Country Risk Report
Iran
Tehran
Persian (Farsi, official), Azeri, Kurdish and others
Iranian rial (IRR)
Executive Summary
Iran is classified as an EXTREME risk destination. The country combines active conflict, a very high risk of arbitrary and wrongful detention of foreign nationals and dual nationals, comprehensive international sanctions, and pervasive state surveillance. Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on 28 February 2026, the country has been subject to missile and drone exchanges and severe air-travel disruption. A ceasefire has held since 8 April 2026 but remains fragile, with fresh exchanges reported in June, and the situation can escalate at short notice. Iran does not recognise dual nationality, and the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has a documented record of detaining foreign and dual nationals on unclear or fabricated national-security charges. Iran is under comprehensive US and international sanctions. As a result, Hotspot Cover cannot provide cover for Iran, and specialist insurers generally exclude the country.
- Hostilities between the United States and Iran began on 28 February 2026. A ceasefire has held since 8 April but is fragile, with renewed exchanges in June.
- The IRGC detains foreign and dual nationals on unclear or fabricated national-security charges, often as diplomatic leverage. Consular access is severely limited and, for dual nationals, frequently refused.
- Comprehensive US and international sanctions disrupt banking, medicine supply and the ability to move funds. Western card systems do not operate.
- Militant activity from ISIS and Baluch groups is concentrated in the southeast, and periodic mass civil unrest draws a heavy security response.
- Serious cases require international medical evacuation, which is complicated by airspace disruption and sanctions.
Risk Matrix
| Category | Risk Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Conflict | Extreme | Active US-Iran conflict since February 2026, fragile ceasefire since April. Missile and drone risk and airspace disruption. |
| Terrorism | High | ISIS and Baluch militant attacks have occurred, concentrated in the southeast and at symbolic sites. |
| Kidnapping | Extreme | State detention of foreign and dual nationals is the defining risk, used as diplomatic leverage. |
| Crime | Moderate | Violent crime against foreigners is relatively low, but fraud, scams and economic-driven crime occur. |
| Civil Unrest | High | Periodic mass protests draw a heavy security response. Unrest can erupt quickly. |
| Health & Medical | High | Urban care is reasonable, but sanctions disrupt medicine supply and evacuation is complicated. |
| Internal Travel | High | Airspace disruption, checkpoints and border-region insecurity constrain movement. |
| Digital / Cyber | Extreme | Pervasive surveillance, internet shutdowns, VPN monitoring and device inspection. |
Essential Precautions
Security Situation
Iran is a high-threat environment for foreign nationals, dominated by the risk of arbitrary detention, the fragile post-conflict situation, sanctions and heavy state surveillance. The security climate can shift quickly with the regional situation.
Tehran and Central Iran
Western Border Provinces (Kurdistan and the Iraq border)
The Southeast (Sistan and Baluchestan)
The Gulf Coast and South
Detailed Risk Assessment
Armed Conflict
Hostilities between the United States and Iran began on 28 February 2026. A ceasefire has held since 8 April but is fragile, with renewed exchanges in June. Missile and drone activity, air defence operations and airspace closures create sudden, nationwide escalation risk.
Tehran and central Iran are exposed to strikes on military and infrastructure targets and to air-defence activity.
Western border provinces are exposed to cross-border strikes and spillover from Iraq.
The southeast is affected by militancy that can intersect with the wider conflict.
Gulf and southern areas near military and shipping infrastructure carry elevated strike risk.
Terrorism
ISIS has conducted mass-casualty attacks in Iran, and Baluch militant groups operate in the southeast. Symbolic and religious sites, and crowded public places, are potential targets.
Tehran has been targeted in the past and remains a potential focus for attacks on symbolic sites.
Western border areas see militant and insurgent activity linked to cross-border groups.
The southeast is the primary zone for militant attacks, including on security forces.
Southern and Gulf areas face a lower but real threat around key infrastructure.
Kidnapping and Detention
State detention of foreign and dual nationals is the defining threat. The IRGC detains foreigners on unclear or fabricated charges, often to gain diplomatic leverage, and Iran refuses to recognise dual nationality or grant consular access. Detentions can last months or years.
Tehran is the primary location for detention of foreigners, dual nationals, journalists and academics.
Border provinces add a risk of detention on espionage suspicion near sensitive zones.
The southeast adds a risk of militant abduction alongside state detention.
Detention risk applies nationwide, including at airports on entry and exit.
Crime and Lawlessness
Violent crime against foreigners is relatively uncommon, but economic hardship has increased fraud, scams and opportunistic theft. Unofficial taxis and currency scams are common risks.
Urban centres see petty theft, scams and unofficial-taxi risks.
Border regions have higher lawlessness linked to smuggling.
The southeast has significant organised drug-trafficking crime.
Tourist and transit areas see opportunistic crime targeting foreigners.
Internal Travel
Air travel is disrupted by the conflict and airspace restrictions, and flights can be cancelled at short notice. Road travel is subject to checkpoints, and border regions are hazardous. Sanctions complicate fuel and vehicle logistics.
Movement in and around Tehran is subject to checkpoints and surveillance.
Western border routes are hazardous due to unrest, strikes and mines.
Southeastern routes carry militant and trafficking-related ambush risk.
Southern routes near military and port infrastructure face restrictions and heightened scrutiny.
Health and Disease
Urban healthcare is reasonably developed, but sanctions disrupt the supply of medicines and equipment, and payment for care is complicated for foreigners. Serious cases require international evacuation, which is difficult given airspace disruption and sanctions.
Tehran has the best facilities, but medicine shortages and payment issues affect care.
Western regions have more limited facilities and are disrupted by insecurity.
The southeast has limited healthcare and long distances to advanced care.
Southern cities have functional hospitals but are exposed to conflict disruption.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Iran enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Dress codes are mandatory, alcohol is illegal, and behaviour, especially between unrelated men and women, is policed. Political and religious topics are highly sensitive and photography of officials or sites is risky.
Enforcement is visible in Tehran through the morality police and surveillance.
Conservative norms are strong in western provinces.
The southeast is conservative and closely policed.
Southern cities are conservative, with strict expectations of dress and conduct.
Women Travellers
Mandatory hijab and dress rules apply to all women, including foreign nationals, and are enforced by the morality police. Enforcement has been a flashpoint for mass protests. Women face additional legal restrictions and should exercise caution and discretion throughout the country.
LGBT Travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised and can carry the death penalty. There are no legal protections, and enforcement can be severe. LGBT travellers face extreme danger and must exercise absolute discretion, including over digital content that could reveal identity or contacts.
Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance
The western border with Iraq retains extensive landmine and unexploded-ordnance contamination from the Iran-Iraq war. Rural and border areas remain hazardous, and travellers should stay on established routes.
Western border provinces carry significant residual contamination from the Iran-Iraq war.
Diplomatic and Government Situation
There is no US embassy in Iran, and Swiss authorities act as the US protecting power. Consular support for many Western nationals is limited, and Iran routinely refuses consular access to dual nationals because it does not recognise dual nationality. Entry and exit are tightly controlled.
Tehran hosts the government and the limited diplomatic presence that remains.
Border provinces are governed with a heavy security focus.
The southeast is administered under strong security control due to militancy.
Southern administration centres on strategic ports and energy infrastructure.
Digital and Cyber Threats
Iran operates pervasive surveillance and periodically shuts down or throttles the internet, especially during unrest. VPNs are widely used but monitored, and device inspection can occur. Discovery of sensitive content, contacts or affiliations can trigger detention.
Surveillance is most intense in Tehran.
Connectivity in border regions is unstable and heavily monitored.
The southeast sees connectivity disruption and security monitoring.
Southern areas near sensitive sites see heightened digital scrutiny.
Vaccinations & Health Hazards
Strongly Recommended
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to food and water contamination risk.
- Hepatitis B
Recommended given limited safe medical access under sanctions.
- Tetanus and MMR
Ensure boosters are current.
- Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
Other Health Hazards
- Medicine supply: Sanctions disrupt the availability of specific medicines. Carry your own supply.
- Air quality: Tehran and major cities have severe seasonal air pollution.
- Payment for care: Foreigners may face difficulty paying for care due to sanctions and card restrictions.
- Evacuation: International medical evacuation is complicated by airspace disruption and sanctions.
- Routine vaccines: Ensure all primary courses and boosters are up to date on the UK schedule. Consult a health professional four to six weeks before departure.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Hotspot Cover cannot provide cover for Iran due to comprehensive international sanctions, and standard travel insurance is invalid. Specialist insurers generally exclude the country. Travellers who proceed do so without an insurance safety net and should not assume any medical, evacuation or detention support will be available.
Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics
Checkpoints and Detention Triggers
Carry your original passport. Entry and exit are tightly controlled and dual nationals face particular scrutiny at airports. Do not photograph officials, military or government sites, which is treated as espionage. Devices may be inspected - VPNs, sensitive imagery and affiliations can trigger detention. Border and military areas are heavily controlled and approaching them raises detention risk.Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics
The primary risk is arbitrary detention by the IRGC, often for leverage, rather than criminal ransom. Dual nationals face the highest risk and are routinely denied consular access. Detentions can last months or years, with outcomes shaped by diplomatic factors. Militant abduction is an additional risk in the southeast.High-Risk Travellers
Dual nationals face an extreme risk of detention and no recognised consular protection. Journalists and academics are specifically targeted for detention. Leisure travellers have no support structure and are highly exposed. Women and LGBT travellers face additional legal and physical risk under strict enforcement.Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists
Essential Preparation and Medical
Cover is not available. Do not assume any insurance, medical or evacuation support. Carry original documents. Register intentions with your organisation, not an embassy. Plan for a cash-only environment as Western cards do not work. Carry your own medicines and a personal first-aid kit.Digital Security and Checkpoints
Travel with clean devices and enable remote wipe. Clear VPNs, sensitive imagery and affiliations with media, NGOs or foreign governments. Plan for internet throttling or blackout, especially during unrest. Turn off geolocation and cloud sync.Movement and Operational Security
Monitor flight and airspace status and keep a land exit contingency. Avoid the southeast and western borders. Use vetted transport and avoid isolated routes. Avoid protests and gatherings, which can escalate quickly.Conduct and Legal Compliance
Comply fully with Islamic dress and conduct rules at all times. Never photograph officials, military or government sites. Rely on private planning; consular support is minimal and refused for dual nationals.This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.
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