Safety and security

Unrest

You are strongly advised to avoid any street gatherings or demonstrations while in Iran and to avoid taking photographs,showing an interest in demonstrations, or flying drones, as such behaviour can result in arrest and detention by the security forces. We recommend you exercise caution and monitor local media reporting for up to date advice on security risks.

Terrorism

There is a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, and there have been a number of terrorist attacks in Iran in recent years.

Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by large crowds. Local contacts such as hotel staff or tour organisers are also good sources of information.

Crime

Travellers have occasionally been victims of theft while in Iran so you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from crime:

• Don’t carry your travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as busy streets, train and bus stations.
• There have been attempted robberies by people claiming to be plain-clothes policemen. 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. Don’t hand over any documents or cash, or get in to any vehicle.

Reporting crime

If you are a victim of a crime while in Iran, report it to the local police immediately. You can also contact the Honorary Consul in Tehran or the Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye if you need help.

Driving

If you are planning to drive in Iran, you should be extremely careful. The standard of driving, particularly in urban centres, is poor and can be challenging to newcomers. Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world and travellers should drive with great care.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you are stopped at traffic lights

 If you are involved in an incident

Do not leave the scene. You should wait until the police arrive to make their report.

Hiring a vehicle

If you are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Advice for all visitors

People travelling on tourist visas should strictly adhere to the conditions of their visas. Tourists should not engage in any other activities such as voluntary work, research or internships. It is a criminal offence to do so and may lead to prosecution or detention. Tourists should bear in mind that Iranian security forces may be suspicious of foreign nationals, particularly independent travellers or students. Any behaviour that doesn't have an obvious explanation can put you at risk, no matter how innocent you believe it to be. This may include travel off the beaten track, being present near crowds or sensitive sites, taking photographs (except in major tourist sites) and having contact with Iranians who are of interest to the authorities.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. 

Muslim culture

Iran is an Islamic Republic and Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour.

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced. Visitors should dress conservatively. Men should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts; women must cover their head with a scarf and conceal the body’s contours by wearing a loose-fitting knee-length outer garment and trousers. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

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.

Law enforcement

Irish citizens are subject to Iranian law when in Iran, which differs in many areas to Irish law.

There are restrictive laws governing modesty and sexuality in Iran. Sex outside of marriage and adultery are illegal and subject to severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Same-sex relations for both men and women are illegal in Iran and subject to punishments including corporal punishment, prison sentences and the death penalty.

Forbidden products

It is prohibited to import alcohol or pork products into Iran. The sale and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden and penalties can be severe.

Photography

Photography or the flying of drones near military, government installations and many other areas is strictly prohibited. Any transgression may result in detention and serious criminal charges. Be aware that sensitive government buildings and facilities may be hard to identify so take extreme care when taking photographs in any areas that are anything other than very obvious tourist attractions.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate

Iran has a variable climate ranging from arid or semi-arid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast and the northern forests.

Summers can be extremely hot and you should take care to prepare yourself for extreme heat if travelling in Iran, particularly in July and August.

Some regions have heavy snowfall during winter.

Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.

In all cases, you should pay close attention to local news reports on the weather and follow the advice of local authorities and contacts.

Earthquakes

Iran is located in an active seismic area. There have been several major earthquakes in recent years.

If you are travelling to or living in Iran, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake. Familiarise yourself with the appropriate steps to take in case of an earthquake, including carrying a minimum of emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, whistle and any relevant medication and liquid.

Additional information

Entry requirements

If you are unsure of the entry requirements for Iran, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Iran.

You should also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

Passports

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

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

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Iran. Medical facilities are reasonable in the major cities of Iran but poor in remote areas.

It is recommended that you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation if required.

Communications

Communications can be difficult with low internet speed, frequent interruptions of SMS networks and sporadic severing of the mobile phone network.

Be aware that 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 criminal charges including espionage.

Money

You can’t use international bank cards (debit or credit) in Iran. Usually it’s not possible to change travellers’ cheques. You should therefore bring enough hard currency (Euro or US dollars) with you to fund your stay.