On 5 March 2020, Global Affairs Canada upgraded its travel advice for Iran to “Avoid all travel” from “Avoid non-essential travel,” citing the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and increasingly limited departure options for travelers. The updated travel advice reads in part as follows:
“Avoid all travel to Iran due to travel restrictions imposed following the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It [is] increasingly difficult to leave the country. Additional risks include the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the possibility of arbitrary detention.”
Additionally, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also warned on 4 March against all travel to Iran, citing the COVID-19 outbreak and increasingly limited air travel options to and from Iran.
