Archive notice: this article was first published in July 2016 and its claim that Iran could be the “safest tourist destination in the Middle East” is not current, supportable travel advice. It should not be used to decide whether to travel in 2026.
Security conditions, government warnings, consular support and the risk profile for foreign and dual nationals have changed substantially since the original publication. Several governments currently advise against all travel to Iran and warn of armed conflict, civil unrest and arbitrary detention.
Use current official advice
No travel company can guarantee safety or replace nationality-specific government guidance. Before any booking, read the latest advice issued for every passport and nationality you hold. Pay particular attention to detention risk, dual nationality, regional conflict, demonstrations, photography, border areas, communications disruption and the limits of consular assistance.
- UK government Iran travel advice.
- Australian government Iran travel advice.
- US Department of State Iran travel advisory.
Our current Travel to Iran planning guide explains how to check official advice, entry rules, money, communications, local laws and changing transport conditions without promising that travel is appropriate or safe.
Archived by: Persian Touring Editorial Team
Archive review: 16 August 2026
Reason: The original comparative safety claim was outdated and unsupported. This URL is retained only to correct the historical record and direct readers to current official sources.
