Iran Travel Risk

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

• Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran should leave immediately.
• There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Do Not Travel to Iran for any reason.

U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers including terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. Some U.S. nationals have been held for years on false charges, subjected to torture, and even sentenced to death.

No U.S. embassy in Iran

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran.

• The Swiss Protecting Power office in Tehran is extremely limited in its ability to assist Americans in Iran.
• Routine consular services for U.S. citizens are not available in Iran. For routine consular services, U.S. citizens must visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or return to the United States. This includes acceptance of applications for full-validity passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and for fee-based notarial services.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Regional tensions

The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.

British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Iran

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Iran.

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Examples of recent attacks include:

• in January 2024, at least 84 people were killed and more than 200 wounded in suicide bombing attacks in Kerman, southern Iran, carried out by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP)
• in 2023, one person was killed and 8 wounded in a terrorist attack at the Shah Cheragh mausoleum, a Shia holy site in Shiraz southern Iran
• in 2022, 15 people were killed in a shooting attack at the Shah Cheragh mausoleum, Shiraz, in an attack claimed by ISKP

Baluchistan separatist groups have targeted government buildings and infrastructure in the Sistan-Baluchistan region of Iran resulting in casualties.

Risk level

IRAN - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation in the region. If you’re in Iran, you should leave now if you can do so safely. Some airlines have suspended flights to and from Iran. However, commercial flights and overland crossing options remain available.

Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited, especially during an active conflict. Don’t rely on the Government of Canada’s assistance for evacuations or assisted departures.

We understand that there are connectivity problems in Iran. If possible, try to register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important additional information, specific to your location, about the ongoing situation and any available departure options.

If you are unable to do so, try to contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Tensions in the Middle East

The security situation remains volatile due to ongoing military activity in the region.

Drone and missile attacks have resumed and struck targets in Iran, including civilian infrastructure. Military activity in the region may cause travel disruptions including flight cancellations.

Filming, taking photos and online sharing of images of military installations, activity or damage could lead to severe penalties pursuant to the enforcement of local laws and regulations across the region.

If you travel to one of Iran's border crossings to leave the country, you do so at your own risk.

If you choose to leave Iran via a land border, you do so at your own risk.

The following border crossing are available:

• Türkiye: Qator/Kapıköy, Bazargan/Gürbula(k), and Sero/Esendere. Canadian passport holders seeking visa-free entry (up to 90 days) must request facilitation through the Embassy of Canada in Ankara before arriving at the border. Include your full name, date of birth, passport number, intended border crossing, and a photo of your passport bio page.
• Armenia: Nordoz/Agarak.
• Azerbaijan: The Astara land border is closed. The Embassy of Canada in Ankara can request special entry authorization for Canadians, but you must still obtain an Azerbaijani visa in advance. Provide your passport details and a photo of your passport bio page.
• Turkmenistan: Sarakhs/Serakhs is fully open; other crossings may face restrictions without notice. Entry requires special authorization and a transit visa. The Embassy of Canada in Astana can request special entry authorization on behalf of Canadians. Travellers must show onward travel and should carry sufficient undamaged U.S. cash, as cash payments are commonly required.

伊朗现有部分地区为红色(极高风险)，其他地区为橙色(高风险)。具体如下：

一、红色地区：伊斯法罕省、库姆省、中央省、布什尔省。外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻伊朗使领馆取得联系。

二、橙色地区：除上述红色地区以外其他地区。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻伊朗使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全风险形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。