Iran travel guide

Travel Advice

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran  

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.  

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.  

Limited UK government support  

UK government support is extremely limited in Iran. Assume that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the UK government will not be able to help you if you get into difficulty in Iran. 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel to Iran against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice  

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.  

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Iran’s current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Iran set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Iranian Embassy in the UK. 

British nationals are at increased risk of questioning and detention by the Iranian authorities. See Safety and security. 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Iran. 

Passport validity requirements 

If you choose to enter Iran against FCDO advice, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It’s not possible to apply for a British passport from Iran.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.   

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.  

Dual nationality  

Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If you are a dual national, the Iranian authorities will consider you to be an Iranian national. They are highly unlikely to accept any requests made by the UK government on your behalf.  

All Iranian nationals must enter and leave Iran using an Iranian passport. If you want to travel to the UK from Iran, you may also need to prove to the Iranian authorities that you have the right to enter the UK. You must be able to produce your British passport or a valid UK visa in your Iranian passport on request. You may face increased scrutiny, questioning or detention because of your connection to the UK.  

Recent media reports suggest Iran is willing to detain people who have been visiting relatives inside Iran. Having travelled to and from Iran previously without issue does not guarantee your safety. See Safety and security for more information about the risks British nationals face in Iran. 

Being considered an Iranian national  

Even if you do not consider yourself Iranian, the Iranian authorities may see you as an Iranian national. For example, if your father is Iranian, or if you’re married to an Iranian man.   

Previous travel to Israel  

If your passport has stamps from Israel or other countries’ border crossing points with Israel, you may be refused entry to Iran. 

Overseas British passport applications 

You cannot apply for a British passport from Iran.  

You can apply in a neighbouring country. Choose from the list of countries and follow the application process for that country. 

For help with your passport application, contact HM Passport Office.  

Visa requirements  

You must have a visa to visit Iran unless you hold an Iranian passport. 

Check the expiry date of your visa before travelling. If you overstay your visa, you may have to stay in Iran until this is resolved and you may be detained.   

If you’re travelling through an Iranian airport, check visa requirements with your airline and the Iranian Embassy in the UK.  

Applying for a visa  

If you choose to travel to Iran against FCDO advice, apply for a visa well in advance of your travel. The application process for an Iranian visa can be long and unpredictable. 

If you want to travel to Iran with a British passport, the Iranian Embassy has told FCDO you must either apply as part of an organised tour or have a sponsor in Iran to get a visa. Check with the Iranian Embassy in the UK for more information.  

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you submit your visa application. 

Women and girls aged 10 or over should wear a headscarf in their visa application photos.   

Some British nationals have had problems getting visas from private online visa agencies.  

Vaccine requirements 

To enter Iran, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk 

• a polio vaccine if you’re coming from a polio-affected country  

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Iran guide.   

Customs rules  

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Iran. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

Pork products  

Importing pork products is illegal. 

Children travelling without a male parent  

In Iran, a female parent travelling with her children must have the father’s permission, usually verbal, to take them out of Iran. Iranian immigration authorities will usually assume you have permission unless the father has petitioned the court, or the court has ruled to prevent the children travelling. For more information, contact the Iranian Embassy in the UK.  

Kish Island  

To enter Kish Island, you must arrange your visit through an Iranian travel agency. The agency must:  

• inform the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about your visit at least 2 weeks before you travel  
• have received confirmation that a visa will be issued on arrival 

The nearest Iranian embassy or consulate can give you advice and a list of registered travel agents.  

You must also have a hotel reservation before you travel. Your guide must:  

• pass a copy of the hotel reservation confirmation to the immigration office at Kish Airport at least 48 hours before you arrive  
• meet you at the airport when you arrive  

Travellers have occasionally been denied entry to Kish without explanation. If you’re denied entry, follow the advice of your airline or travel agent. 

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  

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

Previous attacks include:  

• in April 2024, 11 Iranian security force members were killed, following attacks claimed by Jaish al-Adl on an Iranian military site in the southeastern province of Sistan-o-Balochistan 
• 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) 
• in 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 

Red Sea military activity 

There is a military response to Houthi militants’ attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. Monitor news and continue to check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for updates. 

Political situation   

There is tension in the Middle East region. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks.

On 31 July, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Iranian authorities have attributed the death to Israel and have promised a response. The situation could escalate quickly and travel in and out of the country could be severely disrupted.  

If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, continue to check FCDO travel advice and monitor news reporting for the latest updates.

Leaving Iran in an emergency 

In an emergency, for example if there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, the UK government will not be able to evacuate you, provide face-to-face assistance or help you if you get into difficulty. In these situations, it may become more difficult to leave safely. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.  

You should have a contingency plan to leave Iran in an emergency situation. Air, sea and land routes are under the control of the Iranian authorities. You should not assume that ports and borders will remain open if there is a crisis. If your contingency plan involves direct travel to the UK from Iran, you may need to prove to the Iranian authorities that you have the right to enter the UK. You must be able to produce your British passport or a valid UK visa in your Iranian passport on request. You cannot apply for a British passport from Iran.  

Risk of arrest, detention and a death sentence  

There is a very high risk of arrest, questioning and detention for British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals. If the Iranian authorities accuse you of security related offences as a British national in Iran, there is a risk that you will be sentenced to death. 

Holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years of imprisonment.   

British nationals, including British-Iranian dual nationals, and other foreign nationals, have been unfairly detained in Iran. They are often made to serve long prison sentences. In 2023, Iran executed some foreign national detainees, including a British-Iranian national. The criminal justice process in these cases falls below international standards. 

Consular, welfare and family access while in detention   

If you are detained in Iran, your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who have demonstrated a pattern of hostility towards the UK and its citizens. If you are a British-Iranian dual national, the UK government will not be notified of your detention, nor will we be given permission to see you. The Iranian authorities will control your access to your family during your detention. If you die in Iranian detention, the Iranian authorities will control the notification process. There is no guarantee the Iranian authorities will inform family members or the UK government.  

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 increased suspicion of espionage or working to undermine the Iranian authorities. 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. The Iranian authorities have arrested foreign nationals for possessing photographic equipment near sensitive sites.  

Even if you avoid protests and crowds, there is still a very high risk of arrest, questioning and detention in Iran.  

Activities that put you at risk 

Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the authorities to detain you. Some activities put you at even greater risk.  

You are at greater risk if you have ever been involved with civil society organisations, including:  

• charities 
• labour unions 
• human rights groups 
• environmental groups 
• political groups 

Or are involved in other activities such as: 

• journalism, including blogging 
• social media related to politics, journalism or Iran, including creating, ‘liking’, or sharing content 
• economic and academic institutions and think tanks, especially UK-affiliated institutions or institutions conducting research in/on Iran 
• protest movements, including the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement 

Or are involved with any person or organisation that:  

• is seen as opposing the Iran government, either based within Iran or elsewhere 
• works on UK national infrastructure 
• receives public funds from, or is considered linked to, the UK government or law enforcement 
• was previously arrested, questioned or detained in Iran 
• is seen as having defected from the Iranian regime 

Having a British passport or connections to the UK will put you at increased risk of scrutiny during times of national unrest, following any terrorist incidents, or when there is an increase in tensions between Iran and the international community. 

Border areas  

Border areas are highly 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 foreign nationals 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 offices, 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 to apply for a British passport from Iran. 

Laws and cultural differences  

Ramadan 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. 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. 

The Iranian authorities have arrested, detained and in some cases committed serious acts of violence against women and girls for not properly following dress codes. Enforcement ‘crackdowns’ can lead to large-scale arrests across the country at any time. 

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 be extremely cautious. 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.  

Streaming service bans 

Many western streaming services including Netflix and Prime are banned in Iran.  

Alcohol ban 

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. 

Using cameras and electronic devices  

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. The Iranian authorities have arrested foreign nationals for possessing photographic equipment near sensitive sites. 

Using a laptop or other electronic equipment in public places can be misinterpreted, especially if your device 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 penalties 

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 against our advice 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. 

See Overseas business risk in Iran for more information. 

Transport risks 

Road travel  

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

You must have 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. 

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  

Iran has repeatedly attacked commercial vessels in nearby waters with military drones. One attack in 2021 resulted in the deaths of a British and a Romanian national. Vessels have also been seized and their crews detained in and around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz in recent years.    

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. You should maintain high levels of awareness when you are operating in the area and report into United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Record footage of all incidents wherever possible. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters  

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

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.  

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about 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 local news updates 
• monitor advice from local authorities   
• take waterproofs, thermals, hiking boots and rations when driving and walking 

Before you travel check that:  

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need  
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation  

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.  

Emergency medical number  

Dial 115 and ask for an ambulance.  

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.  

Vaccine recommendations and health risks  

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Iran 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page  

See what health risks you will face in Iran, including: 

• malaria and dengue 
• schistosomiasis 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Iran. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication  

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.  

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.   

Healthcare in Iran  

In general, medical facilities in Iran are reasonable in the major cities but poor in remote areas. Many health professionals speak some English.  

There have been reported shortages of some basic medicines in Iran.  

If you’re a British national in Iran having medical or cosmetic treatment, you may not get adequate care in an emergency.  

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Iran where some staff will speak English.  

Travel and mental health  

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.  

Emergency services in Iran   

Ambulance: 115  

Fire: 125  

Police: 110  

Contact your travel provider and insurer  

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.  

Refunds and changes to travel  

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.  

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:  

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider  
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim  

Support from FCDO  

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:  

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Iran  
• dealing with a death in Iran   
• being arrested   
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack  

Contacting FCDO  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

You can also contact FCDO online.  

Help abroad in an emergency  

If you’re in Iran and you need help from the UK government, call FCDO: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).  

The UK government will not be able to evacuate you, provide face-to-face assistance or help you if you get into difficulty. 

FCDO in London  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges 

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Iran on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.