Iran

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, including in the capital Tehran. Targets for bomb attacks include foreign interests, Iranian government establishments, military parades and religious sites and processions. In recent years there have been bombings in the border areas of Sistan-va-Baluchistan and West Azerbaijan provinces.

Violent incidents over past years against the British Embassy compound, other Western embassies, some Middle East missions and the United Nations, 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 pay close attention to your personal security at all times and closely monitor the media and other local sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Violent protests against UK interests: Since 29 November 2011, there have been attacks on diplomatic premises in Tehran belonging to the United Kingdom. You should avoid locations where these attacks have occurred. This situation is developing quickly.

You should monitor developments closely, maintain a low profile and avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings.

Since the Iranian presidential election was held in June 2009, there has been heightened political tension and an unpredictable security situation. Large demonstrations and violent clashes, resulting in some deaths, have taken place in Tehran and other cities in Iran. Further incidents are possible. There has also been an increase in anti-Western sentiment. Embassies have been the focus of some demonstrations. Severe restrictions have been placed on foreign journalists.

International and regional tensions have increased following several recent issues including, the Middle East uprisings, military exercises, missile testing, and United Nations Security Council action against Iran. Events and political developments in the region, increased domestic unrest and political tension may also trigger demonstrations, which could turn violent.

Border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan: There have been terrorist attacks and violent crime in border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent years. We strongly advise you not to travel to areas near the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders, including the province of Sistan-va-Baluchistan, areas in Kerman province east of the city of Kerman (including the city of Bam), and areas near the border with Afghanistan in Razavi Khorasan (Khorasan-e-Razavi) and South Khorasan (Khorasan-e-Jonubi) provinces. Bombings occurred in Chahabar in December 2010 and Zahedan in July 2010. As well as terrorist incidents, violent clashes between security forces and drug traffickers can occur in these areas. Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

Border areas near Iraq: We strongly advise you not to travel to areas near the border with Iraq, in particular Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan and Ilam provinces and Khorramshahr in Khuzestan province, because of the extremely dangerous security situation. As well as terrorist incidents, such as an attack on a military parade in West Azerbaijan in September 2010, violent clashes and confrontations have occurred in these areas in recent years. We continue to receive reports of violent clashes between Iranian forces and Kurdish militants.

Iran has a low crime rate, although petty crime does occur. There have been bag snatchings on the street and violent burglaries at the homes of expatriates.

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.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and 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. Cirrus or Maestro ATMs cannot be accessed in Iran. Credit cards are not accepted and it is sometimes impossible to cash travellers' cheques. It is also not possible to transfer funds into Iran using the commercial banking system or money transfer companies.

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.

There are serious safety concerns about ageing aeroplanes, including Russian-built and other aircraft, on many of Iran's domestic air services. Travel on these aircraft should be avoided where possible.
Recent incidents include:
• In January 2011, over 80 people were killed in Urumiyeh, West Azerbaijan, when an Iran Air aircraft crashed;
• In January 2010, a Taban Airline flight crash landed on arrival at Mashad airport, injuring 48 passengers; and
• In July 2009, 184 people were killed in two separate crashes in Iran involving commercial airliners.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Iran. Women are required 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. It is highly unlikely that the Australian Government will be allowed to provide consular assistance to dual nationals who have been detained. Iranian officials may not notify the Australian embassy that an Australian/Iranian dual nationals has been arrested or detained.

Australian/Iranian dual national males who have not completed military service may be prohibited from leaving Iran.

Dual national females may require the permission of their husband or a senior male relative to leave Iran.

Iranian immigration officials may confiscate the foreign passports of dual nationals.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

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.

Sandstorms 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 respect wildlife laws and 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.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

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.