You may be excited about visiting Iran, a truly ancient and unique land. However, some rumors about women’s dress code might make you hesitate. So, are these rumors true? Does the Iranian government enforce strict rules on women?
In short, no. Hijab rules are not as strict as you may have heard, especially for tourists. Authorities generally expect visitors to observe the basic hijab regulations, but this is usually done politely. Solo women traveling to Iran can do so safely by following the minimum requirements.
You might have heard of the chador and niqab. The chador is a long, dark garment worn over other clothes to cover the body, while the niqab covers the face. Unlike in Saudi Arabia, wearing a chador is optional in Iran, and the niqab is rarely seen nowadays. Most women no longer wear a chador in daily life.
However, in certain holy places, such as some ancient mosques and shrines, women are required to wear a chador. You don’t need to buy one for yourself—chadors are usually provided at the entrance of these sites free of charge.
Women must wear a chador to enter some holy shrines and mosques, but there is no need to purchase one unless you want to. Each mosque or shrine that requires a chador provides it for visitors who do not have one.
By following these simple guidelines, visiting Iran as a woman can be comfortable, safe, and worry-free
