Travel Advice for Iran

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Iran due to increased regional tensions. If you are in Iran and concerned for your safety, you should consider leaving.

Increased tensions

Tensions in the region have increased following the Middle East uprisings, political tensions in the Gulf area, military exercises and missile testing, and the implementation of international sanctions against Iran.

You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and keep a low profile in your activities. You should closely monitor the local and international media for information on developments affecting your security.

Events and political developments in the region, increased domestic unrest and political tension may also trigger demonstrations, which could turn violent.

Violent protests against UK interests: In late November 2011, there were attacks on diplomatic premises in Tehran belonging to the United Kingdom. You should avoid these locations. Periodic protests against some Western and Middle East embassies and UN missions continue.

Since the last Iranian presidential election was held in June 2009, there has been heightened political tension and an unpredictable security situation. Large demonstrations and violent clashes, resulting in some deaths, have taken place in Tehran and other cities in Iran. Further incidents are possible. There has also been an increase in anti-Western sentiment. Embassies have been the focus of some demonstrations. Severe restrictions have been placed on foreign journalists. Another presidential election is scheduled for 14 June 2013.

You should monitor developments closely and avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings.

Border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan : There have been terrorist attacks and violent crime in border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent years. We strongly advise you not to travel to areas near the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders, including the province of Sistan-va-Baluchistan, areas in Kerman province east of the city of Kerman (including the city of Bam), and areas near the border with Afghanistan in Razavi Khorasan (Khorasan-e-Razavi) and South Khorasan (Khorasan-e-Jonubi) provinces. A bombing occurred in Chahabar in October 2012. Bombings also occurred in Chahabar in December 2010 and Zahedan in July 2010. As well as terrorist incidents, violent clashes between security forces and drug traffickers can occur in these areas. Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

Border areas near Iraq : We strongly advise you not to travel to areas near the border with Iraq, in particular Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan and Ilam provinces and Khorramshahr in Khuzestan province, because of the extremely dangerous security situation. As well as terrorist incidents, such as an attack on a military parade in West Azerbaijan in September 2010, violent clashes and confrontations have occurred in these areas in recent years. We continue to receive reports of violent clashes between Iranian forces and Kurdish militants.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

Acts of political violence occur throughout Iran, including in the capital Tehran. Targets for bomb attacks include foreign interests, Iranian government establishments, military parades and religious sites and processions. In recent years there have been bombings in the border areas of Sistan-va-Baluchistan and West Azerbaijan provinces.

Violent incidents over past years against the British Embassy compound, other Western embassies, some Middle East missions and the United Nations, underline the potential for Western interests in Iran to be targeted.

In planning your activities, consider the types of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include embassies, hotels, places of worship, government interests and identifiably Western businesses and interests. You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and closely monitor the media and other local sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Iran has a low crime rate, although petty crime does occur. Anecdotal reports suggest such petty crime is on the increase. There have been bag snatchings on the street and violent burglaries at the homes of expatriates.

Tourists have been robbed by bogus plain clothes policemen during supposed identification checks and drug and counterfeit currency searches.

Bags have been snatched from pedestrians by thieves in passing vehicles. Victims may be knocked down or dragged behind vehicles.

You should ensure that you have sufficient cash, in the form of US dollars (notes should be post-1996) or Euros to cover all expenses for the duration of your stay in Iran. International credit and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. It is also not possible to transfer funds into Iran using the commercial banking system or money transfer companies.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

There are serious safety concerns about ageing aeroplanes, including Russian-built and other aircraft, on many of Iran's domestic air services. Travel on these aircraft should be avoided where possible.
Recent incidents include:
? In January 2011, over 80 people were killed in Urumiyeh, West Azerbaijan, when an Iran Air aircraft crashed;
? In January 2010, a Taban Airline flight crash landed on arrival at Mashad airport, injuring 48 passengers; and
? In July 2009, 184 people were killed in two separate crashes in Iran involving commercial airliners.

For further information, please refer to our air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Iran. Women are required to wear loose-fitting clothing which covers the arms and legs, a coat and a headscarf. Men should not wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Iran does not recognise dual nationality. It is highly unlikely that the Australian Government will be allowed to provide consular assistance to dual nationals who have been detained. Iranian officials may not notify the Australian embassy that an Australian/Iranian dual nationals has been arrested or detained.

Australian/Iranian dual national males who have not completed military service may be prohibited from leaving Iran.

Dual national females may require the permission of their husband or a senior male relative to leave Iran.

Iranian immigration officials may confiscate the foreign passports of dual nationals.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Iran is in an active seismic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes, including several major earthquakes in recent years. See our bulletin on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Iran often experiences extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature can exceed 50?C. Heavy snowfall can also occur in parts of the country during the winter months.

Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children page.