Iran

Travel conditions in Iran can change quickly, and there are significant legal, security and political risks for foreign visitors. At the time of writing, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Iran, so anyone considering a trip should check the latest official travel advice before making plans.

Iran has strict dress requirements, including rules around covering the hair and wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs for women. Men also need to dress relatively conservatively. These rules apply in public spaces, so it's important to understand them before travelling.

Iranian food deserves far more attention. Try chelo kebab, ghormeh sabzi, fesenjan, tahdig and ash reshteh, and leave room for Persian sweets, fresh fruit and plenty of tea. Food varies considerably between regions, so don't stick to the same dishes everywhere.

Hospitality is a huge part of Iranian culture. Guests are often offered tea, food or an invitation to join a family gathering, and you'll likely encounter plenty of curiosity and warmth from locals. One thing to understand is ta'arof, a tradition of polite offers and refusals that can sometimes make social interactions a little confusing for visitors.