Fire and rescue services
Call 125.
Medical emergencies
Call 115 or go direct to the hospital.
Mountaineers can also contact the Red Crescent on 112 for help.
Police
Call 110 or visit the nearest police station.
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Iran as there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested.
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.
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Iran as there's a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested.
Do not travel to Iran.
Do not travel to Iran as 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
Travellers in Iran, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. A number of Australians, including dual nationals, have been detained in Iran without due process of law.
There's been an increase in the number of foreign nationals being arrested or detained in Iran.
You may be at greater risk of detention if authorities are suspicious of your activities or background. You could attract the attention of authorities if you:
Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual Australian-Iranian national and are detained in Iran, our ability to provide consular support is extremely limited.
The Australian Government may not be notified if you're detained. We can't guarantee consular access to any Australian detained or arrested. We also can't guarantee access to legal representation.
If you're in Iran, you should leave immediately.
Fact sheet: Arrested or jailed overseas
There have been protests across many cities and towns in Iran since September 2022. The response of security forces has been severe, and many protesters and by-standers have been detained or killed. There's been an increase in the number of foreign nationals arrested.
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.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Be prepared to change your plans in case of disruptions.
If civil unrest disrupts transport, ask your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.
More information:
The security situation in Iran remains volatile. Tensions in the region are high and may escalate further, due to ongoing hostility between Iran and Israel, and military tensions between Iran, the US, and other countries in the Middle East.
If despite our advice you go to Iran, or decide to stay there, monitor media for possible threats and take extra precautions for your safety:
Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations to and from Iran at short notice. 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 or travel provider 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, Afghanistan and Pakistan. 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.
A terrorist attack could happen anywhere in Iran at any time, including in Tehran. On 26 October 2022, a terrorist attack on the Shah Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz killed at least 14 people and injured 40 others.
Possible targets for attacks include:
To stay safe from terrorist risks:
If there's an attack:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Kidnapping happens with political, ideological and criminal motives. Targets have included foreigners.
Always be alert to your personal security and surroundings.
To protect yourself from kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
The level of violent crime in Iran is generally low, but petty crime is increasing due to the worsening economic situation.
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 in these areas is particularly dangerous.
Be alert to your surroundings, especially at night. Don't draw unwanted attention to yourself.
There have been increasing reports of thieves in passing vehicles snatching bags from pedestrians, home break-ins and robberies.
Women can face unwanted attention and harassment. Women should take care travelling alone, particularly at night.
Men may approach foreigners 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.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
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.
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 in March-April 2019, causing a number of deaths.
If despite our advice you plan to travel to Iran, you'll need a specialised travel insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Iran. Check that Iran is not excluded from your cover because of sanctions.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. The Australian Government won't pay for any costs or organise evacuation.
If you can't get travel insurance, you should not travel.
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
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:
Medical evacuation may be difficult.
Malaria is endemic outside the major towns 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.
Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If you're an Australian citizen with Iranian nationality, our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.
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:
Local authorities consider domestic violence to be a private family matter. Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.
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:
In public women are required by law to wear:
If you fail to follow these dress requirements, you may be detained, fined or denied access to government and other services.
In public men should not 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. Our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.
If you're arrested or detained, it's highly unlikely the Government of Iran would:
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. For other nationalities, you should check with the relevant country’s travel advice for advice about your risks.
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.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
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 Iranian embassy in Australia to apply.
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 you overstay your visa in Iran for any reason, even one beyond your control, you'll incur a fine. The Australian Government cannot pay this fine for you. You must also apply for an exit visa. You can get more information on Iranian visa and exit permit requirements from the Iranian Passport Police Office or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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.
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR).
Declare any foreign currency you have when you arrive in Iran. 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 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, as traffic can be very congested and road-users unpredictable or undisciplined.
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.
Iran is serviced by extensive bus and rail options. Road conditions and road safety vary across the country. Rail services are more limited and slower. Public transport in the main cities is often very crowded.
The Gulf has many areas with security issues and territorial disputes. Authorities may inspect, detain and arrest vessels. Foreigners navigating Iranian waters have been arrested and detained.
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.
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.