Iran
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.
Political situation
There is tension in the region. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks for the wider region. If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, monitor news updates and continue to check FCDO travel advice for updates.
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.
Protests
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
- academia
- 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.
Crime
Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime and petty theft. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and keep your passport safe.
Scams
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.
Money
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
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.
Alcohol
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.
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.
Taxis
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.
Flooding
Some provinces can suffer from floods in spring, particularly:
- Khuzestan
- Golestan
- Lorestan
You should:
- follow advice given by local authorities
- be adequately equipped with waterproofs, thermals, hiking boots and rations when driving and walking