Is Iran safe for Irish people to travel through?

Question

Hey, myself and a few mates are thinking of attempting to travel from east asia (south korea, north korea, china ( and nepal, tibet etc)), to india, pakistan, etc. back to eastern europe (up to turkey). We know people who have had experience travelling in various countries that would be on our course, but we dont know anyone who s travelled through Iran.
I would like if Iranians or people who have travelled through the region, to let me know is it safe for a group of Irish people to travel through the country. Also, one of my colleagues (who is american) would like to join the trip, would he have any problems?
I know this may be a silly question, but an insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.

Judging my the first 4 answers, closed minded americans, dont bother adding your "nuggets of gold". A vast amount Americans tend to be afraid to go anywhere outside "Europe", or indeed their own country. Ive been to places like bosnia, serbia, burma and laos, which americans say "are extremely dangerous", i found these places to be the nicest places Ive ever visited, whilst I found america to more dangerous than any of the above!

Answer 1

Not something I'd do period.

Answer 2

I would say yes, but keep an eye on the news in case the Iraq war spills over to Iran.

I always recommend Virtualtourist to people who want to travel to certain countries, but don't know anyone who has been. Here is the link to the VT Iran page:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Iran/TravelGuide-Iran.html

Also, it may be work investing in purchasing a copy of the Globe Trekker show. Ian Wright (A UK citizen) traveled through Iran on an episode. It's a very candid show that takes you off the beaten path of each country.

Yes, many Americans are scared of travel. I've even been asked by my own friends if I was scared of being kidnapped...in Paris. But you seem like an open-minded adaptable bloke. I think you will do well in any country as long as you keep an open mind and go with the flow. Americans are generally scared of anything that is associated with Islam. Yes, places like Iran and Pakistan have strict laws, but so do places like Singapore (which is mainly Buddhist). As you may know, the upside is that people are too scared to commit crimes in many of these countries, so you are safer. Just do your research and plan well.

However, your American friend may not want to go around broadcasting the fact that he is American. Many Iranians are young, hip, and intersted in the West and Western people, particularly Americans. Usually you can tell people's intentions by talking to them, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Remember that there is no embassy or consulate for Americans in Iran because we do not have diplomatic ties to that country. When I was in the Middle East I told people I was South African or British when I felt uncomfortable.

Good luck and pick me up a rug in Tehran!!!

Answer 3

Iran is totally safe seriously, ignore what the media says, they dont know the true Iran I'm an American citizen, but my parents are Iranian so there was no hassle for me Iran's a beautiful country make sure you visit Kish, Tehran, Ardabil, and Tabriz while you're there! Those are my favorite cities (:

Answer 4

Steer clear of Iran, because its not even safe for Iranians.

I would stay away from N. Korea as well and travel Pakistan with caution. All else should be ok. Thing is, these Middle eastern countries have strict laws, and I am pretty sure alcohol is out of the question in Iran and many middle eastern countries.

What scares me is the deplorable treatment of prisoners, so I wouldn't do anything that could get one into trouble.

And in Eastern Europe watch for thieves and muggers, because they target western tourists, especially Americans and English-speaking people for pickpocketing or even worse.

Groups of children are likely candidates as thieves, because en mass they can easily distract a group of tourists. Just use common sense when in cities and you should be ok.
Just keep in mind that Eastern Europeans in the countryside are very religious, so use common sense.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

No stay away from Iran and Turkey, unsafe unless you have a death wish. There is a lot of unrest in Pakistan and different regions of India.
Gather lots of information before you go into any country, because once you are there it is too late.The Australian travel site on the net is good.Take care and stay together at all times.

Answer 6

I wouldn't recommend it, due to international tensions between USA and Iran.

I read a report in the Sunday Times newspaper that Israel are considering destroying Iran's nuclear facilities with "theatre nuclear warheads". Maybe just sabre rattling, but scary all the same.

Answer 7

of course it is .
i have been in iran its really really nice historic full of culture and kind people, these people here are all like a kid. and its because of anti iranian lies that us mass media tell im sorry for all of them. go and see then you cant forget its beatiful isfahan and shiraz and .........

Answer 8

YES,I am iranian and see foregn people that comes to iran and are very happy from going to iran.

Answer 9

Iran is not safe for anyone right now....I would not travel there anytime soon!! Be safe and go somewhere safe...like Disney Land!

Answer 10

i dont think it is safe for anyone to travel through right now....