smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Iran
| Iran overall | This Advice is current for Monday, 13 October 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| Border areas with Afghanistan and Iraq | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| Sistan va Baluchestan province and Kerman province east of Kerman city | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Terrorism (explosion in Shiraz) and Civil Unrest/Political Tension (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Iran because of the threat of terrorist attack against Western interests. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in Iran, including places frequented by foreigners.
Acts of political violence occur throughout Iran, particularly in the capital, Tehran. These include bomb attacks against foreign targets, Iranian government establishments and religious sites. In April 2008, 14 people were killed and more than 200 wounded in an explosion at a mosque in the southern city of Shiraz.
Violent incidents over the past two years against the British embassy compound and other Western embassies underline the potential for Western interests in Iran to be targeted.
In planning your activities, consider the types of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include embassies, hotels, places of worship, government interests and identifiably Western businesses and interests. You should monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Events and political developments in the region may prompt large demonstrations. You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations throughout Iran as they may become violent. You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders.
International and regional tensions have increased following several recent issues including military exercises and missile testing.
Increased domestic unrest and tension may also trigger violence. In February 2007, a car bomb exploded in Zahedan, the capital of south-eastern Sistan va Baluchestan province killing 18 people. In May 2006, 12 people were killed in a roadside shooting on the road between Bam and Kerman city. This attack followed a similar incident in March 2006 in Sistan va Baluchestan province in which 23 people were killed.
Border areas near Iraq: We strongly advise you not to travel to areas near the border between Iran and Iraq, in particular Ilam province and Khorramshahr in Khuzestan province, because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Deadly bomb attacks have occurred in the city of Ahvaz. Violent confrontations between government forces and Iranian opposition groups based in Iraq are ongoing. There have been violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the Kordestan, Kermanshahr and southern districts of West Azerbaijan Provinces, centred in the city of Sanandaj.
Iran has a low crime rate, although petty crime does occur.
Tourists have been robbed by bogus plain clothes policemen during supposed identification checks and drug and counterfeit currency searches.
Bags have been snatched from pedestrians by thieves in passing vehicles. Victims may be knocked down or dragged behind vehicles.
Kerman province east of Kerman city, Sistan va Baluchestan province and border areas near Afghanistan: We strongly advise you not to travel to any area in Kerman province east of the city of Kerman (including the city of Bam), any area in Sistan va Baluchestan province and the border areas with Afghanistan. Violent clashes between security forces and drug traffickers often occur in these eastern border regions, in particular the regions of Khorasan and Sistan va Baluchestan. In 2007, foreigners were kidnapped by drug traffickers in this area. Travel at night is particularly hazardous.
The Government of Iraq has closed six border crossings with Iran at Kella, Saranban-Golle, Taiwella, Parweez Khan, Muntheria and al Sheeb.
Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world.
There is petrol rationing in Iran and it is not technically possible to acquire petrol without a petrol ration card. Although the Iranian Government has declared that it has arrangements at border crossings to supply temporary petrol ration cards to foreigners travelling in their own vehicles, some Australian travellers have reported problems acquiring petrol ration cards.
Women should take care when travelling alone, particularly at night.
Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas are sensitive in relation to security and territory. There are reports of vessel inspections, detentions and arrest.
Piracy occurs in the Gulf. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
There are serious safety concerns about Russian-built aircraft on many of Iran's domestic air services. Travel on these aircraft should be avoided where possible.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Iran is in an active seismic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes, including several major earthquakes in recent years.
Iran often experiences extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature can exceed 50˚C.
Sand storms and dust storms occur regularly.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
You should ensure that you have sufficient cash, in the form of US dollars (notes should be post-1996) or Euros to cover all expenses for the duration of your stay in Iran. There are no Cirrus or Maestro ATMs in Iran. Credit cards are not accepted in Iran and it is sometimes impossible to cash travellers' cheques.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Iran, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and include the death penalty.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Iran for both men and women and penalties include the death penalty and corporal punishment. This also applies to foreigners.
The dress code (see Local Customs below) is enforced at all times, including during sports activities.
Close contact between unmarried men and women (especially non-Muslims and Muslims) is prohibited and de facto relationships are illegal. The penalties for breaching these laws are severe.
Photography near military or government buildings and installations and critical civil infrastructure is strictly prohibited and will result in arrest.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Iran. Women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing which covers the arms and legs, a coat and a headscarf. Men should not wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts.
During Ramadan, visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Iran does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Iranian dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Australian/Iranian dual national males who have not completed military service may be prohibited from leaving Iran.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Iran for the most up to date information.
Dual national females may require the permission of their husband or a senior male relative to leave Iran.
Iranian immigration officials may confiscate foreign passports of dual nationals.
If you have any evidence of travel to Israel, including an Israeli exit or entry stamp in your passport, you will be refused entry to Iran.
Failure to declare foreign currency taken into Iran may result in undeclared foreign exchange being confiscated on departure.
The importation of all alcohol, pornography, pork products and short wave radios as well as printed and recorded Western material (including that of a religious nature) is considered culturally sensitive and is strictly prohibited.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in Iran is limited. Facilities in remote areas are extremely limited. In the event of a serious accident/illness, a medical evacuation to London or Dubai may be necessary, costing around $A100,000.
Malaria is prevalent outside the major towns, particularly in the south and west. Other insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis and tick-borne encephalitis) are common in Iran. Ticks are especially active from spring to autumn. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by insects, including using an insect repellent.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Iran. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
In Iran, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
No.13, 23rd Street
Khalid Islambuli Avenue
Tehran, Iran
Telephone: (98 21) 8872 4456
Facsimile: (98 21) 8872 0484
Website: www.iran.embassy.gov.au
The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.
If you are travelling to Iran, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
