Iran

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft does occur Iran. Always be alert to your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight to avoid becoming a target for theft. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Fake policemen pretending to check identification or pretending to conduct searches for counterfeit money have robbed tourists.

There have been reports of Western travellers being arbitrarily detained and questioned. Your country may be limited in the consular services it can offer if you have trouble.

Travel advisories and personal safety can depend on your country’s political relations with Iran. Travellers should check with their own country’s recommendations prior to travelling to Iran.

Avoid hailing taxis on the street, but rather ask a hotel to book a taxi.

Although road conditions are good in urban areas, traffic accidents with fatalities are very common as driving standards are poor, streets may be unlit at night and/or vehicles may be poorly maintained. Travellers should be very cautious with overland travel.

Always have your identification and documents available and avoid confrontations.

Taking photos of military or governmental installations is prohibited. Always ask permission before taking photographs of an unidentified building.

Female travellers to Iran may face harassment and should not travel alone. Women should take cues from the local women; dress conservatively and maintain a formal demeanour at all times.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex relations are strictly prohibited in Iran. Offenders could face the death penalty.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress and behave conservatively to respect local customs. Women should cover their heads, legs and arms, men should cover their legs. All public displays of affection should be strictly avoided.

You are at risk of arrest and prosecution if you converted from Islam to another religion or if you encourage Muslims to convert. It is also illegal to challenge Islam.

Women married to, or divorced from, Iranian men and children of Iranian men (even born outside of Iran) may face legal challenges if travelling to Iran. Seek advice from the Iranian Embassy and your home country before travelling to Iran.

Due to its location in an active seismic zone, Iran is at risk for earthquakes. Sand storms also occur in some areas of Iran and present a risk to the traveller.

Avoid all travel to areas near the border with Afghanistan and to the province of Sistan-Baluchistan, bordering Pakistan, due to ethnic violence and conflict, a high risk of kidnapping and the ongoing threat of terrorism.

Avoid travelling to areas near the Pakistan-Iran border due to conflict, drug trafficking and a very volatile security situation.

Do not travel over land from Iran to Afghanistan or Pakistan.

Avoid travelling to areas bordering Iraq due to a dangerous security situation. The border is often closed. Reports indicate violent clashes in these areas, as well as armed conflict between Kurdish militants and Iranian forces. There have also been many kidnappings of foreigners from this area.

The areas bordering Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan should also be avoided. These borders are sensitive and foreigners trying to cross them may risk being detained.

Political violence occurs throughout Iran. There is an ongoing threat of terrorist attack against Western interests in Iran. Other targets for bombings are military parades, religious sites or processions, and government buildings.

Anti-Western sentiment and domestic unrest may lead to political demonstrations. Travellers should avoid all public and political gatherings, especially after Friday prayers, since the situation can become violent.