🇮🇷

Is Iran Safe to Visit in 2026?

Very High Risk

Very High Risk. Incredible history and hospitality. Complex political situation. Strict dress codes. Dual nationals at risk. Warnely's safety assessment for Iran is Very High Risk (62/100). Last updated 10 May 2026

62 / 100

Very High Risk
Reviewed Apr 2026 · how we score

Live alerts in Iran Get the iOS app

⚠ Active conflict / rapidly changing situation

Our static profile may lag events. Always verify against the latest FCDO advisory before travel.

What Warnely Is Tracking

Real-time incidents pulled from the Warnely pipeline. The dashboard renders a richer feed.

Loading incident data…

Official Travel Advisories

UK FCDO

See travel advice

Check current FCDO advice for latest information.

View full advisory →

US State Department

Check current level

Check State Dept for current advisory level.

View full advisory →

Risk Breakdown

This is the static baseline rating across six dimensions. The Warnely dashboard adds a live 30-day signal alongside.

Crime3/5

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.

Natural Disasters2/5

Check local conditions.

Health2/5

Consult travel clinic before departure.

Terrorism3/5

Check current advisories.

Civil Unrest3/5

Monitor local situation.

Infrastructure3/5

Check transport options.

Quick Facts

Plug type	C/F
Voltage	220V/50Hz
Time zone	UTC+3:30
Driving side	Right
Tap water	Unsafe

Visa & Entry

Type	Visa on arrival
Length	30 days
Cost	€75-100

VOA at IKA airport for ~70 nationalities. UK/US/Canadian citizens need pre-arranged visa + mandatory licensed guide. Check FCDO – several governments advise against all travel.

Verify on IATA Travel Centre →

Summary: Visa required. Complex process for UK/US citizens.

Passport: Valid 6+ months; no Israeli stamps ever. Visa required in advance for UK/US.

Customs: Declare USD over $10,000.

Prohibited: Alcohol (death penalty for trafficking). Pork. Drones. Politically sensitive materials. Photography of government/military. LGBTQ materials. Drug laws extremely strict.

Practical Tips

Check travel advisories – currently severe warnings against travel for UK/US/dual nationals
Bring only USD cash – no Western cards work due to sanctions
Women MUST wear hijab in public – this is strictly enforced
Photography of government/military/nuclear sites forbidden – prosecutions occur
Don't travel independently to Sistan-Baluchistan or Iran-Iraq border areas

Common Scams & Practical Risks

Taxi overcharging: Use ride-hailing apps or agree on price before riding.
Carpet/souvenir pressure sales: Politely decline high-pressure sales tactics.
Fake guides: Use only officially licensed guides.

Solo & Women’s Safety

Solo Travellers

Solo travel possible but cultural awareness important.

Women’s Safety Exercise Caution

Conservative society. Dress modestly. Women generally safe but cultural norms differ from Western countries.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Legal status	Death penalty / severe penalty
Social climate	Hostile

Death penalty active and enforced. Forced gender reassignment for trans is state policy. No visible community. Travel strongly inadvisable.

Verify current law on Equaldex →

Drug Laws

Severity	Death penalty possible
Cannabis	Severe penalties

Iran executes more people for drug offences than any country except China – hundreds of executions annually. Possession of any amount can mean death for repeat offenders. Avoid entirely.

Verify on UK FCDO →

Emergency Numbers

police

110

ambulance

115

fire

125

tourist

112

Data version v2 · Reviewed Apr 2026 · methodology · Found something out of date? Tell us.

Common questions about Iran

Is Iran safe for tourists in 2026?

Incredible history and hospitality. Complex political situation. Strict dress codes. Dual nationals at risk. Warnely's overall safety assessment for Iran is Very High Risk (62/100), very high risk. Always check the latest UK FCDO and US State Department advisories before booking.

What's the crime risk in Iran?

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment. Crime category score: 3/5 (high).

Are there health risks travelling to Iran?

Consult travel clinic before departure. Health category score: 2/5. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations.

Is Iran safe for solo female travellers?

Exercise Caution. Conservative society. Dress modestly. Women generally safe but cultural norms differ from Western countries.

When is the best time to visit Iran?

Mild Shoulder (Apr-May, Sep-Oct). Pleasant (15-28°C), ideal for Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd. Nowruz (Persian New Year) around March 20 sees major domestic travel.

What are the drug laws in Iran?

Drug penalties: Death penalty possible. Cannabis: Severe penalties. Iran executes more people for drug offences than any country except China – hundreds of executions annually. Possession of any amount can mean death for repeat offenders. Avoid entirely.

Do I need a visa to visit Iran?

Visa on arrival. Stay length: 30 days. VOA at IKA airport for ~70 nationalities. UK/US/Canadian citizens need pre-arranged visa + mandatory licensed guide. Check FCDO – several governments advise against all travel.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Iran?

Tap water in Iran is not safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water. Most travellers should stick to bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking and ice.

What do governments say about travel to Iran?

UK FCDO: See travel advice. US State Dept: Check current level. Read the full advisories on the relevant government sites – links are inside the Official Travel Advisories section above.