Briefing d'orientation en Iran

Pour préparer une mission ou une prise de poste : l'essentiel du contexte, région par région. Ce briefing ne remplace pas le briefing sécurité de votre organisation à l'arrivée.

Briefing d'orientation : Iran1 / 15

Vue d'ensemble

Niveau d'alerteTout déplacement déconseillé dans tout le paysConseils officiels mis à jour le 27 octobre 2026 (FCDO)

4offres ouvertes

3organisations qui recrutent

67violences recensées en 3 mois

157morts (estimation)

Région : Moyen-Orient

Pour préparer une mission ou une prise de poste : l'essentiel du contexte, région par région. Ce briefing ne remplace pas le briefing sécurité de votre organisation à l'arrivée.

Situation du pays dans sa région
Briefing d'orientation : Iran2 / 15

Situation sociopolitique et économique

Histoire et contexte

Connu sous le nom de Perse jusqu'en 1935, l'Iran est devenu une république islamique en 1979, après le renversement de la monarchie au pouvoir et l'exil forcé du chah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI. Des forces cléricales conservatrices, menées par l'ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI, ont instauré un système de gouvernement théocratique, dans lequel l'autorité politique suprême est confiée à un savant religieux appelé Guide suprême, qui ne rend de comptes qu'à l'Assemblée des experts, un organe élu de 88 membres issus du clergé. Les relations entre les États-Unis et l'Iran se sont tendues lorsque des étudiants iraniens ont pris d'assaut l'ambassade des États-Unis à Téhéran en novembre 1979 et retenu en otage le personnel de l'ambassade jusqu'à la mi-janvier 1981. Les États-Unis ont rompu leurs relations diplomatiques avec l'Iran en avril 1980. De 1980 à 1988, l'Iran a mené contre l'Irak une guerre sanglante et indécise, qui s'est finalement étendue au golfe Persique et a conduit à des affrontements entre la marine américaine et les forces militaires iraniennes. L'Iran est désigné comme État soutenant le terrorisme depuis 1984.

Après l'élection du réformateur Hodjatoleslam Mohammad KHATAMI à la présidence en 1997, puis l'arrivée d'un Majlis (Parlement) réformateur en 2000, une campagne de réformes politiques, en réponse au mécontentement populaire, a été lancée, mais les responsables politiques conservateurs ont bloqué les mesures de réforme tout en intensifiant la répression. Les élections municipales et législatives de 2003 et 2004 ont vu les conservateurs reprendre le contrôle des institutions gouvernementales élues de l'Iran, ce qui a abouti à l'investiture en 2005 du dur Mahmoud AHMADINEJAD à la présidence. Sa réélection en 2009 a déclenché des manifestations à l'échelle nationale, sur fond d'allégations de fraude électorale, et ces manifestations se sont poursuivies jusqu'en 2011. En 2013, les Iraniens ont élu à la présidence le clerc centriste Dr Hassan Fereidoun ROHANI, un haut dignitaire de longue date du régime, qui avait promis de réformer la société et la politique étrangère. En 2019, la décision soudaine de Téhéran d'augmenter le prix de l'essence a déclenché des manifestations à l'échelle nationale, que le régime a réprimées avec violence. Les conservateurs ont remporté la majorité aux élections du Majlis en 2020, et le clerc ultra-conservateur Ebrahim RAISSI a été élu président en 2021, ce qui a abouti à un monopole conservateur sur l'ensemble des institutions du régime, élues et non élues.

L'Iran reste soumis à une série de sanctions internationales et de contrôles à l'exportation en raison de son implication dans le terrorisme, de la prolifération d'armes, des atteintes aux droits humains et des préoccupations suscitées par la nature de son programme nucléaire. L'Iran a obtenu un allègement des sanctions liées au nucléaire en échange de concessions nucléaires dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du Plan d'action global commun (JCPOA), à partir de 2016. Toutefois, les États-Unis ont rétabli les sanctions liées au nucléaire contre l'Iran après que celui-ci a unilatéralement mis fin à sa participation au JCPOA en 2018. En octobre 2023, l'UE et le Royaume-Uni ont également décidé de maintenir les mesures liées à la prolifération nucléaire visant l'Iran, ainsi que les embargos sur les armes et les missiles, en réponse au non-respect par l'Iran de ses engagements au titre du JCPOA.

En tant que président, RAISSI s'est attaché à approfondir les relations extérieures de l'Iran avec des États hostiles aux États-Unis, en particulier la Chine et la Russie, afin de résister aux sanctions américaines et à la pression diplomatique, tout en soutenant les négociations visant à rétablir un accord nucléaire, qui ont débuté en 2021. RAISSI a dû faire face à des manifestations nationales qui ont commencé en septembre 2022 et se sont prolongées pendant plus de trois mois, après la mort de Mahsa AMINI, une Iranienne kurde, en garde à vue de la police des mœurs. Les jeunes et les femmes ont mené ces manifestations, dont les revendications portaient principalement sur un changement de régime.

Régime politique

théocratie républicaine

Briefing d'orientation : Iran3 / 15

Groupes ethniques, langues, religions

Groupes ethniques

Persans, Azéris, Kurdes, Lurs, Baloutches, Arabes, Turkmènes et tribus turques

Langues

persan (farsi) (officielle), azéri et autres dialectes turcs, kurde, gilaki et mazandarani, luri, baloutche, arabe

Religions

musulmane (officielle) 98,5 %, chrétienne 0,7 %, bahá'íe 0,3 %, agnostique 0,3 %, autres (dont zoroastriens, juifs, hindous) 0,2 % (estimations 2020)

Profils pays : The World Factbook (CIA), domaine public, dernière édition (2025-2026) ; traduction par Humanitaires Jobs.

Briefing d'orientation : Iran4 / 15

Économie et société

Aperçu de l'économie

économie traditionnellement contrôlée par l'État, mais dont les entités financières publiques sont en cours de réforme ; secteurs pétrolier et gazier, agricole et des services solides ; inflation massive récente due à la dépréciation du taux de change, aux sanctions internationales et à l'incertitude des investisseurs ; pauvreté en hausse

92,4 MPopulation2025

77,4 %Population urbaine2025

3 924 $USPIB par habitant2025

-2,8 %Croissance du PIB2025

42,2 %Inflation2025

2,5 %Extrême pauvreté (seuil international)2023

8,3 %Chômage2025

88,9 %Alphabétisation des adultes2023

85,3 %Utilisateurs d'Internet2024

100 %Accès à l'électricité2024

Réfugiés et déplacés

770 514réfugiés accueillis2025

207 175réfugiés et demandeurs d'asile originaires du pays2025

Indicateurs : Banque mondiale (CC BY 4.0) ; réfugiés et déplacés : HCR, Refugee Data Finder. Dernière année disponible pour chaque chiffre.

Briefing d'orientation : Iran5 / 15

Porteurs d'armes

Forces armées et de sécurité

les forces militaires de l'Iran se répartissent entre les Forces régulières de la République islamique d'Iran (Artesh) et le Corps des gardiens de la révolution islamique (CGRI ou Sepah) :Artesh : forces terrestres, marine (comprend l'infanterie de marine), armée de l'air, forces de défense aériennesCGRI : forces terrestres, marine (comprend l'infanterie de marine), Force aérospatiale (contrôle la force de missiles stratégiques), Force Al-Qods (également appelée Quds Force ; opérations spéciales), Commandement cyber-électronique, forces paramilitaires BassidjMinistère de l'Intérieur : Commandement des forces de l'ordre (FARAJA)Ministère du Renseignement et de la Sécurité (2025)

Groupes terroristes désignés

Corps des gardiens de la révolution islamique (CGRI)/Force Al-Qods ; État islamique en Irak et dans le Levant (EIIL) ; Jaych al-Adl (Jundallah) ; Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) ; al-Qaïda

Acteurs armés les plus impliqués dans les violences récentes

Noms des parties tels que codés par UCDP, juillet – septembre 2026. « Government of … » désigne les forces de l'État.

ActeurÉvénementsMorts
Government of Iran57142
Government of Israel, Government of United States of America2783
Jaish al-Adl2039
PJAK58
KDPI27

Liste informative, à compléter par l'analyse de sécurité de votre organisation et des forums de sécurité des ONG.

Briefing d'orientation : Iran6 / 15

Avertissements officiels

Conseils du gouvernement britannique (FCDO) aux voyageurs. Certaines consignes visent les ressortissants britanniques ; suivez toujours celles de votre organisation.

Traduction en cours : texte officiel en anglais.

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. 

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

Briefing d'orientation : Iran7 / 15

Sécurité récente

Événements de violence organisée recensés par UCDP, juillet – septembre 2026.

Alborz : 0 · 0Ardebil : 0 · 0Bushehr : 1 · 1Chahar Mahall and BakhtiariEast Azarbaijan : 1 · 1Esfahan : 0 · 0FarsGilanGolestanHamadanHormozgan : 11 · 36IlamKermanKermanshah : 1 · 4Khuzestan : 8 · 24Kohgiluyeh and Buyer Ahmad : 1 · 1Kordestan : 5 · 10LorestanMarkaziMazandaranNorth KhorasanQazvinQom : 0 · 0Razavi Khorasan : 1 · 2SemnanSistan and Baluchestan : 24 · 49South KhorasanTehran : 0 · 0West Azarbaijan : 8 · 15YazdZanjan : 1 · 3
Plus la région est foncée, plus elle a connu d'événements.
Conflit armé impliquant l'État · 58Violence contre les civils · 9

Par mois : juillet 38 · août 12 · septembre 17

RégionÉvénementsMortsCivilsTendance
Sistan and Baluchestan24492▲ en hausse
Hormozgan113613▲ en hausse
Khuzestan8240▲ en hausse
West Azarbaijan8151▲ en hausse
Kordestan5105stable
Kermanshah140▼ en baisse
Zanjan130stable
Razavi Khorasan120nouveau
Bushehr110stable
East Azarbaijan110nouveau
Kohgiluyeh and Buyer Ahmad110stable
Briefing d'orientation : Iran8 / 15

Sûreté et sécurité

Traduction en cours : texte officiel en anglais.

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 
Briefing d'orientation : Iran9 / 15

Santé

Indicateurs de santé

77,9ansEspérance de vie2024

11,3pour 1 000 naissancesMortalité des moins de 5 ans2024

16pour 100 000 naissancesMortalité maternelle2023

2,2pour 1 000 personnes à risquePaludisme (nouveaux cas)2024

1,81pour 1 000 habitantsMédecins2023

97,9 %Accès à l'eau potable de base2024

Risques sanitaires et précautions (conseils officiels)

Traduction en cours : texte officiel en anglais.

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:  

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. 

Briefing d'orientation : Iran10 / 15

Entrée et visas

Pour les autres nationalités :
  • Sans visa (41) : Arabie saoudite, Arménie, Azerbaïdjan, Bahreïn, Biélorussie, Bosnie-Herzégovine, Brésil, Cambodge, Chine, Croatie, Cuba, Égypte, Émirats arabes unis, Géorgie, Hong Kong, Indonésie, Irak, Japon, Kazakhstan, Kirghizistan, Koweït, Liban, Malaisie, Maurice, Mauritanie, Mexique, Oman, Ouzbékistan, Pérou, Qatar, Serbie, Seychelles, Singapour, Syrie, Tadjikistan, Tanzanie, Tunisie, Turquie, Venezuela, Viêt Nam, Zimbabwe
  • Visa délivré à l'arrivée (120) : Afrique du Sud, Albanie, Algérie, Allemagne, Angola, Argentine, Australie, Autriche, Barbade, Belgique, Bénin, Bhoutan, Bolivie, Botswana, Bulgarie, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, Cap-Vert, Chili, Chypre, Comores, Congo, Corée du Nord, Corée du Sud, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Danemark, Djibouti, Équateur, Érythrée, Espagne, Eswatini, Éthiopie, Fidji, Finlande, France, Gabon, Gambie, Ghana, Grèce, Guatemala, Guinée, Guinée équatoriale, Guinée-Bissau, Guyana, Haïti, Honduras, Hongrie, Îles Salomon, Inde, Irlande, Italie, Jamaïque, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Libye, Luxembourg, Macédoine du Nord, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Maroc, Moldavie, Mongolie, Monténégro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibie, Népal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norvège, Nouvelle-Zélande, Ouganda, Palestine, Panama, Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, Paraguay, Pays-Bas, Philippines, Pologne, Portugal, RD Congo, République centrafricaine, République dominicaine, Roumanie, Russie, Rwanda, Salvador, Samoa, Sao Tomé-et-Principe, Sénégal, Sierra Leone, Slovaquie, Soudan, Soudan du Sud, Sri Lanka, Suède, Suisse, Suriname, Tchad, Tchéquie, Thaïlande, Timor oriental, Togo, Tonga, Trinité-et-Tobago, Turkménistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Yémen, Zambie
  • Visa à demander à l'ambassade avant le départ (9) : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombie, États-Unis, Jordanie, Pakistan, Royaume-Uni, Somalie
  • Entrée actuellement non admise (1) : Israël

Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), licence MIT. Indicatif, pour un séjour touristique ; vérifiez toujours auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat. (17 février 2026)

Visa de travail et permis humanitaire

  • Un visa touristique ne permet pas de travailler : votre organisation demande en général un visa de travail ou de mission, avec une lettre d'invitation et l'enregistrement de l'ONG auprès des autorités.
  • Comptez souvent plusieurs semaines : préparez passeport valable au moins 6 mois, photos, diplômes, contrat et certificat de vaccination internationale.
  • Le personnel des Nations unies voyage avec le laissez-passer et un visa officiel demandé par l'agence.
Conditions d'entrée détaillées (FCDO, pour les voyageurs britanniques)

Traduction en cours : texte officiel en anglais.

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. 

You are at risk of arrest, detention and a death sentence if you travel to Iran. 

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

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.  

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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Iranian dual nationals

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.

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.  

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.

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:  

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. 

Briefing d'orientation : Iran11 / 15

Coordination humanitaire

Avant d'arriver, inscrivez-vous auprès des coordinations : elles partagent les alertes, les réunions des clusters et les contacts utiles.

Clusters : santé, nutrition, protection, EHA (eau, hygiène, assainissement), sécurité alimentaire, abris, éducation, logistique, télécommunications d'urgence et CCCM. Leurs réunions et contacts sont publiés par OCHA dans chaque pays où ils sont activés.

Briefing d'orientation : Iran12 / 15

Les humanitaires sur place

Organisations qui recrutent dans le pays, d'après les offres ouvertes sur le site :

PAM · 2PNUD · 1NRC · 1

Voir les offres en IranFinancements ↗Appels d'offres ↗Se former à la sécurité sur le terrain

Briefing d'orientation : Iran13 / 15

Fiches par région

Violences des 3 derniers mois, offres d'emploi et passages des conseils officiels qui citent la région.

Alborz : 0 offreArdebil : 0 offreBushehr : 0 offreChahar Mahall and Bakhtiari : 0 offreEast Azarbaijan : 0 offreEsfahan : 0 offreFars : 0 offreGilan : 0 offreGolestan : 0 offreHamadan : 0 offreHormozgan : 0 offreIlam : 0 offreKerman : 0 offreKermanshah : 0 offreKhuzestan : 0 offreKohgiluyeh and Buyer Ahmad : 0 offreKordestan : 0 offreLorestan : 0 offreMarkazi : 0 offreMazandaran : 0 offreNorth Khorasan : 0 offreQazvin : 0 offreQom : 0 offreRazavi Khorasan : 0 offreSemnan : 0 offreSistan and Baluchestan : 0 offreSouth Khorasan : 0 offreTehran : 1 offreWest Azarbaijan : 0 offreYazd : 0 offreZanjan : 0 offre
Offres d'emploi par région · Plus la région est foncée, plus elle a d'offres ouvertes.

Sistan and Baluchestan

24 événements · 49 morts · 2 civils

Hormozgan

11 événements · 36 morts · 13 civils

Khuzestan

8 événements · 24 morts

West Azarbaijan

8 événements · 15 morts · 1 civil

Kordestan

5 événements · 10 morts · 5 civils

Bushehr

1 événement · 1 mort

East Azarbaijan

1 événement · 1 mort

Kermanshah

1 événement · 4 morts

Kohgiluyeh and Buyer Ahmad

1 événement · 1 mort

Razavi Khorasan

1 événement · 2 morts

Zanjan

1 événement · 3 morts

Tehran

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

1 offre →

Alborz

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Ardebil

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Chahar Mahall and Bakhtiari

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Esfahan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Fars

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Gilan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Golestan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Hamadan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Ilam

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Kerman

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Lorestan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Markazi

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Mazandaran

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

North Khorasan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Qazvin

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Qom

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Semnan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

South Khorasan

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Yazd

Aucune violence organisée recensée sur la période.

Briefing d'orientation : Iran14 / 15

Check-list d'arrivée

  1. Avant le départ : lisez le plan de sécurité du pays et les procédures (SOP) de votre organisation.
  2. Vérifiez votre assurance santé, rapatriement et évacuation pour ce pays, y compris les zones de conflit.
  3. Vaccins et prévention : fièvre jaune, paludisme et autres risques, avec un centre de médecine des voyages.
  4. Documents : passeport valable au moins 6 mois, visa ou permis, copies papier et numériques, photos d'identité.
  5. Dès l'arrivée : briefing avec le point focal sécurité, enregistrement de vos coordonnées, liste des contacts d'urgence.
  6. Communication : téléphone local, radio ou téléphone satellite, indicatif d'appel et procédure de check-in.
  7. Déplacements : règles de mouvement, couvre-feu, zones interdites, autorisations de mission et convois.
  8. Plan de contingence : points de regroupement, hibernation, relocalisation, évacuation et sac d'urgence prêt.
  9. Santé sur place : structures médicales de référence, trousse de premiers secours, eau potable.
  10. Culture : tenue, salutations, photos (demandez toujours l'accord, évitez les sites sensibles), relations avec les autorités.
  11. Coordination : forum des ONG, réunions des clusters, accès humanitaire et coordination civilo-militaire.
  12. Bien-être : repos, gestion du stress, soutien psychosocial proposé par votre organisation.
Briefing d'orientation : Iran15 / 15

Sources et avertissement

Ce briefing rassemble des informations publiques pour préparer une mission. Il ne remplace ni l'analyse de sécurité de votre organisation, ni les consignes de votre point focal sécurité, ni les autorités du pays.

  • Conseils aux voyageurs : FCDO, GOV.UK, contient des informations du secteur public publiées sous Open Government Licence v3.0 ; traduction et mise en page par Humanitaires Jobs, sans lien avec le gouvernement britannique.
  • Violences : UCDP Candidate Events Dataset v26.0.9, Université d'Uppsala, licence CC BY 4.0 ; données provisoires, chiffres par pays et par région calculés par Humanitaires Jobs.
  • Visas : Passport Index Data, licence MIT.
  • Indicateurs : Banque mondiale (CC BY 4.0) ; réfugiés et déplacés : HCR, Refugee Data Finder. Dernière année disponible pour chaque chiffre.
  • Profils pays : The World Factbook (CIA), domaine public, dernière édition (2025-2026) ; traduction par Humanitaires Jobs.