Wednesday, July 9, 2025

In spite of increased travel advisories and growing geopolitical tensions in Iran, a constant flow of visitors comes and goes, lured by Iran’s unique cultural offerings, landmarks, and potential for off-the-beaten-path travel.

There are severe warnings for all travel to Iran by individual member states and the European Union due to potential arbitrary detention and due to security tensions. Mentioned by the European Commission’s Consular Protection website, foreign ministries issue travel advisories to their citizens, and in emergencies, such advisories have often shifted frequently.

Similarly, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Iran, citing the security situation and the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of European citizens by Iranian authorities.

Recent events highlight the perils that foreign nationals endure in Iran. In January 2025, British nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman were detained while riding from Armenia to Pakistan in a trip to Australia via motorcycle. They were suspected of spying and were held in Kervan City, and their location remained unascertained for months.

In yet another incident, German-French citizen Lennart Monterlos, who is 18, went missing in Iran when he was on a year-long cycling trip from Europe to Japan. His latest communication was through an Instagram posting on June 16, and he had spent six months in Iran despite his family’s concern.

Governments are following the situation keenly. The European Union has shown great concern about the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, which are likely to destabilize the Middle East. Following the worsening security situation, various nations have commenced evacuation operations for their citizens. For example, various nations, such as France and Germany, are carrying out mass evacuations of their citizens by air, land, and water following closed airspace and security threats.

Despite the advisories, Iranian cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz remain popular travel destinations for Europeans. Tehran, Iran’s capital, which has bustling bazaars, art museums, and archaeological ruins, has long appealed to tourists who want to absorb Persian culture. Just like Isfahan, which draws visitors because of its magnificent Islamic architecture and historic sites, and Shiraz, which is the center of Persian poetry and entrance to Persepolis’s ancient ruins, they have an unbeatable appeal to history lovers.

But they are also perhaps the best examples of the chasm between Iran’s tourism potential and the reality of danger. Whatever attraction exists for visiting them holds little weight when, for Europeans, geopolitical tensions and the threat of detention tip the scales. Duly, Europeans in search of off-the-beaten-track spots remain unperturbed by the caution signals that keep increasing.

This contrast is particularly evident among younger travelers, who, in search of unique and unspoiled destinations, often take the risk despite official recommendations. These travelers, undeterred by the threats, often turn to local guides who may not be well-versed in navigating the volatile political landscape. As a result, those who venture into these cities without fully understanding the risks associated with doing so may find themselves caught in situations where even basic freedoms, such as movement and communication, are severely restricted.

European tourism, particularly from countries like Germany, France, and Italy, is vital for Iran’s tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by years of political isolation and sanctions. The influx of European tourists, albeit small compared to pre-sanction levels, provides a necessary boost to local businesses and the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and local guides. 

However, the ongoing tensions may deter larger-scale investments in the sector, limiting its growth potential. As long as the political environment remains unstable, the future of tourism in Iran will likely remain a balancing act between safety concerns and economic opportunity.

Although Iran continues to attract much interest among Europeans, the official travel advisories, recent episodes concerning foreign nationals, and growing regional tensions create a complicated scenario for prospective visitors. Travelers are highly recommended to remain aware of current situations and take precautions when contemplating travel to Iran.