Iran · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Mashhad scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No, Mashhad is not safe for travelers due to severe government advisories and ongoing political instability. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Iran · Assessed 29 July 2026
18
/ 100
Safer than ~6% of countries
Score capped at 18 — 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 to parts of the country
“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 2026-07-22T18:36:21Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Iran: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
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 specific data for Mashhad is limited, general crime indices suggest a moderate risk of mugging and robbery, particularly in less crowded areas or at night.
Pickpocketing
ModerateCrowded tourist areas and public transportation are potential hotspots for pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Negative
54/100
While some Iranian sources promote the country as family-friendly, international advisories and reports of unrest suggest a highly negative sentiment regarding traveler safety.
No, Mashhad is not safe for travelers due to severe government advisories and ongoing political instability.
Official government advisories from multiple countries strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Iran, including Mashhad, citing significant risks. Recent news indicates heightened political tensions, protests, and crackdowns, with specific reports of executions and clashes in Mashhad.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Mashhad, Iran, is currently assessed as unsafe for travelers. Official government advisories from the UK, Canada, and other nations strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Iran, a stance that directly impacts the safety assessment for Mashhad. These advisories are based on a complex interplay of factors, including political instability and potential risks to foreign nationals.
Recent reports from July 2026 highlight significant political events and tensions in Mashhad, including the arrival of Ayatollah Khamenei's coffin for funeral proceedings and the suspension of the Tehran-Mashhad railway following US strikes. Furthermore, earlier in 2026 and 2025, there were concerning reports of protest crackdowns, executions of detainees in Mashhad, and general unrest across Iran. These incidents underscore a volatile environment where political demonstrations can occur and be met with forceful responses.
While Mashhad may present a moderate risk for street crime such as robbery and pickpocketing, particularly in busy areas, the primary safety concerns stem from the broader political climate and official travel warnings. The composite safety index for Mashhad is low, reflecting these significant risks. Travelers should be aware that their travel insurance may be invalidated if they proceed against official advice.
Given the severe advisories and the documented recent incidents, it is imperative for any potential traveler to heed the warnings and reconsider any plans to visit Mashhad. If travel is absolutely unavoidable, maintaining an extremely low profile, avoiding any political gatherings, and staying informed about the rapidly evolving situation are critical. Travelers should also be aware of potential scams and take standard precautions to ensure their personal safety.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Mashhad districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Mashhad safety map.
Central Mashhad (around Imam Reza Shrine)cautionHigh tourist traffic, but potential for pickpocketing and protests; maintain awareness.
Golshahr DistrictcautionMixed residential and commercial; be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
Near Mashhad AirportcautionWhile the airport is operational, broader security concerns and flight disruptions have been reported.
Vakilabad DistrictsaferGenerally residential and considered safer, but exercise standard precautions.
Sajjad DistrictsaferA more modern and commercial area, generally safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
While specific data for Mashhad is limited, general crime indices suggest a moderate risk of mugging and robbery, particularly in less crowded areas or at night.
After dark, be most careful around Central Mashhad (around Imam Reza Shrine), Golshahr District, Near Mashhad Airport. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Mashhad's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
No, Mashhad is not safe for travelers due to severe government advisories and ongoing political instability. Official government advisories from multiple countries strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Iran, including Mashhad, citing significant risks. Recent news indicates heightened political tensions, protests, and crackdowns, with specific reports of executions and clashes in Mashhad. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Areas of recent protests or political gatherings (specific locations vary, check local news); Any area experiencing active demonstrations or security crackdowns. See the district-by-district safety map.
Mashhad ranks #1 of 6 Iran destinations we've assessed, scoring 18/100. See the Iran safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Iran safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: mashhad.json (CC BY 4.0).