Iran

Imam Reza Shrine

Imam Reza Shrine, Mashhad

 

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar, referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader. According to the constitution, the Supreme Leader is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts (a popularly elected 86-member body of clerics). US-Iranian relations have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on November 4th, 1979, and held it until January 20th, 1981. From 1980 to 1988, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq, one which eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf, and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces between the years of 1987 and 1988. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism due to its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world. Iran also remains subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its nuclear weapons ambitions and its continued involvement in terrorism. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad Khatami as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, through the control of unelected institutions, both prevented reform measures from being enacted and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003, and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives re-established control over Iran’s elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president. His controversial re-election in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud. The UN Security Council has passed a number of resolutions calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities, and to comply with its IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) obligations and responsibilities.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria.
 
Medical treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travelers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in their original containers, and packed in carry-on luggage. 

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases chances of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travelers should ensure that water is boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected before drinking; avoid ice and dairy products from unreliable sources; avoid eating fruits and vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked; and avoid purchasing food from street vendors. It is also advisable to carry an oral rehydration solution (available at pharmacies) in case you develop severe watery diarrhea, in which case you should start taking the oral rehydration solution immediately and seek medical attention.

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

Iranian authorities are suspicious of foreigners. Behavior, such as the use of cameras and cellular phones in public places, is misinterpreted. Foreign travelers can be questioned, arrested, and detained for long periods without apparent reason. Foreigners traveling alone, or beyond conventional tourist sites, are particularly vulnerable to such treatment by Iranian authorities.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and gatherings have been occurring in major cities across Iran, most notably in Tehran, since February 2011. On several occasions, demonstrations resulted in violent clashes. People near demonstrations have been assaulted, and deaths have been reported. Further incidents of political unrest may occur with little warning.

Avoid All Travel 

It is advised to avoid all travel to the regions bordering Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan.

You are advised against all travel to the province of Sistan and Baluchestan as well as to Khuzestan, as these regions are regularly affected by ethnic conflicts. There have been a number of kidnappings involving foreign tourists.
 
Bandits in border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan are usually involved in drug trafficking and use kidnapping operations to secure the release of group members from prison. On August 18, 2007, bus passengers were taken hostage by armed bandits near Jakigar; they were released the next day in Pakistan. On August 13, 2007, two Belgian tourists went missing while traveling on a road to Fahraj. 

Furthermore, terrorist attacks sometimes occur in the region bordering Pakistan, in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. On October 18, 2009, at least 42 people were killed and dozens more injured when a suicide bomber struck in this region.

Travelers who enter Pakistan and/or Afghanistan overland, despite this warning, should exercise a high level of caution at all times, travel only on main roads and in official parties, and avoid traveling after dark

Terrorism

There exist heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats (globally) of terrorism. It is advised to maintain a high level of awareness regarding personal security at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice.

Crime

Violent crime affecting both Iranians and foreigners has increased. Travelers have occasionally been victims of petty theft. Avoid showing signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure, and keep a photocopy of your passport’s identification page with you at all times.

Travelers should watch for fraudulent plainclothes police officers who may ask to see foreign currency and passports. If approached, politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station.

Women's Safety

Physical and verbal harassment of women can be a problem.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Possession, use, or trafficking of drugs and alcohol is forbidden. Individuals found guilty of such an offense are subject to very severe penalties, including capital punishment.

It is prohibited to import alcohol or pork products.

People who challenge the Islamic faith, or attempt to convert Muslims to another religion may be condemned to death.

Penalties for those who engage in sexual relations outside of marriage include the death penalty. Public displays of affection between two people of the opposite sex, especially between a non-Muslim man and a Muslim woman, should be avoided.

Magazines and DVDs with sexual or explicit content are forbidden.

Homosexual activity is a criminal offence. Those convicted may be sentenced to lashing, a prison sentence, and/or death.

Photography of government and military installations, such as ports and airports and their surroundings, is strictly prohibited. Such sites are not always identifiable. Refrain from taking pictures whenever you are not at a recognized tourist site. When in doubt, ask for permission.

Playing music loudly in public, including in cars, is prohibited by law.


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