Is Mashhad safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Iran

What the advice says

• The US State Department has issued a Level 4, Do Not Travel advisory for Iran, and this is a country-level rating rather than one specific to Mashhad.
• The UK FCDO notes a high threat of terrorist attack in Iran, citing past incidents such as a 2024 suicide bombing in Kerman and earlier attacks at a religious site in Shiraz, and this guidance also applies at the country level.
• British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals face a very high risk of arrest, questioning, and detention, and in security-related cases the UK government warns this can include the risk of a death sentence.
• The FCDO states that if a British-Iranian dual national is detained, the UK government will not be notified and will not be given consular access to that person.
• Being near protests carries a serious risk of arrest, as mass arrests including of bystanders have reportedly occurred, and protest activity can be difficult to predict.
• Photographic equipment near sensitive sites has reportedly led to the arrest of foreign nationals, so travelers should be cautious about what they photograph.
• As with any destination, solo travelers should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid unfamiliar areas after dark, and keep others informed of their plans, in line with general safety practice alongside the official guidance above.