Iran Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Iran.
Iran runs both public and private healthcare facilities. City hospitals meet reasonable standards. Rural services thin out quickly.
Private hospitals in north Tehran and similar upscale districts offer the best equipment and English-speaking staff. Find one near your hotel early.
Pharmacies dot every neighborhood and stock most medications, often without prescriptions. Western brands disappear fast. Pack your own prescriptions in original containers. Bring extra.
Medical evacuation coverage is not legally required. Get it anyway. This matters enormously.
- ✓ Carry a card stating your blood type and conditions. Write it in Persian.
- ✓ Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid common traveler's stomach issues.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpockets and bag-snatchers work crowded zones. Bazaars, buses, and major sites draw them.
Road standards vary. City driving feels chaotic. Pedestrian crossings mean little to drivers.
Protests erupt without warning. Foreigners caught inside face detention and worse.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Fake police stop you to inspect passports or cash for 'counterfeits.' They steal both.
Unofficial money changers count fast and distract you. You receive less than agreed.
Unmetered taxis cluster at airports and tourist hubs. They overcharge newcomers shamelessly.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separate from the originals.
- • Dress conservatively to respect local norms and avoid unwanted attention.
- • Always carry the contact details of your country's embassy in Tehran.
- • Treat all electronic communication as monitored. Run a VPN. Skip political talk online.
- • Watch your words about local politics, even in private. Government criticism carries risk.
- • Sanctions block international cards. Bring every dollar or euro you will need. Bills must be clean and new.
- • Change money only at official exchange shops, called 'Sarafi'.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Solo women travel Iran regularly. Many feel safe from harassment personally. The legal and social framework still imposes strict rules. Follow them precisely.
- → Women must wear headscarves (hijab) and loose clothing covering arms and legs in public. Always.
- → Unaccompanied women may be refused entry to some cafes or restaurants.
- → Public transport reserves front bus and metro rows for women. Use them. More comfortable.
Same-sex relations are illegal and criminalized in Iran.
- → Discretion is not optional. It is essential. Keep all public behavior strictly platonic.
- → Avoid LGBTQ+ discussions entirely. Exercise caution with dating apps and online activity.
- → The stakes are high. Criminal prosecution is a real possibility.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
No working international payments. Possible medical evacuation. These two facts make travel insurance essential for Iran.
Ready to plan your trip to Iran?
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