Local Laws and Customs in Iran
Visiting new countries means learning about the history of a new place, different cultures, and traditions. As Iran is an Islam-governed country, there are specific codes of behavior that you should take into consideration. We have put together the top 20 tips that you should run through before you set off on your journey.
Sexual Relations
Talking about sexual relations and relevant activities such as romantic kissing and making love in public is forbidden.
Homosexuality
The overt attempts of homosexuality (and even talking about it in public) are forbidden.
Shaking Hands
Try not to shake hands with the opposite sex. Shaking hands and kissing women and men is contrary to Islamic laws.
Drinking Liquor
Drinking liquor, as well as buying and selling pork and alcoholic beverages in public, are forbidden.
Political Discussion
Try not to discuss issues such as politics, human rights, monarchy, the ruling system, and the revolution of Iran.
Religious Issues
All the great religions are free to perform their rituals in Iran, but no one is allowed to promote other religions to Muslims.
No Photography Sign
Be careful! Taking photos of military and political places is forbidden. Remember to pay attention to the warning signs.
Check the restrictions, law, and permits of the quadcopter drone in locations before use it.
Drug Ban
Trading, importing, and using drugs is forbidden in Iran and has the death penalty.
WC
Do not dispose of tissues and toilet paper in the toilets – they will not get passed through the pipes.
Customs Laws
You may import the following goods into Iran without incurring customs duty:
- A reasonable quantity of cigarettes
- Buy a fair amount of perfume for personal use.
- Buy gifts as long as the import duty/tax does not exceed $80.
The import of the below items into Iran are strictly prohibited:
- Alcohol
- Narcotics (penalties for owning narcotics are very severe)
- Arms and ammunition
- Radio apparatus
- CDs, DVDs, and any written, printed or recorded materials against the Islamic and political beliefs of the country (fashion magazines and obscene publications)
- Satellite telephones
- Gambling tools
Swimming
It is not permitted for women and men to go swimming or work out in gyms together at the same time.
Night Club
Gambling and nightclubs are forbidden in Iran.
Master and Visa cards
It is not easy to use Master and Visa cards in Iran. However, you can get a tourist card.
Porn Websites
Porn websites, as well as Social Media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, are filtered in Iran and are not easily accessible.
Stay with your tour
As a foreigner, you should always be with your tour guide – particularly if you are an English, Canadian, or American citizen. Contact us for more details.
Israeli Tourists
Israelis are not allowed to enter Iran. Take a look at our Visa guide for more info. Restrictions also apply if you have land border entry/exit stamps from countries neighboring Israel.
Want to get around this? Check if your country allows applications for second passports for a particular state of affairs.
Persian Handicrafts
When leaving, you are allowed to take Persian handicrafts, Gelims, and a carpet with you (no bigger than 3 square meters), but they cannot be antiques. Export of any antiques from gems and coins to manuscripts is prohibited. If you’re looking to export musical instruments from Iran, a permit is required from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
Keeping your passport
Hotels will request to keep your passports during your stay – however, don’t forget you must always have your passport on you. You can make copies of your passport to take around with you (there are cheap copy shops all over the cities) or give the hotel copies and ask for your passport back.
Traveling by yourself
If you travel by yourself, Buses are the cheapest and most common form of transportation between cities. VIP buses are the best choice. There are also domestic airlines for those who want to save time.
Iranians Hospitality
Iranians love treating foreigners – people you meet are going to want to take you out and pay for everything! Some people may ask to take your photograph – just go with the flow and enjoy the attention!
Have any questions? Reach out to us!
