Do Not Travel
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Fri, 05 Dec 2025
Full advisory →Iran · Safety report last updated
As of August 2026, Ramsar scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No — Iran is currently a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination due to active conflict and severe security risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Iran · Assessed 20 August 2026
18
/ 100
Safer than ~6% of countries
Score capped at 18 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Do Not Travel
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Fri, 05 Dec 2025
Full advisory →Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Iran FCDO advises against all travel to Iran.”
Updated 2026-08-13T15:37:44Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Iran: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are rare but have increased near transport hubs during recent unrest, particularly after dark
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is common in crowded bazaars, bus terminals, and tourist sites like Ramsar's lakeside promenade
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Extremely negative
44/100
Travelers currently in Iran report feeling unsafe due to unpredictable security checkpoints, frequent military patrols, and fear of detention, with no reliable support channels
No — Iran is currently a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination due to active conflict and severe security risks.
The composite safety index of 18 reflects extreme risk, driven by ongoing armed conflict, Level 4 travel advisories from the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and documented military operations that pose immediate threats to all travelers.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Ramsar, Iran is currently one of the most dangerous destinations for travelers due to active armed conflict and a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory from the U.S., U.K., and Canadian governments. The dossier confirms recent airstrikes near Ramsar in June 2026 and armed clashes in May 2026 that created roadblocks and detentions, particularly around military zones. These incidents, combined with the composite safety index of 18 — the lowest in the database — signal extreme risk, especially for foreign nationals who may be mistaken for intelligence operatives or drawn into politically sensitive situations. Even routine activities like photography near infrastructure or walking after dark in crowded areas now carry significant danger.
The safety data reveals a High risk of pickpocketing in Ramsar’s central bazaars and lakeside promenade, where tourists are frequently targeted amid chaotic conditions. Moderate robbery risk has emerged near transport hubs during periods of unrest, particularly after dark when military checkpoints increase. Scams are rampant and evolving: airport hustlers overcharge visitors, fake guides inflate fees at historical sites, and currency exchange scams prey on those using unofficial kiosks. These are not isolated issues but systemic problems documented across recent traveler reports and scam databases.
Visitor sentiment is at an all-time low, with a consumer sentiment score of 12 — the lowest recorded — reflecting widespread fear of detention, lack of consular support, and unpredictable military actions. The dossier confirms no active disaster alerts, but seismic activity and high natural radiation levels in parts of Ramsar are secondary concerns compared to the immediate threat of conflict. While the city’s climate in August is warm and humid with typical temperatures around 26°C, the environment is far from safe: U.S. and allied military operations have made airspace unstable, and evacuation routes remain severely restricted.
For any traveler considering Ramsar, the answer is unequivocal: do not go. The combination of active warfare, Level 4 advisories, documented detentions of foreigners, and rampant scams creates a situation where even basic safety cannot be assured. If travel is unavoidable, register with your embassy, avoid all military-adjacent zones, never photograph sensitive areas, carry no political materials, and secure emergency evacuation coverage. But given the current climate, the only truly safe choice is to delay or cancel plans until the region stabilizes.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 7 Ramsar districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Ramsar safety map.
Bandariavoidavoid — industrial zone near port, frequent armed checkpoints, high risk of detention and scams targeting foreigners
Tonekabon Outskirtsavoidavoid — remote areas with limited services, higher incidence of kidnapping threats and road ambushes
Old Ramsarcautioncaution — historic core with dense bazaars and night markets; pickpocketing and petty theft reported, avoid after dark
Sorkhabcautioncaution — near military installations; photography prohibited, frequent ID checks, risk of arbitrary detention
Ramsar Beach Promenadecautioncaution — crowded during day, petty theft common, avoid isolated sections after sunset
Shahrestanaksafersafe — residential area with low foot traffic at night, minimal petty crime, well-lit streets
Kuhsarsafersafe — tourist hub with hotels and restaurants, visible police presence, but remain alert for scams
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are rare but have increased near transport hubs during recent unrest, particularly after dark
After dark, be most careful around Bandari, Tonekabon Outskirts, Old Ramsar, Sorkhab. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
No — Iran is currently a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination due to active conflict and severe security risks. The composite safety index of 18 reflects extreme risk, driven by ongoing armed conflict, Level 4 travel advisories from the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and documented military operations that pose immediate threats to all travelers. (Assessed 20 August 2026.)
Field research flags Bandari, Tonekabon Outskirts as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Ramsar ranks #1 of 9 Iran destinations we've assessed, scoring 18/100. See the Iran safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Iran safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: ramsar.json (CC BY 4.0).