Is Iran a safe country for tourism? + Images

Pars Today – Iran, with its ancient history, rich culture, and unparalleled natural beauty, hosts a large number of foreign tourists every year.

This Asian country, with its mesmerizing landscapes, ancient history, and warm hospitality, attracts curious travelers from all over the world. Given the images portrayed by Western media, it is understandable that many hesitate before planning a trip to this destination in West Asia. However, reality often differs from perceptions. Travelers who have visited Iran speak of feeling safe, experiencing warm welcomes, and even being pleasantly surprised by the kindness of the people. In this report, Pars Today examines whether Iran is a safe tourism destination or not. 

While Iran, like any other country, has its security considerations, most tourists find it a safe and hospitable place to explore. A recent report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization shows that Iran is among the top 20 tourism destinations in the world. 

What lies does Western media spread about security in Iran? 

If someone thinks Iran is a dangerous country, the main reason is Western media and their anti-Iranian propaganda. For decades, American and European newspapers and media have portrayed a completely biased image of Iran to the world. Fabrications about human rights violations, the suppression of individual and social freedoms—especially concerning Iranian women—and depicting Iranian society as impoverished and miserable are among the Western media’s distortions about Iran. These media outlets often portray Iran as unsafe due to its anti-oppression stance, primarily because of Iran’s support for the oppressed around the world, particularly Palestine, against the crimes of the Zionist regime. 

How safe is Iran compared to other tourist destinations? 

Despite the lies spread about Iran, the country is safer than many Western and regional nations, offering a welcoming environment for tourists. Iran ranks low in crime rates and holds a secure position globally. In contrast, famous European tourist destinations like Paris, London, and Barcelona experience high rates of pickpocketing, scams, and sometimes violent crimes. Many foreign travelers admit that they feel safer walking the streets of Iran at night than in most Western countries. 

On the other hand, many assume Iran is unsafe due to regional conflicts, but in reality, it is one of the most stable countries in West Asia. While destinations like Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE attract millions of tourists, some of their regions have witnessed terrorist attacks, civil unrest, or high crime rates. In Iran, internal security measures have made it one of the safest places in the region. 

 Is there a serious risk of arrest in Iran? 

One reason foreign tourists might hesitate to visit Iran due to negative propaganda is the fear of arrest. While it is possible for a foreigner to be arrested in Iran, it does not happen without cause. Such rare incidents occur only if a tourist violates the law, such as carrying firearms—in which case, arrest is a normal procedure, just as it would be in any other country. 

How do Iranians treat tourists? 

For many who have traveled to Iran, the experience has been like a "whole new wonderful world." What makes Iran even safer is the deep-rooted Iranian belief that "the guest is beloved by God," and the people’s willingness to do whatever they can to warmly welcome their guests, making them feel comfortable and secure. Iranians love interacting with tourists—they greet them, guide them, recommend the best restaurants, and offer them a taste of Iran’s sweet hospitality. 

MG