Is Tabriz safe?
Avoid. Iran has been at war with the US and Israel since 28 February 2026; a fragile ceasefire since April has not ended blackouts or detention of foreigners. Embassies can do little.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 1/5, avoid travel.
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2025-12-04.
- Homicide rate in Iran: 2.4 per 100,000 people (2014, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Iran: 21.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125.
Safety in Tabriz at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 1/5 · Avoid travel |
| Crime | Beyond the war, petty theft is uncommon, but fake plainclothes police have demanded passports and cash, and taxis overcharge foreigners. |
| At night | Streets are calm in normal times, but curfews, blackouts and strikes can change that quickly. Use Snapp rather than street taxis. |
| Solo women | Hijab and loose clothing are legally required, and enforcement brings arrests. Solo foreign women draw attention; unmarried couples may be refused rooms. |
| Other risks | Airstrikes and sudden airspace or border closures; Earthquakes on faults near the city; Severe winter cold and icy roads |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake plainclothes police asking for passports, cash or phones
- Taxis quoting tourist prices instead of metered fares
- Carpet shop touts steering visitors to commission stores
Take care
- Military and government sites: strike targets and photography bans
- Protests and gatherings: arrests of foreigners
- Roads to the Turkish border: closures and checkpoints change quickly
Calmer areas to stay
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.
How Tabriz compares in Iran
Quick answers
Is Tabriz safe for solo female travelers?
Hijab and loose clothing are legally required, and enforcement brings arrests. Solo foreign women draw attention; unmarried couples may be refused rooms.
Is Tabriz safe at night?
Streets are calm in normal times, but curfews, blackouts and strikes can change that quickly. Use Snapp rather than street taxis.
What is the crime rate in Tabriz?
Beyond the war, petty theft is uncommon, but fake plainclothes police have demanded passports and cash, and taxis overcharge foreigners. Nationally, Iran records 2.4 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2014).
What number do I call in an emergency in Tabriz?
Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125.
More about Tabriz
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Iran e-visa portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- UNESCO: Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
- UK FCDO travel advice: Iran
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.