Genvisec advises against all travel to within 100km of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border; within 10km of the entire Iran/Iraq border; the province of Sistan-Baluchistan; and the area east of the line running from Bam to Jask, including Bam.

 

We advise that all travel to the rest of Iran, can continue.

 

There’s a risk that foreign nationals could be arbitrarily detained in Iran despite their complete innocence, as happened most recently in 2011. Foreign governments have serious concerns that the subsequent judicial process falls below international standards.

 

In recent months there has been an increase in the detention of dual nationals on allegations of involvement in political and human rights activities. Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran. The Iranian authorities will deny that the the foreign government has any legitimate responsibility for dual national Iranians and are unlikely to grant any consular access.

 

Independent travellers, especially (but not exclusively) if going off the beaten track, face greater risk than those in tour groups or business visitors

 

Crime

 

There have been some attacks and robberies against foreigners. Young men on motorcycles or in cars have snatched bags from individuals either on the street or through open car windows/doors.

 

There have been attempted robberies by bogus policemen, usually in civilian clothing. If you are approached by anyone who claims to be a policeman, ask to see their ID and request the presence of a uniformed officer or marked patrol car. Don’t hand over any documents or cash, or get in to any vehicle.

 

There have been incidents of motorcycle taxis taking tourists to quiet locations where they are then robbed.

 

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and keep your passport safe. Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street.

 

Road travel

 

Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents and fatalities in the world. Most accidents are due to poor driving standards, unsafe vehicles and poor road maintenance. Take great care when travelling by road, including by public transport and when crossing streets. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, don’t leave the scene. Wait until the police arrive to make their report.

 

The Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks both in cities and on main highways. They are often manned by young and inexperienced officers. You should always carry your identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

 

If you wish to drive your own vehicle into Iran, you may be subject to Iranian customs and other regulations. There are special requirements for travellers wishing to bring motorcycles into the country. Contact the Iranian authorities for details well before you travel.

 

Air travel

 

The European Union has highlighted a number of concerns about air safety oversight in Iran. Since April 2010, the State carrier Iran Air has been subject to operational restrictions in the EU and only 14 Airbus A300, eight Airbus A310 and one Boeing B737 from their fleet have permission to operate to/from the European Union. The restriction was put in place because Iran Air had been unable to demonstrate that a number of aircraft in its fleet meet international safety standards.

 

There is limited reliable independent expert information available about domestic airline safety in Iran and the International Civil Aviation Organisation has not audited those bodies responsible for air safety oversight in Iran. Aircraft operating domestic routes in Iran may not necessarily comply with international safety standards. There have been a number of fatal accidents.

 

Sea travel

 

Many areas of the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf are highly sensitive politically. The waters around the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Persian Gulf are particularly sensitive and are militarised. In 2005 a British couple who anchored at Abu Musa were detained and French and German nationals were imprisoned for entering the waters near the island. In November 2009 a group of British sailors were detained for a week, along with their yacht, after accidentally sailing into Iranian waters in this area.

 

Mariners should not attempt to dock at all or sail into waters around these islands without express permission from the Iranian authorities.

 

You should maintain a high state of awareness and be alert to local and regional tensions which may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.

 

In April 2015, a Marshall Islands flagged container ship with an international crew was detained by Iranian forces while transiting the Straits of Hormuz, following what the Iranian authorities said was a court order relating to a commercial dispute; the ship and crew were released 9 days later.

 

Political situation

 

The June 2013 Presidential Elections passed peacefully. However demonstrations are heavily policed with security forces deployed in large numbers and protestors have previously been taken into custody. You should stay away from demonstrations, rallies, large crowds and areas where police and security forces are deployed. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations. Western diplomatic missions have been the focus for previous protests. There is the potential for these to occur on Fridays after prayers. If you are unable to leave the immediate vicinity quickly, you should find a place of safety off the street, preferably indoors.

 

Local laws and customs

Islamic law is strictly enforced in Iran. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July.

 

In any public place 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-sleeve shirts.

 

There are additional dress requirements at certain religious sites. Women may be asked to put on a chador (a garment that covers the whole body except the face) before entering.

 

The import, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden on religious grounds, with exceptions only for certain recognised Iranian religious minorities (not foreigners). Penalties can be severe.

 

Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Sensitive government buildings and facilities are often difficult to identify. Take extreme care when taking photographs in any areas that are anything other than very obvious tourist attractions.

 

Using a laptop or other electronic equipment in public places can be misinterpreted, especially if it contains photographs. You may be arrested and detained on serious criminal charges, including espionage. It is better to ask before taking photographs of people.

 

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 discreet at all times in public. Iranian hotel managers could insist on seeing a marriage certificate before allowing any couple to share a double hotel room. Homosexual behaviour, adultery and sex outside of marriage are illegal under Iranian law and can carry the death penalty.

 

Women’s magazines and DVDs or videos depicting sexual relations are forbidden. There are occasional clampdowns. Satellite dishes and many Western CDs and films remain illegal.

 

Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and enforced. Many individuals convicted of drug offences, including foreign nationals, have been executed.

 

Importing pork products is not allowed.

 

Money

Debit and credit cards won’t work in Iran. There are no cash machines that accept international bank cards. It is usually not possible to change travellers’ cheques. You should bring enough hard currency with you ($US or Euros). It is illegal to change money on the street.

 

Health

Medical facilities are reasonable in the major cities but poor in remote areas. Many health professionals speak some English. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 115 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment

 

Natural disasters

Most of Iran is prone to earthquakes. In 2003, a large earthquake hit Bam, in south eastern Iran, and around 30,000 people died.

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to travel to Iran. These are only available from Iran’s diplomatic and consular missions. You can’t get a visa on arrival in Iran.

 

You should lodge your visa application well in advance of your date of travel. The application process for an Iranian visa can be long and unpredictable. Check the expiry date of your visa before travelling. If you overstay your visa, you may have to remain in Iran until the situation is resolved. Some foreign nationals have experienced considerable difficulties trying to get visas from private online visa agencies.

 

Women, and girls over the age of nine, should wear a headscarf in their visa application photos.

 

Iranian visas are not required for entry to Kish Island where you can stay for 14 days without a visa.

 

Passport Validity

 

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date a visa application for Iran is submitted.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into Iran. ETDs are accepted for exit from Iran; however, this applies solely to foreign nationals who must first acquire permission from the Iranian Bureau of Alien and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (BAFIA). 

 

Previous travel to Israel

 

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

 

Dual nationality

 

Iran doesn’t recognise dual nationality and the Iranian authorities will deny that a foreign government has any legitimate responsibility for dual national Iranians. If you are regarded as an Iranian national under Iranian law, you will be required to enter and leave Iran using Iranian travel documents. This may apply if your father is Iranian, or if you are married to an Iranian man, even if you don’t consider yourself Iranian.

 

If you travel on your Iranian travel documents make sure you have the appropriate immigration endorsement or your foreign passport. There is a very small risk that the Iranian authorities may confiscate your foreign passport.

 

Yellow Fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Travelling with children

 

Under Iranian law, a female parent travelling with her children must have the (usually verbal) permission of the father to take them out of Iran. This is assumed to be the case by Iranian immigration authorities unless the father has petitioned the court, and/or the court has ruled to prevent the children travelling. For further information contact the Iranian Embassy or Consulate nearest you.