Iran

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Iran’s current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Iran set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Iranian Embassy in the UK. 

You are at risk of arrest, detention and a death sentence if you travel to Iran. 

British nationals are at increased risk of questioning and detention by the Iranian authorities. See Safety and security. 

Passport validity requirements 

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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Iranian dual nationals

Iran does not recognise dual nationality. If you are a dual national, the Iranian authorities will consider you to be an Iranian national. They are highly unlikely to accept any requests made by the UK government on your behalf.  

All Iranian nationals must enter and leave Iran using an Iranian passport.

You may also need to prove to the Iranian authorities that you have the right to enter the UK. You must be able to produce your British passport or a valid UK visa in your Iranian passport on request. You may face increased scrutiny, questioning or detention because of your connection to the UK.  

Media reports suggest Iran is willing to detain people who have been visiting relatives inside Iran. Having travelled to and from Iran previously without issue does not guarantee your safety. See Safety and security for more information about the risks British nationals face in Iran. 

Being considered an Iranian national

Even if you do not consider yourself Iranian, the Iranian authorities may see you as an Iranian national. For example, if your father is Iranian, or if you’re married to an Iranian man.

Visa requirements  

You must have a visa to visit Iran unless you hold an Iranian passport. 

Check the expiry date of your visa before travelling. If you overstay your visa, you may have to stay in Iran until this is resolved and you may be detained.   

If you’re travelling through an Iranian airport, check visa requirements with your airline and the Iranian Embassy in the UK.  

Applying for a visa  

If you choose to travel to Iran against FCDO advice, apply for a visa well in advance of your travel. The application process for an Iranian visa can be long and unpredictable. 

If you want to travel to Iran with a British passport, the Iranian Embassy has told FCDO you must either apply as part of an organised tour or have a sponsor in Iran to get a visa. Check with the Iranian Embassy in the UK for more information.  

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you submit your visa application. 

Women and girls aged 10 or over should wear a headscarf in their visa application photos.   

Some British nationals have had problems getting visas from private online visa agencies.  

Vaccine requirements 

To enter Iran, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk 

• a polio vaccine if you’re coming from a polio-affected country  

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Iran guide.   

Customs rules  

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Iran. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

Pork products  

Importing pork products is illegal. 

Children travelling without a male parent  

In Iran, a female parent travelling with her children must have the father’s permission, usually verbal, to take them out of Iran. Iranian immigration authorities will usually assume you have permission unless the father has petitioned the court, or the court has ruled to prevent the children travelling. For more information, contact the Iranian Embassy in the UK.  

Kish Island  

To enter Kish Island, you must arrange your visit through an Iranian travel agency. The agency must:  

• inform the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about your visit at least 2 weeks before you travel  
• have received confirmation that a visa will be issued on arrival 

The nearest Iranian embassy or consulate can give you advice and a list of registered travel agents.  

You must also have a hotel reservation before you travel. Your guide must:  

• pass a copy of the hotel reservation confirmation to the immigration office at Kish Airport at least 48 hours before you arrive  
• meet you at the airport when you arrive  

Travellers have occasionally been denied entry to Kish without explanation. If you’re denied entry, follow the advice of your airline or travel agent. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.  

Emergency services in Iran   

Ambulance: 115  

Fire: 125  

Police: 110  

Contact your travel provider and insurer  

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.  

Refunds and changes to travel  

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.  

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:  

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider  
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim  

Support from FCDO  

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:  

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Iran  
• dealing with a death in Iran   
• being arrested   
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack  

Contacting FCDO  

Help abroad 

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Or in an emergency you can also call FCDO: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).  

The UK government will not be able to evacuate you, provide face-to-face assistance or help you if you get into difficulty. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Iran on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.