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Middle East

Is Iran safe?

Capital: TehranPersian, KurdishUpdated October 2026
L4Do not travel

Is Iran safe?

At war since February 2026, with renewed US–Iran strikes in September. Foreigners and dual nationals face arbitrary arrest, and embassies can offer little help.

Key facts

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

  • Airstrikes, falling debris and sudden airspace closures
  • Arbitrary detention of Western and dual nationals
  • Internet and phone blackouts lasting weeks
  • Banditry near the Afghan and Pakistani borders

Common scams

  • Fake plainclothes police demanding passports or cash
  • Motorbike taxis taking tourists somewhere quiet to rob them

Laws visitors break by accident

  • Alcohol is illegal; bootleg drinks have caused methanol deaths.
  • Photographing government, military or infrastructure sites can bring espionage charges.
  • Sex outside marriage and same-sex relations can carry the death penalty.

Safety by place in Iran

PlaceSafety
Tehran1/5 · Avoid travel
Isfahan1/5 · Avoid travel
Shiraz1/5 · Avoid travel
Yazd1/5 · Avoid travel
Kashan1/5 · Avoid travel
Mashhad1/5 · Avoid travel
Tabriz1/5 · Avoid travel
Kish Island1/5 · Avoid travel

Quick answers

Is Iran safe for tourists?

At war since February 2026, with renewed US–Iran strikes in September. Foreigners and dual nationals face arbitrary arrest, and embassies can offer little help.

Is Iran safe for solo female travelers?

Hijab and loose clothing are legally required, and crackdowns bring arrests. Solo foreign women draw attention; unmarried couples may be refused rooms.

What is the emergency number in Iran?

Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.