Travel Vaccines and Advice for Iran
Iran is the home to the ancient Persian Empire and a strong history dating back to 3200 BC. This means travelers are able to bask in the rich culture and history of thousands of years of tradition and architecture.
When in Iran, consider your safety. Remember that there is no actual U.S. Embassy in the country as Iran and the U.S. have no direct diplomatic relations.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Iran?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Iran
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Iran?
What Is the Climate Like in Iran?
How Safe Is Iran?
Shopping at the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
What Should I Pack for Iran?
U.S. Embassy in Iran
Do I Need Vaccines for Iran?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Iran. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Iran: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required for some itineraries, especially if staying over 4 weeks. Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Iran |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required for some itineraries, especially if staying over 4 weeks. Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Iran |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
- Rabies – The rabies virus is a deadly threat that spreads through bites and scratches from infected animals. Preventing rabies involves timely vaccination, avoiding contact with wildlife and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. The rabies vaccine is instrumental in developing immunity and safeguarding against this fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Polio is found in some regions of Iran. Make sure you have been vaccinated before traveling.
Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are also present. Make sure to bring repellents and mosquito netting. Antimalarials may be recommended based on the specifics of your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Iran
Prevent Bug Bites in Iran
Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Food and Water Safety in Iran
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Altitude Sickness in Iran
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when oxygen levels decrease at high elevations, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea. Prevent AMS by ascending slowly, staying hydrated, and considering medications like acetazolamide. If symptoms persist or worsen, descend to lower altitudes and seek medical attention if needed.
Infections To Be Aware of in Iran
- Avian/Bird Flu – Preventing avian flu requires a multifaceted approach, including poultry vaccination, rigorous biosecurity practices, safe handling and cooking of poultry products, early outbreak detection, and educating the public about the virus’s risks and prevention methods.
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a tick-borne disease that can be transmitted between humans through bodily fluids. Preventive strategies comprise tick avoidance, healthcare worker safety measures, and research efforts towards a vaccine to halt its transmission.
- Dengue – The threat of dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, looms large worldwide, with millions infected each year. Prevention through nettings and repellents is a must.
- Leishmaniasis – The transmission of leishmaniasis primarily occurs through infected sand fly bites, with other routes of transmission possible. Preventing the disease involves minimizing exposure to sand flies. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious symptoms.
- MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by MERS-CoV and can lead to severe respiratory symptoms. Effective prevention measures include hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected people and camels, and following CDC travel advice.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Iran?
To visit Iran you will need a visa. You are still not guaranteed entry despite having a visa. Travelers will also need a passport with six months validity and a blank page for the stamp.
Iran Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Iran? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Iran and U.S. State Department
Due to the political situation between the U.S. and Iran, traveling can be difficult. Be sure to check on the current situation regularly.
What Is the Climate Like in Iran?
Iran is a dry and hot country. But, its climate can vary depending on the geographical location and season.
Winters are cool to very cold with January being the coldest month. In the northwest, winters are the worst, though they are evened out with temperate summers. The further south you go, the more hot and humid it gets, with short, cool winters, and very strong summers. July is particularly hot.
Summers are not very wet in most of the country. Part of the Caspian coast has rainfall all year round, but especially from the end of summer to mid-winter. Be aware that strong storms can sometimes occur, which can lead to flooding and erosion. Iran gets lots of sunshine during summers.
Autumn and spring are usually mild passing seasons in Iran no matter which area you travel to.
How Safe Is Iran?
While Iran is a very developed country, there are still some safety concerns. Severe earthquakes are not uncommon in Iran and terrorism is a threat. Make sure to plan for these potential hazards.
Iran has a high traffic-accident mortality rate. Drivers do not make way for pedestrians and streets are not regulated. Avoid driving yourself and be careful on the streets.
Petty theft and pick-pocketing do occur in populous areas of Iran. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and leave valuables in a safe place. False police officers robbing tourists has been reported in Iran. Ask for an officer’s identity card if stopped.
Shopping at the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
The Tabriz Historic Bazaar presents a great opportunity to learn more about culture and architecture. Tabriz was at one point the capital city of the Safavid kingdom from the 1200’s to the 1500’s. The complex is made up of connected buildings of red brick, with towering domed skylights.
If you are looking for unique Iranian items to take home or just some food for lunch, the Bazaar is a wise choice. Shoppers can find everything from spices, natural perfumes, and herbal remedies. Most famously sold are the genuine hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets. You can watch them being made in different styles, sizes, and even knot density.
What Should I Pack for Iran?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Appropriate Items for the Weather – Iran can be often be quite hot during the summer or very cold in the winter. Be sure to pack accordingly for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sunscreen, sandals, and airy clothing especially.
- Covering Clothing – People in Iran, particularly women, must follow the government’s dress code. Research into these regulations and pack accordingly.
- Bug Repellent – With the possibility of malaria and dengue fever in Iran it is important to bring repellents.
- Copies of Travel Documents – In case of lost luggage or theft, bringing copies of important documents is a must.
U.S. Embassy in Iran
The U.S. Department of State recommends all travelers register with the free STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for important automatic notifications concerning in-country security and for help in case of an emergency while you’re abroad.
There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran. If needed, travelers are directed to use the Swiss embassy:
Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section
Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5th)
Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue
Tehran, Iran
Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273
Emergency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333
Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432
Be aware that Iranian citizens may be prevented from going to the embassy for help.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Iran
“I went in to prepare for a long trip to Iran and was so glad I did! The staff was awesome and explained everything well while being extremely kind. The appointment was quick for all the information we went over and the vaccines I was given. I appreciated my experience very much in general.”
“The nurse was great. She answered all of my questions. She went through the whole book on Iran and highlighted important passages so I could refer back. I really appreciated that she researched a particular medication when I made a special request. I enjoyed talking with her about travel, too.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
