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Travellers are strongly advised against all travel to within 100km (60 miles) of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border or within 10km (6 miles) of the entire Iran/Iraq border. The Pakistan border area is also insecure, and travellers are advised against any travel east of the line running from Kerman to Bandar Abbas, including all travel to Bam. Westerners have, in the past, been the target of kidnaps by criminal gangs in southeast Iran. There have also been a number of violent incidents in the Sistan va Baluchestan province. The most recent was a bomb blast on 16 February 2007.
There have been incidents of kidnapping of foreigners by armed gangs in southeastern Iran. In August 2007, bandits seized two Belgian tourists in Sistan-Balouchistan, southeastern Iran. One was freed two days later but the other was held for 34 days. On 8 October 2007, a Japanese national was kidnapped by suspected bandits from his hotel in Bam.
Although street crime in Tehran, as in other Iranian cities, is low, incidents of robbery against foreigners are not unknown. There have been a number of robberies by young men in unmarked cars, and young men on motorcycles have also snatched bags, including from open car windows/doors. Since November 2007, there have been a number of robberies involving motorbikes with pillion passengers who drive up along side their victims and snatch their items. Visitors are advised not to carry large amounts of hard currency.
Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street. There have been a number of attempted robberies by bogus policemen, usually in civilian clothing. Travellers approached by anyone claiming to be a policeman should insist on seeing the officer's identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. They should not surrender any documents or cash, or get in a vehicle without being convinced that the policeman is genuine.
There is increasing political tension between Iran and the international community. The UK and other Western countries have come in for particular criticism in the Iranian media. Those planning to travel to Iran are advised to keep a close eye on political developments and check the media and travel advice regularly.
A series of incidents in recent years have demonstrated that there is a risk of arbitrary arrest and detention by the Iranian authorities. In these and other cases involving foreign nationals, the Iranian authorities do not always fully meet their international consular obligations.
There is a threat from terrorism in Iran. Explosions have killed a number of people in 2005 and 2006. Attacks could be directed at Western interests.
Travellers should avoid demonstrations and similar large public gatherings. In the last three years, there have been several violent attacks on, and violent demonstrations outside, British Embassy compounds in Tehran. Further incidents are possible, and other protests may take place without warning.
It is understood that the Government of Iraq has closed six border crossings with Iran at Kella, Saranban-Golle, Taiwella, Parweez Khan, Muntheria and al Sheeb.
Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Travellers may be detained and face serious criminal charges, including espionage, which can carry the death penalty.
Iran is prone to earthquakes. Many people have died in recent years in larger earthquakes. Small tremors occur frequently.
Credit cards and bankcards cannot generally be used in Iran and travellers' cheques can be very difficult to exchange.
Islamic law is strictly enforced in Iran. Alcohol is forbidden and all females over the age of 9 must observe the local Islamic dress code.
Travellers should carry some form of identification at all times.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
There have been incidents of kidnapping of foreigners by armed gangs in southeastern Iran. In August 2007, bandits seized two Belgian tourists in Sistan-Balouchistan, southeastern Iran. One was freed two days later but the other was held for 34 days. On 8 October 2007, a Japanese national was kidnapped by suspected bandits from his hotel in Bam.
Although street crime in Tehran, as in other Iranian cities, is low, incidents of robbery against foreigners are not unknown. There have been a number of robberies by young men in unmarked cars, and young men on motorcycles have also snatched bags, including from open car windows/doors. Since November 2007, there have been a number of robberies involving motorbikes with pillion passengers who drive up along side their victims and snatch their items. Visitors are advised not to carry large amounts of hard currency.
Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street. There have been a number of attempted robberies by bogus policemen, usually in civilian clothing. Travellers approached by anyone claiming to be a policeman should insist on seeing the officer's identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. They should not surrender any documents or cash, or get in a vehicle without being convinced that the policeman is genuine.
There is increasing political tension between Iran and the international community. The UK and other Western countries have come in for particular criticism in the Iranian media. Those planning to travel to Iran are advised to keep a close eye on political developments and check the media and travel advice regularly.
A series of incidents in recent years have demonstrated that there is a risk of arbitrary arrest and detention by the Iranian authorities. In these and other cases involving foreign nationals, the Iranian authorities do not always fully meet their international consular obligations.
There is a threat from terrorism in Iran. Explosions have killed a number of people in 2005 and 2006. Attacks could be directed at Western interests.
Travellers should avoid demonstrations and similar large public gatherings. In the last three years, there have been several violent attacks on, and violent demonstrations outside, British Embassy compounds in Tehran. Further incidents are possible, and other protests may take place without warning.
It is understood that the Government of Iraq has closed six border crossings with Iran at Kella, Saranban-Golle, Taiwella, Parweez Khan, Muntheria and al Sheeb.
Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Travellers may be detained and face serious criminal charges, including espionage, which can carry the death penalty.
Iran is prone to earthquakes. Many people have died in recent years in larger earthquakes. Small tremors occur frequently.
Credit cards and bankcards cannot generally be used in Iran and travellers' cheques can be very difficult to exchange.
Islamic law is strictly enforced in Iran. Alcohol is forbidden and all females over the age of 9 must observe the local Islamic dress code.
Travellers should carry some form of identification at all times.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
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