Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.
What's Illegal inIran?
Iran catches more travelers off guard than its reputation suggests. Of the 20 common items and activities tracked here, 13 are outright illegal and 4 are restricted or conditional. The strictest area for Iran is everyday activities and public behavior, and it is the area most worth your attention here.
Many Western governments advise against travel. Dual nationals have been detained. Strict modesty laws apply to all women including foreigners. Alcohol and many medications are illegal.
DO NOT BRING
Apostasy or anti-Islam speech · Same-sex relations
What to know before you go to Iran
The single thing worth knowing first: Many Western governments advise against travel. Dual nationals have been detained. Strict modesty laws apply to all women including foreigners. Alcohol and many medications are illegal. It is the kind of rule that looks minor at home and becomes a serious problem at the border or in public, which is exactly why it tops this page.
Within everyday activities and public behavior, Iran treats Women not wearing hijab, Public displays of affection, and Photography of military/government, among others, as off-limits. Carrying or doing any of these can mean confiscation, fines, or detention depending on the case — and a foreign prescription, habit, or "I didn't know" rarely helps once you are stopped. Each entry below links to the official source it is checked against, with the verified ones marked.
Two things travelers regularly get wrong about Iran: Tourist visa does not exempt women from hijab requirements; and Alcohol smuggled in luggage has resulted in confiscation and possible prosecution. Assumptions like these are how otherwise careful visitors end up in trouble, so it is worth checking the specifics rather than guessing.
One important caveat: Dual nationals have been detained on espionage charges — UK/US/AU/CA particularly. Laws and their enforcement can shift between regions and over time, so treat this page as a sourced starting point and confirm anything borderline against the official links before you rely on it.
BEFORE YOU GO TO IRAN — 3 STEPS
Confirm the rule with an official Iran source
Laws change. Before you pack, verify anything borderline against Iran Customs Administration — the official source we cite for Iran.
Open Iran Customs Administration →Carry proof for anything restricted
If you're bringing prescription medication or a regulated device into Iran, carry the prescription, original packaging, and a doctor's note. For controlled medicines, check whether an import permit is required.
Have a backup if something gets held at the border
Know who to call and keep your travel insurance and embassy details handy in case an item is seized or questioned at customs in Iran.
General guidance, not legal advice. How we verify.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Tourist visa does not exempt women from hijab requirements.
- Alcohol smuggled in luggage has resulted in confiscation and possible prosecution.
- Major Western credit cards do not work due to sanctions.
JURISDICTION NOTES
- Dual nationals have been detained on espionage charges — UK/US/AU/CA particularly.
- Hijab enforcement has fluctuated since 2022 — risk remains.
- Currency/sanctions create payment difficulties for travelers.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
IN-DEPTH GUIDES
Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.