Iran · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Shiraz scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No, Shiraz 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 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 Shiraz is limited, the general crime index for Iran suggests a moderate risk of mugging and robbery, particularly in crowded areas or at night.
Pickpocketing
ModerateCrowded tourist areas, markets, and public transport in Shiraz may present a moderate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Negative
54/100
Despite some Iranian state media highlighting Iran as a family-friendly destination, international government advisories and reports of protests and crackdowns create a perception of significant safety concerns for travelers.
No, Shiraz is not safe for travelers due to severe government travel advisories and ongoing political instability.
Multiple governments strongly advise against all travel to Iran, including Shiraz, citing significant risks. The region experiences political unrest, with reports of crackdowns and death sentences for protest-related activities. Travelers should be aware of potential dangers stemming from the volatile political climate and security concerns.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Assessment for Shiraz, Iran
Shiraz, Iran, is currently assessed as unsafe for travelers. This assessment is primarily driven by the stringent 'Do Not Travel' advisories issued by multiple governments, including the U.S. Department of State, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Government of Canada. These advisories indicate a high level of risk, and travelers should be aware that their insurance may be invalidated if they proceed against this advice.
The safety profile for Shiraz is significantly impacted by ongoing political instability and security concerns within Iran. Recent reports from July 2026 highlight severe crackdowns, with individuals being sentenced to death in Shiraz for alleged involvement with protests. Earlier in 2026 and late 2025, there were indications of widespread unrest in Shiraz, with reports describing the city as a center of resistance. These events underscore a volatile environment where political dissent is met with severe consequences, posing a direct risk to anyone caught in or perceived to be involved with such activities.
Beyond the political climate, general crime indicators suggest a moderate risk for visitors. While specific crime statistics for Shiraz are not granularly detailed, the broader crime index for Iran points to a moderate likelihood of mugging and robbery, particularly in busy areas or after dark. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are also potential concerns in crowded tourist spots and markets. Travelers should exercise vigilance, especially when walking alone, and be mindful of their surroundings. Additionally, the air quality in Shiraz is rated as 'Unhealthy for sensitive groups,' and the region experiences extreme heat in July, with temperatures reaching highs around 39°C.
Given the severe government advisories and the documented instances of political unrest and harsh responses to protests, travelers are strongly advised to avoid all travel to Shiraz. If travel is unavoidable, strict adherence to safety protocols is essential. This includes avoiding any political gatherings or demonstrations, maintaining a low profile regarding nationality and personal views, and being cautious of unsolicited interactions. Travelers should also be aware of potential scams, such as overcharging, and ensure they have adequate travel insurance that covers travel to Iran, though this may be difficult to secure given the advisories.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Shiraz districts for visitors, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Shiraz safety map.
Outer DistrictsavoidLess developed areas may have higher crime rates and less police presence.
Industrial ZonesavoidGenerally not of tourist interest and may have higher crime or security risks.
Central ShirazcautionTourist areas may be subject to increased scrutiny and potential for petty crime.
Old CitycautionWhile historic, some areas may have poor lighting and increased risk of petty crime after dark.
University DistrictcautionCan be a site for protests; exercise caution and avoid large gatherings.
07 · After Dark
While specific data for Shiraz is limited, the general crime index for Iran suggests a moderate risk of mugging and robbery, particularly in crowded areas or at night.
After dark, be most careful around Outer Districts, Industrial Zones, Central Shiraz, Old City. 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 Shiraz's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
No, Shiraz is not safe for travelers due to severe government travel advisories and ongoing political instability. Multiple governments strongly advise against all travel to Iran, including Shiraz, citing significant risks. The region experiences political unrest, with reports of crackdowns and death sentences for protest-related activities. Travelers should be aware of potential dangers stemming from the volatile political climate and security concerns. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Outer Districts, Industrial Zones as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Shiraz 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: shiraz.json (CC BY 4.0).
