tourism and travel to iran

Iran
Still current at: 02 March 2013 Updated: 28 November 2012

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Entry Requirements section (Yellow Fever). The overall level of the advice has not changed. We advise against all travel to Iran.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to Iran. British nationals have been arbitrarily detained in Iran in 2010 and 2011 and we judge that the risk of this occurring again in the current circumstances, following the imposition of further EU sanctions on Iran, is significant.
  
  
• The Iranian parliament and Guardian Council voted on 27 and 28 November 2011 respectively to expel the British Ambassador to Iran. During a demonstration on 29 November 2011 the British Embassy in Tehran was attacked and set on fire.
  
  
• The British Embassy in Tehran has closed and all UK-based staff have been evacuated. We cannot ourselves, at this time, provide consular assistance to British nationals in country.
  
  
• If you choose to travel to Iran against this advice:
  
  
• You are strongly advised to keep a low profile, stay away from any demonstrations/gatherings, avoid photography and limit your stay to the minimum period possible.
  
  
• Avoid, in particular: areas within 100km of the Iran/Afghanistan border; to within 10km of the entire Iran/Iraq border; the entire Pakistan border area; the area to the east of Bam and Jask, including Bam.
  
  
• The Swedish Embassy has assumed the role of Protecting Power for British interests in Iran from 15 July 2012.  British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should therefore contact the Swedish Embassy in Tehran.  The British Interests Section will provide British nationals with emergency consular assistance only. See Entry Requirements and General - Consular Services .
  
  
• British nationals requiring non-urgent consular assistance are advised to call or e-mail the FCO in London on +44 207 008 1500 or consularenquiries.tehran@fco.gov.uk . Unrepresented Commonwealth nationals should contact a Commonwealth embassy in Tehran. Canada closed its Embassy in Tehran on 7 September 2012.
  
  
• The Iranian Consulate in London has closed and the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman is now responsible for Iran’s interests in the UK.
  
  
• Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran: the authorities will deny that the British Government has any legitimate responsibility for British Iranians and is highly unlikely to inform us that a dual national has been detained or to grant any consular access. The authorities may technically confiscate the British passport if entry is on the Iranian passport.
  
  
• Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited in Iran. It is not always easy to identify such installations or buildings (which may appear to be ordinary buildings) so we advise extreme caution when taking photographs in public places, and advise you only to use your camera near recognised tourist attractions. Avoid using laptops or other electronic equipment in public places.  See Local Laws and Customs .
  
  
• You should stay away from demonstrations, pro-government gatherings, large crowds or areas where police and security forces are being deployed. You should not watch, photograph or be seen taking an interest in demonstrations or the security forces as you may find yourself subject to arrest and detention without warning.
  
  
• International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations. Western diplomatic missions have been the focus for previous protests. There is the potential for these to occur on Fridays after prayers. If you become aware of any nearby protests you should leave the area immediately.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism. There have been a number of terrorist incidents in Iran. Most recently on 15 December 2010 four terrorist attacks, at a mosque in Chabahar in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, killed 41 people and injured more than 51, during a Shia religious service. Jundullah, the Baluchi separatist terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• We believe there remains a threat to foreigners from kidnapping by Baluchi separatists throughout Iran. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Respect the local laws and traditions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend others' cultures and religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. See  Local Laws and Customs .
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
  
  
• Eight British nationals required consular assistance in Iran in the period 01 April 2011 - 31 March 2012. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. You should carry some form of identification with you at all times. Some dual UK/Iranian nationals have also faced problems leaving Iran due to insufficient/incorrect documentation. See the Entry Requirements - Dual Nationality section.

Safety and security

Safety and Security - Safety

We advise against all travel to Iran.
British nationals have been arbitrarily detained in Iran in 2010 and 2011 and we judge that the risk of this occurring again in the current circumstances following the imposition of further EU sanctions on Iran, is significant.

If you choose to travel to Iran against this advice you are strongly advised to keep a low profile, stay away from any demonstrations/gatherings, avoid photography and limit your stay to the minimum period possible.

British travellers to Iran - including dual British/Iranian nationals - face greater risks than nationals of most other countries and the security forces are suspicious of people with British connections. The risks increase for independent travellers, particularly, but certainly not exclusively, if they go off the beaten track. But any behaviour - no matter how innocent - that does not have an obvious explanation can put travellers at substantially greater risk.  As the impact of international sanctions on Iran grows (the EU embargo on Iranian oil purchases came into effect on 1 July 2012) the risk to British nationals may increase.


The Iranian parliament and Guardian Council voted on 27 and 28 November respectively to expel the British Ambassador to Iran. During a demonstration on 29 November the British Embassy in Tehran was attacked and set on fire. The Embassy is now closed. British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should contact the Swedish Embassy in Tehran. British nationals requiring non-urgent consular assistance should contact the FCO in London on or +44 20 7008 1500 or by e-mailing consularenquiries.tehran@fco.gov.uk.
The US State Department issued a worldwide travel alert on 11 October 2011, urging US citizens to be aware of the potential for anti-US actions following their disruption of a plot linked to Iran. The plot has also been publicly condemned by the UK, so UK nationals should be aware of the potential for anti-US sentiment to be directed at British nationals.

The Iranian authorities have in many cases failed to meet their international obligations to notify the relevant Embassies immediately that their nationals have been detained. There have been occasional cases of independent travellers detained for more than a month without access to anyone outside the Iranian system. Even if asked for by both the individual and the Embassy, adequate consular access is not always granted. Independent travellers in particular are therefore recommended to ensure they remain in close touch with a third party, such as family or friends.

Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran. On 29 January 2011, Iran executed a Dutch/Iranian national. Despite repeated requests, the Netherlands Embassy was not granted consular access they were neither given information about the case, nor told in the advance of the execution.

The threat to travellers is likely to be higher if there is any national unrest, terrorist incidents or an increase in Iranian-international community tensions. Travellers are advised to monitor the news. In particular, travellers should avoid any demonstrations, where the risk of arrest may be high.

Safety and Security - Security

The Iranian authorities regard border areas as particularly sensitive. The greatest care should be taken not inadvertently to enter into Iranian territories – whether by land, sea or air. If you choose to travel to Iran against our advice, you should avoid, in particular: areas within 100km of the Iran/Afghanistan border; to within 10km of the entire Iran/Iraq border; the entire Pakistan border area; the area to the east of Bam and Jask, including Bam. This area, which mainly covers the south eastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan, is notorious for its banditry and is the main route for drug-traffickers from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The towns of Zahedan, Zabol and Mirjaveh are particularly insecure. See the Terrorism & Security section of this advice.

Some Iranian officials and media reports have falsely alleged a UK connection to separatist groups in Khuzestan and Sistan-Baluchistan. You should therefore be particularly cautious in Khuzestan and Sistan-Baluchistan.

If you travel to these areas against our advice, you should also stick to the main thoroughfares to avoid accidentally wandering into the numerous restricted or military zones.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in and against places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should maintain a high level of vigilance and exercise good security practice. British institutions and businesses should also keep their security arrangements under review. See our Terrorism abroad page.

There have been terrorist incidents in cities in Iran.

On 15 December 2010 four terrorist attacks, on a mosque in Chabahar in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, killed 41 people and injured more than 51, during a Shia religious service. Jundullah, the Baluchi separatist terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 29 November 2010 there were two separate car bomb attacks in Tehran. Reports indicate that one attack resulted in a fatality and two were injured in the other. It is not yet clear who perpetrated the attacks.

Iranian Media have reported that on 7 October 2010 gunmen opened fire on a police patrol vehicle and pedestrians in Sanandaj, the capital city of Kordestan Province. Four police officers and one civilian were killed.

On 22 September 2010 ten people were reported killed and over 50 injured in a bomb blast in the north-western town of Mahabad, close to the borders of Turkey and Iraq. The blast happened at a military parade to mark the 30th Anniversary of the start of the Iran-Iraq war.

On 12 January 2010, an Iranian physicist was killed in Tehran when a bomb hidden in a motorbike exploded outside his home.

Several bombings have taken place in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, and we advise against all travel there (see Safety and Security - Local Travel below). On 15 July 2010 a terrorist attack on a mosque in Zahedan in the southern province of Sistan-Baluchistan killed an estimated 27 people and injured 160. On 18 October 2009, a suicide bomber carried out an attack in Pishin, killing at least 42 and injuring more than 30. Jundullah, the Baluchi separatist terrorist group, is believed to be responsible for the attack. Some Iranian sources, including from within the Regime, have claimed that foreign powers – particularly the UK, US and Pakistan – were in some way involved in the attack. The UK has firmly denied this. The risk to foreigners may be greater in the aftermath of such events.

We believe there is a potential threat of kidnap to foreign tourists. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

See our Terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Official crime statistics have not been released but anecdotal evidence has indicated that street crime is rising in Iran. This includes an increase in attacks and robbery against foreigners, including some violent incidents. There have been reports of a number of muggings by young men on motorcycles or in unmarked cars, snatching bags from individuals and open car windows/doors. Where possible, you should avoid carrying large amounts of hard currency on your person and keep your passport secure. Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street. There have been incidents of motorcycle taxis taking tourists to quiet locations where they meet an associate and then rob the tourist.

There have been a number of attempted robberies by bogus policemen, usually in civilian clothing. If you are approached by anyone who claims to be a policeman, you should ask to see the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. You should not surrender any documents or cash. If the policeman has a vehicle with him and you are not sure he or she is genuine, do not get in.

See our Victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world. Most of the accidents are due to poor driving standards, dilapidated vehicles, poor road maintenance, and reckless driving. Great care should be taken when travelling by road, including by public transport. Many pedestrians are killed on the roads, and you should exercise great care when crossing streets. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene. You should wait until the police arrive to make their report.

The Iranian authorities sometimes mount informal roadblocks both in cities and on main highways. They are often suspicious of foreigners, and are often manned by young and inexperienced officers. You should always carry your identification with you in case of such encounters, and avoid getting into disputes.

If you wish to drive your own vehicle into Iran, you may be subject to Iranian customs and other regulations. There are particular requirements for travellers wishing to bring motorcycles into the country. We recommend that you contact the Iranian authorities for details well before you travel.

See our Driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

The European Union has highlighted a number of concerns about air safety oversight in Iran. Since April 2010, a number of aircraft operated by the State carrier Iran Air have been refused permission from operating to/from the European Union. Fourteen aircraft of type Airbus A300, eight aircraft of type Airbus A310 and one aircraft Boeing B737 are exempted from the ban. The restriction was put in place because Iran Air had been unable to demonstrate that a number of aircraft in its fleet (including those of type Airbus A320, Boeing 727, B747-100, B747-200 and B747-SP) meet international safety standards.

The list of airlines banned within the EU is based on random inspections on aircraft of airlines that operate flights to and from EU airports. The fact that an airline is not included in the list does not automatically mean that it meets the applicable safety standards.

There is limited reliable independent expert information available about domestic airline safety in Iran and the International Civil Aviation Organisation has not audited those bodies responsible for air safety oversight in Iran. International travellers should be aware that aircraft operating domestic routes in Iran may not necessarily comply with international safety standards. There have been a number of fatal accidents including:

• On 9 January 2011, a Boeing 727 domestic Iran Air flight crashed near Orumiyeh in northwest Iran. Of the 105 passengers, at least 77 were reported killed and 28 injured.
  
• On 24 January 2010, a Russian registered Tupolev 154 aircraft leased by Taban Airlines of Iran flying from Esfahan to Mashhad damaged its tail while landing and caught fire. 46 of the 157 passengers and 13 crew on board were injured.
  
• On 24 July 2009, a Kazakhstan registered Illyushin 62 aircraft leased by Aria Airlines of Iran flying from Tehran to Mashhad skidded off the runway whilst landing. 16 of the 153 passengers and crew on board were killed.
  
• On 15 July 2009, a Caspian Airlines Tuploev TU154 plane crashed 75 miles northwest of Tehran shortly after takeoff from Imam Khomeini Airport. All 168 passengers and crew onboard were killed.