Laptop Checks Iran
 

Hi,

this question might sound a bit weired but i am traveling to Iran soon and was wondering what they might, in case of Laptop check, find offensive?

Do they check? Anyone ever had/heard of problems?

Cheers Sam

Laptop checks in Iran
 

Hi Sam, they may scan CDs, DVDs and storage devices, as well as your laptop. They are very computer knowledgeable, polite, and suspicious. Probably more so now than in oct '08 when I passed that way, and I had a lot of attention from the police.
Virtually anything can be misconstrued, I had policemen search my room in Shiraz, find a Sudoku book and ask me why I had a "numbers code", afterwards I think they were just trying to stress me to see how I would react, but they are a pain in the ass. Be on the safe side, check your computer for anything that might cause offence. Access to Internet is also restricted, if you need to get round the filters just ask any student in the internet cafe. People are friendly, the authorities not.
Good luck
Peter, in Oslo

Hi,

Crossed in April 09 and at that time they did not check anything. But, I travel with my wife and I think that helps.

On a previous trip to Iran in 2000 (backpacking back then), again with my wife, I was taken aside by a customs officer and asked, in a low voice so my wife would not hear, if I was carrying any pornographic magasizes. He asked with an ackward smile and I can't help but wonder if he was hoping I did so he would have something to "read".

As previously stated, just take a quick peak at what is on your computer and in your cases and you should be OK.

Wow, ok-so its time to clean!

What do they consider pornography? Nude pictures of Girlfriends ok? How about an extensive range of Hollywood movies/MP3?

Dont wanna panic but dont wanna end up in troubles either...

Cheers

I've been in Iran 3 times and never had more than a cursory glance at my luggage, except leaving at Bazargan, but in those days nobody had PCs...

I think they would be more interested in political stuff, but even so, it's unlikely.