Orientation briefing in Iran

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a religious scholar known as the Supreme Leader, who is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts -- an elected 88-member body of clerics. US-Iran relations became strained when Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and held embassy personnel hostage until mid-January 1981. The US cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in April 1980. From 1980 to 1988, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism since 1984.

After the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a political reform campaign in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated, but conservative politicians blocked reform measures while increasing repression. Municipal and legislative elections in 2003 and 2004 saw conservatives reestablish control over Iran's elected government institutions, culminating in the 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His reelection in 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud, and the protests persisted until 2011. In 2013, Iranians elected to the presidency centrist cleric Dr. Hasan Fereidun RUHANI, a longtime senior regime member who promised to reform society and foreign policy. In 2019, Tehran's sudden decision to increase the gasoline price sparked nationwide protests, which the regime violently suppressed. Conservatives won the majority in Majles elections in 2020, and hardline cleric Ebrahim RAISI was elected president in 2021, resulting in a conservative monopoly across the regime's elected and unelected institutions.

Iran continues to be subject to a range of international sanctions and export controls because of its involvement in terrorism, weapons proliferation, human rights abuses, and concerns over the nature of its nuclear program. Iran received nuclear-related sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear concessions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action's (JCPOA) Implementation Day beginning in 2016. However, the US reimposed nuclear-related sanctions on Iran after it unilaterally terminated its JCPOA participation in 2018. In October 2023, the EU and the UK also decided to maintain nuclear-proliferation-related measures on Iran, as well as arms and missile embargoes, in response to Iran's non-compliance with its JCPOA commitments.

As president, RAISI has concentrated on deepening Iran's foreign relations with anti-US states -- particularly China and Russia -- to weather US sanctions and diplomatic pressure, while supporting negotiations to restore a nuclear deal that began in 2021. RAISI contended with nationwide protests that began in September 2022 and persisted for over three months after the death of a Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa AMINI, in morality police custody. Young people and women led the protests, and demands focused on regime change.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).  

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran  

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. 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.

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. 

Regional tensions

The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.  

British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” 

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• monitor local and international media for the latest information 

• stay away from areas around security or military facilities 

• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date 

• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure

If you are in Iran 

Air, sea and land routes are under the control of the Iranian authorities. Ports and borders may close at short notice. There is ongoing disruption to communications across Iran, with limitations on internet access.

The US and Israel have struck infrastructure across Iran. There are reports that suggest ports, roads, railways, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports have been affected.

British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals face a very high risk of arrest, detention and questioning.    

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.  

Travel by air  

You cannot fly directly from Iran to the UK. A limited number of commercial airlines continue to operate international flights out of Iran. Iranian airspace may close at short notice.  

Travel by land  

Iran’s borders with neighbouring countries may have restrictions for foreign travellers and may close at short notice. If you plan to depart Iran across a land border and consider it safe to do so, check the travel advice of the country you intend to enter before travelling to the border, including visa requirements. Entry requirements may change at short notice.

Entry to countries bordering Iran is not straightforward, and some countries will ask for additional paperwork for British passport holders. If you intend to leave overland you do so at your own risk. Should you require assistance, including with additional paperwork, contact the FCDO.  

Armenia-Iran border crossing   

British nationals do not need a visa for Armenia for stays of up to 180 days per year. Check our travel advice for Armenia for the latest information.   

Azerbaijan-Iran border crossing   

To cross this border, FCDO must register your details with the Azerbaijani authorities in advance so that we can provide you with a registration code. This process can take several weeks. You will also require a visa to enter Azerbaijan. Read travel advice for Azerbaijan for the latest information.   

Turkey-Iran border crossing   

The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border. You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey).  Also indicate whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.

The Turkish authorities advise that the Iranians have closed the crossing point at Esendere-Serow on the Iranian side to daily traders entering and exiting over the course of a day.

Check our travel advice for Turkey for the latest information.

Turkmenistan-Iran border crossing  

To cross this border, you require special permission from the Turkmenistan authorities in advance. This can be facilitated by the British Embassy in Ashgabat by contacting the FCDO before you travel to the border. Without their prior approval, you will not be allowed to cross the border. You will also need a confirmed onward flight.  

Check our travel advice for Turkmenistan for the more information.

Afghanistan border crossing

The FCDO travel advice for Afghanistan advises against all travel to Afghanistan.

Iraq border crossing

The FCDO’s travel advice for Iraq advises against all travel to Iraq.

Pakistan border crossing

The FCDO’s travel advice for Pakistan advises against all travel to Balochistan Province bordering Iran.

Limited UK government support  

UK government support is extremely limited in Iran. 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. 

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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 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 likely to try to carry out attacks 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. 

Examples of recent 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)
• in 2023, one person was killed and 8 wounded in a terrorist attack at the Shah Cheragh mausoleum, a Shia holy site in Shiraz southern Iran
• in 2022, 15 people were killed in a shooting attack at the Shah Cheragh mausoleum, Shiraz, in an attack claimed by ISKP

Baluchistan separatist groups have targeted government buildings and infrastructure in the Sistan-Baluchistan region of Iran resulting in casualties.

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
• a fine, which in some cases can be a significant amount
• imprisonment until any fines owed are paid
• strict bail conditions, including a travel ban or your (or your family’s) assets being used as security 

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 

Or you have:

• any current or historical links to the State of Israel or Israeli nationals or institutions 

• any current or historical links to the United States government or public administration

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.  

Methanol poisoning

There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Iran.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

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.