrival time (as Darren said) but bus drivers drive incredibly aggressively and uncarefully because they pay for the time that they are in road so they try to arrive faster 10-ask locals for the tourism sites, they know their country better than the foreigner travel guids! 11-If you got captured by polic (in any low chance) just call your country’s Embassy they will help you (Beware of U.S. has NOT embassy in iran) 12-But most importantly try to get away from the borders (for safety reason) Well, I hope you find this out helpful and if you traveled to Shiraz I could be happy to help you. You can just ask me for it [email protected]

Thanks for taking the time to write up these tips, Mahdi!

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Iran-Israel conflict: Is my flight safe, will I be re-routed and what if I missed my connection?

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The world is watching with concern the increasing tension in the Middle East and the potential next steps. But already the effects of Iran’s attack on Israel on Saturday night, and wider worries about the unstable situation, has had a significant impact on aviation.

Airline passengers flying to, from or via the Middle East are facing disruption. Flights to and from the UK have been cancelled or diverted, and detours around the region are jeopardising flight connections – particularly at Gulf airports.

What are the rights of disrupted passengers – and for travellers who have safety concerns? These are the key questions and answers.

What was the impact on aviation of the Iranian attack on Israel?

Ahead of the attack most countries in the region closed their airspace to passenger aircraft, leading to many diversions and planes returning to their starting points.

With Israel under attack, all airports in the country were closed – as was airspace in other countries. For example, the Saturday evening British Airways flight from London Heathrow to the Jordanian capital, Amman , travelled as far as Basel in Switzerland before turning around and returning to its starting point.

Virgin Atlantic’s Saturday evening flight from Heathrow to Mumbai flew to central Turkey before turning around and heading for Istanbul to refuel before continuing to India by a much more northerly route than normal.

Passengers on the Israeli airline El Al from Luton to Tel Aviv were diverted to the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Lebanon is one of several countries in the region that the Foreign Office warns against visiting , but evidently the airlines decided it was the safer option. Apart from one Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Dubai , which flew straight over Iran, almost all airlines avoided the entire region, resulting in much longer flights.

What are the consequences of longer flights?

A good example is MH2, the Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow overnight on Saturday, due to arrive in the UK early on Sunday morning.

The most direct route between the two airports is off-limits because it goes over Russia, from which many airlines are banned. Instead, the usual chosen track by Malaysia Airlines and many other airlines is to fly directly over Iran.

Over the weekend that changed: the plane arrived over two hours late after making a detour over Saudi Arabia and Egypt . Unlike some other flights, the crew did not need to refuel. Some other planes had to stop along the way because they could not reach their destinations safely without taking on more fuel.

But anyone connecting at Heathrow to other destinations in the UK, Europe or North America is likely to have missed connections.

What’s the situation now?

Most airlines are still giving the area a wide berth. The two main ways to do that between the UK and Asia are to detour to the south, over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, or to the north – squeezing through a relatively narrow corridor of Azerbaijan’s airspace between the southern tip of Russia and the northern tip of Iran.

With this flightpath, UK-bound aircraft are still unable to take the optimum route because that crosses Ukraine – whose airspace has been closed to passenger planes since the Russian invasion.

The concentration of Europe-Asia air traffic into so small an area leads to congestion on air-traffic lanes and possible delays – on top of the extra flying time involved.

For example the Sunday night Emirates flight from Glasgow to Dubai arrived at the Middle Eastern hub two hours late because of delays caused by the longer routing outbound and inbound– leading to many missed connections.

Passengers connecting to Sydney from Glasgow have a normal connecting time of 70 minutes, which was rendered impossible by the late arrival.

If I miss a connection, what are my rights?

For journeys from the UK, you are entitled a hotel, meals and onward travel as soon as possible – including on a rival airline if necessary.

Travelling to the UK, non-British or non-European airlines have no such obligation to provide care – though many carriers will do so. They should find you a way to get you to your destination, but are not required to find space on other airlines.

What do the aviation authorities say?

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency says it “remains vigilant with respect to the situation in the Middle East”. The body insists: “There was no overflight risk for civil aviation at any time.” But it also says of Iranian airspace: “There continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification at present.”

Four years ago, the Iranian military shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane departing normally from Tehran to Kyiv after a chain of errors. All 176 passengers and crew aboard the Boeing 737 died. Tension in the region had risen sharply immediately before the crash, with Iran firing missiles at bases with US troops in Iraq.

It appears from information on the tracking service Flightradar24 that Emirates, which has a huge network of flights from UK airports, has resumed overflying Iran. The Independent has asked for a statement about this.

What if passengers are anxious about their journeys and want to cancel?


Normal terms apply – and you can expect zero or very little refund from the cost of your flight.

Would you willingly fly to, from or via the region?

Yes. An obsession with risk management has made aviation astonishingly safe. I entrust my safety to the men and women flying the plane and the smart, informed people who are watching the world on their behalf.

Should I worry about taking my holiday in Turkey this summer?

You should always be conscious of risks abroad. But for Turkey, as with most other countries, my focus is not on the danger of being caught up in a war. Tragically, conflicts have dragged on for decades in the Middle East, successively causing devastation in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. But they have not affected holidaymakers in nearby countries.

I sympathise with anyone who is concerned about war spilling over, but they should note that the Turkish resort of Bodrum, for example, is over 500 miles from Israel. Cyprus is much nearer to Israel; Larnaca is 200 miles from Tel Aviv. But, again, there is no official warning about threats posed by the Israel-Iran conflict on that island.

I urge instead a focus on a statistically much more likely risk: being involved in a road accident in those places because driving standards are relatively poor. The Foreign Office warns: “Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving.” I do all I can to reduce the amount of road travel, taking trains where possible – or trusting in a professionally driven bus.

For completeness, my same advice applies for holidays in Egypt and Jordan: there is no warning against travelling to all the normal tourist locations. Indeed, it may be that you could find bargains as well as an especially warm welcome in those countries if other travellers stay away.

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Do not travel

Do not travel to Iran due to the potential for violent civil unrest, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention and the volatile security situation in the region (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders who are currently in Iran, including dual nationals, are strongly  advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Regional Tensions Regional tensions in the Middle East are high and could escalate quickly, and the security situation could deteriorate with little or no notice. In an attack or other armed conflict, you should follow the advice of local authorities. Increased tensions may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions.

Civil Unrest In 2019 and 2022, violent protests occurred throughout Iran resulting in a large number of arrests, injuries and deaths.

Since 2022, there have been protests over social restrictions throughout the country. Many protesters and by-standers have been arrested and detained in the security response, including foreign nationals.

Political developments and tensions within Iran and in the region, as well as  international events and sanctions against Iran all have the potential to trigger demonstrations and result in civil unrest. Protests may occur at Western and Middle Eastern embassies and UN missions in Iran.

New Zealanders in Iran are advised to avoid all demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. Keep a low profile and monitor both local and international media to stay informed of developments that may have the potential to impact on your security. You should leave any areas where police or security forces are deployed as your presence alone could be misinterpreted, leading to your arrest and detention.

Risk of Arbitrary Arrest or Detention Travellers in Iran are at risk of arbitrary arrest or detention, including New Zealanders. There has been a recent increase in the number of foreign nationals being arrested.

You may be at greater risk if you undertake activities that could attract the attention of local authorities, such as study or academic activity, travel beyond well-established tourist areas, taking photos outside of major tourist sites, being near crowds or sensitive sites, having contact with Iranians of national interest or any other behaviour that could be perceived to be anti-Iranian or that could cause religious offence. If you choose to travel against our advice, we strongly suggest that you do not put your travel or other plans on social media.

It is illegal to use drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles without authorisation. It is also illegal to photograph military or government sites, critical civil infrastructure and public protests.  

Dual nationals are at an even higher risk of arbitrary arrest or detention. This is because Iran doesn't recognise dual citizenship/nationality. Under Iranian law, Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on their Iranian passport. If you're a dual New Zealand/Iranian national, it is highly unlikely the New Zealand Government would be informed of your arrest or granted access to provide consular assistance to you. See our  advice  for travelling as a dual citizen.

In all cases of arbitrary arrest or detention in Iran the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders is extremely limited. We can't guarantee consular access, or that you’ll have access to legal representation, if you're detained or arrested in Iran.

Terrorism Terrorism is a threat in Iran, including in Tehran.

• On 3 January 2024, at least 90 people were killed in a terrorist attack targeting a commemoration for the deceased former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps General Suleimani in Kerman, southeast Iran.
• On 13 August, 2023, one person was killed and 8 wounded in a terrorist attack at a Shia Muslim shrine in the Iranian city of Shiraz, southern Iran.
• On 26 October 2022, 15 people were killed at a Shia Muslim shrine in Shiraz, southern Iran.

A terrorist attack could happen anywhere and at any time, including those places frequented by foreigners. In recent years, there have been a number of attacks, bombings and kidnappings in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, usually targeting police, security forces and religious sites. The security situation within 10km of the Iran-Iraq border is also extremely dangerous. Possible targets for attacks include embassies, hotels, places of worship, government interests, military parades and locations, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, public transport, airports and identifiably Western businesses and other interests.

Due to the threat of terrorism, New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times and exercise particular care in public and commercial areas. The security situation could deteriorate rapidly and without notice. Crime Drug-traffickers and bandits are active in areas of Iran near Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the Sistan va Baluchestan Province and Kerman province east of the city of Bam. Violent incidents occur regularly in these areas and there have been kidnappings of foreign tourists .

Petty theft and street crime such as pickpocketing, burglary and bag snatching also occur in Iran. Thieves in passing vehicles have snatched bags from people walking on the street or through open car doors and windows. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras and jewellery. Only use pre-booked registered taxis, preferably through your hotel.

There have been reports of robberies by fake police officers, usually in civilian clothing. Politely ask to see their ID and request the presence of a uniformed police officer before complying with any requests. 

Border Areas/Local Travel The Iranian authorities regard border areas as particularly politically sensitive. The border with Iraq is usually closed. New Zealanders in Iran should be aware of and adhere to any travel restrictions and care should be taken not to cross any borders inadvertently.

Many areas of the Caspian Sea and Gulf are also highly sensitive, in particular the waters around the islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs in the southern Gulf which are militarily patrolled. Foreign nationals have been detained for entering waters near these islands without express permission from Iranian authorities.

Many areas in the Gulf are sensitive because of security issues and territorial disputes. There are reports of vessel inspections, detentions and arrest. Piracy remains a threat and mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the  International Maritime Bureau's piracy report.

Travellers who intend on entering neighbouring countries by land should be aware of possible taxes, import charges or levies at these borders. Some countries also have minimum money entry requirements – travellers may need to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves. You should check requirements with the  Embassy or Consulate of the country to plan to visit . 

General Travel Advice Remain vigilant and exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest developments. Avoid any demonstrations, marches and processions.

Do not watch or photograph demonstrations, military and government facilities or security personnel, as this is strictly prohibited and could lead to your detention or arrest. As military and government installations are often difficult to identify, and are commonplace throughout Iran, camera use is best avoided outside of well-known tourist locations. When in doubt, ask for permission.

Travellers often have difficulties accessing funds in Iran. International debit/credit cards are not accepted anywhere in Iran, and there are no ATMs or money transfer services accessible for travellers in Iran. Travellers are advised to carry sufficient hard currency on them, including emergency funds (Euros being the most widely accepted foreign currency in Iran), to meet the needs of their travel for the duration of their stay in Iran. The Ministry cannot assist with the transfer of funds to New Zealanders in Iran, or advance cash to New Zealanders in Iran.

Iran is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Iran to avoid offending local sensitivities. Iran has strict codes of dress and behaviour. Women are required by law to wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing covering their arms and legs. Some religious sites have additional dress requirements.

A non-exhaustive list of illegal activities in Iran includes: close contact between unmarried men and women, homosexual acts, religious proselytising, importing pork or western materials, acting in a way considered to offend or challenge Islam and possession, use or trafficking of alcohol or drugs. Penalties for these activities can be severe, including the death penalty and corporal punishment.

If your passport has stamps from Israel or other countries’ border crossing points with Israel, you may be refused entry to Iran. You should carry a photocopy of your passport identification page and visa at all times. Keep your original passport separate and in a safe place.

Iran lies in an active seismic zone, and is subject to regular and sometimes major earthquakes. Familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake.

New Zealanders in Iran should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place, and confirm that the policy covers Iran and includes provision for medical evacuation by air. The restrictions on transferring funds to Iran may make it difficult to pay costs relating to travel insurance claims (such as for emergency medical treatment).

New Zealanders in Iran are strongly encouraged to  register their details  with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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Street Address No 11, Yekta Street, Bahar street, Shahid Fallahi Street, Valie Asr Avenue, Tehran Postal Address Post Code: 1973633651 Telephone +98 212 273 5962 Email [email protected] Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/iran Hours Sun-Thurs 0900-1200 hrs

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Iran has launched a new crackdown on women defying its strict dress code

Iran has launched a major new crackdown on women defying the country’s strict dress code, deploying large numbers of police to enforce laws requiring women to wear headscarves in public, according to human rights advocates.

The campaign began last month just as military tensions spiked between Iran and Israel .

Condemning the effort as a “war on women,” Amnesty International said in a statement this week that “security forces across the country have intensified their violent enforcement of compulsory veiling.”

Dubbed the “Noor” (Light) campaign, Iranian officials say the operation is aimed at enforcing the country’s mandatory hijab law, which requires women to cover their heads and the shape of their bodies. The operation marks the most serious effort yet by the regime to try to reassert the government’s authority after women-led protests in 2022 and 2023 challenged the mandatory hijab law.

The protests erupted in the wake of the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in a hospital three days after she was detained by the country’s morality police for allegedly not adhering to the mandatory headscarf law.

The demonstrations, which came to be known as the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, were eventually crushed, but many women and girls across the country have continued to flout the dress code, appearing in public with their hair uncovered.

The police operation could have “tragic consequences,” Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, told NBC News.

“Amid increasing dissent at home and international attention focused on regional tensions, the Islamic Republic is grabbing the opportunity to intensify its campaign of repression against dissent,” Ghaemi said in an earlier statement.

“Women and girls in Iran are already subjected to severe discrimination in Iran, yet these actions significantly increase the threat of unchecked state violence against them,” he said.

Tehran police chief Abbasali Mohammadian announced the operation on state TV on April 13, just as Iran launched its drone and missile attack on Israel.

“Starting today, police in Tehran and other cities will carry out measures against those who violate the hijab law,” the police chief said.

The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern over the crackdown.

“What we have seen, what we’re hearing is, in the past months, that the authorities, whether they be plainclothes police or policemen in uniform, are increasingly enforcing the hijab bill,” Jeremy Laurence, a spokesman for the office, told reporters last month.

“There have been reports of widespread arrests and harassment of women and girls — many between the ages of 15 and 17,” he said.

Laurence also said hundreds of businesses and restaurants have been shut down by authorities for allegedly failing to enforce the hijab law.

A U.N. fact-finding mission said in March that Iran is to blame for the “physical violence” that killed Amini and found that Iran committed crimes against humanity in its violent repression of the subsequent protests.

Iran has denied responsibility for Amini’s death  and rejected accusations from human rights organizations, witnesses and foreign governments that it crushed peaceful protests with violence.

Dan De Luce is a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit. 

10 Hardest Countries For Americans To Visit

• There are many countries Americans can't visit easily; for example, Bhutan's high-value, low-impact tourism policy restricts access due to strict visa policies and costly tourist tax.
• Turkmenistan's difficult visa requirements and limited tourist infrastructure make it a hassle for American travelers.
• Libya is off-limits due to ongoing conflict, diplomatic tensions, and minimal visa issuance, hindering American visits.

Unlocking the world's mysteries often leads adventurous souls to remote corners and unfamiliar cultures. Yet, within the allure of exploration, there are a number of countries Americans can't travel to easily for various reasons (they're not necessarily places Americans aren't allowed to visit, but are typically very difficult to do so, or, in some cases, advised against).

Delving into the intricacies of bureaucracy, diplomatic relations, and safety concerns, these countries that are hard for Americans to travel to are formidable challenges for the USA's globe-trotters. Each presents its own unique set of difficulties, from enigmatic regimes and strained diplomatic tensions to war-torn landscapes and hard-to-obtain visas. Curious to learn what these countries are and why they are difficult for Americans to visit? Prepare for a journey through the complexities of international travel as they are unveiled.

The countries that are hard for Americans to visit in this list were compiled by looking at the relations they have with the United States. They are arranged in order of population, with the least populated country first on the list. Each of these are countries difficult to travel to for Americans because of their bilateral relations with the US, or because there is extreme difficulty in meeting visa requirements as a US citizen.

Many of these countries that are hard to travel to as a US citizen are considered unsafe, especially for Americans. As such, visiting those that are deemed unsafe is not advised. Always check and adhere to US Travel Advisories and stay up to date on US Travel Alerts .

10 Friendliest Countries In The World, According To Statistics

There are usually no direct flights to bhutan, and its strict visa and costly tourist tax are challenging.

Traveling to breathtaking Bhutan, the last Shangri-La , proves to be a formidable and costly task. This is due to the nation's commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Bhutan strictly regulates tourism through a "high-value, low-impact" policy, requiring visitors to book their trip through authorized tour operators and pay a daily tariff.

Moreover, limited international flights and the exclusive Paro Airport further complicate access to the country. Securing a visa necessitates a pre-arranged itinerary and the accompaniment of a licensed guide, adding layers of bureaucracy and cost. These stringent measures, coupled with Bhutan's remote location in the Himalayas, pose significant hurdles for American travelers wishing to explore this unique destination.

• Continent: Asia
• Population: 790,616
• Relations with the US: Warm, Informal Relations , despite there not being an official relationship established by treaty or agreement.

A scarcely visited communist stronghold in Africa, with cumbersome visa processes

Dubbed the North Korea of Africa for its conservative policies and autocratic governance, Eritrea is almost impregnable to everyone, not just Americans. The U.S. Department of State cautions travelers to Eritrea , citing risks associated with civil unrest, crime, and potential arbitrary detention, dissuading American travelers.

Moreover, obtaining a visa for Eritrea proves to be a cumbersome process, characterized by stringent requirements and lengthy procedures. Additionally, Eritrea's limited transportation infrastructure and remote geographical location further hinder accessibility for American tourists. These collective barriers make venturing to Eritrea a challenging undertaking for Americans, impeding their exploration of this East African country.

• Continent: Africa
• Population: 3.79 Million
• Relations with the US: Challenging . The country has a spotty record for human rights.

Turkmenistan

A former soviet socialist republic with difficult-to-obtain tourist visas.

Embarking on a journey to see Turkmenistan's many wonders presents obstacles for Americans (and people of other nations, too). Stemming from the country's strict visa requirements and limited tourist infrastructure. Turkmenistan maintains a tightly controlled visa regime , requiring travelers to obtain visas in advance through a Turkmen embassy or consulate, a process that's usually time-consuming.

Furthermore, securing a tourist visa often entails obtaining a letter of invitation from a local sponsor. Additionally, independent travel is almost nonexistent, with tourists usually needing to book guided tours for the duration of their stay. That's not to say there aren't amazing things to do and see in Turkmenistan , but getting there is a hassle. These factors combine to create significant barriers for anyone, including Americans aspiring to explore Turkmenistan's rich history and cultural treasures.

• Continent : Asia
• Population: 6.57 Million
• Relations with the US: Established , but the local regime remains questionable.

Turkmenistan is run by an authoritarian government. While there are friendly relations with the US and there is an embassy established, the powers of the embassy are heavily controlled.

A country in the East that's long been in conflict with the US

For Americans, visiting Libya remains an unattainable dream due to many factors. Foremost among these obstacles are severe security risks stemming from ongoing conflict and political instability sparked by the 2011 Libyan Civil War . The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 travel advisory , strongly cautioning against all travel to Libya due to these dangers.

Moreover, diplomatic relations between the United States and Libya are strained, further complicating matters for American travelers. Visa issuance to Americans is virtually non-existent, as the Libyan government imposes strict restrictions and requires rare, difficult-to-obtain approvals. With these formidable barriers in place, Americans face significant challenges attempting to visit Libya, which is a shame because the country is home to some truly impressive ancient ruins.

• Population: 6.94 Million
• Relations with the US: Strained . Embassies are established, but the country's history as a supporter of terrorism casts a long shadow over bilateral relations.

A communist stronghold in the Caribbean with diplomatic tensions and trade embargoes with the US

Traveling to Cuba to see its hidden treasures presents a unique set of challenges for Americans, largely due to decades-long diplomatic tensions and trade embargoes between the two countries . While travel to Cuba has become more accessible in recent years, Americans are still subject to specific restrictions. Most notably, travel to Cuba for tourism purposes remains prohibited under U.S. law, necessitating compliance with one of twelve approved categories, such as educational or cultural exchanges.

Additionally, Americans must navigate the complex process of obtaining a visa or travel authorization, often involving paperwork and additional fees. Despite the allure of Cuba's vibrant culture and historical sites, these regulatory barriers continue to hinder seamless travel for Americans.

• Continent: North America/Caribbean
• Population: 11.18 Million
• Relations With the US: Limited engagement . Economic sanctions remain in place, straining regular relations.

10 Unfriendliest Cities In The World That People Love To Visit

North korea, one of the last communist countries in the world with ongoing political tensions with the us.

North Korea stands as a fortress of secrecy, closed off to much of the world, including American travelers. Travel to North Korea is tightly controlled by the government, with visitors subjected to strict supervision and limited access to the outside world. North Korea's DMZ is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world , yet some people do visit, despite the associated risks.

Ongoing political tensions between North Korea and the United States further exacerbate the difficulty. Americans who travel to North Korea without acquiring passports validated by the Department of State run the risk of arrest and long-term detention. As such, the elusive allure of North Korea remains largely inaccessible to American tourists.

• Population: 26.2 Million
• Relations with the US: Hostile

Once a stable country, it's now difficult to obtain entry permits and there are dangers from the Syrian Civil War

Syria is another one of the unsafe countries for Americans to visit. It presents numerous obstacles for Americans, primarily due to the security risks, and diplomatic tensions. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory , urging Americans to avoid all travel to Syria due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War, which includes a high threat of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.

Additionally, the Syrian government imposes strict visa regulations , making it exceedingly difficult for Americans to obtain entry permits. With the absence of consular services and the volatile security situation, visiting Syria remains hazardous and virtually inaccessible for American travelers. Still, despite the unrest in Syria, the country has some truly beautiful places and fascinating old ruins.

• Population: 23.9 Million
• Relations with the US: Strained due to sanctions and certain actions by the Syrian state.

Once the richest country in South America, crime, civil unrest, and strained diplomatic relationships with the US make visiting harder

Visiting Venezuela as an American poses significant hurdles due to multiple factors. Firstly, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory , strongly discouraging travel due to safety concerns like crime and civil unrest. Additionally, diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela further complicate matters , leading to almost no consular assistance and a lack of diplomatic representation for American travelers.

Moreover, obtaining a visa to enter Venezuela is notoriously difficult for Americans, with stringent requirements and bureaucratic procedures enforced by Venezuelan authorities. These combined factors currently make visiting Venezuela a daunting prospect for American tourists.

• Continent: South America
• Population: 29.20 Million
• Relations with the US: Strained . The US maintains that the sitting Venezuelan government was not elected democratically and recognizes the previously elected assembly from 2015 as the legitimate governmental body.

This Country Was Just Ranked The Friendliest In The World

Hard-to-get-visas, political tensions, and banned independent travel for american tourists make visiting a challenge.

Iran presents a tapestry of culture, history, and politics, some of which render it a challenging destination for American tourists. Iran and America have had strained diplomatic relations for decades due to the 1979 Iranian Revolution and sanctions that followed. Diplomatic relations further weakened during Donald Trump's presidency .

Obtaining a visa to enter Iran is a lengthy and unpredictable process. After all of that? US citizens are banned from independent traveling in Iran. All travel must be part of an organized tour led by a government-approved guide. The US Department of State still warns that US citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason , stating that many US citizens have been wrongfully detained. These factors, combined with the intricacies of navigating the Iranian bureaucracy, create significant obstacles for Americans seeking to explore the nation. Both Canada and the US have advised against visiting Iran .

• Population : 89.6 Million
• Relations With The US: Relationship severed in 1979 and not yet reestablished .

The situation with Iran continues to worsen over time, and there's no certainty that American tourists to this area will be safe if they decide to visit. Visiting is not advised.

Saudi Arabia

An ally of the us in the middle east, but cultural clashes and hard-to-obtain visas pose a challenge.

Journeying to Saudi Arabia poses significant difficulties for many, not just Americans, primarily due to the country's stringent visa policies and cultural disparities. Obtaining a visa for leisure travel is usually a complex process , typically requiring sponsorship from a local entity and often limited in availability for non-essential purposes.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia's adherence to conservative Islamic principles dictates strict codes of conduct and dress, which may clash with Western norms and practices. These cultural differences, coupled with the challenges of navigating a foreign bureaucracy, make visiting Saudi Arabia a tricky prospect. However, those restrictions may not last forever, as Saudi Arabia has previously become more open to international tourism .

• Population: 37.29 Million
• Relations with the US: Full Diplomatic Relations . Embassies are established in both countries.

Analysis: How Iran’s Attack Could Change Israel’s Strategy

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How Iran’s Attack Could Change Israel’s Strategy

The april 14 missile barrage showed israel that it cannot prevail against iran on its own..

In July 2019 , Israel and the United States announced that they had successfully carried out a series of  tests  of the Arrow 3 missile defense system in Alaska. With typical bombast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  claimed that the tests “were successful beyond any imagination. … Today, Israel has the ability to act against ballistic missiles that could be launched against us from Iran or anywhere else.”

Almost five years later, in the early hours of April 14, Iran launched a mass attack on Israel, involving around 120 ballistic missiles, 30 cruise missiles, and 170 drones—of which some 99 percent were shot down. Nine missiles pierced Israeli defenses and hit two air force bases, but they caused only minimal damage.

Israel’s success in neutralizing Iran’s attack has been a rare moment of good news for the country. It demonstrated the unique effectiveness of Israel’s multilayered missile defense—including systems such as the Arrow 3, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome—in knocking Iran’s projectiles out of the sky. It also provided great reassurance to Israelis that their country was able to call on the United States, Britain, France, and Jordan to help intercept the attack.

The April 14 attack has the potential to transform Israel’s strategic calculus. If Israeli missile defense capabilities are really this good—not least due to support from the United States—it not only reduces the number of potential Israeli casualties, but also provides leaders with more time and flexibility to react. Effective defenses could reduce the scope of any retaliation—and perhaps even obviate the need to respond at all—which, in turn, would help safeguard Israel’s international standing and legitimacy. An Israel that feels more secure could also feel less pressure to carry out a preemptive strike against Iran, which could drag the United States into a wider Middle Eastern war.

The Iranian attack also seems to have given fresh urgency to U.S. efforts to weave a net of security partnerships in the Middle East. In early May, a State Department spokesperson said that the United States and Saudi Arabia were “very close” to a deal on security and technology sharing that could also include normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations.

Israel’s burgeoning relationships with its Arab neighbors—and its dependence on them to blunt any Iranian attack, as April 14 showed—will have many ripple effects on Israeli policies, from increased pressure to compromise with the Palestinians to a greater need to consult with allies instead of relying on its capacity for unilateral action.

The shift in the Israeli calculus already appears to be happening. In the immediate aftermath of the Iranian missile attack, there was strong pressure within Israel’s government to launch a fierce and immediate counterstrike. The United States and its allies, in turn, pushed hard for Israel to exercise restraint or at least scale down its military response.

They had a compelling argument: Israel had already struck a significant blow against Iran on April 1, when it killed a number of senior generals in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Damascus. U.S. President Joe Biden therefore reportedly counseled Netanyahu: “You got a win. Take the win.”

Although Netanyahu’s war cabinet had initially approved a major counterstrike on Iran, the plans were scaled back. The eventual strike , which took place five days after Iran’s April 14 attack, targeted an Iranian Air Force base near Isfahan, Iran, close to facilities involved in Iran’s nuclear program. But Israel did not strike any strategic sites or cause significant damage. There is little doubt that Israel’s successful neutralization of Iran’s missile strike diminished the attractiveness of a muscular unilateral retaliation against Iran.

During the Gulf War in 1991, then-Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir understood the value of cooperation and restraint. The administration of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush had forged a wide coalition to fight Iraq under its leader Saddam Hussein after it invaded and occupied Kuwait. Iraq fired 40 Scud missiles at Israeli civilian targets, killing two civilians and injuring several hundred people, in a deliberate attempt to draw Israel into the Gulf War—and fracture the 42-country coalition lined up against Saddam.

The United States called on Israel not to retaliate. The Bush administration transferred Patriot missiles to Israel in the belief they would have a stabilizing impact. Although the Patriots were not particularly effective in intercepting Iraq’s Soviet-made Scud missiles, they played a role in persuading Shamir to stay out of the U.S.-led war. The anti-Iraq coalition held and handily defeated Saddam. Netanyahu was a deputy minister at the time; Shamir is widely considered to have been his mentor.

Israel’s air defense is infinitely better today, but can it ever be enough? It would take only a single nuclear missile to make it past Israel’s shields to produce unthinkable consequences. What’s more, by focusing on intercepting any nuclear strike, Israel could also be sending a message to its adversaries that it was no longer relying on deterrence to avert such an attack. An overreliance on missile defense would suggest that policymakers have concluded that nuclear deterrence cannot be relied on to guarantee security.

That may already be true: Iran was not deterred by Israel’s assumed nuclear capabilities when it attacked in April. In 1991, too, Israel had warned the Iraqis that there would be massive retaliation in response to any kind of attack, yet this did not stop Saddam from launching his missiles.

Since the earliest years of its existence—not least the result of numerous wars aiming to erase it from the map—Israel has believed that it has a moral right to act unilaterally when facing threats. This policy has become known as the Begin Doctrine , named after then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who famously authorized the bombing of Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981. In 2007, then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert authorized a raid that destroyed the Syrian al-Kibar nuclear facility.

Yet there are growing questions over whether the Begin Doctrine, favoring unilateral action, is still relevant today. Iran’s nuclear facilities are widely dispersed and embedded underground, making them unlikely to be destroyed by a preemptive strike. This was foreseen by the British strategist Lawrence Freedman in an article published in 2003. “The enthusiasm for preemption reflects a yearning for a world in which problems can be eliminated by bold, timely, and decisive strokes,” he wrote . “Cases where this can happen today are likely to be few and far between.”

The lessons from Iran’s attack will be unpalatable for the extremists in the Israeli government and the hawks in the country’s defense establishment who believe that Israel can rely only on itself. Israel’s interception success would not have been possible without the intervention of the United States and other allies, including Israel’s Arab neighbors and partners.

Specifically, the United States has played a vital role in funding and developing Israel’s missile defenses, including by connecting Israel to the U.S. global missile warning system. The dependence on the United States that was demonstrated during the attack in April is likely to circumscribe Israel’s room for unilateral military action against Iran, and it underlines the existential importance of having allies—including allies in the Middle East.

This becomes even more important if Iran becomes a nuclear-armed state. The United States remains determined in its ambitions to develop and consolidate a regional air and missile defense system along the lines of NATO’s anti-missile system in Europe to face down the growing threat from Iran and its allies.

Israel views Iran as a dangerous adversary that seeks its destruction. The Gulf states, while clearly in a strategic confrontation with Iran and its proxies, want to maintain relations with Tehran and avoid a path of open, spiraling conflict. An Israel that unilaterally escalates against Iran could jeopardize Israeli-Arab cooperation, which has become essential to Israel’s security.

The Israeli public, too, appears to have a limited appetite for unilateral action against Iran. According to a recent opinion poll conducted by Hebrew University, 74 percent of Israelis surveyed were against Israeli retaliation against Iran if it harmed security cooperation with Israel’s allies. Israel would be making a catastrophic mistake if it made light of the supportive role played by its allies and neglected the potential to develop a stronger relationship with moderate Arab states, including Saudi Arabia.

The Hamas massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, and Iran’s attack on April 14 have made it abundantly clear: Israel can no longer rely only on itself to prevail against its adversaries.

Azriel Bermant is a senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague and a visiting researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University.

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