Travel Safety in Iran

Iran is engaged in active conflict with Israel and the United States. This has seen drones and other projectiles hitting multiple targets across Iran. Major cities such as Tehran have been directly affected, including civilian neighbourhoods.

The state of conflict has led to heightened risks of civil unrest, given the potential for a recurrence of large-scale anti-government protests. The risks of crime and kidnapping are also elevated from their baseline levels, due to a deterioration in the social order. Medical facilities - which are reasonable in major cities - are likely to be strained.

Travellers to Iran face additional risks associated with the country’s conservative Islamic governance and judicial system. There are significant restrictions on visitors. These are particularly relevant to female and LGBTQ+ travellers, who could face both legal and societal recriminations. Foreigners have also been known to be arrested without due process.

Regardless of the state of conflict in the country, there is an ongoing risk of terrorism. The risk increases in the country’s shared border areas with Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where several armed groups operate. These areas also experience elevated levels of kidnapping and conflict.