Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to Iran as a result of travel restrictions imposed following the spread of coronavirus disease and an increasingly volatile security situation.
Health officials said Monday that Canadians should avoid all non-essential travel to Iran and those returning from that country to Canada should contact health authorities and self-isolate in their homes for 14 days — even if they have no symptoms of illness — to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person. In Iran, there are indicators that suggest widespread community transmission is occurring. Confirmed cases that are linked to Iran are being reported in other countries, including Canada, and more are expected. It is recommended that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.
As of March 5, the security advisory notes that it is increasingly difficult to leave Iran. The editorial change describes how there is a regional threat of terrorism as well as arbitrary detention. It describes how, "Canadians, particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained. Iran does not recognize dual nationality and Canada will not be granted consular access to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens. Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran."
The government advises Canadians to avoid all travel to a country when it has identified an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. As such, if you are currently in Iran, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so. Consider leaving the country by commercial means while these are still available. The Government of Canada may have little to no ability to assist your departure from Iran.
Many airlines have suspended or reduced flights to and from Iran or imposed strict travel restrictions. Seat availability may be extremely limited and ticket costs may be high. All neighbouring countries have closed their borders with Iran. A number of countries are denying entry to foreigners who have been in Iran up to 14 days before their planned arrival. Further restrictions may be imposed suddenly.
Please visit the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories page for Iran regularly to verify travel health recommendations and safety and security information.
