Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Do not travel to Iran due to the significant risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens and wrongful detentions. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises U.S. citizens against any travel to Iran at this time.
Country Summary:
The U.S. government has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Iran, the highest advisory level, indicating “Do Not Travel.” This is due to a multitude of serious safety and security risks. U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason. The security situation is considered extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
Iranian authorities have a long and concerning history of unjustly detaining and imprisoning U.S. nationals. This is a particularly acute risk for dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, who have been targeted by Iranian authorities. Individuals who may be perceived as journalists, students, business travelers, and academics are especially vulnerable to arbitrary arrest and detention on spurious charges, including espionage and posing a threat to national security. The Iranian government routinely obstructs consular access to detained U.S. nationals and systematically denies consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian citizens, leaving them in a precarious and unsupported situation.
Violent extremist groups are active within Iran, and this includes terrorist organizations designated by the U.S. government. Groups such as ISIS and affiliated networks have claimed responsibility for carrying out bombings and other attacks inside Iran. The threat of terrorist attacks remains persistent and credible throughout the country. These attacks can occur in public places without warning, posing a significant risk of death or injury to bystanders and innocent civilians.
The U.S. government does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. This critical absence means that the U.S. government is severely limited in its ability to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens who are present in Iran. In practical terms, this means if you encounter trouble in Iran, the U.S. government’s capacity to assist you is extremely limited.
There are also significant risks associated with companies offering surrogacy services in Iran. These companies often misrepresent the actual security situation on the ground in Iran and downplay the inherent dangers of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry operating there. U.S. citizens who engage with private companies arranging surrogacy visits and services in Iran are placing themselves and potentially their families in considerable danger.
Due to the ongoing risks associated with operating civilian aircraft within Iranian airspace or near the borders of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). These advisories highlight the potential dangers for civilian aviation. U.S. citizens planning any air travel involving Iranian airspace should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
For more comprehensive information, U.S. citizens are urged to read the detailed country information page on the U.S. Department of State website concerning travel to Iran.
If you are currently in Iran:
If you are a U.S. citizen currently residing in or visiting Iran, you should be acutely aware of the elevated risks. It is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your personal safety and security:
- Carefully consider the specific risks associated with possessing dual U.S. Iranian nationality. Dual nationals face unique and heightened risks of detention.
- Critically review your personal security plan and ensure it is robust and up to date. Consult the U.S. Department of State’s guidance on Travel to High-Risk Areas for best practices.
- Prepare essential legal and personal documents. Draft a will and clearly designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney to manage your affairs in your absence or in case of emergency.
- Discuss and establish a detailed plan with your loved ones regarding the care and custody of children, pets, property, personal belongings, non-liquid assets (such as collections or artwork), and funeral wishes.
- Develop and implement your own personal security plan, ideally in close coordination with your employer or host organization if applicable. Consider consulting with a professional security organization for expert advice and support.
- Take practical steps to aid identification in an emergency. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider for identification purposes should the unforeseen occur.
- Critically assess your departure options. Have a clear and viable plan for departing Iran that does not depend on potential U.S. government assistance, as such assistance is severely limited.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety Alerts and to facilitate the U.S. embassy or consulate’s ability to locate you in an emergency situation, although consular services are extremely limited in Iran.
- Stay informed and connected. Follow the Department of State on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter/X to receive timely updates and security information.
- Consult the CDC page for the most current Travel Health Information related to your travel and any potential health risks in Iran.
- Thoroughly prepare a comprehensive contingency plan for various emergency situations that could arise. Review the Traveler’s Checklist to ensure you have considered all essential preparations.
