FBOs at Imam Khomaini International OIIE IKA

Airport security

Tehran is subject to the highest-level travel advisories issued by multiple Western governments, with the U.S. State Department at Level 4: Do Not Travel and the UK FCDO advising against all travel to Iran, both current as of the date of this brief.

The city faces a confluence of serious risk categories including active civil unrest with a pattern of escalating protests that can turn violent, a persistent terrorism risk given Iran's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and an acute threat of arbitrary arrest, wrongful detention, and kidnapping — particularly for foreign nationals and dual citizens.

Street crime including robbery and fraud by individuals impersonating police officers has also been reported, compounding the hazard environment for any traveler transiting Tehran.

Imam Khomeini International Airport is Iran's primary international hub serving Tehran and functions as the country's principal gateway for long-haul commercial aviation.

No authoritative public classification of its access control or screening tier has been documented by ICAO, ECAC, or any equivalent oversight body; however, as a major international hub operating under Iranian civil aviation authority, it is expected to maintain baseline ICAO Annex 17 security standards, with security operations understood to include a significant presence of state security and intelligence apparatus, reflecting the broader national security posture of the Islamic Republic.

Customs, immigration and regulatory

Hours: H24 — Customs Office operates 24/7 for international flights in the arrival and cargo terminals. Iran maintains strict customs regulations on imports and exports. Sanctions-related restrictions apply to international banking and cargo.

Special clearance required for restricted categories including drones and certain medicines. ATMs at the airport do not accept international cards due to sanctions.

Ground corridor

• AVOID: All major Western governments — including FCDO (advises against all travel, updated 22 July 2026, UK staff temporarily withdrawn from Iran), US State Department (Level 4: Do Not Travel), and others — currently advise against all travel to Iran amid active regional military conflict and serious risk of arbitrary detention of foreign nationals. The corridor between OIIE and central Tehran (approximately 30–45 km via the Tehran-Qom Freeway) traverses outer suburban and industrial zones where civil unrest and movement restrictions may occur with little warning
• ground transport conditions are highly unpredictable in the current environment. Road safety in Tehran is independently rated as a primary concern due to chaotic driving conditions
• opportunistic theft targeting foreigners is also a risk in high-traffic transit zones. Pre-arranged transport with vetted professional drivers coordinated through a ground support team is the only advisable option if operational necessity requires movement
• independent or unvetted transport from the arrivals hall carries elevated personal safety risk, including fare inflation and potential targeting of foreign nationals.

City threat summary

Tehran is subject to the highest-level travel advisories issued by multiple Western governments, with the U.S. State Department at Level 4: Do Not Travel and the UK FCDO advising against all travel to Iran, both current as of the date of this brief.

The city faces a confluence of serious risk categories including active civil unrest with a pattern of escalating protests that can turn violent, a persistent terrorism risk given Iran's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and an acute threat of arbitrary arrest, wrongful detention, and kidnapping — particularly for foreign nationals and dual citizens.

Street crime including robbery and fraud by individuals impersonating police officers has also been reported, compounding the hazard environment for any traveler transiting Tehran.

Country overview

Iran is operating under conditions of acute instability following the 2026 conflict, which included extensive US-Israeli airstrikes and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a rapid leadership transition and severe disruption to governance.

The IRGC has consolidated influence in the resulting power vacuum while a fragmented opposition has been unable to mount a cohesive challenge.

Both the U.S. State Department and UK FCDO maintain their highest-tier advisories — Do Not Travel and Advise Against All Travel respectively — reflecting the full spectrum of active threat categories.

Higher-risk locations nearby

• Shiraz OISS CRITICAL
• Tehran OIID CRITICAL