Is it safe to travel to Iran?
If you’re wondering what it’s like to travel to Iran, this is probably the first question that springs to mind, right? Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is yes! Yes, it is safe to travel to Iran.
Whether you’re looking to go alone or with a group, male or female, exploring day or night, you can rest assured you’ll be safe exploring Iran.
Iran has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years, being listed as one of the hot spot destinations (I mean — one scroll of these stunning snaps and you’ll be packing your bags!) Although it may not be as popular with some travelers, we’re here to reassure and inspire you to visit Iran at least once in your lifetime.
What is Iran really like?
To get you started, join filmmaker Reinier van Oorsouw’s adventure as he takes you along with him on his journey to see the side of Iran that you just don’t see in the news.
He visits Isfahan, Iran’s famous city (also named the most beautiful city in the world!), introducing you to the warm and hospitable locals he meets along the way.
He also explores the city’s bustling nightlife, and you instantly get a feel for just how welcoming the Iranian community is, day and night. Reinier sets out to discover if Iran is a safe place to travel, and he leaves with a real insight into the inviting culture from the friendly locals who are proud to live where they do.
If your friends are telling you it’s too dangerous – here’s a great mini-documentary you can share with them by Peter Santenello, who takes you on his journey deeper into Iran for anyone tired of the mainstream media who wants to see the real reflection of Iran. And if that’s not enough, you can put their minds at ease with this handy travel risk map, where they’ll be able to see Iran marked as a low-risk country. You can now relax and start planning your trip, and maybe they’ll join you!
Where should I explore?
To help you plan your adventures, The Guardian has plenty of inspiring articles to help you fill your itinerary with all the wonderful sights to see. Check out this article on exploring the real Iran with social media as your guide, as young Iranians use social media to show foreign visitors the warm, fun reality of everyday life in their country. Instagram at the ready!
If your itinerary isn’t already overflowing – The Daily Telegraph has some captivating guides to Iran, from John Simpson’s take on soaking in the atmosphere of the Middle East’s oldest Bazaar, to a journey to the heart of Iran with Nick Boulos. At one point, Nick describes “a wave of goosebumps swept along my arms and everyone in sight was rendered speechless. It was a delicate and soulful display that took us all by surprise. Very much like Iran itself.” — Now that’s an experience to be had! If you’ve already booked your tickets and want some reading for the plane journey, Stephan Orth’s book ‘Couchsurfing in Iran: Revealing a Hidden World’ is one for your hand luggage.
Is it safe to travel to Iran as an American?
With between 5000–7000 American tourists exploring Iran each year, it’s not only safe but also a much-loved destination for travelers. Iran is known for its alluring architecture, fascinating history, breathtaking world heritage sites, cultural and ethnic diversity, natural beauty, and above all, a place renowned for its warm hospitality that is sure to leave a lasting impression much stronger than any tourist attraction ever could.
Ready to go?
Perhaps the essential reason to visit Iran at least once (or any country) is to see it for yourself and form your own opinions. Like much of the world, you only get a particular portrayal of a country in the mass media, but there is so much more to the world than this. Social media is helping to show a more honest view of people’s travel experiences as Instagram overflows with eye-wateringly beautiful photos of Iran, and more travelers share their journeys, spreading the good word. After all, isn’t that what being an explorer is all about?