Because Iran is located close to countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, many people believe that just like in these countries, many terrorist attacks occur in Iran.

But the truth is that, contrary to the common belief and world media propaganda, terrorist attacks in Iran happen much less than in countries such as France, Germany, the United States, Turkey, and many other countries.

What’s more, no war has occurred between Iran and other countries over the last 30 years.

Read along and join us as we talk about the realities of a trip to Iran.

One of the main factors in choosing a tourist destination for tourists is the security of that country. Even though in the past, the existence of security meant only security of life, or the absence of any kind of military threat, nowadays, the concept of security has changed globally. The definition of security can be examined in various contexts.

Contrary to the fact that Iran has been described as an insecure country by many media outlets, the country has been described as a safe country by those who have traveled to Iran, as well as by the International SOS. (International SOS)

At the end of each year, the International SOS provides a security map that shows different countries to help tourists choose a safe travel destination. The institute determines the security of destinations based on 4 main parameters, which include:

1. Tourism Security
2. Health Safety of the Tourist Destination
3. Road Safety and Tourist Commute
4. Risk of Natural Disasters

The institute uses 4 levels to rank the security of countries. Iran is marked in orange, which is the second level of security. This ranking is similar to tourist countries such as Turkey, and Russia, and is therefore considered to be a good condition.

However, some parts of Iran’s border areas with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq are considered insecure, which is NOT a major concern and nothing to worry about given the fact that Iran is a vast country, and many tourist attractions and facilities are located far from these borders.

Of course, tourists prefer NOT to witness, or be victims of crime and violence when traveling to a foreign country. Although theft from tourists is common in many tourist countries, the experience of tourists in Iran indicates that these cases occur very rarely for tourists, and on the other hand, the reports of the International SOS also refer to Iran as one of the countries with low crime and violence rates.

For decades, the Western media has been constantly producing and publishing reports about Iran, which are mainly based on the hostility of Western governments toward Iran, and are very far from the realities in Iran. This issue can be easily understood by looking at the experience of tourists who have traveled to Iran.

Today, many touristic cities in Iran, such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, etc., are very popular with numerous tourism groups, as well as tourists who are traveling alone.

The opinions expressed by tourists can well indicate the truth of traveling to Iran:

“The Iranian people are so kind and friendly that they surprise even an expert tourist! “

“I was really astonished! Even the word astonished fails to express my feelings towards Iran. Amazing is the best word that can describe Iran. Iran is not at all like the image that the West has created in our minds of this country.”

Despite the fact that health and tourism facilities have not been equally distributed in Iran, but the facilities available in major cities are very suitable and convenient. Access to health facilities in Iranian cities is easily possible. Access to prescription drugs, dental care, and emergency services is very convenient for tourists.

In addition, many Iranian hospitals offer International Patient Department (IPD) services. Thus, you can easily access the translators and interpreters who are present in hospitals. Also, the physicians in these departments are fluent in international languages, ​​and will facilitate the treatment process.

All documents will be provided in English or Arabic, so that health tourists or patients who have traveled to Iran for health purposes do not face any difficulties or confusions.

Meanwhile, Iranian physicians are among the most knowledgeable doctors in the world and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The best possible medical services will be provided to you.

Furthermore, medical expenses in Iran are very low due to the Iranian currency exchange rate, even if health tourists do not have medical insurance.

When obtaining a travel visa to Iran, having insurance is compulsory, and if you do NOT have insurance upon your arrival, you must register an insurance contract at the airport. Although some international insurance companies do not insure travelers to Iran due to sanctions, IATI Insurance is one of the companies that will provide you its services.

One of the natural disasters that may occur in Iran is an earthquake. Of course, the probability of an earthquake is an issues that can NOT be accurately and scientifically predicted.

In addition, the Iranian people are hospitable, friendly, and tolerant. This has resulted in their being very kind in dealing with tourists. This matter has a great impact on establishing psychological security and peace of mind for tourists, and can make it easier for them to interact with the host community.

Iran has not witnessed the presence or activity of any terrorist group in its territory for the past 3 decades. Quite contrary to Iran’s location in a region where we are witnessing war and insecurity by jihadist and terrorist groups in Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, we have rarely observed such terrorist attacks and activities in Iran.

Iran was one of the first in the world to fight the ISIS terrorist group since its emergence, and inflicted heavy blows on this terrorist group.

According to Ms. Janet Moore, owner of Distant Horizons, which has been planning tours to Iran for 2 decades: “Travelers are always asking us about Iran’s political and security affairs, which seems to be more serious this time around. Customers are concerned about the statements made by Donald Trump (former US President) against the Iranian government. Travelers do not want to travel to a place where there is military activity going on.”

The Skift website, which is an American website active in publishing news related to tourism and foreign travel, notes in a report that despite all the pressure from the US government, requests from foreign tourists to travel to Iran have been on the rise.

Iran is an Islamic country, and is governed by Islamic law. The history of Iran indicates that since several thousand years ago, the Iranian people have always been religious, and women have a high position in Iranian culture.

Also, Iranian women have always worn veils throughout history. Even in Persepolis, which dates back to 2,500 years ago and the Achaemenid period and 1,100 years before the arrival of Islam in Iran, a petroglyph shows a woman wearing a veil.

This ancient tradition has also become a custom among Iranians. Of course, the common hijab in Iran is different from the common hijab in Arab countries. No one expects tourists to fully cover themselves or wear a Chador. Iranian girls wear ordinary hijab in the city.

You may attract attention if you wear anything other than an ordinary head scarf, jeans or cotton pants, and a long shirt.

Therefore, the rumors and bad news stating improper Iranian police dealings with tourists are not true at all. Even if they observe a violation of Islamic laws, the Iranian police force has been trained to guide you by observing the principles of ethics, hospitality, and kindness.

Keeping in mind all of the above, it is easy to see that Iran is considered a safe destination for tourists, and this safety is not limited to security of life, but includes other aspects of security such as psychological security, easy interaction with other people in the host community, access to health & hygiene facilities, etc.

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