atlas•

Before you go to Iran: what to know

Must know

  • UK and Canadian authorities advise against all travel; arbitrary detention is a major risk.
  • Foreign bank cards do not work; arrange legal access to sufficient cash.
  • Women must observe enforced head-covering and dress rules.

Entry and visas

Requirements depend on nationality. British citizens need a visa arranged well in advance and must travel on an organised tour or have a sponsor, according to the Iranian Embassy's advice to FCDO. Do not extend British-passport rules to other nationalities. Evidence of travel to Israel can cause refusal of entry.

Passport validity: British passports: at least six months after arrival and at visa application.

Customs

  • Importing pork products is illegal.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Use authorised exchange offices; arrange lawful access to rials before travelling.

Where not to exchange

  • Street currency exchange, which is illegal.
  • Non-Iranian bank cards do not work.
  • Prices may be quoted in tomans: one toman is ten rials. Confirm the unit.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, visitiran.ir ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Alcohol import, sale and consumption, with limited exceptions for recognised Iranian minorities.
  • Drones and satellite phones without permission.
  • Sex outside marriage and same-sex sexual relationships; severe penalties apply.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry copies of your passport photo page and visa.
  • Women must cover their hair and follow enforced public dress rules.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Islamic religious customs and dress rules shape public behaviour.

Clothing: Women: headscarf, covered legs and a long-sleeved outer garment. Men should wear long trousers and long sleeves. Religious sites may require a chador.

Etiquette

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke publicly during Ramadan daylight hours.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Very varied by region and altitude. Northern and inland winters can be cold; southern summers are much hotter. Dry summer conditions and dust storms contrast with a November-March rainy period.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Winter; rain and regional cold
  • February: Feb: Winter; rain and regional cold
  • March: Mar: Rainy-season transition
  • April: Apr: Spring; regional conditions vary
  • May: May: Hotter, dry-season conditions
  • June: Jun: Summer heat; dust possible
  • July: Jul: Summer heat; dust possible
  • August: Aug: Summer heat; dust possible
  • September: Sep: Hot, dry conditions persist
  • October: Oct: Autumn; hot in some regions
  • November: Nov: Rainy season begins
  • December: Dec: Winter; rain and regional cold

Best season: Climate varies by route; spring and autumn avoid much summer heat. Security advice takes priority.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, visitiran.ir ↗

What to pack

  • Headscarf and modest clothing
  • Copies of passport and visa
  • Round two-pin adapter
  • Offline contact and navigation details

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Alcohol
  • Pork products
  • Drones or satellite phones without permission

Practical

Plugs: Round two-pin plugs; 220V, 50Hz.

Water: Rural tap water is unsafe; use properly treated or sealed drinking water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Internet: Internet and mobile services may be blocked or shut down without warning. Keep an alternative communication plan.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitiran.ir ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.