Is Tehran safe?
Avoid. Iran has been at war with the US and Israel since February 2026, with strikes, long internet blackouts and arbitrary detention of foreigners and dual nationals. 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 Tehran at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 1/5 · Avoid travel |
| Crime | Beyond war, petty theft and bag snatching are common in crowded areas, and fake plainclothes police have demanded passports and cash. |
| At night | Streets in the north stay busy, 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, falling debris and sudden airspace closures; Heavy smog from November to January; Earthquakes on faults near the city |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake plainclothes police asking for passports, cash or phones
- Taxis refusing meters or quoting tourist prices
- Carpet or bazaar touts running commission schemes
Take care
- Government, military and infrastructure sites: strike targets and photo bans
- Protests and Revolution Square areas: arrests of foreigners
- Anywhere with a heavy security presence after dark
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 Tehran compares in Iran
Quick answers
Is Tehran 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 Tehran safe at night?
Streets in the north stay busy, but curfews, blackouts and strikes can change that quickly. Use Snapp rather than street taxis.
What is the crime rate in Tehran?
Beyond war, petty theft and bag snatching are common in crowded areas, and fake plainclothes police have demanded passports and cash. Nationally, Iran records 2.4 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2014).
What number do I call in an emergency in Tehran?
Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125.
More about Tehran
Going to Tehran solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tehran meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Iran e-visa portal
- 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.