Packing for Iran requires adherence to mandatory dress codes that apply from the moment of arrival at immigration. Women must wear a headscarf covering all hair, a manteau or long coat extending below the hips to mid-thigh, and trousers or floor-length skirts. Men must wear long trousers in public. These requirements are legal obligations enforced by morality police, not cultural suggestions. Pack headscarves in carry-on luggage to comply immediately upon landing. Lightweight cotton or chiffon scarves work year-round, though winter requires wool options. Manteaus should be loose-fitting, opaque, and non-form-fitting. Bring at least three to allow for laundry cycles during extended stays. Dark colors attract less scrutiny than bright patterns. Long-sleeved tunics paired with wide-leg trousers provide acceptable alternatives. Ankles must remain covered at all times. Pack slip-on shoes for mosque visits where footwear removal is mandatory.
Iran's climate varies dramatically by region and elevation. Tehran sits at 1200 meters and experiences hot dry summers with July temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius and cold winters dropping to minus 3 degrees Celsius in January. The Persian Gulf coast including Bandar Abbas maintains humidity above 80 percent from May through September with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Caspian coastal cities like Rasht receive 1350 millimeters annual rainfall, creating humid subtropical conditions. Desert cities including Yazd and Kerman record summer ground temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius with air temperatures consistently above 40 degrees Celsius from June through August. Mountain regions near Mount Damavand and the Alborz range experience snowfall from November through March with temperatures dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius at elevation. Pack layering systems rather than single-season clothing. Bring moisture-wicking base layers for desert heat, insulating mid-layers for mountain elevations, and waterproof shells for Caspian humidity.
Footwear must balance coverage requirements with terrain diversity. The Lut Desert and Dasht-e Kavir feature salt flats and sand dunes requiring closed-toe hiking boots with ankle support. Persepolis and Pasargadae involve walking across uneven ancient stone requiring grippy soles. Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square spans 89600 square meters of cobblestone. Pack one pair of durable walking shoes with substantial sole thickness for archaeological sites. Bring lightweight slip-on shoes or sandals with back straps for mosque visits where removal occurs multiple times daily. Mosques provide separate washing facilities for ablution before entry. Carry a small bag for storing removed footwear. Avoid open-toed sandals as primary footwear since full foot coverage is expected in conservative areas including Qom and Mashhad. Pack moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters during long walking days.
Sun protection requires dedicated gear due to intense solar radiation at Iran's latitude between 25 and 40 degrees north. The Zagros Mountains and Persian Plateau sit at elevations averaging 1200 to 1500 meters, intensifying ultraviolet exposure. Pack broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen in quantities sufficient for daily reapplication. Iran's import restrictions limit availability of Western cosmetic brands. Bring a full travel-size bottle rather than relying on local purchase. Sunglasses with UV400 protection and wraparound coverage protect against desert glare. Wide-brimmed hats work for men, but women must layer hats over headscarves, creating bulk. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts provide better sun protection than repeated sunscreen application in 45-degree heat. Pack fabrics rated UPF 50 if available. Lip balm with SPF prevents chapping in desert conditions where humidity drops below 15 percent. Bring multiple tubes since dry air accelerates use.
Hydration systems become essential during summer travel when temperatures routinely exceed 40 degrees Celsius in Tehran, Shiraz, and desert regions. Pack a 2-liter hydration bladder or two 1-liter bottles. Iran's tap water is chlorinated and generally potable in major cities, but filtration systems or purification tablets provide backup in rural areas. Bottled water brands including Damavand are widely available, but plastic waste accumulates during multi-week trips. Bring electrolyte powder packets to maintain sodium levels during desert hiking. The Dasht-e Lut holds the record for highest recorded ground temperature at 70.7 degrees Celsius measured in 2005. Heat exhaustion develops rapidly without consistent fluid intake. Pack a small cooler bag if visiting Qeshm Island or Hormuz Island where refrigeration may be intermittent. Insulated bottle sleeves maintain water temperature during day hikes.
Electronics require specific adapters and power considerations. Iran uses European-style two-pin round plugs Type C and Type F operating at 230 volts 50 hertz. North American devices require both plug adapters and voltage converters unless rated dual voltage. Pack universal adapters with surge protection since power fluctuations occur in older buildings. Bring portable battery banks rated 20000 milliamp hours minimum for long days at sites like Persepolis where electrical outlets are absent. Iranian SIM cards provide the only mobile data option since international roaming agreements are limited by sanctions. Bring an unlocked phone to accept local SIM cards from operators including Irancell and MCI. Download offline maps for Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz before arrival since mobile data activation takes 24 to 48 hours. Pack waterproof phone cases for Caspian coast visits where humidity damages electronics.
Photography gear requires careful selection based on Iran's restrictions and environmental conditions. Professional camera equipment requires permits issued by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for archaeological sites including Persepolis and Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Pack permit documentation separately from gear. Tripods face restrictions at religious sites including Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad where security confiscates stabilization equipment. Bring a lightweight travel tripod under 30 centimeters when folded to avoid scrutiny. Dust penetrates camera bodies in desert environments. Pack silica gel packets, microfiber cloths, and a rocket blower for sensor cleaning. The Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex and covered sections of Tehran's Grand Bazaar require high ISO capability since flash photography is prohibited in merchant areas. Bring fast prime lenses rated f/1.8 or faster. Memory cards face no import restrictions, but bring sufficient capacity for 4 to 6 week trips since Western brands like SanDisk are unavailable locally. Pack a portable hard drive for backup.
Medication and health supplies must account for limited availability of Western pharmaceuticals. Iran manufactures generic equivalents of common medications, but specific brands and formulations differ. Pack complete supplies of prescription medications with original packaging and a physician's letter on letterhead detailing medical necessity. Bring 1.5 times the required quantity to cover trip extensions or loss. Over-the-counter medications including ibuprofen, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal medications are available in Iran under different brand names. Pack familiar brands to avoid formulation confusion. Contact lens solution and specific brands of contraceptives face inconsistent availability. Bring full supplies for the entire trip duration. First aid kits should include blister treatment for walking-intensive itineraries, oral rehydration salts for heat-related illness, and altitude sickness medication if visiting Mount Damavand base camps above 3000 meters. Pack a digital thermometer since fever indicates need for medical consultation.
Toiletries require specific planning since Western brands face import restrictions due to sanctions. Pack complete supplies of preferred products including shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and skincare items. Iranian pharmacies stock local brands, but formulations differ significantly. Bring travel-size containers under 100 milliliters for carry-on compliance, then decant from larger bottles stored in checked luggage. Dry shampoo extends washing intervals when water access is limited in desert areas. Pack unscented products since strong fragrances attract attention in conservative areas. Feminine hygiene products are available in Iran, but preferred brands and styles may be absent. Bring sufficient supplies for trip duration. Razor blades and shaving cream are widely available, but specific products like electric razor replacement heads are not. Pack any specialized grooming equipment. Toilet paper is standard in hotels but absent in public facilities. Carry tissue packets daily.