23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 125.
Call 115 or go direct to the hospital.
Mountaineers can also contact the Red Crescent on 112 for help.
Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Iran.
Do not travel to Iran due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. The security situation remains volatile and there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Regional tensions are high. The security situation in Iran remains volatile. On 8 January, Iran fired missiles against two military bases in Iraq containing US personnel. Tensions in the region could escalate rapidly. If, despite our strong advice, you decide to go to or stay in Iran, monitor media for possible threats. Iranian authorities have acknowledged responsibility for the shooting down of a Ukrainian International Airlines flight shortly after take-off from Tehran on 8 January. A number of international airlines have cancelled flights to Iran. Contact your airline or travel company for the latest flight information.
Tensions in the region remain high due to:
If despite our strong advice you go to Iran and decide to stay there, monitor media for possible threats and keep a low profile. If tensions escalate, your options to leave may be limited. The Australian Government may not be able to assist with your departure. Check the latest flight status with your airline and make arrangements in case you can’t leave. Share those plans with family and friends.
Iranian authorities are active in and closely monitor border areas with Iraq. The security situation within 10km of the Iran-Iraq border is extremely dangerous.
Do not visit military or nuclear sites, these are not always clearly marked. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media.
On 21 August 2019, the Australian Prime Minister announced the Government would make a contribution to freedom of navigation and the protection of international shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. This contribution is not directed at Iran, but is about providing security for the flow of commercial vessels across the Middle East region.
Political developments in the region and local political tensions can trigger protests, demonstrations and vigils.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Iranians sometimes protest against some Western and Middle East embassies and UN missions. The Saudi Arabia mission in Tehran was attacked in January 2016. The United Kingdom mission in Tehran was attacked in November 2011.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Be prepared to change your travel plans in case of disruptions.
If civil unrest disrupts transport, ask your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.
More information:
Travellers in Iran, including Australians, risk arbitrary detention or arrest. Dual nationals are at greater risk.
You may also be at greater risk if authorities are suspicious of your activities or background. You could also attract the attention of authorities if you:
We can't guarantee consular access if you are detained or arrested. We also can't guarantee access to legal representation.
A terrorist attack could happen anywhere in Iran at anytime, including in Tehran. Recent attacks that have occurred:
In recent years, terrorists have bombed border areas of the provinces of Sistan va Baluchestan and West Azerbaijan.
Possible targets for attacks include:
To stay safe from terrorist risks:
If there's an attack:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Drug traffickers and bandits are active in the border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan. This includes:
Violent incidents often occur in these areas, such as:
Travel at night is particularly dangerous.
Outside these areas, the level of violent crime is low, but petty crime is common.
Be alert to your surroundings, especially at night. Don't draw unwanted attention to yourself.
Thieves in passing vehicles snatch bags from walkers. They may knock down victims and drag them behind cars or motorbikes. If you're walking, carry bags on the side of your body furthest from the road.
Women can face unwanted attention and harassment. Women should take care travelling alone, particularly at night.
Men in cars may approach tourists and claim to be plain-clothes police. They say they're looking for foreign drug dealers and ask to see wallets and ID.
If this happens, it could be a scam. Ask a uniformed police officer for help.
Earthquakes and severe weather occur in Iran.
If a natural disaster happens:
Iran experiences frequent earthquakes. There have been several major earthquakes in recent years.
In November 2018, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Kermanshah province in western Iran. causing significant loss of life and extensive damage to buildings and other infrastructure
In November 2017 a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Kermanshah province (in western Iran) causing significant loss of life and extensive damage to buildings and other infrastructure.
Aftershocks often follow a major earthquake. They can cause further damage to already weakened structures.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Iran experiences extremely high temperatures.
The temperature in some areas can reach over 50˚C in July and August, the hottest months of the year.
Some regions have heavy snowfall during winter.
Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.
Widespread flash flooding affected large parts of Iran from mid-March to April 2019. It affected 26 of Iran's 31 provinces, most severely in Golestan, Fars, Khuzestan, Lorestan, and other provinces. A number of people died.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are. Check that Iran is not excluded from your cover because of sanctions.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Some specialised medicines are in short supply in Iran.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Iran. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
There is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Iran with medical facilities under serious pressure. Medical evacuation is not likely to be possible.
Noting the other risks in Iran, including to your safety, we advise Australians not to go to Iran. If you’re in Iran, leave while commercial options are available.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Insect-borne diseases
Malaria is common outside the major towns, especially in Iran's south and west.
Other insect-borne diseases are common, including:
Ticks are most active in spring, summer and autumn.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a risk.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur, such as:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Significant air pollution occurs in major cities. Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.
Get medical advice if you have allergies or breathing difficulties.
The standard of medical facilities varies. Facilities in remote areas are extremely limited.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as London or Dubai. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and may not be possible.
Medical tourism including for cosmetic operations is common. The standard of medical service providers can vary. Research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Serious and possibly life threatening complications can occur.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and include the death penalty.
Authorities have executed foreigners for drug-related offences in recent years.
More information:
Get professional advice if you're involved in local legal proceedings. In particular, seek advice on matters of family law, such as:
Know your rights and responsibilities.
Penalties for serious offences include death and corporal punishment. Same-sex relations are considered serious offences.
These activities are illegal in Iran:
More information:
Iran has strict Islamic codes of dress and behaviour.
It's illegal to behave in a way considered to offend Islam. For example, you must not encourage Muslims to convert to another religion.
It's also illegal to:
If you're a woman, in public you're required by law to wear:
If you're male, don't wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts.
You cannot photograph sensitive sites or events, including:
It's illegal to use drones without authorisation.
You will need permission to bring in a range of electronic equipment, including:
Unauthorised use may result in arrest or detention. Tracking software installed on mobile phones, tablets or other computer equipment may attract the attention of authorities.
For advice, contact your nearest Iranian embassy or consulate.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Iran doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual national, you may be at greater risk of arbitrary arrest or detention.
If you're arrested or detained, it's highly unlikely the Government of Iran would:
If you're a British national or British-Iranian dual national, check the UK Government's travel advice for advice about your risks.
Under Iranian law, Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on their Iranian passport. Iranian immigration officials routinely confiscate the foreign passports of dual nationals.
If you're an Australian-Iranian dual national, authorities may not allow you to leave Iran if:
We advise you not to travel to Iran if you are dual Australian-US or Australian-Israeli citizen, in line with those countries' advice to their citizens.
More information:
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Iran. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
If despite our advice you decide to travel to Iran, you'll need a visa to enter. You must apply for a visa before you travel. Contact your nearest Iranian embassy to apply.
Tourist visas are not being issued until further notice.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the embassy of Iran for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
The Government of Iran issues Iranian visas. The Australian Embassy can't intervene in visa matters, including visas on arrival.
If despite our advice you travel to Iran, you'll need to provide a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test at the port of entry and exit of Iran. In addition, you'll be tested at the port of entry to Iran. If you're suspected of having the virus, you'll be quarantined at a government-managed facility at your own expense If you don't meet these requirements, you'll not be permitted to enter Iran.
Airlines are reducing or stopping flights into and out of Iran. Noting the other risks in Iran, including to your safety, we now advise Australians not to go to Iran. If you’re in Iran, leave while commercial options are available. Note some countries have put in place restrictions on travellers coming out of Iran.
Restrictions on movement in Iran have been tightened. There's a curfew from 10pm to 3am. Breach of the curfew will result in a fine.
Many shops and commercial enterprises are closed and government agencies are operating at a significantly reduced capacity.
If you are a foreign national (excluding permanent residents) returning from Iran, you will not be allowed to enter Australia until 14 days after you have left, or transited through, Iran.
More information:
If your passport has evidence you've travelled to Israel, such as an Israeli exit or entry stamp, authorities will refuse you entry to Iran.
Strict import restrictions apply.
If you're a dual national, you may not be able to leave Iran unless you meet certain conditions.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.
The local currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR).
Declare any foreign currency you have when you arrive in Iran. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, authorities may confiscate it when you leave.
You can change major currencies in all major cities. However, recent government action has made it harder to change money in exchange bureaus.
You can't use international credit or bank cards.
You can't transfer funds into Iran using:
Bring enough cash to cover your stay.
To drive in Iran you need both:
Get an IDP before leaving Australia.
Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world.
You're 6 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Iran than in Australia.
If you plan to drive:
Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when crossing roads. Motorcycles sometimes travel in the wrong direction.
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use registered taxis and limousines. Book them through your hotel.
Public transport is limited.
Consider hiring a car and driver for long-distance travel.
The Gulf has many areas with security issues and territorial disputes. Authorities may inspect, detain and arrest vessels.
Piracy occurs in the Gulf.
Check the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) hasn't audited air safety authorities in Iran.
The EU has operational restrictions in place for some of Iran Air's fleet. The airline hasn't met the EU's international safety standards.
Ageing planes on many of Iran's domestic air services create serious safety concerns.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Iran's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 125.
Call 115 or go direct to the hospital.
Mountaineers can also contact the Red Crescent on 112 for help.
Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.
English speakers are generally not available.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Tehran.
No.11, Yekta Street
Bahar Street, Shahid Fallahi Street
Valie Asr Avenue
Tehran, Iran
Phone: (+98 21) 7206 8666
Fax: (+98 21) 7206 8777
Website: iran.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Iran
Instagram: @AustraliaInIran
The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.