Country Profile for IRAN

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Risk Rating

General Information

Country Map
Red (High Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous.
Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.


Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice:
Some parts of the country are dangerous.
Travel with caution.


Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are safe.
Travel freely.
 
Capital: Tehran

Major Languages: Persian

Currency: Rial

Timezone: GMT +3:30
 

Overview

Overview

 

Despite the recent increase in incidents of civil unrest Iran is currently politically stable.  The disputed presidential elections in 2009 led to a number of political protests and demonstrations.  These were met by a violent response from the Iranian authorities, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. Ethnic tensions and anti-Western sentiments are further causes of civil unrest in Iran and visitors to the country should avoid all large scale public gatherings wherever possible, especially in the capital, Tehran.

Iranian relations with Israel and the US continue to be strained; however the chances of Iran becoming engaged in conflict in the short-medium term are limited.  Tensions also exist between Iran and a number of Sunni Arab states, such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia.  Again the chances of conflict involving Iran are limited. Due to the security situation in both Iraq and Afghanistan travel to Iran’s borders with these two countries all non-essential travel should be avoided.

Internally there are currently two low level insurgency conflicts in Iran.  These conflicts are located south-east of the country near the border with Pakistan and in the north-west border region with Iraq. Fighting between separatist groups and security forces does occur and non-essential travel to these regions should be avoided.

Crime levels in Iran are moderate with petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching the most likely to affect visitors.  The risk is heightened in major urban areas and standard precautions should be undertaken. 

 

Health

 

  • Recommended vaccinations/boosters: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Typhoid.
  • Due to incidents of Rabies in Iran necessary precautions, such as avoiding direct contact with animals, is advised.
  • Insect-borne disease Malaria exists in parts of the country.  Precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
  • Risk of the parasitic infection Schistosomiasis.  Avoid swimming or bathing in fresh water. 
  • Standard of health care is adequate in major cities but can be severely limited in rural areas.  Visitors should arrange any required medication and extensive medical insurance prior to arrival.
  • More information can be found at the National Travel Health Network and Centre (www.nathnac.org).

 

Travel

 

  • Mehrabad International Airport is located 5km from Tehran.
  • Taxis are widely available throughout Tehran.  Visitors should book through reliable sources, such as hotels, and agree fares prior to departure.
  • Extensive rail network throughout Iran, generally regarded as a safe and reliable mode of transport.
 

Alerts

Alert for Iran

 

Iranian guards shoot dead six Pakistanis - 27 - January 2012:

At least six Pakistanis are reported to have been killed by Iranian guards after they have crossed the border into Iran.  Pakistani officials claim that the attacks took place close the south-western province of Balochistan.

Protesters storm UK embassy in Tehran - 29 November 2011:

Protesters in the Iranian capital Tehran have stormed the UK embassy building, destroying offices and burning British flags.  The demonstrations were organised in response to a series of sanctions imposed by Britain on Iran.

Kurdish rebels in ceasefire following heavy fighting - 05 September 2011:

The Kurdish rebel group, the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), have called a for a ceasefire following a weekend of heavy fighting.  More than 30 PJAK rebels are reported to have been killed and 40 more wounded after clashes with the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards along the border.

Iranian security forces clash with Kurdish separatists - 26 July 2011:

Iranian security forces have clashed with Kurdish separatists along the Iraq-Iran border.  At least two civilians have been killed and hundreds displaced by the fighting.

Opposition groups rally in Tehran - 02 March 2011:

Opposition groups have held further rallies in Iran's capital, Tehran, leading to clashes between protesters and riot police.  The demonstrators were rallying to demand the release of two opposition leaders who are believed to be in police custody.

Political opposition organises protests in Tehran - 15 February 2011:

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have gathered in the capital, Tehran, calling for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  At least one person is reported to have been killed in clashes between protesters and riot police.

6.5 magnitude earthquake in Kerman province - 20 December 2010:

At least seven people have been killed and hundreds more injured following a 6.5 magnitude earthquake which stuck in the Kerman province.  Authorities have warned that further aftershocks are possible in the region.

Suicide attack hits Iran mosque - 15 December 2010:

At least 38 people have been killed and over 60 injured after a suicide bomb exploded in the south-eastern city of Chabahar.  The blast took place outside the Imam Hossein Mosque and is believed to have been targeted at pilgrims marking Ashura, the Shia mourning day.

Data

Iran Data Sheet

 

Population: 74.2 million (2009 est.)

Major Religion/s: : Islam

International dialling code: +98

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: Police 110, Medical 115, Fire 125

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Arid-semiarid, subtropical along the Caspian coast

Other Major Cities: Mashhad, Esfahan, Tabriz, Karaj, Shiraz

Borders: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan


Mobile Networks:

 

Orange: MCI

Vodafone: TKC

02: none

T-Mobile: Taliya, TCI

 

For more information visit:

 

Orange:

http://business.orange.co.uk/home/soletrader/plans/roaming-and-international-plans/international-cost-checker

 

Vodafone:

 http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=templateCClamp&pageID=OS_1110

 

O2:

 http://www.o2international.co.uk/

 

T-Mobile:

 http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/services/going-abroad/

 

Journalists Under Attack

Journalists Under Attack

Media Safety

Media Safety

Security News

Security News