Travel Vaccines and Advice for Iran
Iran is the home to the ancient Persian Empire and a strong history dating back to 3200 BC. This means travellers are able to bask in the rich culture and history of thousands of years of tradition and architecture.
When in Iran, consider your safety. Laws and regulations are different in Iran and can be rigidly followed.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Iran?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Iran?
What is the Climate Like in Iran?
How Safe is Iran?
Shopping at the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
What Should I Pack for Iran?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Iran
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Iran. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Iran: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to specific regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required for some itineraries, especially if staying over 4 weeks. Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Iran |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to specific regions. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Polio | Food & Water | Required for some itineraries, especially if staying over 4 weeks. Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
Polio is found in some regions of Iran. Ensure you have been vaccinated before travelling.
Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are also present. Ensure to bring repellents and mosquito netting. Antimalarials may be recommended based on the specifics of your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling 44 808 164 6644 or book online now.
A visa is required for all travel to Iran. Visas are given to tour groups or individuals with a sponsor in Iran. Women, and girls over the age of nine, should wear a headscarf in their visa application photos.
Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Iran Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Iran? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Iran and GOV.UK
Iran is a dry and hot country. But, its climate can vary depending on the geographical location and season.
Winters are cool to very cold with January being the coldest month. In the northwest, winters are the worst, though they are evened out with temperate summers. The further south you go, the more hot and humid it gets, with short, cool winters, and very strong summers. July is particularly hot.
Summers are not very wet in most of the country. Part of the Caspian coast has rainfall all year round, but especially from the end of summer to mid-winter. Be aware that strong storms can sometimes occur, which can lead to flooding and erosion. Iran gets lots of sunshine during summers.
Autumn and spring are usually mild passing seasons in Iran no matter which area you travel to.
While Iran is a very developed country, there are still some safety concerns. Severe earthquakes are not uncommon in Iran and terrorism is a threat. Ensure to plan for these potential hazards.
Iran has a high traffic-accident mortality rate. Motorists do not make way for pedestrians and streets are not regulated. Avoid motoring by yourself and be careful on the streets.
Petty theft and pick-pocketing do occur in populous areas of Iran. Ensure to be aware of your surroundings and leave valuables in a safe place. False constabulary officers robbing tourists has been reported in Iran. Ask for an officer’s identity card if stopped.
The Tabriz Historic Bazaar presents a great opportunity to learn more about culture and architecture. Tabriz was at one point the capital city of the Safavid kingdom from the 1200’s to the 1500’s. The complex is made up of connected buildings of red brick, with towering domed skylights.
If you are looking for peculiar Iranian items to take home or just some food for lunch, the Bazaar is a wise choice. Shoppers can find everything from spices, natural scents, and herbal remedies. Most famously sold are the genuine hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets. You can watch them being made in different styles, sizes, and even knot density.
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Appropriate Items for the Weather – Iran can be often be quite hot during the summer or very cold in the winter. Be sure to pack accordingly for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sun cream, sandals, and airy clothing especially.
- Covering Clothing – People in Iran, particularly women, must follow the government’s dress code. Research into these regulations and pack accordingly.
- Insect Repellent – With the possibility of malaria and dengue fever in Iran it is important to bring repellents.
- Copies of Travel Documents – In case of lost luggage or theft, bringing copies of important documents is a must.
If you are in Iran and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy in Tehran
172 Ferdowsi Avenue
Tehran
11316-99813
Iran
Telephone: +98 ( 0)21 6405 2000
Emergency Phone: +44 1908 516666
Be aware that Iranian citizens may be prevented from going to the embassy for help.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring 44 808 164 6644 or book online now and start travelling safely today!