Canadians urged to 'leave Iran now' in serious travel advisory
The Government of Canada has issued an urgent travel advisory for Iran amid the crackdown on protests against the government.
Canada updated the travel advice on Tuesday evening, advising Canadians to “leave Iran now” and “avoid all travel” to the country and surrounding areas.
“Avoid all travel to Iran due to ongoing nationwide demonstrations, tensions in the region, the high risk of arbitrary detention and the unpredictable enforcement of local laws,” reads the notice.
“The Iranian authorities have arrested and/or detained individuals, including foreign and dual nationals, to exert political or diplomatic influence on their governments.”
Protests first broke out in Iran after the rial, the country’s currency, dropped to a record low in December, triggering skyrocketing prices. Shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar were the first to begin demonstrating, closing down their shops.
While protests were initially about the soaring cost of living and worsening economy, they have evolved into demonstrations against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The country is currently under an internet blackout, but there are reports that over 2,000 people have been killed in the protests.
Iran’s authorities are committing large-scale killing of protesters while having shut down the internet, cutting off people in Iran from the rest of the world.
Iranian authorities should immediately end the bloodshed and release everyone arrested for exercising their human… pic.twitter.com/NKPuLicnzE
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) January 12, 2026
“The situation is volatile and could escalate without notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Security forces could use excessive and lethal force to disperse crowds,” reads Canada’s travel advisory.
Government shares advice for Canadians in Iran
Whether you’re in Iran or you have family members there, the federal government is urging Canadians to “leave Iran now if you can do so safely.”
According to the travel advisory, many airlines have suspended flights to and from the country at this time, but there are overland crossing options.
“The land borders with Armenia and Türkiye are open, and Canadian passport holders don’t require a visa to enter these countries,” it reads, noting that Ottawa is unable to assist with transportation to these borders.
The Government of Canada stresses that its ability to provide consular services in Iran is “extremely limited.”
The advisory adds that border closures or restrictions to movement could occur.
“You must have valid travel documents. If you have dual Canadian-Iranian citizenship, Iranian border officials require you to exit Iran on your Iranian passport,” it reads.
Canada also advises those in Iran to do the following:
- Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
- Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times
- Register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest information from the Government of Canada