Is it safe for women to visit Iran?

All women while in Iran are required to follow the dress codes prescribed form women in Iran. This means wearing a headscarf and not allowing the skins on your arm or legs to be shown while in public.

Travel to Iran as a Woman

There is also gender segregation of public transport. Following these laws will mean women will generally have no issues when it comes to safety.

Iranians are renowned for their hospitality and as a visitor you will be invited to many people’s houses for dinner or lunch.

This isn’t as forward as it may seem in other countries and is generally a sign of respect to the guest. There is, however, no obligation to accept such offers.

What to Wear When Visiting Iran

Generally, women have to wear clothing that conceals their body parts. In Iran you can see most women wearing “manteau” that might be in different colors and even tight or short. Your other choice can be “tunics” and pants. If you would prefer to wear a skirt, it should be at least mid-calf or longer, with non-transparent, darkish hosiery underneath. Ankle length skirts are unusual but acceptable. There is no problem with wearing skinny jeans and high boots but avoid Carpi pants, They are too short and not acceptable. Open toed sandals with nail polish are fine.

During late autumn, winter, and early spring (October to March), these requirements are easier to follow, as women visitors can wear a raincoat over pants. In the warm and hot months (April until late September), my advice would be to choose a linen jacket or even an oversize but ton-down blouse to get to Iran and then have your first shopping experience hunting for a cool overcoat once you get here.

Despite the common misunderstanding, “chador” is not compulsory except when visiting some mosques and holy shrines, where you can borrow one at the gate or even, if fancy takes you, buy a ready-made one from a nearby bazaar.

Women’s Indoor Clothing

The rules about what you wear are just for outside the houses and for private indoor places there are no rule. Feel free to choose your dress code when invited to an Iranian house. Iranian women dress as they desire in the houses but some religious women follow the Islamic rules about their clothing even in private places.