Middle East and North Africa

Iran
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 21 October 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and to the Terrorism & Security section (suicide bombing in Sistan-Baluchestan). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Natural disasters

Most of Iran is prone to earthquakes. Small tremors occur frequently. On 10 September 2008, an earthquake occurred in the Province of Hormozgan near the South Iranian city of Bandar Abbas. About seven people were killed and at least 40 injured. The earthquake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale. In 2003, a large earthquake hit Bam, in south eastern Iran, and around 30,000 people died.

UN-sponsored reports suggest that Iran is the world’s number one country for earthquakes, and that it may be ill-equipped to cope in the event of significant tectonic activity in built-up areas.

For advice on how to protect yourself in the event of being caught in an earthquake or tremor, please see: http://www.geologyuk.com/index.htm