Iran
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals against all travel to Iran.
There is a significantly high risk that British nationals could be arbitrarily arrested, questioned or detained in Iran, whether or not you are a British-Iranian dual national. There have been a number of British-Iranian dual nationals detained in Iran serving long prison sentences. Iran has also recently detained non-Iranian European nationals travelling on tourist visas. The criminal justice process followed in such cases falls below international standards. In such cases the FCDO’s ability to provide consular support is extremely limited. Having British connections can be reason enough for the authorities to be suspicious of your activities.
The authorities do not recognise dual nationality, so if you are a British-Iranian dual national and are detained, the FCDO will not be informed of your detention by the authorities, will not be granted access to see you and our ability to provide consular assistance will be extremely limited. For British nationals without Iranian dual-nationality, the Iranian authorities can be slow in allowing a consular welfare visit. See Safety and Security
Localised protests are currently taking place daily across Iran. It is difficult to predict where protests will arise, and there are multiple reports of violence breaking out. Internet and text services are frequently unavailable due to government shut downs, and should not be relied on for personal safety. See ‘Political situation’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page for more information.
Kish Island
Kish Island is an Iranian Island close to Qatar. It is controlled by the Iranian authorities and the same risks apply to British nationals as in mainland Iran, where Islamic law is strictly enforced. You could still be the target of arbitrary arrest and detention. The FCDO therefore advise against travel to Kish Island.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Iran
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Iran’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Iran, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the British Embassy to provide assistance to British nationals from within Iran may be limited.
If you decide to travel, you should maintain a low profile and keep up to date with developments, including via this travel advice. Avoid any rallies, marches and processions, keep away from military sites and follow the instructions of the local authorities at all times.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Iran. Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places visited by foreigners. On 22 September 2018, there was an attack on a military parade in Ahvaz, capital of Khuzestan province. On 7 June 2017, there were two attacks in Tehran – one in the Majles (the Iranian parliament) in central Tehran and another at the Imam Khomeini Shrine near Imam Khomeini international airport. See Terrorism
Iran is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend. See Local laws and customs
It is possible to exchange GBP in certified exchange bureaux, though you may still experience difficulties in changing money. See Money
Consular support is limited in Iran. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy on telephone: +98 (0)21 6405 2000 to make an appointment. See Consular assistance services
Update history
2025-03-12 11:18
Updated information about the current risks and political situation in Iran (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2024-10-26 08:05
Information on an Israeli military attack on Iran (Warnings and insurance)
2024-10-02 03:33
Updated information on the conflict affecting Lebanon (Safety and Security Pages)
2024-09-28 23:58
Updated information on the conflict affecting Lebanon (Safety and Security Pages)
2024-09-28 22:54
Updated information on the Conflict in Lebanon (Safety and Security Pages)
2024-08-03 10:49
Factual update on the regional situation (See ‘Safety and Security’ page).
2024-07-19 16:00
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-04-29 14:13
Information on a previous terrorist attack in Iran in April 2024 (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-26 12:35
Removal of some language on military activity in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-04-19 08:07
We are aware of reports that on 19 April Israel attacked sites in Iran
2024-04-14 08:17
13 April 2024 – drones and missiles fired from Iran into Israel (‘Warnings and Insurance’ page). FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Iran
2024-04-12 20:01
Information on regional risks (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-03-16 12:55
Travel advice updated to reflect an increased threat from terrorism in Iran
2024-01-19 09:55
Information about an airstrike in Sistan-o-Balochistan, Southeast Iran on 18 January 2024 (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-01-12 00:24
Update to Safety and Security page
2024-01-05 10:33
Information about a terrorist attack in Kerman, southern Iran, on 3 January 2024 (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-01-03 09:16
Removal of information that Emergency Travel Documents cannot be applied for in Iran (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-11-06 15:54
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:47
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-05-25 13:16
Information on safety for mono and dual British nationals in Iran and rewritten advice to aid readability (‘Summary’, ‘Safety and security’, ‘Local laws and customs’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-02-22 15:29
Updated information on protesting in Iran and COVID-19 entry requirements and additional information on difficulties with exchanging GBP (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Money’ pages).
2022-10-02 01:45
“Updated information on protests in Iran (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security pages’)
2022-05-13 10:55
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals against all travel to Iran (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).