Iran travel advice

FCDO notice

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region.

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” 

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• monitor local and international media for the latest information 

• stay away from areas around security or military facilities 

• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date 

• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure

If you are in Iran 

Air, sea and land routes are under the control of the Iranian authorities. Ports and borders may close at short notice. There is ongoing disruption to communications across Iran, with limitations on internet access.

The US and Israel have struck infrastructure across Iran. There are reports that suggest ports, roads, railways, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports have been affected.

British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals face a very high risk of arrest, detention and questioning.    

Holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.   

If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years of imprisonment.  

Travel by air  

Iranian airspace may close at short notice.  

Travel by land  

Iran’s borders with neighbouring countries may have restrictions for foreign travellers and may close at short notice. If you plan to depart Iran across a land border and consider it safe to do so, check the travel advice of the country you intend to enter before travelling to the border, including visa requirements. Entry requirements may change at short notice.

Entry to countries bordering Iran is not straightforward, and some countries will ask for additional paperwork for British passport holders. If you intend to leave overland you do so at your own risk. Should you require assistance, including with additional paperwork, contact the FCDO.  

Armenia-Iran border crossing   

British nationals do not need a visa for Armenia for stays of up to 180 days per year. Check our travel advice for Armenia for the latest information.   

Azerbaijan-Iran border crossing   

To cross this border, FCDO must register your details with the Azerbaijani authorities in advance so that we can provide you with a registration code. You will also require a visa to enter Azerbaijan. Read travel advice for Azerbaijan for the latest information.   

Turkey-Iran border crossing   

The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border. You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey).  Also indicate whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.

The Turkish authorities advise that the Iranians have closed the crossing point at Esendere-Serow on the Iranian side to daily traders entering and exiting over the course of a day.

Check our travel advice for Turkey for the latest information.

Turkmenistan-Iran border crossing  

To cross this border, you require special permission from the Turkmenistan authorities in advance. This can be facilitated by the British Embassy in Ashgabat by contacting the FCDO before you travel to the border. Without their prior approval, you will not be allowed to cross the border. You will also need a confirmed onward flight.  

Check our travel advice for Turkmenistan for the more information.

Afghanistan border crossing

The FCDO travel advice for Afghanistan advises against all travel to Afghanistan.

Iraq border crossing

The FCDO’s travel advice for Iraq advises against all travel to Iraq.

Pakistan border crossing

The FCDO’s travel advice for Pakistan advises against all travel to Balochistan Province bordering Iran.

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).  

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran  

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.  

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Limited UK government support  

UK government support is extremely limited in Iran. No face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the UK government will not be able to help you if you get into difficulty in Iran.

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

If you choose to enter Iran against FCDO advice, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It’s not possible to apply for a British passport from Iran.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.   

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.  

Previous travel to Israel

If your passport has stamps from Israel or other countries’ border crossing points with Israel, you may be refused entry to Iran.

Overseas British passport applications

You cannot apply for a British passport from Iran.

You can apply in a neighbouring country. Choose from the list of countries and follow the application process for that country.

For help with your passport application, contact HM Passport Office.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.