Update January 10, 2024

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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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Is Iran Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Iran

  • 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?

925228-baku

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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tehran travel safety

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Safety and security

Terrorism  .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . 

Terrorism in Iran 

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Iran. 

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Previous attacks include: 

  • 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 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
  • in 2022, 15 people were killed at a holy site in Shiraz

Military activity in the Red Sea area       

Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.

Sistan-o-Balochistan

On 18 January, Pakistan carried out air strikes in Iran’s Sistan-o-Balochistan province in the Southeast of Iran, targeting militant groups. Whilst the area of activity was limited, there is a possibility that the situation could change or affect a wider area. This could include renewed missile or drone attacks, protests or an increase in regional tensions and risk of associated violence. Monitor local news and follow instructions from local authorities as appropriate.

Political situation  

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. 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 ’s ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited in Iran. In an emergency, for example if there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it is extremely unlikely that the British government will able to evacuate you or provide face-to-face assistance in Iran. In these situations, it may become more difficult to leave safely. Air, sea and land routes are under the control of the Iranian authorities.

Assume that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency situation and that the British government will not be able to help you if you get into difficulty in Iran.  

Arbitrary arrest and detention 

There is a very high risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention for British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the authorities to question you. If you’re detained in Iran, you could face months or years of imprisonment.  

If you’re a British-Iranian dual national and you are detained in Iran, the authorities will not tell  FCDO  or grant  FCDO  access to see you.  FCDO may also not be able to visit you to provide consular support for long periods. 

British-Iranian dual nationals have been arbitrarily detained in Iran and made to serve long prison sentences. In January 2023, a British national was executed after receiving the death penalty. Iran has arrested and detained non-Iranian European nationals travelling on tourist visas. The criminal justice process in these cases falls below international standards.

If you’re detained in Iran your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who show a pattern of hostility towards the UK and its citizens. As a result, consular assistance to British nationals in Iran is extremely limited. 

Iranian authorities have accused people with links to the UK of inciting protests. If you are in or near a protest, you are at serious risk of arrest. Mass arrests, including of bystanders, happen often. It is difficult to predict where protests will take place, and they may turn violent. British nationals arrested in connection with protests may come under added suspicion of espionage or working to undermine the Iranian government. This can increase the risk of lengthy detention, criminal charges or receiving the death penalty.  

You may also come under suspicion if you are near sensitive sites, have contact with Iranians who are of interest to the authorities for any reason, or are taking photographs. 

Even if you avoid protests and crowds, there is still a very high risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention. In all cases of detention, FCDO  has serious concerns that the judicial process falls below international standards. 

Links to the UK 

While having British connections can be reason enough for the authorities to be suspicious of your activities, you are at even greater risk if you are involved in: 

  • civil societies (including labour unions, human rights groups or political activist groups) 
  • journalism   
  • any organisation perceived as anti-Iranian (either within Iran or elsewhere)  
  • any institution based in the UK that receives public funds from or which have perceived links to, the British government  
  • historic or current social media activism related to protest movements in Iran  

You are more at risk during times of terrorist incidents, national unrest, or when there is an increase in tensions between Iran and the international community.

Border areas 

Border areas are sensitive. FCDO  advises all British nationals already residing in Iran against all travel:  

  • within 100km of the Iran-Afghanistan border  
  • within 10km of the entire Iran-Iraq border  
  • to the provinces of Sistan and Baluchistan  
  • to the area east of Bam and Jask, including Bam 

There is risk of banditry in the area east of Bam, Jask, and Sistan and Baluchistan. This is the main route for drug traffickers from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The towns of Zahedan, Zabol and Mirjaveh are particularly insecure. 

Some Iranian officials and media reports have falsely alleged a UK connection to anti-government groups in Khuzestan, Kurdish-majority regions, and Sistan and Baluchistan. If you travel to these areas against our advice, stick to the main routes to avoid accidentally entering restricted or military zones. 

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime and petty theft. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and keep your passport safe. 

There have been some attacks and robberies targeted at foreigners and tourists, including attempted robberies by thieves posing as policemen, usually in civilian clothing. If you’re approached by anyone who claims to be a policeman, ask to see ID and request the presence of a uniformed officer or marked patrol car. Do not hand over documents or cash, or get into a vehicle. 

Getting cash in Iran is extremely difficult. Non-Iranian debit and cash cards will not work in Iran. It’s usually not possible to change travellers cheques. 

It’s illegal to change money on the street. You can exchange selected foreign currencies in some exchange bureaux, though you may have problems changing money. Euros and US dollars are more commonly accepted than British pounds.

Find out before travelling how you will get enough Iranian rials for your visit legally. If you cannot, you may need to reconsider your travel plans.

Surrogacy and adoption 

If you’re visiting Iran to arrange an international surrogacy or adoption, consider the risks and challenges involved. Surrogacy is a complex, lengthy process. You should:

  • make sure you’re aware of the facts and well-prepared before starting the process 
  • get specialist legal advice on Iranian and UK laws before making any arrangements 
  • read  FCDO  and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas   
  • research clinics and hospitals thoroughly to make sure they are safe and reputable 

The British Embassy cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements or recommend hospitals or clinics. 

Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Iran to the UK, you must   apply for a full British passport . You need an Iranian birth certificate for this. It’s not possible for British nationals or dual nationals to apply for a UK passport in Iran.

Laws and cultural differences 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan in Iran in 2024 is likely start on 10 March and last for 30 days until 8 April. During this time, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car.

You should also: 

  • check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
  • be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  
  • be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening 
  • be patient and show tolerance 

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.  

Dress codes 

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced. In public places women must cover their heads with a headscarf, wear trousers or a floor-length skirt, and a long-sleeved tunic or coat that reaches to mid-thigh or knee. Men should wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in public. 

There are extra dress requirements at religious sites. Women may be asked to put on a chador (a garment that covers the whole body except the face) before entering.

Relationships between men and women 

Adultery and sex outside marriage are illegal under Iranian law and carry the death penalty. 

Relationships between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, although few Westerners have been prosecuted. If a Muslim woman is found in a relationship with a non-Muslim man, she may be sentenced to be whipped. 

Unmarried partners and friends of the opposite sex travelling together should exercise extreme caution. Sex outside marriage and same-sex relations are against the law in Iran, with the death penalty as the defined punishment. 

Iranian hotel managers could insist on seeing a marriage certificate before allowing couples to share a hotel room. 

LGBT+ relationships 

Same-sex relationships are illegal under Iranian law and can carry the death penalty.  

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Female travellers 

Women should take extra care, particularly when travelling alone or with friends of the opposite sex. Women face a range of issues, from enforced hijab wearing to harassment due to there being relatively few foreign women in Iran. Respect local customs and avoid isolated areas. See more advice for women travelling abroad . 

Films and magazines 

Many western streaming services including Netflix and Prime are illegal. 

It is illegal to import, sell, manufacture or drink alcohol in Iran. This is on religious grounds, with exceptions only for certain recognised Iranian religious minorities. Drinking alcohol in public is not allowed, with no exceptions. Penalties can be severe.

Photography 

Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. You can be detained and charged with breaking national security laws. Sensitive government buildings and facilities are often difficult to identify. Take extreme care when taking photographs in any area. 

Using a laptop or other electronic equipment in public places can be misinterpreted, especially if it contains photographs. You may be arrested and detained on serious criminal charges, including espionage. It’s better to ask before taking photographs of people. 

Illegal drugs 

It is illegal to import, sell, manufacture or consume drugs in Iran. Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and enforced. Many people convicted of drug offences, including foreign nationals, have been executed. 

Personal ID 

You must carry copies of your passport photo page and visa for identification. Make sure you have a copy of the emergency contact details.

Satellite phones and drones 

You need permission from the Iranian authorities to import or use equipment like drones or satellite phones. Using them without permission is illegal and you could be arrested.

Mobile phones, internet access and communications 

Iranian authorities have blocked, significantly slowed or shut down landline, internet and mobile services without warning in the past. This can be nationwide or localised. This can affect communication and location services on smartphones and other devices. You should: 

  • not rely on mobile data, non-Iranian mobile apps or international calls for personal safety 
  • always keep an alternative means of communication and navigation with you
  • make sure friends and family know where you are 

Business travellers 

Individuals involved in commercial disputes with Iranian companies risk being stopped from leaving the country until disputes are resolved. 

Representatives of British or western companies may receive particular attention. British businesspeople travelling to Iran should take steps to protect commercially sensitive information, including password protection of electronic devices and not carrying unnecessary information. Electronic devices may be screened by customs officials on arrival and departure.

Transport risks  

Road travel .

You need a 1968 international driving permit ( IDP )  when using a UK driving licence to drive in Iran. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can buy an IDP in person from some UK post offices – find your nearest post office branch that offers this service. 

If you’re planning to drive in Iran, see information on driving abroad . 

Iran has a high rate of road accidents. Take great care when travelling by car or public transport and when crossing streets. If you’re involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene. Wait until the police arrive to write their report. 

Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks both in cities and on main highways. These are often staffed by young and inexperienced officers. Always carry identification with you and avoid getting into disputes. 

It is not widely accepted for women to drive motorbikes on public roads and there is a risk of being arrested. 

Motorcycle taxis should not be used as they have sometimes taken tourists to quiet locations and robbed them. 

Pre-booked taxis are safer than taxis hailed from the street. 

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Iran that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority . 

Sea travel 

Many areas of the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are very politically and militarily sensitive, with increased military activity including seizures and attempted seizures, boardings and harassment of maritime vessels.

The waters around the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Persian Gulf are particularly sensitive. British national mariners should not dock or sail into waters around these islands. 

When in the region, maintain a high state of awareness and be alert to local and regional tensions which may affect your route. Vessels may be at increased risk of maritime attack and harassment if they operate in the:  

  • Gulf of Oman  
  • Northern Arabian Sea  
  • Persian Gulf  
  • Strait of Hormuz 

Commercial vessels have been attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles (commonly referred to as military drones) off the coast of Oman, with one attack in 2021 resulting in the deaths of a British and Romanian national. Vessels have also been seized in and around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz in recent years resulting in detention of the vessels and crew.   

If your vessel is hailed, provide the vessel name, flag state, and confirm they are exercising navigation rights and proceeding in accordance with international law, as reflected in the UNCLOS Convention. Vessels and mariners should maintain high levels of awareness when they are operating in the area and report into UKMTO. They should document footage of all incidents wherever possible.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Earthquakes .

Many parts of Iran are at risk of earthquakes and tremors. These can be high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and put lives at risk. 

Read the US Federal Emergency Management Agency advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake . 

Some provinces can suffer from floods in spring, particularly: 

You should: 

  • follow advice given by local authorities  
  • be adequately equipped with waterproofs, thermals, hiking boots and rations when driving and walking 

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Iran Traveler View

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

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After Your Trip

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There are no notices currently in effect for Iran.

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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.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Iran, so your behaviors are important.

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

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Iran for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Iran travel advice

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

Last updated: March 13, 2024 14:56 ET

On this page

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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What You Should Know About Travel in Iran—and the Rest of the Middle East—Right Now

As tensions escalate after the assassination of iran’s top general, we turned to travel experts for advice on visiting the middle east right now. in short, don’t cancel anything just yet..

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What You Should Know About Travel in Iran—and the Rest of the Middle East—Right Now

In the aftermath of Qassem Suleimani’s assassination, President Trump threatened to strike Iran’s cultural sites. The country is home to 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jameh Mosque in Isfahan.

Photo by Shutterstock

Traveling to Iran has never been simple for Americans. For one, credit and debit cards issued in the United States simply do not work there. There are a number of local customs to observe (alcohol is illegal and women must wear head scarves). Americans ( as well as Brits and Canadians ) also must be accompanied by a guide. But those who have visited since the 2015 nuclear agreement saw an easing of travel restrictions to Iran know it’s a trip worth taking.

In addition to two dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites —including 22 cultural ones like the ancient royal city of Persepolis—Iran is home to an exciting contemporary art scene. It is also one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world, with nearly 50 percent more visitors arriving in 2018 compared to 2017.

Yet the ability—and safety—of travel in Iran was jeopardized when the United States killed Iran’s top general Qassem Suleimani on January 3, 2020, in an airstrike at Baghdad’s international airport. Since the assassination, tensions throughout the Middle East have escalated. On January 8, Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at Iraqi military bases that house American troops. A few hours later, a Ukrainian jetliner crashed near Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Evidence indicates it is “highly likely” that an Iranian anti-aircraft missile is responsible for the crash.

Shortly after these events, the FAA restricted American pilots and carriers from flying in Iraqi, Iranian, and some Persian Gulf airspace. Several other international airlines, including Air France, Qantas, and Lufthansa, suspended flights over Iraqi and Iranian airspace indefinitely.

However, while many call into question the safety of traveling to Iran —or even in the entire region at the moment—there’s no reason to cancel any plans just yet. As the situation continues to evolve, AFAR talked to tour operators with decades of experience in the region as well as our own Travel Advisory Council for advice on visiting the Middle East right now.

Jess Silber, GeoEx: “Look into insurance policies like Cancel For Any Reason—or CFAR”

Jess Silber is the director of Global Sales at GeoEx , a tour operator that has been organizing trips to Iran since the mid 90s.

“For now we haven’t formally canceled any trips. We’re still consulting with our private security firm and checking with our colleagues on the ground,” Silber told AFAR.

“There have been some transfers though for guests who were booked to go to Iran this spring and have decided to go on a different trip with us, so we’re working on re-accommodating guests who want to transfer. We want to be advocates for our guests no matter what they choose and are waiving cancellation penalties. If they do want to stay on board . . . they can wait it out with us and check in as we continue to get reports back,” Silber said. “If there’s a huge escalation in tensions, then we would cancel the trip and do our best to accommodate the guests wherever else they wanted to go. Most of the trips (to Iran) take place in spring, so they’re still a couple months out.”

One thing to note is that while medical evacuation insurance is included in GeoEx trips, trip cancellation insurance isn’t.

“For regions that might have unstable security, insurance won’t help you if your own comfort level changes. You have to look into policies like Cancel For Any Reason—or CFAR as it’s known. You might not get all of the trip cost back—often they cap it at 75 percent—but then it gives you total flexibility. If you think that might be a possibility, if you feel extra concern going to some of these areas, I definitely suggest looking into various policies and comparing them,” Silber said.

Megan Bailey, Intrepid Travel: “No changes have been made at this time.”

As the North American director of Sales at Intrepid Travel , Megan Bailey assured AFAR that safety of its customers is always the number one priority.

“At this time, we have not canceled any itineraries and our local operations team in Iran, as well as our regional operations offices in Cairo and Istanbul, are closely monitoring the situation,” Bailey told AFAR.

“We appreciate that under the current circumstances some travelers may be reconsidering their trips to Iran and we are offering those customers the opportunity to move to another trip or cancel bookings and hold funds towards another trip,” Bailey said.

However, Intrepid’s Uncharted Expedition Mystery Trip , which is scheduled to depart from Tehran on April 18, remains unchanged.

“If it becomes unsafe to travel to a place, we may reroute the itinerary, but no changes have been made at this time,” Bailey said.

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Valerie Wilson Travel: “It really depends on a traveler’s comfort level.”

A member of AFAR’s Travel Advisory Council as well as the co-owner and copresident of Valerie Wilson Travel , Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg told AFAR that her clients haven’t canceled their trips to the Middle East—nor should anyone else.

“There are still many trips planned to these countries and it is important to note that these areas are excited to welcome travelers who want to have memorable experiences,” Wilson-Buttigieg told AFAR.

“Any clients who have already booked trips to the Middle East are, of course, being kept aware of any risks that may impact their trip. However, as with any change in any political climate, it really depends on a traveler’s comfort level. I always recommend that travelers book with a professional travel advisor to have an advocate, take out insurance, make sure to have plans A, B, and C, and truly understand their own tolerance for risk,” she said.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article.

>> Next: 15 Photos That Show What It’s Really Like to Live in Iran

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Tehran Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

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Tehran Warnings and Dangers

Tehran is the capital of Iran. Tehran is a city rich in history and culture, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Travelers must be aware of the dangers before they head to Tehran for the first time.

As in any city with more than 8 million people, crime is a problem in Tehran. Always keep your personal belongings close and don’t set your purse or wallet down in a public place. Travelers to the city also should be on the lookout for fake police. While rare, some men drive around the city, pretending to be police. They’ll ask you for your passport and wallet and then leave you standing there, helpless. Be alert, don’t hand over your passport to anyone without a badge or uniform, and you should be fine.

Traffic, Gutters, and Roads

Traffic is fast-paced in Tehran. The roads are a constant stream of taxis, commuters, and tourists. If you rent a car, map out where you plan to go before you jump on the road. Also, look out for potholes and hazardous roads. Most of the streets are well maintained, but some are in bad shape and can cause serious damage to your vehicle. If you’re walking, look out for raised gutters. These gutters are deep and wide and carry water down from the mountains, into the city. During certain times of the year, the water can get quite high and may even flood the streets. When walking around the city, watch where your going and don’t try to walk through the street if it’s flooded.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about the warnings and dangers in Tehran. 

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Things to do in Tehran in 2 days – Ultimate guide

By Joan Torres 12 Comments Last updated on December 19, 2023

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From Iranian hipsters and rastafaris to women in their black chadors, pretty girls wearing the headscarf at the edge of their heads, both traditional bazaars and 21st century fashion malls, amazing art galleries and just traffic and chaos everywhere, Tehran is a real metropolis which truly deserves the title of capital, as this is the clearest example of what modern Iran is like and one of the very few Middle Eastern cities where you can actually see urban sub-cultures, only behind Beirut and, of course, Israeli cities. 

However, most travelers tend to skip Tehran in favor of majestic Esfahan, historical Shiraz or the perfectly shaped old city of Yazd.

The reason is that Tehran doesn’t possess their majesty or their long history.

Nevertheless, with an excellent backpacker’s hostel recently opened ( Heritage Hostel ), beautiful mountains which can almost be reached by metro and plenty of unique sites such as the former U.S. Embassy, today a museum which holds plenty of anti-American propaganda, Tehran may keep you busy for weeks. 

Most travelers, however, at most, spare just 1 or 2 days for Tehran. I actually visited Tehran for 4 days but, in this article, I will show you a list of things to do in Tehran in only two days .

Things to do in Tehran

In this Tehran travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

  • Places to visit in 2 days
  • Where to stay
  • How to get from and to the airport
  • How to move around
  • Getting out of the city
  • Where to eat
  • 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:

Things to do in Tehran in 2 days

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 .

Tehran is an absolutely vast city, with plenty of places to visit.

In two days, though, you will get to visit the highlights of the city, no problem. 

By the way, Tehran is socially divided into north and south. South Tehran is where the traditional families live, which tend to be poorer and regime supporters, hence more religious. The north belongs to the modern society of Iran.

If you want to visit Tehran with a professional guide, 1stQuest also offers a wide arrange of experiences, from walking tours around the Gran Bazaar to a private tour in Golestan Palace.

You can get a 5% discount in ALL your tours.

With voucher code: ATC-QST

Places to visit in Tehran in 2 days – Map

What to do in Tehran – Day 1

Tehran grand bazaar.

From carpet salesmen to spices and colorful fabrics, this is the hugest bazaar I have ever been to, at least that I can recall. A real labyrinth of thousands of shops, the best you can do is to stroll down its bustling alleys, while getting invited by carpet sellers to check their products and drink some chai.

There are endless picture opportunities and most locals will be happy and proud to pose in front of their shop.

The Tehran bazaar is one of the most popular things to do in Tehran. 

Try to be there in the morning because, after lunch, it gets extremely busy. 

You can get a 5% discount on ALL your tours.

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What to do in Tehran

Golestan Palace

The Golestan Palace is located right next to the bazaar, so that would be your next stop on day 1.

This complex is where the Qajar dynasty used to live, a royal family which ruled the Persian Empire from 1785 to 1925. The Palace is composed of beautiful gardens and buildings that hold several museums.

The entrance to the garden and complex costs 150,000IR (3.60USD) and then, you have to buy an extra ticket for each museum or building you visit, which range from 50,000 to 150,000IR each.

To be honest, those museums are not really worth the money and the most enjoyable part is checking the buildings from outside. I sat in the café-terrace of the complex and enjoyed the atmosphere over a cup of chai and my notebook.

Tehran travel blog

Former U.S. Embassy

After lunch, you should head to the former U.S. Embassy.

If you watched the movie Hollywood movie, Argo , you will know that, in 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, a big group of students held tens of American diplomats as hostages in the embassy for 444 days.

The reason is that the Americans had been the center of support for the previous Shah, the ruler that was overthrown during the revolution, and whose objective was the secularization and westernization of Iran. 

After the Revolution, the embassy was permanently closed and, today, it has become the U.S. Den of Espionage, which is used by the Sepah militia, a pro-revolution Iranian armed group.

It also became a museum which holds plenty of anti-American propaganda. The entrance costs 200,000IR (6USD).

The outside walls of the embassy are also filled with anti-American and Israeli propaganda, including the famous skulled Statue of Liberty. You can take pictures of the graffiti without any problem.

Read:  80 Tips for traveling to Iran

Tehran tourist attractions

Tabi’at Bridge

At sunset, you should head to the Tabi’at bridge.

Meaning Nature Bridge and overlooking the Tehran skyline with its mountain in the background, this is the perfect place to end your day.

However, you should know that the sky of Tehran tends to be foggy, especially in summer, so consider yourself extremely lucky if you get a clear day.

One curious fact is that the architect was a 25-year old Iranian woman.

tehran sightseeing

What to do in Tehran – Day 2

Holy defense museum.

This is the most interesting museum in Tehran and, perhaps, in the whole of Iran.

The Holy Defense Museum is dedicated to the Iran-Iraq war, an 8-year conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

From real tanks and rockets to a very detailed, intriguing history of what actually happened there, the museum portrays the bloody massacre fought between Iran and Sadam Hussein’s regime in a very sobering way.

The museum is very close to Tabi’at Bridge so, if you had time (which is unlikely), you could visit it on day 1 but, in any case, it is on the way to the next tourist attraction. 

Tehran travel guide

Located at the bottom of Mount Tochal, when you get to Darband, you will forget that you are actually in one of the most chaotic cities ever. Darband is a place filled with rivers, waterfalls and mountain trails.

Many restaurant’s tables are placed onto the river itself and they serve some of the best kebabs in the city.

Moreover, there are plenty of dried fruit stalls, as well as many other local products. You can also go hiking, a very popular trek being the Mount Tochal peak, which is a 6-hour hike (one-way) and you can return by cable car.

For more information, read: Darband – Escaping from Tehran chaos

Things to see in Tehran

Where to stay in Tehran

You can get a 5% discount in ALL your hotels bookings.

Budget Hostel (Top Choice) – Heritage Hostel – This is, by far, the best hostel in Iran. The owner Omid, a good friend of mine, is an Iranian guy who has been backpacking across the world for many years.

Budget Hotel –   Khayyam Hotel  – A cheap option, but very good, option near the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, so this is a great choice for budget travelers that don’t want to stay in a hostel.

A bit nicer –   Hejab Hotel  – A good option for mid-range travelers.

For more options, check: Best areas to stay in Tehran .

How to get to Tehran from the airport

The International airport of Tehran is almost 70 kilometers from the city center. These are the different ways to get to the city:

The local price for a taxi is something between 10 and 15USD. If they see you are a tourist, they will definitely try to rip you off. I actually met a girl who paid 25USD.

Try to bargain and, if they tell you a higher price, look for another driver. Alternatively, if you go the departures terminal, you can find some taxis which are going back to the city empty and may be willing to offer you a cheaper price.

Snapp is the Iranian Uber and a cheaper way to get to the center of Tehran. Get an Iranian Cell SIM Card at the airport and order a taxi. The app is available for both iPhone and Android. 

There’s a metro connecting the airport with the city center. However, the journey is pretty long, around 1 hour and 30 minutes. A single ticket costs as little as 10,000IR (24¢). 

Tehran attractions

Transportation – How to move around Tehran

The metro in Iran is extremely effective, as it runs very frequently, it’s super cheap and it goes absolutely everywhere, including all the touristic sites. Each metro ride costs 10,000IR (24¢).

Nevertheless, if you are planning to stay in Tehran for a few days, you should get a Metro Card, which is free of charge but you need to buy at least 5 trips. Here you can find the Tehran Metro Map . 

You can get regular taxis, of course, but, if you want to avoid bargaining, get Snapp App, the Iranian Uber I mentioned previously. I took a 20 minutes taxi and just paid 100,000IR (2.40USD). 

There are several bus lines moving around the city but, to be very honest, I didn’t need to take any. With metro and taxi, you will be more than fine.

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. 

How to get out of Tehran

From Tehran, you can travel to pretty much everywhere in the country and most buses leave from Freedom Square.

Train connects with many cities across the country and the main station is at the metro stop called Metro Rail Station.

If you are short in time, consider taking a domestic flight to whatever destination you wish to go to. Many travelers choose to fly to Shiraz and then come back to Tehran slowly by bus. 

You can check flight schedules and book your tickets through 1stQuest, and you can get a 5% discount on ALL flights:

Tehran travel

Where to eat in Tehran

Budget local restaurants.

There are local eateries all across the city, serving really cheap and tasty meals. If you are staying at Heritage Hostel, go to Adeel, a very popular local restaurant serving all kinds of home-made food for just a couple of dollars. In these restaurants, you will pay a maximum of 150,000IR (3.60USD) for a complete meal. 

Fancy local restaurants

Divan restaurant – There are several fancy Persian restaurants found all across the city but this is the one I recommend. 

Street food

Go to 30 Tir Street – If you fancy some good street food along with the modern hip of Iran, this street has several stalls serving all kinds of food, from fresh pasta to falafel, kebabs and other fast food Iranian dishes. It’s a few kilometers from the Golestan Palace and Tehran bazaar.

If you don’t know what to do in Tehran during evening time, come to 30 Tir Street to taste the best street food in town. Location:  35.689835, 51.414296 .

Places to visit in Tehran

More information for when you visit Tehran

Get a sim card.

To get a SIM Card, you should go to an IranCell branch and the easiest place would be at Emam Khomeni metro station, right in the city center. The shop is located in the station itself and, to buy a SIM Card, you will just need your passport.

You can also get your SIM Card at the airport but I am not sure how much does it cost.

Access blocked sites

Remember that many popular websites are blocked in Iran.

Read: How to get a VPN and access blocked sites in Iran

Exchanging money in Tehran

The rate at the airport was not that bad, so get some local currency there to survive the first few days. In the city, exchanging in the black market is quite popular and you will always have people approaching you with this purpose.

However, sometimes they tried to rip me off, so I prefer to go to an exchange office. At Emam Khomeni Metro Station, there are several offices just one or two blocks away, right here: 35.693607, 51.419224 .

Is Tehran safe?

From a crime perspective, Tehran is really safe, like the rest of Iran. The only danger you may encounter is when crossing the streets. In Iran, cars have absolutely no respect for pedestrians and crossing the streets is extremely dangerous, especially in Tehran, as there is more traffic than anywhere else. For more information, read: Is it safe to travel to Iran

More information for visiting Tehran

📢 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.

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
  • Iran 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

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This was my list of Things to do in Tehran in only 2 days. If you have any other recommendation, kindly let me know on the comments section

Tehran tourism

12 comments

So cool to see the progressive nature of Tehran Joan. Very neat. Most Middle Eastern cities, even if open to some progress, aren’t nearly as advanced in this area. Way cool. Fascinating Skull of Liberty too 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂

and the problem is that barely anybody is aware of that, the fact that Iran is a super advanced country, compared to all the difficulties the country has been through

Awesome and useful post! When I visited Tehran, I was kidnapped (in a friendly way) by a super hospitable local family who insisted I check out of my hotel and stay with them. So I ended up not seeing any of the main sights in the city, but having a cool local experience and going to an Iranian wedding!

haha, good one! Very lucky of you, I have never had the chance to attend an Iranian wedding! How was it?

Very, very…different. No booze (of course), and there was a totally separate party for men and women. I didn’t even see the women. I asked if I could have special permission to photograph the bride, but they put a blanket over her head before I could see here. Later, the “men’s” side turned into a wild dance party (still no booze), and the DJ asked me to show off my “Western dancing” for one entire song in front of everybody, to some kind of bad techno music, which was really embarrassing.

wow, then it is not much different than a traditional Sunni wedding from the Arab Gulf, at least. I thought it would be slightly more liberal, as Iranian Shia women are always so cool and laidback, even with foreigners. Hope you enjoyed. I’d like to attend one someday. Cheers!

Haha . you visited a traditional wedding. in Tehran people tend to have their wedding outside of the city in Gardens. those are the ones that have a mixed party and they definitely serve booze. but this largely depends on the cultural situation of the families. for example, our family is not religious, so we are throwing a separate party.

Amir, that’s very interesting. Next time I hope I can join this kind of wedding party 🙂

Hey, just to let you know that Im in Iran right now, not using VPN, and can absolutely read your blog and see your pics 😉 It seems the regime have been nice to you!!

really? that’s good to know that they unblocked it 🙂 thanks!

My name is Barry and a licensed tour guide both in Canada and Iran. I have lived in the US and Canada for long time and graduated from those countries.

Currently, I am residing in Iran and handling domestic and international tours.

I would like to establish a joint commission based collateral relationship with you to have better market reach for both of us. I would like to recommend my clients to you and you do the same when foreign visitors look for a very proffessional licsenced tour guide and director in Iran.

I would like to get your email and whatsapp number to send my credentials and references.

Hi joan. I plan to go tehran and istanbul next year. How many days i should stay at tehran. Can you tell me how to go shiraz from tehran and the price too. Tq

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Is it safe to travel to Egypt? The data — and travelers — say yes

Tourism in Egypt was roaring back with a vengeance in 2023: The land of the pharaohs welcomed 14.9 million international visitors throughout the year, a record number since the pro-democracy uprising of 2011. For a country mired in economic woes, the visitor boom painted a promising trajectory.

That was threatened on Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel and sparked a war alongside Egypt’s northeastern border a little more than 200 miles from Cairo. Almost five months later, the country has tempered its tourism expectations. And yet it’s continued to see growth in terms of international arrivals.

Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities, Ahmed Issa, says tourist arrivals were up 6% in the first seven weeks of 2024. That’s below the ministry’s projected 20% growth for the year, which would have ultimately meant 18 million annual visitors. “If it weren’t for the war, we would have much bigger numbers,” Issa says.

Who’s staying home is potentially even more important: Americans. The makeup of current visitors favors lower spenders who come on shorter trips, primarily from Europe, versus U.S. travelers who tend to stay longer and splurge. (Egypt’s tourism revenue reached $13.6 billion in the financial year ended July 2023, up 27% from a year earlier.) At a time when other major streams of revenue, such as Suez Canal receipts, have been slashed because of the Israel-Hamas war’s impact, drawing more U.S. visitors — who stay an average of 13 nights and visit multiple regions in a single trip, according to Egyptian tourism and antiquities minister Issa — remains paramount to Egypt’s overall economy.

In fact, Egypt is likely poised to enact a currency devaluation very soon in a bid to tackle the economic crisis; should that come to pass, it could yield significant deals for international visitors.

U.S.-based tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, which offers luxurious 10-day Nile cruises from $8,995 per person, and upscale travel agency Egypt Tourism USA, which also arranges trips to Jordan, say bookings aren’t coming in as fast and furious as they did last year, as Americans are taking a more cautious approach to traveling in the Middle East. London-based Jacada Travel has seen American tourists’ inquiries bounce back by 60% in January 2024 compared to September 2023, with particular interest in Nile cruises for later this year.

Google data on destination demand, analyzed by Bloomberg, paint a similar picture. Overall search volume for hotels and flights from the US to Egypt in the period from Oct. 7 through Feb. 2, 2024, is down 16% from the previous year and has yet to rebound to prewar levels. That’s a more significant drop in interest than seen by other Middle Eastern countries: Searches for the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, for instance, were down 1.3% and 8%, respectively.

But additional data suggest the fears may be misplaced. According to sentiment analysis from Spain-based tourism intelligence company Mabrian Technologies, Egypt has had a perceived security index of 86 out of 100 in recent weeks — a figure that represents how international visitors to the country describe their experiences on social media. That’s an improvement from 68.9 in mid-December 2023, though still below prewar levels of 92.4 in September 2023. A score of 100 means no complaints about safety were included in online posts about the destination.

In that regard, Egypt is ahead of its regional rivals: Tourist safety perception was lower in Turkey (84), Jordan (83.6) and Qatar (81.6) during the same period of February 2024, according to Mabrian Technologies data. (There’s no data currently available for Israel as tourism activity hasn’t yet returned there.)

Attraction and infrastructure upgrades

Now may be an opportune time to visit Egypt if you’re seeking to avoid the crowds and score deals, with Google data showing hotels priced 18% to 25% lower than usual. And it would mean contributing to the local economy. In 2019 tourism represented at least 9% of Egypt’s gross domestic product and employed 2.4 million people. You’d also be among the first to see a host of improvements in various parts of the country.

“Egypt spent 22% of its GDP over the past seven years on infrastructure,” says Issa, adding that the country is making improvements to draw 30 million visitors by 2028. “The quality of the infrastructure in Egypt today can sustain four or five times (the number of tourists it received in 2023).”

Increasing the number of luxury hotel rooms to accommodate high-spending visitors is a particular focus. The Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis (rates from $232) opened its doors this past August. The UAE just sealed a $35 billion deal with Egypt that includes developing the beachfront Ras El-Hekma, about a four-hour drive northwest of Cairo, into a luxury resort that would attract major hotel investments.

In a couple of months, visitors to Egypt can expect to find a wider deployment of hop-on, hop-off electric buses stopping at nine sights within the Giza pyramid complex; several new restaurants in the Giza compound also have opened over the past three years. A few miles away, the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum will be opening fully this year.

East of the pyramids, five archaeological sites are undergoing renovations, part of a plan to entice short-haul visitors to opt for multiple Cairo city breaks. Restoration is also underway at the 500-year-old Ottoman Mosque and at the palace of Muhammad Ali, who ruled Egypt in the early 19th century. Those are in addition to two restored towers now open to visitors at the Citadel of Cairo, an iconic 12th century landmark in the city’s skyline that was once the seat of government, as well as the new Imhotep Museum in Giza, which houses more than 300 archaeological pieces representing various dynasties.

Visiting will mean keeping an eye on government travel warnings. For Americans, the State Department advisory for Egypt hasn’t changed since July, when terrorism and potential attacks on tourist locations—including in Cairo—bumped it to Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The advisory’s areas of concern, however, are away from the major destinations, including beach resort hub Sharm el-Sheikh.

The safest approach for travelers heading to Egypt this year is to leave the planning to the experts, who can advise guests or make changes to itineraries if the situation should suddenly change. For those who plan on a luxury Nile cruise in the back half of the year, planning early will be key.

“Some of the top ships are sold out for October 2024 already,” says Alesha Walton, head of Middle East trip design at Jacada Travel. “So moving fast affords the best weather and room availability.”

Israel-Hamas war latest: Three countries reject US-sponsored Gaza ceasefire resolution in Security Council vote

A US-sponsored resolution calling for "the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire" in Gaza has failed to pass in the UN Security Council.

Friday 22 March 2024 17:21, UK

  • Israel-Hamas war

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  • US-sponsored draft resolution on Gaza ceasefire fails to pass
  • China and Russia accused of having 'deeply cynical reasons' for vetoing vote US ceasefire call
  • Blinken arrives in Israel for difficult talks
  • 'Eight people killed' in airstrike east of Rafah
  • James Matthews:  Resolution never looked like passing, but it's not a day without significance 
  • Live reporting by Niamh Lynch

That's all for today, but we'll be back soon with regular updates and analysis.

Scroll down to read what happened during the day.

Israel’s military has said it has opened an investigation into an airstrike that appears to have killed five Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip. 

Aerial footage of the episode circulating on social media shows four men walking along a dirt road before they are hit in the strike. 

A fifth man is then hit as he tries to run away. 

The origin of the footage remains unclear. 

But in a statement Friday, the army said the airstrike had occurred in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis - a focus of army operations against Hamas - in early February. 

It said the video was being investigated by its "fact finding" body tasked with investigating potential crimes by its forces. 

US secretary of state Antony Blinken's visit to Israel – following the vetoes on the US's ceasefire resolution - was awkward timing.

America made its point but ultimately its language – albeit strengthened in the last few weeks – wasn't strong enough for others.

The Biden administration has been losing its patience with Benjamin Netanyahu of late, most notably because of concerns Israel is not allowing enough humanitarian aid into Gaza and plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafah – Mr Blinken made it clear the White House doesn't think that is the right course of action.

Mr Netanyahu though has posted on social media today saying they will go it alone if they have to.

I'm not convinced they will – I suspect a compromise will be found that keeps the US on side.

Diplomatic work has been going on behind the scenes between the US and Israel for a plan to enter Rafah that would be palatable, crucially without the potential for a further significant loss of life there.

An Israeli delegation is heading to the US next week to discuss that very matter.

It is Israel's strong belief that if they don't go into Rafah, they won't have finished the job of eliminating Hamas. In military terms, that is logical.

However the concern is the fate of more than a million people who are in the city, so the US wants a plan that would safeguard them, and if what the vice president said today "there is nowhere safe for them to go" then the US administration isn't convinced there is any viable solution.

Meanwhile, talks are ongoing in Qatar between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire deal. Some gaps remain between the two sides, but things seem to be heading in the right direction.

Here's the moment Russia and China, two permanent members of the UN Security Council, voted against the proposal - defeating the US-sponsored resolution which called for the "imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire". Algeria also voted against the resolution.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has been speaking in Tel Aviv after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

He said they discussed the "imperative" of sustaining humanitarian aid to Gaza but focused on hostage negotiations during this trip.

Speaking before he departed Israel, Mr Blinken warned that a proposed Rafah offensive "risks killing more civilians".

He added: "It risks wreaking greater havoc with the humanitarian assistance. It risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardising its long-term security and standing,"

He said the US was "intensely engaged" in ceasefire talks in Doha which were also ongoing today.

The secretary of state also added that the UN resolution was "cynically vetoed" by Russia and China.

Mr Blinken greeted demonstrators in Tel Aviv who are demanding Israel focus on the release of hostages held by Hamas, promising the protesters that he was working to bring them home.

Several dozen people, including some family members of hostages, gathered outside a Tel Aviv hotel where Mr Blinken's delegation was based.

More on the talks in Israel this afternoon. 

The country's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told Antony Blinken that Israel is prepared to continue its war against Hamas alone, amid tense relations between the two allies over the six-month-old conflict.

In a one-on-one meeting, Mr Netanyahu said he told Mr Blinken he appreciated US support in its fight against Hamas and that Israel recognises it needs to protect civilians. 

However, he reiterated plans to push into Rafah, against the territory's southern border fence, where more than one million people have taken refuge in makeshift shelters. 

"I also said that we have no way to defeat Hamas without going into Rafah and eliminating the rest of the battalions there. 

"I told him that I hope we will do it with the support of the US, but if we have to - we will do it alone," he said in a video statement to reporters.

Israel claims Rafah is the last bastion for Hamas militants and has a plan to evacuate civilians. 

But Washington says a ground assault would be a "mistake" and cause too much harm to those displaced there.

The US vice president Kamala Harris has said there is no safe exit from Rafah for civilians - where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to send troops as Washington presses for more humanitarian aid. 

"There is nowhere for these people to go and be safe,” Ms Harris told reporters as she departed for a trip to Puerto Rico and Florida. 

It comes after the UN Security Council did not pass a US-sponsored resolution that called for "the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire" in Gaza.

There is no world crisis grave enough to forge unity at the UN, one that reaches beyond the political dynamic of vested interest.

It was never looking like the resolution would pass, not since the Russians had taunted the Americans over their loose language - the "imperative" around an immediate ceasefire. 

As the Russians put it, an imperative to put our $100 in our pocket doesn't mean there's $100 in our pocket.

There are solid arguments behind the Russia/China/Algeria veto. To state that Joe Biden has domestic political difficulties created by the US stance is to state a fact.

The US ambassador had other words for it - audacity and hypocrisy on the part of Russia. 

Not for the first time in the UN building in mid-town Manhattan, the interests of the people of Gaza and a growing catastrophe suddenly felt a long way away.

So no resolution, but it's not a day without significance. 

America has shifted its position on a ceasefire and, incrementally, increased pressure on Israel.

As important as discussions were around the Security Council table, the more immediate impact, practically, is always going to come from talks in Qatar on an actual ceasefire and actual hostage release.

It's a form of words presented to players at the UN that will resonate with the key players in Qatar. 

All 27 European Union leaders released a statement overnight calling “for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance". 

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, said the EU position is largely in line with that of the United States.

EU countries have long been divided over their support for Israel and the Palestinians - in December, two EU members voted against calling for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" while four countries abstained. 

The British ambassador to the UN said she was "deeply disappointed that Russia and China were unable to support this council".

"Through this resolution, the Security Council would have, rightly and for the first time, unequivocally condemned armed Hamas terrorist attacks," Dame Barbara Woodward said.

"We are disappointed that the council was not able to send this important message.

"We welcome the patient and constructive consultation by the United States on this text."

She added: "For our part, we will continue to do everything we can to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible by land, sea and air.

"But an immediate stop in the fighting is the only way to get aid into Gaza that is so desperately needed and make progress towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire."

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IMAGES

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Iran Travel Advisory

    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 ...

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    OVERALL RISK: LOW. When the overall risk is in question, Tehran can be considered a safe city to travel, but the political risks and plenty of dangerous zones near the borders with Iraq and Afghanistan, make it less attractive. However, the practice of common sense and basic precautions concerning pickpockets in crowds will make your visit free ...

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    Travel Advisory . January 26, 2023 . Iran - Level 4: Do Not Travel . Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information . Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. Country Summary: U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran have been kidnapped, arrested, and detained ...

  4. Is Iran Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    Written by Travel Safe Team. Share. 363. Review. 28. Safety Index: 35 * Based on Research & Crime Data. User Sentiment: 78 * Rated 78 / 100 based on 28 user reviews. ... 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 ...

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    FCDO travel advice for Iran. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences. ... If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy in Tehran

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    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.

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    Iran - AVOID ALL TRAVEL. Avoid all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the possibility of arbitrary detention. You should consider leaving by commercial means if you can do so safely. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is severely limited.

  9. Travel in Iran: What Americans Need to Know in 2020

    Yet the ability—and safety—of travel in Iran was jeopardized when the United States killed Iran's top general Qassem Suleimani on January 3, 2020, in an airstrike at Baghdad's international airport. ... However, Intrepid's Uncharted Expedition Mystery Trip, which is scheduled to depart from Tehran on April 18, remains unchanged.

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  12. Travel Safety in Iran: Separating Myths from Facts

    Travel Safety in Iran: Separating Myths from Facts . Daisy Lorenzi August 14, 2022 Last Updated: March 18, 2024. 6 4,529 5 minutes read. Safety In Iran . ... And my experience was beyond expectations. I felt safe from the very first moment I stepped in Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran.

  13. What to Know When Visiting Iran: 5 Useful Travel Tips

    For advice on safe solo female travel in Iran, check out these tips. Foreign credit and bank cards aren't accepted in Iran, so I brought all the cash I'd need in euros. Euros are widely accepted, but I exchanged some for Iranian rials for a fair rate at Tehran's airport, where I also purchased a local SIM. ... Visiting the culture-rich cities ...

  14. Tips and how to travel to Iran in 2024

    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.

  15. Tehran stay safe · Tehran travel safety advice

    Tehran travel safety advice Tehran is still relatively one of the safest cities to travel through, particularly considering its size and security. Common sense and the usual precautions against pickpockets in bazaars and crowds should ensure your visit is hassle free. Even late at the mid-night it is safe in most parts of the city while you ...

  16. Everything You Need To Know Before Traveling To Iran ...

    It's important to know that food is subsidized in Iran and prices are "locked.". So, no matter where you go, a Coca-Cola will cost from 15,000 to 30,000 rials ($0.15 to $0.30), food will be between 100,000 to 500,000 rials ($1.00 to $5.00), water will be roughly 20,000 Rials (about $0.20).

  17. Is Iran Safe to Visit in 2024? All You Need to Know

    The answer is a reassuring yes. Seasoned travelers often rate Iran as one of the safest countries they've visited. Its safety record is impressive, often outshining many European countries. Let's delve deeper into what makes Iran a secure travel destination.

  18. Tehran Travel: Two Day Itinerary + Top 10 Things to Do in Tehran

    Tehran Travel Guide: best tourist attractions, Tehran day tours, travel tips for transportation, food and safety, including my personal experiences. Traveling to Tehran was always something I dreamed about. Iran is like nowhere else on the planet. And I would say the same about Tehran. It's a city like no other city in the world.

  19. Is Iran safe in 2024?

    Regions in Iran which are not safe for tourists. According to the FCO Advice, the province of Balochistan and the areas bordering Iraq and Afghanistan are advised against for all travel, for obvious reasons. The rest of Iran, however, is totally safe for tourists. Nevertheless, there are two things you need to know about these dangerous regions ...

  20. Tehran Travel Guide: Top Sights & Tips + Photos

    Tehran Travel Guide: From world-class ski resorts and scenic hiking trails to rich historical sites and vibrant bazaars, discover why Tehran is a must-visit destination. ... Metro carriages are also gender-segregated, but metro travel is safe and efficient and indications are written in both Persian and clear English.

  21. Things to do in Tehran in 2 days

    The following travel guide to Tehran gives you an overview of things to do in Tehran in two days, as well as accommodation tips, a few good restaurants options and how to move around the city ... From a crime perspective, Tehran is really safe, like the rest of Iran. The only danger you may encounter is when crossing the streets. In Iran, cars ...

  22. Dancing and Jumping Over Fire, Iranians Use Holiday to Defy Rules

    In some apartment complexes in Tehran and other cities, DJs played Persian pop songs as a packed crowd danced and sang along, according to videos on social media and BBC Persian.

  23. Travel Safely in Iran: A Woman's Guide to Iranian Culture ...

    Explore the safety and cultural considerations for women traveling to Iran. This comprehensive guide covers everything from dress code and customs to the current political climate and potential risks. Many female travelers who visited Iran, described travel in Iran is safe for women. Violent crimes against foreigners are extremely rare and, indeed.

  24. Is it safe to travel to Egypt? The data

    In that regard, Egypt is ahead of its regional rivals: Tourist safety perception was lower in Turkey (84), Jordan (83.6) and Qatar (81.6) during the same period of February 2024, according to ...

  25. Israel-Hamas war latest: Three countries reject US-sponsored Gaza

    A US-sponsored resolution calling for "the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire" in Gaza has failed to pass in the UN Security Council.