Is Iran safe to visit for tourists?
There is one essential question for tourists who plan to travel to Iran: Is it safe to travel to Iran? The image of Iran seems uncertain or risky for most tourists from western countries. Perhaps the emergence of this attitude is the result of the government’s inappropriate diplomatic relations with countries such as the United States and England and the wrong decisions of the Iranian government in dealing with Western countries. Many people worldwide have a negative view of Iran and Iranian people due to the media’s propaganda and the speeches of their political figures against the nation of Iran. This view is far from Iran’s realities and the Iranian people’s personality and culture, and it can be said that Iran is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. In this article, we, as a tourist service agency, “Sito Travel,” have tried to share correct and honest information with you about the most important concerns and questions of foreign tourists about traveling to Iran; So, to know the facts, we recommend you to read the following article.
Is it safe to travel to Iran? Imagination and reality
This article discusses the level of security in Iran for foreign tourists, whether female tourists, tourists who travel alone, or European and American tourists. We will also look at the opinions of tourists from all over the world. We will also talk about the security score in Iran based on international surveys.
There are materials on the foreign ministry websites of some countries that warn their citizens about traveling to Iran. In addition, misperceptions and misinformation about security in Iran negatively affect tourists’ decisions to travel to Iran. Nevertheless, many tourists conclude that Iran is very safe and secure for tourists after visiting. Also, according to the opinions of many tourists who have traveled to Iran from all over the world, including Europe and America, Iranians are kind and hospitable. They show incredible generosity and kindness to domestic and foreign guests.
Is it safe for American citizens to travel to Iran?
American citizens can travel to Iran as tourists without any problems. US citizens must pre-confirm their itinerary and tour guide. This is contrary to the fact that the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US Department of State has announced a level 4 travel advisory and has prohibited American citizens from traveling as tourists in Iran. It should be noted that American tourists who have already traveled to Iran narrate the opposite and have no complaints about their security.
But keep in mind that adherence to the itinerary is a condition of visa approval, so following the itinerary and the tour guide’s instructions will ensure no problems. For historical and political reasons, the Iranian government is susceptible to foreign interference in the political process, especially in the United States.
Iranians will be eager to show their hospitality to European and American citizens and offer to host them for lunch or dinner and even stay in their homes, and they show a lot of time and respect for their guests.
Is it safe for women to travel to Iran?
Women travel to Iran like other foreign male tourists. But the point is that all women must observe the Islamic hijab in Iran. To observe hijab or Islamic covering, you must cover your hair and body parts in public places, and only your face and hands are visible.
It should be noted that there is gender segregation in some public transportation. Following these rules means that women generally won’t have a problem with safety. Iranians are known for their hospitality, and as a visitor, you will be invited to many people’s homes for dinner or lunch.
The situation of infectious diseases in Iran
Iran is one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East in medicine and public health. This country has prepared a comprehensive vaccination program for infectious diseases, especially during the corona epidemic. According to the Corona vaccination program, about 80% of Iran’s population has been vaccinated, and this disease is well controlled. Also, suppose you suffer from a certain disease. In that case, you can receive all the necessary medical care in Iran at a level comparable to western countries, and you don’t have to worry about the treatment process and its costs.
Regarding the regulations related to corona disease, Iran is now open to vaccinated tourists. If you have received two doses of your vaccine, you are eligible to apply for a tourist visa. Just remember the following points:
– Passengers must present a valid double-vaccination certificate for COVID-19 issued no later than 14 days before your flight. You must also complete self-declaration forms on incoming flights.
– All passengers over 12 must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result printed in English and issued no later than 72 hours before departure.
With 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iran is one of the countries you must visit. So, if you haven’t traveled to Iran yet or want to see other parts of Iran that you haven’t seen before, don’t hesitate anymore. It’s time to plan a trip to Iran and see what this ancient country is like.
Iranian hospitality customs
The hospitality of Iranians has two main reasons: First, tourist is respected by Iranian families as human beings and guests. Secondly, Iranians religiously believe a guest is like a “friend of God.” Therefore, Iranians protect the safety and comfort of tourists who travel to Iran well. This message means that the safety of all tourists who enter Iran from other countries is fully guaranteed, and these respected guests enjoy total safety and security. Many travelers describe Iran as one of the “safest countries they have ever seen.” Also, the statistics of theft and violent crimes against foreigners are scarce; if you follow the customs and customs of the country, you will probably not face any threat.
Despite the engineered image in the media, Iran has always been safe for tourists. Almost every tourist who travels to Iran is surprised by the contrast between the real Iran and the image of this country in mass media.
Iran has always been an important country and has recently attracted more attention. The reason was the escalation of tension between America and Iran. The heart of Iran’s ambitious empire in ancient times, due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources, especially oil, Iran has long played an essential role as an imperial power and later as a factor in colonial rivalries and superpowers. Is. The roots of this country as a distinct culture and society go back to the Achaemenid period, which began in 550 BC.
Recently, there has been an increase in concern for tourists who intend to travel to Iran, which was quite understandable. However, from the spectacular nature to over hundreds of cultural sites, it motivates people to want to know more about Iran and travel to it.
Iran’s tourism security in 2023
The International Risk Assessment Institute SOS evaluated the risks of tourism in the world in 2022 based on four risk parameters, including “tourism safety,” “tourism destination health,” “tourist road and traffic safety,” and “risk of natural disasters.” The results shown by this international institute show that Iran’s security level in 2020 has a low-security risk for foreign tourists.
Map: International SOS, Risk map 2022, November
At the end of each year, SOS International publishes a Travel Risk Map that informs organizations, investors, and tourists about the risks in the countries they operate in and travel to. Iran travel security risk as reported by International SOS in Figure 1. It described travel to Iran as a “low-security risk” (November 2022), similar to travel to Turkey, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, India, Ukraine, and Russia. While neighboring countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan are dark red, the risk of travel to these countries is “extremely high.” Of course, some parts of Iran, especially in the eastern borders, are red, which indicates a “high” level of security risk. In conclusion, don’t believe everything you hear on the news. Iran can be a good choice for travel.
2 common Security misconceptions
Now that you know some facts about Iran, here are six common misconceptions people have about Iran.
1- Iran is dangerous
Iran is one of the safest countries you can travel to. Nightlife is going on in many urban spaces and streets of Iran with great enthusiasm, and going out at night is as safe as during the day.
This situation applies to most cities and villages in Iran. Of course, you should remember that Iran is a vast country with different ethnicities and religions. Naturally, a city’s citizens’ culture or attitude may be somewhat different. Therefore, we recommend you get tips and recommendations from your tour guide to go to a new place.
2- Iran is in danger of terrorist attacks
Terrorist attacks happen in Iran as well as in European countries. The main targets of these attacks are the army and the government. Terrorist attacks and attacks on people and tourists rarely happen in Iran, and we will assure you that, you will have a safe and memorable trip in Iran in such a way that you will think about traveling to Iran again after leaving Iran.
Last word
In the end, it should be said that despite the security threats in the Middle East region, Iran is considered one of the safe countries for tourists. Iran is an attractive destination for European and American tourists with its beautiful nature, diverse landscapes, rich history and culture, and numerous historical monuments, many of which are registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Our travel experts and guides at SITO Travel have prepared a series of attractive tours for you and guarantee the safety of your trip to Iran. Thank you for reading this article carefully.
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