Iran vacation advice

Be sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance before departure, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

The emergency medical number in Iran is 115.

Visit your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel to ensure you are up to date with any necessary vaccinations. There is a risk of malaria in the far southeast of Iran, although tourists are unlikely to be visiting this region.

Larger cities tend to have very good hospital facilities and many doctors will speak English. Medical access is more limited in rural areas.

The main health threat in Iran is the extreme heat If traveling in summer – especially as visitors are required to cover up. Be sure to drink plenty of water and rest if you start to overheat. If you know that you have trouble dealing with hot weather, it’s advisable to book at a cooler time of year.

Tap water is safe to drink in many cities; check with your tour leader just to be sure.

Bring all prescription medication as well as some basic over the counter medicines. Tampons are not widely available so pack accordingly.

Most of Iran is safe to travel in – but the FCO advises against all travel along the border with Iraq, as well in the far east of the country, close to Afghanistan and Pakistan. For up to date travel warnings, see the FCO website.

While the average Iranian citizen is welcoming to foreign visitors, the government can still be overly suspicious. Traveling with an experienced operator will minimise any risks, but do keep a low profile and follow the rules. Be careful of whom and what you photograph, don’t discuss politics – and certainly don’t say or do anything that could be perceived as insulting to Islam. Avoid political demonstrations and rallies.

The usual precautions apply – don’t carry large amounts of cash or flash your valuables, and backpacks or crossover bags are less likely to be easily swiped. There have been incidents of thieves posing as policemen – although again, traveling with a tour leader should avoid any uncomfortable situations.

Alcohol is illegal in Iran. Although it is still brewed and smuggled in, do not be tempted to drink it as punishment is severe. It is also forbidden to eat, drink and smoke in public during Ramadan – dates vary each year, so check online or ask your vacation company.

Driving is pretty dangerous in Iran; always take care when crossing roads and avoid traveling after dark if possible.

For Iranians, intercourse between unmarried or homosexual couples is forbidden. This law does not apply to tourists, although public displays of affection are not advised for couples of any orientation or marital status.

Don’t give anyone the thumbs up signal either – it’s the equivalent of sticking your middle finger up at them!

“Forget any concerns about Iran being dangerous, hostile of unfriendly. Highlights are numerous: Shiraz's blue mosques with amazing mekhana, after which, it being New Years Eve, we had blue cocktails and a blue cake (thanks to our guide, Mark). Dress is more liberal than you might expect. Hair covering is compulsory but hair can show, and a wooley hat or turban covering a reasonable amount of hair is fine. Tight trousers are fine if worn with a top that covers your bottom - mid-thigh length tunics are ideal. Take wet wipes for toilets.” – Julia Turkington

“Women – make sure you follow the dress code. as it gets hot in the summer months it might be better to do this trip in January when it is cooler. We only had 1.5 days of rain the other times we had lovely blue sky.” – Anne Higgins

“You need to get used to the different ways in which the Iranian currency is referred to – rials and tomans. It can be a bit confusing at first! Be aware that you need a lot of cash, as credit cards are not accepted in the vast majority of places. Be prepared to be welcomed everywhere! The Iranians are delightful people! I think the main benefit overall was to dispel the many myths propagated by the Western media about Iran and its people. It is not an oppressive and dangerous desert backwater. It is a beautiful country, hugely cultured, and its people were some of the most welcoming I have ever met anywhere.” – Danica Trim

“Iran is not as unsafe as sometimes portrayed in the press and media. The people were very friendly and helpful and there was no obvious police presence. Dress for women was not as strict as expected and although the headscarf was a given, many wore fashionable clothes in bright colours without being covered by a black chador. Be prepared for a variable standard of sanitary arrangements. In 3* hotels or higher, the better restaurants and museums they are usually adequate but elsewhere, toilets and washing facilities leave a lot to be desired with fittings missing or broken and smelly/unclean. Definitely pack a universal plug, toilet roll and wet wipes.” – Rosemary Rennie