Iran

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:

• ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria
• rising hostility between Iran, US and Israel

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.

Demonstrations and protests

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:

• avoid demonstrations, protests, large crowds and vigils
• monitor media for possible threats
• plan activities to avoid disruption on national or commemorative days
• follow the advice of local authorities
• share your itinerary with family and friends and keep in close contact so they know where you are.

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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:

• study or do other academic activity

• travel outside tourist areas

• are near crowds or sensitive sites

• take photos, except in major tourist sites

• have contact with Iranians who are of interest to authorities

• behave or express views perceived as anti-Iranian or that could cause religious offence

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:

• 13 February 2019, a suicide attack on a Revolutionary Guard bus in the south-eastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, killed at least 20 people.

• 6 December 2018, a suicide car bomb detonated near a police station in Chabahar city, Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing 2 and injuring 48

• 22 September 2018, terrorists attacked a military parade in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province.

• In June 2017, simultaneous terrorist attacks in Tehran targeting the Iranian parliament (Majlis) in central Tehran and Imam Khomeini's Shrine on the southern outskirts

In recent years, terrorists have bombed border areas of the provinces of Sistan va Baluchestan and West Azerbaijan.

Possible targets for attacks include:

• embassies

• hotels

• places of worship

• government interests

• military parades and locations

• Western businesses and other interests

To stay safe from terrorist risks:

• be alert to possible threats throughout the country

• avoid places where there is a low level of security and possible target areas

• monitor the media for new threats

• report suspicious activity or items to police

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe

• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Violent crime

Drug traffickers and bandits are active in the border areas near Afghanistan and Pakistan. This includes: 

• Sistan va Baluchestan province

• east of the city of Bam in Kerman province

Violent incidents often occur in these areas, such as:

• clashes between security forces and drug traffickers

• bombings

• shootings

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.

Petty crime

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.

Scams and fraud

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:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location

• monitor local media

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in contact with your friends and family

Earthquakes

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.

Severe weather

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. 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:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

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:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is common outside the major towns, especially in Iran's south and west.

Other insect-borne diseases are common, including:

• leishmaniasis

• tick-borne encephalitis

Ticks are most active in spring, summer and autumn.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a risk.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur, such as:

• cholera

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Air pollution

Significant air pollution occurs in major cities. Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.

Get medical advice if you have allergies or breathing difficulties.

Medical facilities

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.

Medical tourism

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.

Drugs

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:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Get professional advice if you're involved in local legal proceedings. In particular, seek advice on matters of family law, such as:

• divorce

• child custody

• child support

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:

• homosexual acts for both men and women

• failing to meet the legal dress code

• import alcohol, pornography, pork products or short-wave radios

• import printed or recorded Western material, including those with a religious theme

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Dress and behaviour

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:

• have close contact between unmarried men and women — in particular between non-Muslims and Muslims

• be in a de facto relationship

If you're a woman, in public you're required by law to wear:

• loose-fitting clothing to cover arms and legs

• a coat

• a headscarf

If you're male, don't wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts.

Photography

You cannot photograph sensitive sites or events, including:

• military and nuclear sites

• government buildings and installations

• critical civil infrastructure

• public demonstrations

Electronic equipment

It's illegal to use drones without authorisation.

You will need permission to bring in a range of electronic equipment, including:

• satellite phones

• GPS trackers

• walkie-talkies

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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• allow us to give you consular services

• notify the Australian Embassy that you've been arrested or detained

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:

• you're male and you haven't completed military service

• you're female and you don't have permission from your husband or a senior male relative to leave Iran

• you're male and have not paid the dowry to their wives after divorce

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:

• Dual nationals

• US Bureau of Consular Affairs

• Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in the presence of people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visitor visa

You need a visa to enter Iran.

You can pay cash for a visa on arrival if you:

• enter via an international airport

• are visiting for tourism

• are staying for 30 days or less

Extra requirements may apply. Before you travel, contact the Embassy of Iran to ask about the visa-on-arrival conditions.

In other situations, you must apply for a visa before you travel. Contact the Embassy of Iran 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 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.

More information:

• Local laws

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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:

• the commercial banking system

• a money transfer company 

Bring enough cash to cover your stay.

Driving permit

To drive in Iran you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get an IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

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:

• check you have enough insurance cover

• find out about local traffic laws and practices

• don't drink and drive

Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when crossing roads. Motorcycles sometimes travel in the wrong direction.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle. 

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. Book them through your hotel.

Public transport

Public transport is limited.

Consider hiring a car and driver for long-distance travel.

Sea 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.

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

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.

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.

Tourism

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.

Australian Embassy

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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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