The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iran
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
If you’re a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention in Iran. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to question you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years in prison.
Support for British nationals in Iran
Consular support is extremely limited in Iran. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy in Tehran.
Dual nationals
The Iranian authorities do not recognise dual nationality. If you’re a British-Iranian dual national and you are detained in Iran, the authorities will not tell FCDO or grant FCDO access to see you. If you’re detained, your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who have shown a pattern of hostility towards the UK and British citizens.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:
- advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
- information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
As an expert in travel advisory and international relations, I've closely followed the practices and recommendations of government agencies, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). My deep understanding of geopolitical situations and travel advisories allows me to provide valuable insights into the content you've shared.
The FCDO plays a crucial role in providing guidance to British nationals traveling abroad, ensuring their safety and well-being. The advisory against all travel to Iran reflects a comprehensive assessment of the risks involved, and it is imperative for British nationals to heed this advice. Now, let's break down the key concepts and information in the article:
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FCDO Travel Advice:
- The FCDO serves as a source of advice for British nationals, aiming to help them make informed decisions regarding travel.
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Travel Insurance Implications:
- The article highlights that traveling against FCDO advice may invalidate travel insurance. This underscores the seriousness of the risks associated with the destination.
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Consular Support Limitations:
- When the FCDO advises against travel, consular support is severely limited. This emphasizes the potential dangers and challenges British nationals may face in such regions.
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Risks in Iran:
- The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Iran, citing the significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning, or detention for British and British-Iranian dual nationals. The possession of a British passport alone could be a cause for authorities to question individuals.
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Support for British Nationals in Iran:
- Consular support is noted to be extremely limited in Iran. British nationals are urged to carefully consider the risks before traveling to or staying in the country.
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Dual Nationals and Recognition:
- The article emphasizes that the Iranian authorities do not recognize dual nationality. If a British-Iranian dual national is detained, the FCDO may not be informed or granted access, placing the case solely in the hands of Iranian authorities known for their historical hostility toward the UK and its citizens.
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Pre-Travel Preparation:
- A general advisory is given that no travel can be guaranteed safe. British nationals are encouraged to read the provided guide, which includes advice on preparing for travel abroad and minimizing risks. Specific information for women, LGBT+ individuals, and disabled travelers is also mentioned.
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FCDO Communication Channels:
- The article suggests following FCDO travel on social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and signing up for email notifications to stay updated on travel advice.
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Travel Insurance Recommendations:
- In case individuals choose to travel, the article advises thorough research on destinations and obtaining appropriate travel insurance. The insurance should cover the planned itinerary, activities, and emergency expenses.
In conclusion, my expertise underscores the critical importance of heeding travel advisories, particularly when issued by reputable government agencies like the FCDO. The information provided serves as a comprehensive guide for British nationals, emphasizing the potential risks and limitations associated with travel to Iran.
FAQs
Iran - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism. Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.
Can US citizens travel to Iran for tourism? ›
That said, traveling to Iran as an American is perfectly legal. Technically, Americans can't travel to neighboring Cuba (even though that is totally possible too) – but Iran travel for US citizens is not prohibited by the US government and vice versa for the Iranian government: Americans can legally travel to Iran.
What is the warning about traveling to Iran? ›
Avoid all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism the high risk of arbitrary detention and unpredictable enforcement of local laws.
Can you go to the USA after visiting Iran? ›
How to Visit the USA after Travelling to Iran. For those few nationalities who still need Iran stamps on their passport or those who traveled to Iran and have an Iran visa stamp on their passport the solution to visiting the USA is to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa.
Can Americans travel alone in Iran? ›
Considering it's an off the beaten path destination, the kind of people that visit Iran tend to be more seasoned travelers, so you'll meet interesting people everywhere, making it the perfect destination for solo traveling.
What restrictions does usa have on Iran? ›
As of 2017, United States sanctions against Iran include an embargo on dealings with the country by the United States, and a ban on selling aircraft and repair parts to Iranian aviation companies.
How safe is Iran for tourists? ›
Iran - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism. Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.
Is it safe to fly over Iran now? ›
The US has issued an outright flight ban, but all the others advise against landing or overflying the country at the lower flight levels. The airspace adjoining the Tehran FIR is also at risk: Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Major events: Apr 2024: Israel aerial attack on Iran during the night of Apr 19.
Is it safe to travel to Iran as a woman? ›
Violent crimes against foreigners are extremely rare and, indeed. Iran is a country with a long and rich history, and it is generally considered safe for women to visit. However, it is important to be aware of and respect the local customs and laws, particularly regarding dress and behavior.
Do and don'ts in Iran? ›
That means wearing modest long-sleeve shirts and long pants or skirts for women, along with a headscarf that covers most of the hair. Do not wear revealing clothing, which is against the social norms of Iranians. And for men, it is advised not to wear shorts or walk around bare-chested.
Women should wear a headscarf or hijab to cover their hair and neck, and opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Men, on the other hand, should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops to maintain modesty standards. Although these rules might seem strict, Iran often shows flexibility towards tourists.
Can Iranian citizens leave Iran? ›
According to Article 988 of the Civil Code of the IslamicRepublic of Iran: "Iranian nationals cannot abandon their nationality except on the following conditions: 1 - That they have reached the full age of 25. 2 - That the Council of Ministers has allowed the renunciation of their Iranian nationality.
Can Americans go to Iran for tourism? ›
Iran Visa for Americans
American citizens are welcome to visit Iran but as an American passport holder you need to obtain an Iranian visa before traveling to Iran.
Does visit to Iran affect my future visit to other countries? ›
Does visiting Iran impact future travel to other countries? Iran has implemented a stamp-free policy, where travelers receive a separate document at the airport instead of having a visa stamp on their passport. This aims to prevent any potential issues during future travels.
Can people from Iran come to the US? ›
Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of Iran at the following U.S. embassies: U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey. U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. U.S. Embassy Yerevan, Armenia.
Can tourists go to Iran? ›
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Iran unless you hold an Iranian passport. Check the expiry date of your visa before travelling. If you overstay your visa, you may have to stay in Iran until this is resolved and you may be detained.
Can Americans travel to Jordan? ›
Entry/Exit Requirements For U.S. Citizens
A passport and a visa are required. Jordan issues visas to U.S. citizens for a fee at most international ports of entry and at most international land border crossings upon arrival.
Can I travel to Iran on my own? ›
So many think that having Iran travel by an Iranian guide or making use of Iran travel advice contains more hefty expenses. That's why they prefer to travel on their own without getting help from any Iran tourism agency. But that's a completely wrong belief, and even your costs will be raised if you travel alone.
Where can US citizens not travel? ›
Learn about your destination
| Advisory | Level | Date Updated |
|---|
| Iran Travel Advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel | July 15, 2024 |
| Iraq Travel Advisory | Level 4: Do Not Travel | April 24, 2024 |
| Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory | Other | June 27, 2024 |
| Italy Travel Advisory | Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution | July 26, 2023 |
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