Danger Levels and Points
Danger Levels:
Border area with Pakistan
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Do not travel. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
Border area with Iraq in Kermanshah and Ilam provinces
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Do not travel. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
Border area with Iraq (excluding the above areas) and Afghanistan
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Ongoing)
Sistan and Baluchestan Province (excluding Chabahar City, its surrounding Free Trade Zone, and the border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan)
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Ongoing)
Chabahar City, its surrounding Free Trade Zone, and Kerman Province
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Reduced)
Capital Tehran and other regions excluding the above areas
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Reduced)
Points:
Following the assassination of Haniya, Hamas Political Bureau Chief, in Tehran on July 31, Iran has declared its intention to retaliate against Israel. There are strong concerns about further escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel due to military measures from both sides, similar to those seen in April.
Given these circumstances, the danger level in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, including Chabahar City and its surrounding Free Trade Zone, Kerman Province, and Tehran, has been raised to Level 3 (Travel Advisory) for the time being. Therefore, all travel to Iran is advised against. Those wishing to exit Iran (temporary return) should consider leaving as soon as regular commercial flights are available. For those currently in Iran, exercise extreme caution and be prepared to evacuate to safe areas promptly if unforeseen circumstances arise.
Details:
General Situation:
(1) Situation regarding Iran-Israel relations:
Iran and Israel have repeatedly made statements suggesting the possibility of mutual military actions in response to past attacks within their countries. Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to a large-scale military operation by Israel in Gaza, Iran has strongly condemned and warned Israel. There is concern about escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, especially after several incidents involving the assassination of Iranian military officials, including the killing of a Revolutionary Guard advisor in December 2023 and the assassination of Brigadier General Zahedi in April 2024. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel on April 14, 2024. On April 19, an explosion occurred in Isfahan, Iran, heightening fears of further escalation, though the cause remains unclear and no significant incidents have been reported since. Economic and diplomatic activities within Iran continue normally, leading to a reduction in the danger level in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Chabahar City, Kerman Province, and Tehran to Level 2.
However, following the assassination of Haniya, there is a strong likelihood of further retaliation by Iran against Israel, leading to the re-elevation of the danger level to Level 3. Therefore, travel to Iran is strongly advised against. Those wishing to leave Iran should consider doing so promptly while commercial flights are still operating. For those already in Iran, exercise extreme caution and be prepared to evacuate to safe locations if necessary.
(2) Situation regarding Iran-U.S. relations:
On January 3, 2020, U.S. airstrikes killed Major General Soleimani near Baghdad Airport in Iraq. Despite this, no large-scale anti-U.S. protests have occurred by January 3, 2024, the fourth anniversary of Soleimani’s death. Since the large-scale Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, both the U.S. and Iran have strongly cautioned against intervention in Gaza. There is concern about rising tensions between the two countries, particularly after attacks on U.S. military bases in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, including the death of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan. In the Red Sea, attacks on ships by armed groups supported by Iran (such as the Houthi rebels) continue, with the U.S. and the U.K. carrying out airstrikes on Yemen, creating a tense regional situation around Iran.
(3) Situation regarding protests:
Long-standing U.S. economic sanctions have created severe economic conditions in Iran, leading to sporadic nationwide protests over food prices and wage increases. Since September 2022, protests erupted in Tehran and other cities following the death of a woman detained for improper hijab wear, leading to multiple casualties and arrests. By September 16, 2023, the one-year anniversary of these protests, no major demonstrations were reported, suggesting a period of calm. However, communication disruptions due to government internet restrictions persist, and the Iranian government is intensifying crackdowns on those not wearing hijabs. Caution is needed to avoid involvement in unforeseen situations. If encountering a protest, avoid being mistaken for a participant, do not take photos or videos, and keep updated with information from the Iranian Embassy and alternative communication methods in case of internet disruptions.
(4) Situation regarding terrorism:
Iran has been targeted multiple times by ISIL. On June 7, 2017, a terrorist attack in Tehran resulted in 18 deaths and about 50 injuries, claimed by ISIL. In 2022-2023, ISIL claimed responsibility for attacks in Shiraz. On January 3, 2024, ISIL carried out a suicide attack near the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Kerman City, killing 84 and injuring hundreds. Other terrorist activities include attacks by separatist organizations in Sistan and Baluchestan Province and near the Iraq-Turkey border. In April 2024, a large-scale attack on police and military facilities in Chabahar City and surrounding areas was claimed by the Sunni extremist group “Jaish al-Adl.” Although foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted so far, vigilance is necessary.
(5) Risk to Japanese citizens:
There have been no confirmed incidents involving Japanese citizens in terrorist attacks in Iran, but the possibility cannot be ruled out. Be aware of ISIL and other terrorist groups operating in Iran and regularly obtain the latest security information from overseas safety websites and news. Ensure appropriate and sufficient safety measures are taken.
(6) General crime situation:
Although no statistics on crime rates are published, there are numerous reports of violent crimes such as murder, robbery, theft, and sexual offenses across Iran, necessitating general caution.
Regional Conditions:
(1) Border area with Pakistan:
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Do not travel. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
In the border area with Pakistan, clashes between Iranian security forces and drug trafficking and terrorist organizations occur frequently, making the security situation highly unstable. Travel to this area is advised against for any purpose. If already in the area, contact the Iranian Embassy and evacuate to a safe region immediately.
(2) Border area with Iraq in Kermanshah and Ilam provinces:
Level 4: Evacuate immediately. Do not travel. (Evacuation Advisory) (Ongoing)
In the border area with Iraq in Kermanshah and Ilam provinces, clashes between Iranian security forces and Kurdish separatist groups such as PJAK have been reported, along with the arrest of ISIL members. Given the instability in Iraq, which could affect security in Iran, travel to this area is advised against for any purpose. If already in the area, contact the Iranian Embassy and evacuate immediately.
(3) Border area with Iraq and Afghanistan (excluding the above areas):
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Ongoing)
Due to instability in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is a risk of unforeseen incidents in the border areas. The security situation, including the activities of Islamic extremists like ISIL, is unpredictable. Travel to this area is advised against for any purpose. If already in the area, maintain close contact with the Iranian Embassy and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
(4) Sistan and Baluchestan Province (excluding Chabahar City, its surrounding Free Trade Zone, and the border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan):
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Ongoing)
Security measures have been taken, but clashes between security forces and drug traffickers continue, and terrorism by groups like Jaish al-Adl has occurred. No incidents involving foreigners have been reported, but caution is needed. Travel to this area is advised against for any purpose. If already in the area, maintain close contact with the Iranian Embassy and be prepared to evacuate if needed.
(5) Chabahar City and surrounding Free Trade Zone:
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Reduced)
Chabahar City is a Free Trade Zone and is considered relatively secure due to heavy security. However, there was an attack on a Revolutionary Guard base in April 2024, claimed by Jaish al-Adl. The situation remains uncertain. Continue to exercise caution and avoid travel to this area. If already in the area, consider leaving as soon as commercial flights are available and ensure your safety.
(6) Kerman Province:
Level 3: Do not travel. (Travel Advisory) (Reduced)
Kerman Province experienced a series of kidnappings of foreign tourists in 2007-2008, though the situation has improved. However, a major ISIL attack in January 2024
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