Iran Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Iran trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Iran has very low street crime and Iranians are extraordinarily welcoming to foreign visitors. However, significant political and legal risks exist - particularly for Western nationals, dual citizens, and LGBTQ+ travelers. Strict Islamic laws govern behavior in public and violations can result in serious penalties.
Discover Iran's ancient Persian heritage, stunning Islamic architecture, and warm hospitality. From the grand bazaars of Tehran to the architectural marvels of Isfahan and the poetic gardens of Shiraz, Iran offers travelers a journey through 2,500 years of history and culture.
Current Advisory
Most Western governments advise against non-essential travel to Iran or exercise extreme caution. Political tensions and risk of arbitrary detention of Western nationals (especially US, UK, Canadian, and EU citizens) are primary concerns. Street-level personal safety is actually very good with extremely low rates of violent crime.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Do Not Travel due to the risk of wrongful detention of US nationals. Iran has detained numerous dual-national and foreign citizens on vague national security charges.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. British-Iranian dual nationals are at particularly high risk of detention.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Exercise a high degree of caution due to risks of arbitrary arrest and detention, particularly for dual nationals and those with political or academic profiles.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Unofficial Money Changers
Street money changers offering better exchange rates than official sarafi offices may shortchange tourists, use sleight of hand, or provide counterfeit bills. The black market for currency has largely disappeared but unlicensed exchangers remain.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers at tourist sites and airports may charge 3-10x the proper fare. This is the most common form of tourist exploitation in Iran.
Carpet Dealer Shipping Fraud
Some carpet dealers offer to ship purchases internationally and collect payment upfront. The carpets may never arrive, be significantly different from what was shown, or carry illegal documentation.
Fake Tourist Police
Individuals claiming to be plain-clothes police who demand to see travel documents and then claim there's a problem with your visa, requiring payment to resolve.
Friendly Stranger Leading to High-Pressure Shops
An extremely friendly local who insists on helping and gradually leads tourists to shops owned by friends where high-pressure sales tactics are used for overpriced goods.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
US and Australian citizens face high risk of arbitrary detention
Security personnel may place foreigners under surveillance
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Register with your embassy before travel
Carry passport and visa documents at all times
English speakers generally unavailable on emergency lines
Women must observe strict dress codes including hijab
ATMs do not accept foreign cards - bring cash in USD or EUR
Photography restrictions are strict: avoid military sites, government buildings, nuclear facilities, and border areas — violations can lead to arrest
LGBTQ+ travellers face serious legal risks; same-sex relations are criminalised and carry severe penalties — exercise extreme caution
Dual nationals (especially US, UK, Canadian, EU) are at heightened risk of detention; seek specialist legal advice before travel
Drug offences including minor possession carry the death penalty in Iran; no exceptions are made for foreigners
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel in Iran is generally safe from a street crime perspective - Iranians are exceptionally hospitable and solo travelers often receive extraordinary kindness. Register with your embassy, keep a low profile politically, avoid demonstrations, and always keep your passport and visa documentation accessible. Use Snapp for transport rather than street taxis. Solo travelers from Western countries with heightened detention risk should inform their embassy of their itinerary.
Female Travelers
Female travelers must observe the legal requirement to wear hijab (headscarf covering hair) and modest loose-fitting clothing at all times in public. Failure to comply can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Solo female travelers report generally positive experiences - Iranian women are helpful and harassment is less common than in many neighboring countries. Avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas. Same-sex sections on Tehran Metro provide a safe space for women travelers.
Families
Iran is genuinely family-friendly with Iranians who adore children and regularly show warmth and hospitality to families with kids. Attractions often have reduced or free admission for children under 12. Children must also observe modest dress codes (girls 9+ must wear hijab). Baby supplies, formula, and medicine are readily available in pharmacies across major cities. Air quality in Tehran can concern parents of children with respiratory sensitivities.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relations are illegal in Iran under Islamic law and can carry severe penalties including imprisonment and corporal punishment. LGBTQ+ travelers face serious legal risks and should exercise extreme caution. There is no visible LGBTQ+ public life in Iran. Same-sex couples should avoid any public displays of affection and maintain complete discretion at all times. Many governments advise LGBTQ+ nationals not to travel to Iran.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, MMR recommended. Rabies if handling animals in rural areas. Consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Tap water is technically treated but not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is very cheap ($0.30-0.50 per 1.5L) and widely available everywhere. Tap water is safe for brushing teeth.
Food Safety
Iranian food is generally safe from reputable restaurants and busy street stalls. Avoid raw salads at very cheap establishments. Fruits and vegetables sold on the street are washed in local water - peel all fruit. Dairy products from reputable sources are pasteurized and safe.
Medical Facilities
Pharmacies (marked with green crescent) are widely available in all cities, many open 24 hours. Major cities have well-equipped hospitals. Emergency medical treatment is available at Emam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran) and other public hospitals. Private clinics provide higher standard care. Bring comprehensive travel insurance as reciprocal health agreements don't exist with most countries.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Iran
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide