Iran – Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory Issued October 23, 2026

Do not travel

to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

• Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran should leave immediately. 
• There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.  Do Not Travel to Iran for any reason.

U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers including terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. Some U.S. nationals have been held for years on false charges, subjected to torture, and even sentenced to death.

No U.S. embassy in Iran

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran.

• The Swiss Protecting Power office in Tehran is extremely limited in its ability to assist Americans in Iran. 
• Routine consular services for U.S. citizens are not available in Iran. For routine consular services, U.S. citizens must visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or return to the United States. This includes acceptance of applications for full-validity passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and for fee-based notarial services.  

Detention, kidnapping, and hostage-taking

The U.S. Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of Iran:

• Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain U.S. nationals without warning or any evidence they committed a crime. This includes dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, students, journalists, business travelers, academics, and people with U.S. military or government experience. Charges include espionage and posing a threat to national security.
• U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran.
• Having a U.S. passport or connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone.
• Iranian law allows authorities to punish individuals for “collaboration with a hostile state.” This includes having any real or perceived connection with a government or organization that Iranian authorities consider as acting against Iranian interests.
• Prior travel to Israel by an Iranian citizen can result in a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years. 

Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

• Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or more. Offenders can face many years in prison.
• The Government of Iran has imposed exit bans on U.S. citizens that prevent travelers from leaving.

Dual citizenship

• Iran will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen or have a claim to Iranian citizenship.
• Iran will not permit Swiss consular officers to visit detained U.S. citizens who also hold Iranian citizenship.

Terrorism

• There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iran. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Unrest

• Demonstrations are common and unpredictable. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

Companies providing surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation. They downplay the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry:  

• Private companies that organize these visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.
• Iranian surrogacy providers have also been known to misrepresent U.S. citizenship law.

A child born abroad to a surrogate will not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if they are not genetically or gestationally linked to a U.S. citizen parent or their spouse. This means the child cannot get a U.S. passport to leave Iran.

Aviation Safety Oversight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Iran. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/tsg_aem/us/en/home/international-travel/travel-advisories/destination.irn.html
Originally Published: October 23, 2026