Fast. Reliable. Free.
Made for travelers, by travelers
Iran · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Mashhad scores 20/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. Mashhad is not safe for travelers due to severe government travel advisories and ongoing political instability. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Iran · Assessed 13 October 2026
20
/ 100
Safer than ~7% of countries
Score capped at 20 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all travel
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Iran FCDO advises against all travel to Iran.”
Updated 2026-10-07T13:26:00Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Iran: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-09-25T09:36:55.3305531-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile not the primary concern, mugging and robbery can occur, particularly in less crowded areas or at night.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in crowded tourist areas, markets, and public transportation.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Cautious
59/100
While some local surveys indicate a moderate feeling of safety during daylight, the overarching government advisories and reports of unrest significantly temper traveler confidence.
Mashhad is not safe for travelers due to severe government travel advisories and ongoing political instability.
Official government advisories strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Iran, including Mashhad. The region faces significant political tensions, and there are concerns regarding potential unrest and security incidents.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Official government advisories from the UK, Canada, and the US all strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Iran, including Mashhad. These advisories are based on significant concerns regarding political instability and security.
Recent reports indicate ongoing tensions and significant events within Iran. In September 2026, two men were executed in Mashhad following unrest, and two other protest detainees received death sentences. These incidents highlight a volatile security environment. Travelers should be aware that political demonstrations and their suppression can occur.
While street crime like pickpocketing and robbery is a moderate concern, particularly in crowded areas, the primary risk to travelers stems from the broader political and security situation. The presence of international tensions, as evidenced by reports of threats and condemnations of strikes, adds another layer of risk. Given the severe government advisories, it is strongly advised not to travel to Mashhad.
Was this Mashhad, Iran report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Mashhad districts for visitors, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Mashhad safety map.
Imam Reza Shrine ComplexcautionHigh tourist traffic, but potential for pickpocketing and crowds. Be aware of local customs and dress codes.
VakilabadcautionMentioned in relation to Vakilabad Prison, indicating potential for unrest or heightened security presence.
Hashemi Nejad Airport AreacautionAirport operations can be affected by security concerns; check flight status. General crime risk exists.
City Center (General)cautionModerate crime index and concerns about walking alone at night. Be vigilant, especially after dark.
Outskirts/Industrial ZonescautionLess data available, generally advisable to exercise caution in less populated or industrial areas.
07 · After Dark
While not the primary concern, mugging and robbery can occur, particularly in less crowded areas or at night.
After dark, be most careful around Imam Reza Shrine Complex, Vakilabad, Hashemi Nejad Airport Area, City Center (General). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Mashhad is not safe for travelers due to severe government travel advisories and ongoing political instability. Official government advisories strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Iran, including Mashhad. The region faces significant political tensions, and there are concerns regarding potential unrest and security incidents. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Mashhad report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Areas of recent unrest or protest activity; Locations associated with political detentions or executions. See the district-by-district safety map.
Mashhad ranks #1 of 9 Iran destinations we've assessed, scoring 20/100. See the Iran safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Keep exploring
Raw data: mashhad.json (CC BY 4.0).
