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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Travel Advisory August 14, 2024

Iran - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping,   arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens and wrongful detentions .  

Country Summary:  U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason.

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Iran.

If you are currently in Iran:   

• Consider the risks involved in possessing dual  U.S. Iranian nationality .
• Review your personal security plan and visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
• Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

Yes, except for Kish Island

No proof of vaccination is required

Over €10,000

Over €5,000

Embassies and Consulates

Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section

Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5 th) Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue Tehran, Iran Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273 Emergency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333 Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432 Email:   [email protected] Website: www.eda.admin.ch/tehranfi Virtual Embassy Tehran

All consular services require prior appointments which can be made by phone. The Foreign Interests Section can be reached by phone Sunday through Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Foreign Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The Foreign Interests Section provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens in Tehran including:

• Registering U.S. citizens;
• Responding to inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;
• Rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
• Providing U.S. citizens with passport and Social Security card applications and other citizenship forms for processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;
• Performing notarial services;
• Taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens; and
• Providing Social Security Administration assistance to retired U.S. citizens residing in Iran.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Iran for information on U.S.-Iran relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Iran, please consider the current Travel Advisory .

The Travel Advisory for Iran is Level 4, Do Not Travel. The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. 

Iranian authorities continue to wrongfully detain and imprison U.S. citizens, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities have also prevented the departure of U.S. citizens from Iran. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities routinely deny dual nationals access to the Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran because they consider dual nationals to be solely Iranian citizens.

U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on Iranian passports. As indicated above, the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. Iranian authorities may consider some U.S. citizens – even those without Iranian passports who do not consider themselves to be Iranian – to be Iranian nationals.  

U.S. government employees, including contractors, are strictly prohibited from traveling to Iran without prior authorization from the Department of State.

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals should obtain, in their Iranian passports, the necessary visas for the countries they will transit on their return trip to the United States so that if the U.S. passports are confiscated in Iran, they may depart Iran with their Iranian passports. These individuals can then apply for new U.S. passports in the country they are transiting.  

U.S. citizens residing in Iran on permanent resident visas must obtain an exit permit each time they depart Iran, regardless of the period of stay. All Iranian passport holders are required to pay an exit tax. More specific information on Iranian passport and exit permit requirements may be obtained from the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

The Iranian civil code states that women who marry Iranian men acquire Iranian nationality. If the marriage takes place in Iran, the woman’s U.S. passport may be confiscated by Iranian authorities. A woman must have the consent of her husband to leave Iran or, in his absence, consent from another suitable authority. The Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran can provide only limited assistance if a U.S. citizen woman married to an Iranian man encounters difficulty in leaving Iran. In addition, if marriage to an Iranian citizen is not officially recognized by the Iranian government, the couple will be committing the crime of adultery if they travel together, the maximum penalty for which is death.

Please contact the Swiss Embassy or appropriate Iranian authorities for special circumstances cases involving divorce and custody rights in Iran.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Iran. If you intend to reside in Iran, you must submit to a blood test, which may include an HIV test, in order to apply for a residency permit. Permits will be refused if the HIV test is positive.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

As noted in the Travel Advisory for Iran, U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran face a significant threat of kidnapping or arrest and detention on spurious charges.

U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite the Travel Advisory should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where foreigners have been victims of criminal gangs. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas within 100 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, near the Iraq border, and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistani border.

Terrorism: In Iran, there is potential for death or injury because of terrorist attacks. Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders. Additionally, Iran is a designated state-sponsor of terrorism.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Foreigners occasionally become victims of petty street crime, including robberies and bag-snatchings, in Iran. There have been reports of robberies by police impersonators, usually in civilian clothing. Insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. Travelers should take the following precautions:

• Do not surrender any documents or cash;
• Make a copy of your U.S. passport (biographical data page and the page with your Iranian visa) and keep it separate from your original passport;
• Do not carry large amounts of hard currency while on the streets;
• Keep important documents such as passports and valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations;
• Take pre-booked taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street;
• Check with your hotel or tour guide for information on local scams; and
• Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also violate local law.

Demonstrations occur sporadically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Past demonstrations have turned violent.

• As demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, computers, fax machines, and other electronics may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. The Iranian authorities may also confiscate cell phones, computers, and other devices. U.S. citizens should consider not taking electronic devices to Iran or deleting personal information from them beforehand.

Disaster Preparedness: Iran is prone to earthquakes, many of them severe. To learn more about the seismic regions of Iran, including the most recent earthquakes, please visit the U.S. Geological Survey website .

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 110 and contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section at (98) (21) 2254-2178. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Iran is: 115 for ambulance service, 125 for fire, and 110 for police. English speakers, however, are generally unavailable.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department of State, through the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section, can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport;
• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States; and 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section for assistance. U.S. citizens should note that the Foreign Interests Section may be able to provide limited assistance only and that Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Long prison terms and solitary confinement are common as are punishments including execution, amputation, flogging, blinding, stoning, and fines. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Examples of local laws that you may be unfamiliar with include:

• Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution;
• Drinking, possession of alcoholic beverages, and drugs are illegal. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iran are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Iran executes many people each year on drug-related charges. Penalties for the possession, use, or smuggling of alcoholic beverages may include fines, jail time, or flogging;
• Men and women must adhere to the government-sanctioned dress code; this includes covered hair, arms, and legs for women. The government considers the failure to adhere to its dress code and public displays of affection to be crimes;
• Relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, as are adultery and sex outside of marriage, which are punishable by the death penalty;
• Data storage devices (e.g. DVDs, SD cards) depicting sexual relations and magazines showing unveiled women are forbidden;
• Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited and could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty;
• Importation of pork products is banned; and
• Insulting the government or Muslim faith is strictly forbidden, including on social media. Such violations of Iranian law may result in imprisonment.

Carry a copy of your U.S. passport (biodata page and page with Iranian visa) and some other form of identification with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.

If you are arrested while in Iran, request that the police and prison officials notify the Foreign Interests Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran immediately to ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances. Under Iranian law, detainees may also request legal representation, although the authorities sometimes fail to allow timely access to attorneys. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal: The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government has allegedly been targeting award-holders who travel to Iran. Some former claimants have reported being questioned by Iranian authorities upon their entry into Iran as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. The Iranian government has also reportedly threatened to prevent U.S. claimants who visit Iran from departing the country until they repay their award.

Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who also possess Iranian citizenship are subject to laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Iran, such as military service or taxes. Iranian-citizen males aged 18-34 are required to perform military service, unless exempt. Young men who have turned 17 years of age will not be allowed to leave Iran without completing their military service.

Money: Non-Iranian credit cards and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. You will not be able to access U.S. or foreign bank accounts using ATMs in Iran. You can exchange U.S. dollars for rials, either at banks or with certified money changers. There is no Western Union or similar institution, and bank transfers are not possible. Due to economic sanctions on Iran, U.S. financial institutions have been known to block or freeze accounts accessed via the Internet from Iran.

Communication: Pre-paid overseas calling cards are available at most newsagents. The Internet is widely used in Iran. There are Internet cafes in most hotels; however, usage may be monitored. The Iranian government blocks access to many social media sites.

Sanctions: U.S. government economic sanctions prohibit most economic activity between U.S. citizens and Iran. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has posted to its website frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide guidance on U.S. sanctions related to Iran. For further information, consult OFAC’s Iran sanctions resource page or contact OFAC’s Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490 or obtain information via fax at 202-622-0077.

For information concerning licensing of imports or exports, contact OFAC’s Licensing Division at by phone at 202-622-2480 or fax at 202-622-1657.

Faith-Based Travelers: Freedom of religion, belief, or non-belief is not protected in Iran. See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships in Iran are criminalized and are punishable by death, flogging, or a lesser punishment. LGBTQI+ individuals are often subject to violence and the law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics or recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, or families.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Iran prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and access to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Women in Iran lack certain basic rights such as the freedom to choose their style of dress and restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. Gender-based violence is more common in Iran than the U.S., especially in rural areas, and reports of this violence in recent years have steadily increased. “Honor killings” or other harmful practices involving mostly women killed by their male relatives in the name of preserving the family’s “honor” are known to occur. There are also reports of fathers or relatives forcing their female family members to enter a marriage against their will. Domestic violence remains a taboo subject in Iran, and Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence. Hijab enforcement in Iran is becoming stricter. The Government has deployed Hijab enforcers in public to ensure compliance. Hijab defiance has led to assault, arrest and even death. 

For emergency services in Iran, dial 115.

Ambulance services are

• Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards;
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and 
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Iran.

Basic medical care and medicine are available in the principal cities but may not be available in rural areas in Iran. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and sometimes lack medicine and supplies.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy 

• Companies offering surrogacy services, an unregulated industry, are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens at risk.
• If you are considering traveling to Iran to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad webpage . Carefully consider the length of time needed to obtain a newborn’s required civil documents to avoid any unintended overstay of your visa.

Air Quality

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Iran particularly in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Zabol. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes; and
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Water Scarcity: Iran has a water scarcity issue throughout the country, largely impacting rural communities. Iran is prone to significant droughts in the hot summer months. In cities outside of Tehran, water may be harder to obtain given the availability in those regions and larger water reserves servicing the capital. Tap water in Iran is relatively safe, however it is recommended to consume bottled water, which is regularly available. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   While in Iran, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Travelers in possession of International Driver’s Permits may drive in Iran, though the Foreign Interests Section in Iran does not recommend that tourists do so. Iran has a very high rate of traffic accidents, the second highest cause of mortality in the country. Drivers throughout Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs, and lane markers. Urban streets are not well lit; it is therefore particularly dangerous to drive at night. Sidewalks in urban areas exist only on main roads and are usually obstructed by parked cars. In residential areas, few sidewalks exist. Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene; wait until the police arrive to file a report.

Traffic Laws: Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks, both in cities and on highways, often manned by young, inexperienced officers who are suspicious of foreigners. Carry identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Iran, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iran should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Iranian ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Iran. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Iran should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iran . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Iran Tour for Canada Citizens | Travel to Iran from Canada

Tehran > Shiraz > Persepolise > Yazd > Esfahan > Tehran

Iran Tour for Canadians

Nature Bridge

Pink Mosque

Zayandeh Rud

Jame Mosque

Emam Square

Amirchkhmaq Mosque

Visa process for Canadian Citizen:

The visa process of your nationality, considering the needed documents is a little different. It may take up to 55 working days to get your visa authorization number. So you have to manage your time and make your mind about the whole trip at least 2 months in advance.

Step 1: Receiving the documents from you: 1: A copy of the first page of your passport, needs to be valid at least for 6 months.  2: A picture of you in size of 4 cm in 6 cm. 3: Visa application form that should be filled in and submitted. Please mention y name 'Zahra' so that my other colleagues do not receive it automatically.  

https://www.letsgoiran.com/iran-visa/iran-visa-application-form 4: Your resume including name, age, occupation. It should be like a formal resume.    Step 2: Starting visa application My colleagues in the visa department applied for your visa at the right time when your code gets ready, I will send it to you. Step 3: Stamping your visa

When your visa code gets ready, the Agency sends it to you. After 3 days, you should call the Iranian embassy  (Interest Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington DC Pakistani embassy)   to make sure they receive your visa code too. When they confirm, you do not need to be present there, the only thing you need to do is to post your passport to stamp and they post it back to you.

The 8 days Iran itinerary for the Canadian :

The must-see route in Iran, we will visit most of the major historical sites. Best tour to get if this is your first time traveling to Iran

Day 1: Tehran

Arrival in Tehran, transfer to hotel, Half day city tour of Tehran to visit the Archaeological, Glass and Carpet museums, fly to Shiraz in the evening.

The Sa'dabad Complex

The Sa'dabad Complex (Persian: مجموعه سعدآباد‎ – Majmue ye Sa’dābād) is a 300 hectare complex built by the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs, located in Shemiran, Greater Tehran, Iran. Today, the official residence of the President of Iran is located adjacent to

Reza Abbasi Museum

Rhyton drinking vessel in shape of ram's head, Median period, Reza Abbasi Museum

Golestan Palace

The Golestan Palace is the former royal Qajar complex in Iran's capital city, Tehran.

The lavish Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture

Milar tower

Also known as the Tehran Tower, is a multi-purpose tower in Tehran, Iran. It is the sixth-tallest tower and the 24th-tallest freestanding structure in the world

Azadi Tower

The inverted-Y-shaped Azadi Tower, built in 1971 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the first Persian empire

Carpet Museum of Iran

Founded in 1976, the Carpet Museum of Iran exhibits a variety of Persian carpets from all over Iran, dating from the 16th century to the present.

Tohid Tunnel

Tohid (or Towheed) Tunnel is a tunnel in Tehran, Iran, the third longest urban tunnel in the Middle East.

Day 2: Shiraz

Tour of Shiraz to visit Eram Garden, Nasiro- Molk Mosque, Narenjestan Palace, tombs of poets Hafez and Saadi, Zand complex, and Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine. Shiraz

Day 3: Shiraz-Persepolis-Yazd

Early in the Morning drive to Persepolis, Naghsh-E-Rustam, Naghsh-e-Rajab, and Pasargadae, then depart by surface to Yazd in the heart of Iran. On the way, we will have a short stop to visit the 4500 years old cypress tree. Stay overnight in Yazd.

Qavam House

A traditional and historical house in Shiraz

Persepolis is one of the historical and ancient cities in Iran and was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire for many years.

Tomb of Hafez

A Persian poet who "lauded the joys of love and wine but also targeted religious hypocrisy

Vakil bazaar

Main bazaar of Shiraz, Iran, located in the historical center of the city

Shah-e-Cheragh

A funerary monument and mosque , housing the tomb of Imam Reza's brothers

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasirolmolk Mosque is a 1000-color mosque of Iran

Shapouri Pavilion

an early 20th-century Persian building and garden in the city

Qur'an Gate

A historic gate in the north of Shiraz

Full day city tour in Yazd. Visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, and the Fire Temple, in the afternoon visit Amirchakhmaq mosque, Bazaar, Water museum. Overnight Yazd.

Jameh Mosque

It is one of the architectural and historical masterpieces of the world

Aghazadeh Mansion

A national historical monument in Iran

Amir Chakhmagh Complex

It is one of the prominent symbols of Yazd

The Amazing Wind catchers of Yazd

They work like natural ventilators

A desert city in central Iran and the capital of the Yazd.

Carpet workshops

Carpet weaving is a must-see part of Persian culture and Iranian art.

Traditional accommodation with modern amenities

Drive to Isfahan via Meybod and Naein villages. Visit pigeon tower, Narin castle then visit cotton waving workshop and Jame mosque in Naein. Overnight Isfahan

Day 6: Esfahan    

Full day city tour of Isfahan to visit Imam square: Ali Qapu palace, Sheikh Lotfollah, and Imam Mosques, Chehel- Sotoun Palace, bazaar, in the evening visit Sio-se-Pol and Khajou bridges and Zoorkhaneh. Overnight Isfahan Day 7: Esfahan

Day 7: Half-day tour of Isfahan to visit Vank cathedral, Jolfa area. Then visit Jame mosque. In the afternoon drive to Tehran. Overnight Tehran.

Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque

one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture

Imam Mosque

known as Shah Mosque before 1979 revolution

Imam Square

The must see place of Isfahan

Vank church

Armenian Church in Isfahan

Half of the world

Shah Mosque

It is one of the masterpieces of architecture in Iran

Historical Bridges

Transfer to Tehran Intl. airport for your return flight

Get a quote and a custom plan

Iran is super safe and clean and also pretty cheap if you ask us ;)

Please be in touch with our super fast and professional team. we are really quick to answer.

We can tailor-make this itinerary for a deeper experience based on your preferences.

Our Most Popular Iran Travel Plans

North of Iran tour

Relaxing in mesmerizing nature of Iran in the summertime and enjoying the beautiful weather in Yilaq which means a place where you live in the summer.

Bandar-e Anzali

The first and largest port on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea

North of Iran

One of the most beautiful natural Wonders In Iran

Masuleh village

Fascinating Village in Iran

Javaher Deh

A dreamy and beautiful village near Ramsar

Ramsar Beach

it is unique in terms of scenery

Iran in Depth Tour

Going in-depth in Iran, visiting all the main hot spots plus visits to Hamedan , Ali Sadr cave , Qazvin , and finally the hot springs and the amazing nature of Sarein

Tehran > Shiraz > Yazd > Isfahan > Abyaneh > Hamedan > Qazvin > Anzali > Sarein

Quick Tour of Iran

A quick visit to two main cities of old Iran , Shiraz , and Isfahan , quickly but magnificently. Both the cities have international airports for more flexibility. 

Isfahan >  Shiraz

Capital of the Achaemenid Empire.

Vakil Bazaar

A Persian poet who "lauded the joys of love and wine but also targeted religious hypocrisy.

Known as the Pink Mosque, is a traditional mosque in Shiraz

Eram Garden

Must see tour of Iran

The must-see route in Iran, we will visit most of the major historical sites. Best tour to get if this is your first time traveling to Iran.

Tehran > Shiraz > Yazd > Esfahan

Short Tour of Iran

Short trip through the three major touristic cities of Iran to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the country. You can fly between the cities with lots of daily flights, also great quality private cars, trains, and buses are available.

Travel Around Iran in Two Weeks

Tehran > Ahvaz > Suse > Shiraz > Bavanat > Yazd > Esfahan > Golpaygan > Hamadan > Kermanshah

A more thorough itinerary with emphasis on getting to know the history of Iran with a bit of nature to enjoy.

We visited Iran last April and had a wonderful time. The country is very different to how the western media portray it. It feels very safe, prosperous and relaxed. There are many women working and many men who are very involved in child care. There is no sign of religious oppression and everyone seems to tolerate a wide range of dress codes from the western to the traditional.

First of all allow me to wish you and your families and all of those at Gardeshgaran Travel Agency a very happy and prosperous Norooz. I hope that this New Year brings to you all the best in happiness and health and prosperity. I wanted to take some time while my thoughts are still fresh to give you some feedback on our recent tour in Iran. As you know this is my third time touring and also my third time working with your agency. I was very pleased with the attention that you have given me in my need for information.

After being home for almost one week I would like to take the time to thank you again very much for your help and support you gave us in Iran.As you probably realized, we had to change and shorten our travel plan in Iran for personal reasons. But despite the short time we spent there, we had a wonderful and unforgettable holiday.

Just a little note of thanks to you and your company for the lovely gift that you sent me via Mr Colin MIller.

As I live in a different town to Mr Miller I don't get to meet with him very often but he did phone me when he returned from his holiday and said he had a gift for me from your company so two weeks ago I visited his town and he gave me the gift..

After coming back to Romania from our long journey in Iran we would like to thank you a lot for all your efforts to make our holiday in your beautiful country a great one. We saw a lot of wonderful places and met very nice and interesting people. Iran is indeed a country worth while travelling through! We are very grateful to you for the perfectly organized route and for the reliable and highly professonal guides and drivers.

Our lovely team

Our travel academy

Mozhgan's Birthday at the agency

Parisa with her lovely clients

Parisa enjoying time with her clients

• What are your opening hours? Monday - Thursday : 9am to 6pm Friday : 9am to 5:30pm Saturday - Sunday : 9:30am to 4:30pm
• Do I have to travel on certain dates? Because all of our trips are tailor-made, you can depart on any date you wish (depending on flights) and for as long as you wish. The itineraries provided on our website are suggestions only and you can change any aspect to suit your tastes and budget. Your destination specialist will be able to provide advice and answer your questions.
• Will I be travelling as part of a group? No, our tailor-made trips are arranged on an individual basis. This means you are not tied to the wishes of a group and can arrange your itinerary at your own pace. If you are interested in a Group Tour, we do offer a range of departures in small groups of up to 16 people.
• Isn’t it easier and cheaper to arrange the holiday myself? Many of our clients like the independence that tailor-made travel brings, without the 'regimentation' of organized group tours, but with the reassurance of our professional planning and back-up services. For example, if the flight that we've booked is delayed, it's down to us to re-arrange your travel in the country. When things go wrong, an independent traveller may find themselves putting in a good deal of time re-organising their plans, when they should be enjoying the trip. We also regularly hear from travellers claiming that they can independently organise the same trip for a lower price. Almost invariably it is not 'like for like' and they may find they incur much more expense during their travels.

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Our holding as one of the most innovative, pro-active retail travel companies in the country works in the fields of incoming, outgoing, education, ticketing, and a major supplier of discounted domestic airfares in three branches.

Feel Free to Contact us for any reason. Consult with our travel guides for free.

Let's Go Iran Tour Agency

Tel  :  +98 998 128 1126 Also on Telegram and Whatsapp Email       [email protected]  

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Tours To Iran from US, UK & Canada 2024 | Iran Tours for Americans, Canadians & the British

Your way to visit iran as an american, british or canadian citizen, iran visa & tours for us, uk & canadian citizens.

Looking for tours to Iran from US, UK, or Canada ? You can find your ideal trip among a wide range of well-planned packages here! Our love for our homeland has made us do our best to put beauty, history, culture, diversity, safety and convenience together to make your trip to Iran hard to forget. Because of the Iranian policies, our American, Canadian and British guests will need to be a bit more patient for their visa approval ; but the ancient treasures, the deep culture, the unique lifestyle, the diverse nature and the hospitable people of Iran are well worth it. Stay with us to find out more about traveling to Iran as an American, British or Canadian citizen.

• Iran Tours From Canada
• Tours to Iran from USA
• Iran Tourist Visa for American, British and Canadian Citizens
• Trip to Iran from America
• Iran tours from England
• 1 Iran Visa & Tours for US, UK & Canadian Citizens
• 2 Why Visit Iran as an American, British or Canadian?
• 3 Iran Tour Types for Americans, Canadians & the British
• 4 Cultural Tours to Iran from US, UK and Canada
• 5 Go Off the Beaten Path in Iran
• 6 Tours to Iran With IranOnTour
• 7 Deep Cultural Experiences to Add to Your Tour of Iran
• 8 Tailor-Made Iran Tours for US, UK & Canadian Travelers
• 9 Destinations for Your Tour to Iran
• 10 Travel to Iran From US, UK & Canada: All You Need to Know

Why Visit Iran as an American, British or Canadian?

The Ancient History

From seven-thousand-year-old treasures of mysterious ancient civilizations to masterpieces of the Islamic golden age, from mementos of the world’s greatest empires to more recent achievements of artistic mastery, Iran is a real paradise for history lovers.

The Rich Culture

If Iran was to be defined in a phrase, ‘the land of culture’ would best suit it. Iran is a land of art and architecture that mesmerize you with their elaborate beauty, literature and music that spellbind you with their mystic essence, and traditions and festivals rooted in humanity, spirituality, and respect for nature.

The Hospitable People

Your tour to Iran from US, UK, or Canada will be spiced with a kindness that might surprise you! The Iranian culture ’s hospitality shows itself off on your walks around those oriental bazaars you’ve seen in photos and on the streets of Iran.

The Ethnic Diversity

Iran is a home to Iranians, but who are these Iranians you’ll meet on your tour to Iran from America, England or Canada? Iranians are a gathering of different ethnic groups and nomadic tribes that make the country colorful with their distinct culture, traditions, lifestyles, clothes and even languages.

The Natural Diversity

Tall snowy mountains, hot sandy deserts , beautiful dense jungles, charming sunny islands , and many other rare manifestations of nature make Iran an unbelievably diverse place that’s perfect for many adventure activities. Can you imagine a country with all these natural beauties?

The 4-Season Charms

Whenever you decide to visit Iran, there are nice places to go and beauties to discover. The reason is that, the climate of Iran is so diverse, its weather so wide-ranging, and its nature so varied that if you travel throughout the country at a certain time, you’ll be surprised by the contrasts.

Iran Tour Types for Americans, Canadians & the British

We care about your unique taste, interests, timing, and budget. That’s why we have crafted a diverse range of tours you can pick to personalize.

Cultural Tours to Iran from US, UK and Canada

You can always enter Iran from US, UK, and Canada by booking one of our diverse range of tours and leaving all the process to us. These well-planned tour packages will take you to the top charms of Iran, show you the ancient history and culture, and get you in genuine touch with the people.

7-Day Iran Tour: The Must-See Attractions

13-Day Iran Tour: On & Off the Beaten Path

9-Day Iran Tour: From Tabriz to World Heritage Highlights

12-Day Iran Tour: History, Culture & Sand

16-Day Tour of Iran: Deep into the Heart of Persia

10-Day Tour of Iran: On the Tourist Radar

Go off the beaten path in iran.

Iran’s main tourist magnets are amazing. But, the treasures hidden off the tourist radar give you a more genuine taste of the diverse country. They are the ones that not only enlighten you more about Persian history, but they will also treat you to the long-standing traditions, the unique manifestations of nature, and the sweet local people and lifestyle.

6 Days to Remember: The Beauties of Northwest Iran

5 Days in the Sweet Southeast of Iran

The Kurdish West: Kermanshah, Kurdistan, Hawraman & Rural Delights

7-Days Nature & Culture from Tabriz to Tehran

Tours to iran with iranontour, the diversity of packages.

Our wide and deep knowledge of Iran has given birth to a wide range of tour packages that you can choose based on your interests and time.

The Deep Cultural Experiences

We are dedicated to taking you to the depth of the culture we believe is amazing. That’s why we spice up your tours with short experience-based tours in the Persian culture.

The 24/7 Support

On your tour to Iran from US, UK or Canada, a dedicated, professional and caring support team will be with you every step of the way until you get back home.

The Active Adventures

In for some adventure in Iran? Safe and professional adventure tours in the diverse nature of Iran is a good way to spice up your tour of Iran from US, UK and Canada.

The Dedicated Tour Guides

We are very picky about the tour guides we choose for you. That’s why the guide who will be with you is one of Iran’s most professional, experienced, knowledgeable and passionate companions.

The Tailor-Made Options

We will do our best to make sure everything on your tour caters to your unique taste, interests, travel style, timing and budget so that you’ll have the best experience possible.

Deep Cultural Experiences to Add to Your Tour of Iran

We believe Iranian people and their deep-rooted culture are the heart and soul of the ancient country. That’s why we are on a mission to bring you in touch with this culture by this wide range of experience-based tours you can add to your tour to Iran from USA, UK, and Canada.

Tailor-Made Iran Tours for US, UK & Canadian Travelers

To turn your tour to Iran from US, UK, or Canada into an ideal trip, we’ve put all the options on the table for you. We’ll help you put all your interests and preferences together to create a well-planned Iran tour made for you. Contact us !

What Our Guests Say About Us

Fayyaz & Family

From netherland, jorg & family, from germany.

from New Zealand

Sabrina and Francesco

Destinations for your tour to iran.

On your tour to Iran from USA, UK or Canada, you can go wherever you like around the country. No matter if it’s on the classic route, off the tourist radar, or a blend of both, we can take you to each and every corner.

Add Active Adventures to Your Tour of Iran

A great way to make Iran tours for American, British and Canadian citizens  more adventurous is spicing up the itinerary with one or two active adventures in a piece of Iran’s diverse nature! Our other brand name, IranOnAdventure, offers you a diverse range of safe, pleasant and professional active adventures beside Iran’s top guides!

Travel to Iran From US, UK & Canada: All You Need to Know

If you are traveling to Iran from America, Britain or Canada, we’ll not only take care of your visa application process, but we’ll also make sure everything is taken care of in your tour. But if you’d like to know, here are some of the things that are different for American, Canadian and British citizens to visit Iran:

The Iran Visa Policies for American, British or Canadian Citizens

What you should know about traveling to Iran as an American, British or Canadian is that your visa confirmation process is different, and the approval takes a longer time (between one and three months). One you receive your visa grant notice, which is in fact your visa approval, you can pick up your visa from an Iranian Embassy/Consulate in a third country or the embassy of a county that provides Iran visa services in your country. As a US, UK or Canadian citizen, you cannot get a visa on arrival at the airport. Read more about Iran visa for these three nationalities here .

Iran Visit Policies for the Nationals of the US, the UK and Canada

Apart from the visa policies, there are some certain rules for visiting Iran as an American, British or Canadian. One is that you should either join a tour offered by a licensed agency in Iran, or provide a fixed itinerary and be accompanied by a licensed tour guide approved by Iran during your trip. There are also some rules regarding your accommodations that you can find out here .

The Best Season for Traveling to Iran from America, Canada & England

Iran is a country of four seasons and you can visit Iran as an American, British or Canadian citizen all year round. However, certain regions might be too hot in the summer and others too cold in winter. So, to enjoy the country’s most pleasant weather, travel to Iran in Spring and Fall ; especially in March and April.

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Hey IranOnTour team. Hope you guys are fine. Where can I see the adventure tours?

Hey Jerry. Hope you’re fine too. You can visit our adventure tours website ( https://iranonadventure.com/ ).

Hey. Thanks for your quick reply. Cheers!

Hey guys. What’s the best tour option for a family trip in Iran?

Hey Sam. Hope you’re doing great. Private tours are the best options for family trips. If you share more about your interests, I’ll be glad to suggest an itinerary based on your interests.

Hi there. Hope you’re doing fine. Which Iranian cities represent the Iranian arts better?

Greetings dear Robert. It depends on the type of art. For example, Isfahan is famous for Persian music and it has a nice Persian music museum. Tabriz is famous for carpets, Shiraz is famous for poetry, Yazd is famous for pottery, and Tehran has nice art museums and is famous for contemporary arts. Many other Iranian cities are famous for other types of art as well.

Hi there. Very interesting! Thanks for your quick response.

Greetings. How are the Americans viewed in Iran?

Dear Jamie. Hope you are fine and happy. The Iranian people are famous for hospitality and have good attitudes towards other nationalities. Americans are welcome in Iran as well.

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Situation in Iran: Temporary immigration, passport and citizenship measures

Extended These temporary measures have been extended until February 28, 2025.

Due to the situation in Iran, we’ve introduced special measures to support Iranian temporary residents in Canada as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Iran.

Iranian temporary residents in Canada

You don’t have to pay application or biometric fees when you apply

• to extend your current temporary resident status
• for example, from a visitor to a worker.
• for an additional open work permit or study permit

Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Iran

You can apply for the following documents for free:

• limited validity Canadian passport
• Canadian citizenship certificate
• permanent resident travel document

How to apply

Answer a few questions below to find out how to apply.

Tell us your situation

What would you like to do?

What is your current status?

How do you want to apply?

A temporary resident permit is only granted in exceptional circumstances to a person who does not meet the requirements of Canada’s immigration law to enter or stay temporarily in Canada. Before continuing, make sure you are a temporary resident permit holder.

Are you also applying for a work or study permit?

Which permit are you want to apply for?

• A work permit
• A study permit

What do you want to apply for?

• Restore my status (if your status expires)

What are you applying for?

• Canadian passport
• Permanent resident travel document

Most people must apply online

You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a

• disability that prevents you from applying online or
• problem with the online application system

Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”

Not everyone can apply online. If you’re not eligible to apply online , apply on paper.

Apply online to extend your status - visitor

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

 February 28, 2025

You can extend your status for free if you

• are an Iranian national with a valid Iranian passport
• have valid temporary resident status in Canada, and
• you apply , and
• a decision is made on your application

You’ll also get priority processing on your application.

You need to apply for a visitor record to extend your visitor status. A visitor record is different from a visitor visa.

If you want to work or study

If you’re extending your visitor status and you want to apply for a work or study permit, you should apply to change your status instead. Go back and select “Change my temporary resident status” and follow those instructions.

Apply online

• Complete the  online application for a visitor record  (opens in a new tab)  
• In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
• Under “ Passport ”, upload a copy of your Iranian passport.
• Under “ Proof of Fee Exemption ”, upload a letter stating “I am exempt from paying fees under the Iranian special measures”.

If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed

You are considered to have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.

If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information

Send us a  web form  (opens in a new tab)   .

• Complete all required fields.
• Include “ Iran2023 ” in the text box.

Apply online to extend your status - worker

• Complete the  online application to extend your worker status  (opens in a new tab)  
• In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
• Under “ Proof of Fee Exemption ”, upload a letter stating “I am exempt from paying fees under the Iranian special measures.”

Apply online to extend your status - student

• Complete the  online application to extend your student status  (opens in a new tab)  

Apply on paper for a new temporary resident permit and a work permit

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for  free  if you

• are an Iranian national with a valid Iranian passport,
• have valid temporary resident status in Canada

Apply on paper

• Complete the paper application  (opens in a new tab)   .
• When completing form IMM 5710, under Section 3 at the top of the form, make sure to select “Get a new temporary resident permit” and the type of work permit you’re applying for.
• Find out if you need to give biometrics  (opens in a new tab)   .
• a copy of your Iranian passport
• a letter stating “I am exempt from paying fees under the Iranian special measures”
• Write “IRAN2023” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.

Track your application

If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.

If your current temporary resident permit expires before we finalize your application

You must stop working until we issue you

• a new temporary resident permit
• a work permit that authorizes you to work

Apply on paper for a new temporary resident permit and a study permit

You can apply for a new temporary resident permit for  free  if you

• When completing form IMM 5709, under section 3 at the top of the form, make sure to select “Get a new temporary resident permit.”

You must stop studying until we issue you

• a study permit that authorizes you to study

Apply on paper for a new temporary resident permit

You can apply for a new temporary resident permit for free if you

• When completing form IMM 5708, under section 3 at the top of the form, make sure to select “Get a new temporary resident permit.”

Apply online to change your status to that of a visitor

You can apply for a free visitor record to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor if you

• Complete the  online application for a visitor record  (opens in a new tab)   .
• In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question, “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
• Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Iranian passport.
• Under “ Proof of Fee Exemption ”, upload a letter stating, “I am exempt from paying fees under the Iranian special measures.”

If you apply to change your status and your current status expires before your application is processed

Apply online for an open work permit

You can apply for a free open work permit  (opens in a new tab)   if you

• Complete the  online application to extend or change the conditions on your work permit  (opens in a new tab)   .
• You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply.

Apply online for a study permit

You can apply for a free study permit if you

• Complete the  online application to extend or restore your student status  (opens in a new tab)   .

Apply for a 1-year limited validity Canadian passport

You can apply for a 1-year limited validity passport for free if you are

• a Canadian citizen living in Iran

Contact the closest Government of Canada office abroad and tell them about your situation.

If you need to travel urgently

When you contact the Government of Canada office , tell them you need to travel urgently. They may issue you an urgent travel document if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Apply online for a citizenship certificate

You can apply for a citizenship certificate for free if you

• are a Canadian citizen living in Iran
• need to confirm your claim to Canadian citizenship to get a Canadian passport or travel document
• Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can  apply online  (opens in a new tab)   .
• If you can, you’ll see a  Create an account or sign in button.
• If you choose to get a paper citizenship certificate, it is important to know that mailing times will impact the time it takes to get your certificate. A delay may impact the type of passport or travel document you receive.
• Under  Client Information  in the  Supporting Documents  section, upload a signed letter (attestation) explaining your situation.

We’ll refund your fees

Before you submit your application, you must pay the fee in your online account. Our system won’t let you submit without paying.

After you apply, we’ll refund your fees

• once we process the application
• if your application includes a signed letter (attestation) explaining your situation

You don’t have to contact us to get the refund.

If you’re replacing a citizenship card, we won’t issue you a new card. We no longer issue new cards, but if we approve your application, we’ll replace your card with an electronic citizenship certificate (recommended) or a paper certificate.

If you need help or have questions

Contact the closest Government of Canada office .

Apply on paper for a citizenship certificate

• Complete the  paper application for a citizenship certificate  (opens in a new tab)   .
• Include a signed letter (attestation) explaining your situation.
• You do  not  need to pay the fee or include a receipt.
• Write “ Iran2023 ” on the envelope  and  the first page of your application or covering document.
• Submit your application to the closest Government of Canada office abroad.

If you’re replacing a citizenship card, we won’t issue you a new card. We no longer issue new cards, but will replace your card with an electronic citizenship certificate (recommended) or a paper certificate ( if we approve your application).

Apply for a permanent resident travel document

If you don’t have a valid permanent resident card, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document for free if you

• are a permanent resident of Canada living in Iran
• need a permanent resident travel document for travel
• Complete the  application for a permanent resident travel document  (opens in a new tab)   .
• You do  not  need to pay the fee or include a receipt with your application.
• You can apply online or on paper.

If you apply online

• You must upload an attachment that states “ Iran2023 ” in the “Proof of payment” section to submit your application.

If you apply on paper

• Write “ IRAN2023 ” on the envelope and on the first page of your application or covering document.
• Submit your application to the visa application centre nearest you.

There are no special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you restore your temporary resident status if it has expired.

If it has been less than 90 days since your status expired, you may be able to apply to restore it. Regular fees and processing times would apply.

If your application to restore your status is approved, you may then be eligible to apply for these special measures.

Find out how to restore your

• visitor status
• worker status
• student status

Page details

25 Things to Know Before You Visit Iran

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

We’ve been all around the world, spent a lot of time in a lot of different countries, and if there’s one thing we can honestly tell you it’s that we’ve never felt as welcomed, fascinated and humbled as we did when we visited Iran.

Iran is such an incredible country to travel. The architecture will amaze you, the friendliness of the people will leave you speechless, the culture is fascinating and the landscapes are out of this world.

Iran is also very misunderstood, with many people believing whatever propaganda they hear on the media about how dangerous or difficult it is to travel there.

Table of Contents

Iran is Safe!

There’s a lot of customs to follow, you need a visa for iran, have a head scarf in your carry-on luggage before arrival, bring a phrase book or have google translate on your phone, bring a lot of cash, the currency has two names, bring comfortable footwear, research the food and don’t just eat kebabs, bring a backpack rather than a suitcase, draw up an itinerary, but keep it flexible, let your guard down and talk to locals, always ask the price before buying, book domestic flights with your accommodation or travel agent, team up with other travellers and share tours, be on time for your appointments, the traffic is horrible, you need a vpn to access some social media platforms, there is wifi, but be patient with it, pick up a local sim card, iran has its own uber called snapp, you can drink the tap water, good coffee is hard to find, there’s a female-only carriage on the metros, what to know before you visit iran.

The truth is travelling in Iran definitely has its quirks, and being an Islamic country means there’s a few things you need to know about the religion and culture before you go so you can show absolute respect.

Luckily these are easy enough to know before you go if you do a bit of research. We spent one month travelling around Iran and learnt so much during our time there.

To help put your mind at ease about travelling in this incredible country, here’s our list of the most important things to know before you visit Iran.

All of the mainstream media outlets portray Iran as an unsafe country, somewhere that you’ll be at risk if you visit.

The mainstream media is wrong.

We did not feel unsafe once through the whole 4 weeks of us backpacking independently in Iran.

We weren’t with a tour group, had no tour guides, don’t speak the local language, took public transport and taxis, wandered the streets on our own – basically everything you shouldn’t do if you’re in a dangerous country.

And guess what? Nothing bad happened to us at all!

The Iranian people are so friendly and helpful. They want you to have a great time and tell your friends so more people will come and visit.

We were walking around one morning on a quiet street when a car passed us and turned around. A group of young people stopped the car, came up to us, and asked if we were ok or if we needed help.

Once we told them we were just looking for a coffee they pulled out their phones and started showing us where the cafes were on a map.

They even offered us a ride, and said if the cafes were closed they had coffee at their home and would love to make us some.

This is just one example of dozens of interactions that happened to us when we were in Iran. Iranians love that tourists are coming to their country and travelling around.

The locals know what the media says about them and what a lot of the world thinks of their country, and the people just want to show that they are nice, generous people.

Theft against tourists is very rare and even the Religion Police (secret police) tend to leave tourists alone.

Just be careful around the bazaars and crowed places for pickpocketing. We didn’t have any issue and didn’t hear of any other travellers having problems, but this is common sense in any busy place in the world.

With all that being said, there is a large military and police presence in Iran. Do not photograph any military areas or government buildings, and stay away from any protests if you see them.

Obviously there are some areas of Iran that are no-go zones, such as the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, so do your research and talk to locals if you’re thinking about going anywhere near them.

When you travel somewhere you want to take in everything about the country and its people, and that includes the culture and customs.

Iran has quite a few local customs that may take some getting used to, so it’s important to learn about them before you go so you don’t accidentally offend or disrespect anyone.

Some of the most common ones that throw tourists off are:

• Women must wear hijabs (headscarves) at all times in public. They must also wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t show their figure.
• Giving a thumbs-up sign is considered rude, similar to giving the middle finger in Western society.
• Men can wear short-sleeved shirts, but long pants must be worn at all times.
• Men and women who aren’t related shouldn’t touch either. That means no shaking hands or hugging someone of the opposite sex.
• If you are travelling with your significant other, avoid any public displays of affection.
• Always bring a gift if you are invited to someone’s house. Candy, pastries or flowers are fine.

Now we want to give a special mention to ta’arof – This is a hospitality trait where it’s customary for someone to refuse payment for a service, and is probably the most confusing thing for any tourist to get their head around.

Basically what happens is if you make a purchase (a souvenir, taxi ride, etc), the person may refuse your payment out of politeness. It is then up to you to insist despite their refusals that you want to pay. After two or three times they’ll then accept your money.

If they still keep refusing then perhaps you have just experienced some amazing Iranian hospitality! But chances are they’ll accept the payment once the process has been completed. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.

The locals are so lovely, that if you do something wrong someone will approach you and nicely let you know. For example, if you are a lady and your headscarf falls off without you knowing, a local will kindly let you know.

Don’t stress about getting your outfits beforehand as shopping in Iran is cheap. Just bring one headscarf and set of loose-fitting clothes, and buy more once you get there.

The culture is the best thing about visiting Iran, and after a few days, you’ll start to understand and fall in love with it just like we did.

In order to visit Iran, you’re going to need to get a tourist visa. This used to be a very difficult process, but luckily things have gotten easier with the introduction of visa on arrivals in 2016

On the 14th February 2016, the Ministry of Iran announced that citizens of 180 countries can now apply for VOA of 30-days at most international airports, including Tehran, Shiraz, Mashad, Tabriz and Isfahan.

There’s an exception to this rule though, and if you are from Canada, the UK or the USA, we have some bad news for you…You can only visit Iran if you join a guided tour, so no chance of getting a VOA and travelling independently.

Your tour company will help organise your visa for you.

Check out our article on how to apply for a  Visa On Arrival in Iran.

You Need to Dress Appropriately

This follows on from the customs section above, but in a bit more detail.

Iran is an Islamic country, and as such you need to follow the Islamic dress code. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Women need to cover their arms, legs and head. This including a Hijab, loose long length shirt with long sleeves and pants.

Leggings or tight jeans are ok as long as your top is long and covers your bottom. When wearing pants, you need to be covered down to your ankles.

The most common way to cover your head is with a scarf. The local women wear bright colours and are very stylish with their clothing, so don’t think you need to wear all black.

Black is still worn a lot but not so much among the younger generation.

You can wear sandals. Some guesthouses and hostels will allow you to take your headscarf off on their premises but do check first.

Men aren’t allowed to wear shorts in public, so bring long, lightweight pants as the best option. T-shirts are fine to wear in public. Men can wear sandals too.

If you do wear inappropriate clothing it’s not the end of the world, and besides some angry looks from some of the older generation, you’ll probably just end up having a friendly local let you know what’s best to wear.

In Tehran, the locals push the limits in terms of what they wear in public. At the end of 2017, an uprising occurred and supposedly women were no longer required to wear the Hijab in public in Tehran, but wait until you are in the country to find out for certain.

When you land at the airport, it is respectful to put a scarf straight on your head ladies. This will cause no trouble for you by locals or the officials at the airport.

Once you’re in the air on an international flight you’ll see most young ladies take their hijab as soon as the plane leaves the ground. Just follow what the locals do.

We were quite surprised to discover that a lot of Iranians could speak a little bit of English, but that wasn’t always the case, so do yourself a favour and bring along something that can help translate English to Persian.

We always travel with Google Translate and offline languages saved on our phones, but at times having a phrasebook is the best (and most social) way to interact with people who don’t speak any English.

Remember, you are in a country that doesn’t have English as an official language, so don’t be that rude tourist that gets upset if people aren’t understanding you.

Persian (Farsi) is difficult, and no locals expect you to learn much beyond hello and thank you while you are there, but do your best anyway as a few extra words will go a long way in showing respect.

Also don’t be surprised if you are constantly invited out for tea with people so they can practice their English. If the opportunity comes up, make time for it, as it’s an amazing experience for both the local and yourself.

Don’t forget your cash when visiting Iran, as none of the ATMs in the country accepts foreign credit or debit cards thanks to the embargo. So if you forget to bring all of your cash for your entire trip, you’re out of luck.

Figure out what your usual budget is for a trip ($50 a day, $100 a day, etc), then bring a bit extra just in case. USD is best for all around the country but Euros and British Pounds are also accepted in Tehran.

There’s two exchange rates in the country – official rate and black market rate – and the black market rate is of course much better.

We actually found an exchange booth at Tehran airport that gave pretty close to the black market rate, so we traded some cash there.

As a tip don’t exchange all of your foreign cash into Rials at once, because you’ll either get ripped off on the exchange rate back if you have any left over, or you’ll be unable to trade it outside of the country.

Also don’t be too concerned about travelling around with thousands of dollars in your backpacks. As we mentioned earlier theft is rare. Do keep your money stashed in different spots though just in case.

UPDATE: If you’d prefer not to carry all your cash with you, can actually pre-order a local Iranian debit card from the company, Mah Card . It works just like a normal debit card in your home country.

You order it on their website and they’ll deliver it to your hotel in Tehran when you arrive. They have an online system too where you can top up the funds if you’re running low.

Use the code ‘ NOMADASAURUS ‘ at check-out to get a 40% discount on the card when ordering. Instead of a 19 Euro issue fee, our code brings it down to 11 Euro.

“Toman or Rial?” Get used to asking that question, because if you don’t it could end up being a costly mistake.

The currency in Iran is officially known as the Rial, and is valued at roughly 30’000 IRL to USD$1. That’s a lot of zeros, so what the locals have started doing is dropping a zero and calling the new value a Toman.

1 Toman = 10 Rial

When you hear prices quoted in Tomans you need to add a zero on the end and pay the amount in Rials. It sounds confusing, but you’ll pick it up pretty quickly.

That’s why it’s important to always ask Toman or Rial, so you don’t accidentally pay too much on an item. Most vendors quote in Tomans anyway, so chances are if the price seems too good to be true, you need to multiply it by 10.

Rumour has it that Iran will officially introduce Toman as a currency in the coming years, but that hasn’t come into effect yet.

You are going to do a lot of walking in Iran, so bring comfortable footwear. The towns here are so amazing that you’ll probably end up walking at least 10km every day, so look after your feet.

These don’t necessarily have to be hiking boots (unless you’re planning on doing some treks). Just make sure you have some flat shoes that you can wear all day without a problem.

Don’t bring heels. You don’t need them, and you won’t wear them. We had a pair of hiking shoes each and a pair of sandals. That was perfect.

Persian food is varied and delicious, and there’s plenty of different styles to try, so be adventurous!

Most people travelling on a budget will end up eating falafel sandwiches when they’re in Iran because they are cheap ($1 !), filling and delicious, but there’s plenty more to Iranian cuisine then just kebabs.

We don’t consider ourselves to be foodies, but luckily we were travelling with our good friends Dan and John and they are all about culinary travel, so they had a huge list of food they wanted to try. And boy were we thankful they did!

They had looked up the different types of food they wanted to try, so we basically followed their advice and tried it all. Of course, it was super delicious too.

One particular dish we all loved was dizi. It’s quite confusing how to eat the first time, so we had the restaurant owner show us how to mix and grind all the ingredients. If she didn’t show us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to eat it.

If you are a vegetarian, there are food options but they can be limited. There is a lot of eggplant, lentil and chickpea dishes. There are simple salads and rice also.

Try to get away from the popular tourist areas as well, as the prices are going to be a lot higher than the average place.

Move away and you will be surprised how much the price drops, and the portions are larger. If you are passing a local restaurant and it is packed with locals, that is going to be a winner.

We always recommend people travel with a backpack rather than a suitcase, but this is especially useful when you visit Iran.

The road and paths are uneven, and wheeling a suitcase would be a nightmare. A lot of hotels don’t have lifts, so unless you’re feeling strong it’s going to be hard to carry your suitcase up a lot of flights of stairs.

Always choose a lightweight backpack that fits you perfectly for the best support.

There are also hybrid backpacks, that have harnesses and wheels on the bottom for the times where you just don’t want to carry it.

Unless you are on a whirlwind 7-day trip of the country we recommend you design an itinerary of what you want to see and do, but don’t book anything until you are in the country.

Iran is one of those countries that is best to research beforehand so you can make the most of your time and you don’t miss anything, but don’t be surprised if some places you end up liking more than others.

Be willing to change your plans if you get somewhere that you want to stay an extra day, or if you meet a backpacker that raves about one town you hadn’t considered before.

Don’t stress about booking buses, flights or trains before you arrive. Everything can be booked in-country, for a much cheaper price than you’ll find online.

By not locking in your travel plans, you can change and swap your itinerary easy enough.

Disclaimer:  The one time that you may need to book everything ahead of time is during Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. If you’re planning on travelling to Iran during this time (it happens around the spring equinox in March) you’ll find things are extremely busy with millions of locals travelling around the country to spend time with their families too.

Looking for somewhere else to check out when you visit Iran? Don’t miss our article on the best  things to do in Shiraz!

One of the best experiences you will have in Iran is spending time with all the friendly locals. And trust us, you’ll get plenty of opportunities if you are open to it.

The city squares are usually where locals will approach you to welcome you to their country, have a chat and practice their English.

Don’t shy away from this, even if you are a solo traveller. We found out so much information about Iran and how the locals live simply by chatting away.

Most people asked us questions about where we are from and were very happy to answer our questions. It was a true insight to Iran and we made some beautiful friends from it (many of whom we still keep in contact with).

Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of invitations to people’s homes as well, and this may be one of the few countries where we’d say hanging out with strangers is highly encouraged. The Couchsurfing scene is huge here too if you’re into that.

Do be wary of some people who will take you to an expensive tea house though. They are nice people, you will have great conversations, but they can be a little cheeky.

Also always look at the menu before you start ordering to make sure they haven’t taken you somewhere that has crazy prices.

Some will invite you out and try to sell carpets to you. If you are not interested just be firm and move on with the conversation.

We only had this happen to us once out of more than a dozen great experiences, and once we made it clear we weren’t buying a carpet we still had a great chat with him.

There is only one thing with all this – Expect to be stopped every few minutes by people wanting to chat! Make sure you’re mentally prepared when you go out around town to have a million friendly conversations.

You shouldn’t just do this in Iran, you should do this everywhere you travel, but it’s important to keep in mind.

In some countries, there are tourist prices and local prices. To be honest, we almost never felt ripped off here, but it did happen occasionally.

Before you buy anything, whether it’s a souvenir, a meal, a pot of tea, a tour, a taxi ride or whatever, ask to see the menu or how much it will cost to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Get out of the tourist squares too. Chances are if you walk a couple of blocks outside of those popular areas, the prices will drop dramatically.

When buying survivors, ask the price at a few places, get the vibe from the person/place and then buy. Try your bartering skills, but don’t be offensive.

We always try to settle in the middle so both parties are happy. This is their business and they need the money more than you do.

If you are flying domestic, book through an agent or your local guesthouse in the country. All the local airline pages are in Persian, and these are where the best deals are.

Online booking agencies like Skyscanner and Momondo will not bring up these flights. We were in the west near the Iraqi border and wanted to fly to Tehran. Our local guesthouse helped us out and we booked it for $50 USD including snack and bags.

They were charging $200 USD on one of those online booking agencies above. We never were questioned at the airport about the local price and everything went smoothly.

If you’re not travelling in a group of four, ask at your guesthouse or talk to other travellers to see if you can share the cost of a driver with them.

Sometimes hiring a driver between towns as private transport would work out to be the same price as 4 bus tickets. You get there faster and can stop when you like along the way.

This will save you money and you might even make some awesome friends out of it.

Iranians are very punctual. If you plan to leave for a tour at 8am be in reception at 7:45am, and the driver will most likely already be there.

Buses and trains also won’t wait for you if you aren’t there. The last thing you want to do is miss your tour because you slept in or hadn’t packed yet.

If you’re heading to the airport, bus or train station make sure you leave plenty of time in case of bad traffic.

When we say horrible, we’re being polite. The traffic in Iran is actually insane.

If you’re exploring Tehran don’t be surprised if you have plenty of “Holy s**t!” moments as you go to cross the street or you get around in taxi.

It’s not that Iranians are bad drivers…they just don’t have a concept of space when driving around. In one way it’s almost as entertaining as it is scary.

No one is actively trying to run pedestrians down, but if you do try to run the gauntlet of crossing a busy road it’s best to wait for a local to join them on their hell-bent journey to the other side.

Some social media platforms are banned in Iran and you cannot access them without a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

You cannot access Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest. You can access Instagram , but the rest only with a VPN.

We used ExpressVPN and had no issues. Here is a link to get your first 30 days for free .

Make sure you download your VPN before you arrive in Iran, because a lot of the VPN sites are blocked by the government.

If you can, we also recommend having access to a few different VPNs, because every now and then one might be blocked in Iran.

ExpressVPN worked for us during our trip, but some people have reported that it didn’t work during their own trip. Last we heard it’s back up and running properly now though.

Most of the guesthouses we stayed at had free wifi, but don’t expect it to be fast.

Some hotels had wifi available in the rooms, while others were only in the reception area or dining rooms. It all depends on how upmarket your place is. In popular cities, tea and coffee houses had wifi also.

One thing to keep in mind though is that just because there is wifi at your hotel, be respectful on how much you use it.

There are no unlimited data plans in Iran, so the hotels have to pre-purchase data in small packets.

Please don’t be that person that streams Netflix or tries to download the new season of Game of Thrones, because all that will happen is you’ll end up using all the net for everybody else in the hotel, and cost the owner more money.

Yep, we met a guy that did just that in Varzaneh, and because it was a weekend it meant nobody in the hostel could get internet until Monday. Thanks, mate.

Despite what you may have been told, you can buy a local sim card in Iran as a foreigner, and it’s a great idea to do so.

This way you can call hotels to make bookings use WhatsApp and Snap (more on that below) on the go, and keep in touch with friends and family back home.

We bought up a sim card with the telecommunications company IranCel through our hostel in Tehran, however, they marked the price up by double.

We found out later that you can buy sim cards at the airport or at any store, so our suggestion is to do this yourself.

When going into the phone store bring your phrasebook or a local friend. You will not need to show any ID, just pay in cash, but it helps to have your passport with you just in case.

You can top up at little general stores that display the IranCel sign. They will do it all on your phone and charge a small fee for their time. Please don’t argue with that, it’s maybe 25c USD.

We were getting 5GB of data for about $10 USD.

There is an app in Iran called Snapp, and it is similar to Uber. It’s a rideshare app where drivers register and customers can order cars to get around town.

This was a lifesaver for us!

What makes Snapp so great is that a price is determined by the app and you pay in cash once you get to your destination. There’s no metre, so the driver will take the most direct way possible.

When you book it you’ll get the driver’s name, their car model and their registration number, so you know you’re getting in the right vehicle.

Yo drop a pin on a map for where you want to go, so there’s no need to try and explain it to the driver in case he doesn’t speak English (or your pronunciation is crap).

The other added benefit is you can rate the drivers afterwards, so they are more likely to be honest rather than a taxi driver.

The only thing is you cannot easily download it onto an iPhone, as Apple is an American company and does not support Iran. It doesn’t show up in the App Store.

If you go to the Snapp website  you can download it to your Apple phone through a special link there. Downloading it on an Android phone is easy with no issues.

This one was a big surprise to us, but you can drink the tap water just about everywhere in Iran.

It’s totally safe to drink, even if you’re new to the country, so don’t worry about buying plastic water bottles everywhere you go.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead and simply fill up as you go.

Don’t drink river water tough if you are out hiking.

Iran is a nation of tea drinkers, so it’s no surprise that you’ll get delicious fresh tea for cheap (or free) just about everywhere.

But what about us coffee drinkers??

The bad news is that getting good coffee is very hard in Iran. Despite their close proximity to places like Turkey, the coffee culture phased out years ago and so now the best you’ll find is usually those horrible instant packets.

There is a silver lining though, and some entrepreneurial locals have discovered that coffee is basically the second greatest thing on earth (after a delicious IPA, which you also can’t get in Iran), and some Western-style coffee shops are popping up in major towns.

They’re not cheap, but when you need that caffeine hit in the morning it’s totally worth it.

When you catch the metro around Tehran or Esfahan, there are carriages designated just for women, which is great if you’re a solo female traveller.

These are basically sections that males aren’t allowed in to stop accidental touching of non-related mixed genders, but it also adds a sense of security for women taking public transport.

Occasionally if the mixed carriages are full you’ll see one or two men in the female ones, but they tend to stand next to the door away from everyone.

[box] Those were just some of the things you need to know before you visit Iran. Has the article helped you? Do you have anything else to add? Leave a comment below and let us know![/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hello friends, I read your comments and I wish I could say that I am happy that you think so naively about the Iranian regime, but the truth of Iran and its people is not what these friends say, and unfortunately the bitter truth is that all those media that They present this regime and the leaders of the Islamic Republic as terrorists and a bunch of dishonorable and inhuman people, they are telling the truth and only the oppressed people of Iran understand this! you can ask them. But for you tourist friends, yes, this country can be a paradise because your money is worth many times more than ours, and not you tourist friends, but the unfortunate people of this cursed country feel the pressure. Our only wish was to have normal rights and a normal life like you, but this regime stole that life from the people of Iran and blackened the lives of the people of this country. Hoping for a day when this terrorist regime, which has made the Middle East and the whole world insecure, will be destroyed and we Iranian people have good and sincere relations with the people of other countries of the world . That day we will have at least a normal life and the world will not recognize this country as a criminal terrorist country. Written by a 27 young Iranian.

hi I want to just say now ( 2023-15-11 ) that the US dollar is 510000 Rials and here is heaven for people of countries where the currency is the dollar and Iran just is Hell for local people thanks to the Iran government for this situation!!!!!!

Hi dear Alisha and Jerry My name is Raziyeh. As an Iranian, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your kind words and appreciation of our beautiful country. Contrary to media propaganda, Iran is safe, and Contrary to media statements, we are hospitable and genial people who do everything to ensure you have a fun time in Iran. Please do not believe the lies that social media tells about our country. We’ll be happy to see tourists and give information to them. I hope you revisit our country. Best regards, Raziyeh.

Hi everyone I’m from Iran. I’m happy that you liked your trip to Iran. Iran has a lot of museums and attractive places if you’ll come you should visit them. And we’ll be happy to see tourists and give informations to them.

Iran is an extremely lovely place to travel. Thank you for the trip advice. I adore your article.

For foreigners especially Westerners Iran is a very dangerous country. There is a high risk of being arrested on fake charges. Atleast 50 foreigners have been arrested recently and sentenced without a fair trail. The “friendly” citizens of Iran will not help you out unless you pay them witg Euro or Dollars…..

Well! I accidentally found this while surfing the net, and it’s a bit sad that each dollar is 450000 Rials… People are still friendly to tourists though, no matter how hard our lives are. I hope you visit our country again, after all these sad events, of course.

22 days later and its 510000. when will these evil leaders leave us alone

We are glad that you were satisfied with your trip.You pointed out great points like someone who has lived inside for years… Our people believed, but the government has crushed the people so much under the economic pressure that they have become a little unfair to each other. Be sure to use SNAP inside Iran.. Be sure to check the price before buying.. Our common currency is Toman and Rial is nominal. For example, now every 1 dollar is equivalent to 33000 Tomans.. To eat a pizza, you need 6 or 7 dollars.3 cents are required for 1.5 liter of taqriya water.. If you have an acquaintance in Iran, you can be much easier.. Don’t pay too much attention to the capital because it has very beautiful cities with a very old history. Thank you for choosing which country for your trip. Good luck

Thank you for the excellent information and for taking an interest in the lovely country. really nice tips for visiting Iran.

I’m glad you liked Iran. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty in managing economic affairs, the Iranian people suffer from the high cost of goods. Now each dollar is equivalent to 277,000 rials, which is really terrible, of course for our people! Of course, Iran is still full of beautiful places and amazing places! I hope you have good trips …❤

Hi guys I am Ava. I am from Iran/ Isfahan. If you want to come to Iran I would be happy to help you. I have a beautiful Iranian old house.

Can you please write about traveling in Iran at the moment. I would be traveling on a New Zealand passport. Thank you. Evan.

Iran holds many surprises for visitors; like the climate which can fluctuate greatly, depending on the area and time of year, dispelling the long-held myth that Iran is nothing more than a vast, sweltering desert. But Iran is a historical place and i like to visit this type of places that is why few days ago i read this type of article on another site it contain huge information. While some surprises are nice when travelling, it’s important to be as well prepared as possible.

Is $1000 for 7 days visiting 5 cities everything included except airline tickets a reasonable price? Please let me know what you think! Cities included are Tehran, Yazd, Esfahan, Shiraz, and the desert side with Caspian sea. Thanks,

Definitely if you stay at budget accommodation, take public buses as transport and not eat at fancy restaurants. Have a good trip

it’s very good

Indeed it is 🙂

I am Iranian. You described Iran very well. I am glad that you visited Iran

Thank you for your comment Masoud. We really enjoyed travelling around Iran. 🙂

Hi Thank you for your essay about Iran. As an Iranian I do hope you have good memories generally from Iran. No country is perfectly free of any trouble but please do not believe propaganda against Iran unless you travel to Iran and live with Iranian for a couple of weeks (at least) and then judge.

Hi there! I’m an Iranian, and i’m REALLY happy that you loved our country! I hope other tourists enjoy their travel to Iran, and I wanted to say, that Pinterest doesn’t need VPN! 🙂 And also about hijab, if you’re thinking that it’s gonna make you struggle, well, it definitely isn’t. I mean, it’s not such a big deal, and you’ll get used to it and continue enjoying! Anyways, hope you like our country

Reasons for a Group Visit to Iran Experienced travelers may want to look away. Guided tours can really be the best option for some travelers going abroad. Of course, they limit you a little and lose a little freedom. You will not have enough time to fall in love with a place and you will not have enough time to stay there, and other companions may not be with you. But no matter what the veterans might say, there are good reasons to tour for those who want to.

Salaam All, I’ve travelled extensively in the Middle East (Egypt, Palestine, Lybia, Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Iran and India. My wife, daughter and myself went on holiday to Iran in 2012 and 2015 (for my 60th birthday). An Iranian couple came to sing happy bithday to me in farsi. It was an inexplicable experience, no crime on the street, no fighting, very, very safe, people very friendly and warm, food and confectionary very good, not expensive to shop but hotel accommodation could be expensive, public transport (bus and metro rail) very good and effecient, metro stations very clean and very easy for foreigners to use. Although we were based in Northern Tehran (Eliheyah), we once drove by luxury coach to Ishfahan to spend one week there (2012), the other trip we flew to Shiraz to spend one week there (2015). I fell in love with this country, it’s absolutely beautiful. In Tehran, we even went in the cable cars on the Azborg mountains. O, I just cannot stop raving about IRAN. I’ll visit there anytime. Please don’t believe the media with their negative reports, go see for yourself and discover this amazing country. Salaam from Riedwaan Salie (Cape Town, South Africa.

That is so nice. What a great birthday trip. We are so glad you had a wonderful time with you family. We found the country very welcoming and friendly also. Thank you for your comment. 🙂

Your itinerary was perfect! I hope you come back again very soon! I heard now you should ask for visa only from agencies. Also now for your money matters you can use a local debit card like Daricpay to charge and transfer money online

We hope to visit again one day. Take care

Hi Im am an iranian person and your information was totally correct about iran I am very glad to see you were anjoyed traveling to iran If you come to iran again you can visit other cities like shiraz,Tabriz,Isfahan,Hamedan they are as beautiful as Tehran

Thank you so much for your comment. 🙂

Hi all, I have been 2 weeks in Iran the last month, my friends and I were travelling the west part of this huge country touring the famous cities and recommended places over the countryside. I could never thought how beautiful were every little point that we stopped by: landscapes, restaurants, seacoast, food… persian landmarks will remind forever in my mind. As we were travelling by car we trusted (company removed, you can message below if interested), a notorious iranian company which offers a wide variety of car for rent. The service was excelent and they provided us whatever we need in order to make our trip easer. I would definetely recommend this company If you are thinking about renting a car to shuttle from a place to another, they are serious and reliable. Thanks persian people and the company for making our dreamt trip happen!!

We love Iran!!!!

Sounds like you had a great trip. We are so glad so had a great time.

Hi Alesha and Jarryd, Thank you for the useful info and your interest in my beautiful country. I’m Zahra Mazaheri an English – Farsi translator. I would be more than happy to help the tourist to Iran in having a pleasant journey.

Glad you liked our article. All the best

Iran is a wonderful country for all nations to visit. Whether you’re interested in going to cultural and historical places, try local food, shopping, or visiting new people, the country is one of the best places for all of these.

Thank you for your comment. It is a magnificent country

thanks so much for your tips, and i want to add this there is something that we call it “Taarof” This is a polite exchange that takes place in all aspects of life in Iran, in shops, in streets, in businesses, at homes. Simply stated, it is a form of one person making an offering and the other, refusing it. This ritual may repeat itself several times before the individuals finally determine whether the offer and refusal are real or simply polite. Be very careful how and with whom you taarof so that it does not interfere with your stay. Use common sense as to when to do it and when not to.

Thank you so much for this. After travelling the country for 3 weeks, we only experienced this once in Tehran on the outskirts of the city, We ate locally, bought locally, stayed locally, bought a lot of items on the street but only experienced it once. We were shocked. We had read about it and was waiting every time but it never came. Maybe if you are a foreigner they don’t do it as much. Thank you the explanation.

I really appreciate for your thoughts on this topic. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

Hi Alesha and Jarryd, this was so helpful. We’re off to Iran in a couple of weeks and great to get some tips re luggage, local currency cards and communication options. thanks david

Hi David, We are so happy the article was helpful. You will have a great time in Iran. Do not over pack. Woman have to be covered. Loose clothing is a must and a long top/dress is best as it covers the figure. Her arms and legs have to be covered. Sandels can be wore. A hijab is a must so bring scarfs. For the men, your arms do not have to be covered. Do bring pants as you need it for mosques. Our advice is to bring zip off pants. They are great. We did not use local currency cards. We bought all our cash in euros and exchanged it in Tehran on day 1. We did it with our guesthouse. They gave us a great rate. As for communication, do download Farsi offline before you go so communication can be easier. Surprisingly a lot of people do speak broken English. have a great trip.

Hi guys. Im so glad you had a good time over here. I believe Iran is the most misunderstood nation (thanks to media!) and articles like this may help people see Iran for what it is. One thing i need to point out is the currency exchange rate. the rate of 30,000 to 1 USD is no longer valid. 1 USD would be exchanged to about 110,000 rials now (11,000 Toman). Hope to see you back here soon! cheers

i promise to passengers ( our guess ❤) that we can make nice memory for you , and hope you enjoy that

Hi guys, great article! Just wanted to suggest that you include information about the Pocket WiFi and Travel Debit card services offered by MahCard (www.mahcard.com) as well… We travelled from Amsterdam to Iran during January this year and we used both services from MahCard and they really made our trip much easier…

Thank you for your tip Lotte. We have never heard of these guy. Definitely would be helpful. We strongly encourage travellers to do their on research on companies and make their own judgements. All the best

Hello! Very useful info about Iran. I am preparing a trip with car from UAE to ROMANI so it will be Bandar Abbas to Turkey Border. Any info and advices are welcomme! Thx

Hi Als, not too sure about that border. We flew in to Tehran. All the best.

Hello Dear Guys, I’m really glad to find your blog. It’s really interesting to me. I should say thank you to you for giving this good information about my country to people. It would be our honor to be host in your next travels to Iran.

I have been to a lot countries. I have been to super cold areas like Norway and have lived in the snowy Switzerland, and have also been to warm countries such as Bali, Sri Lanka, etc… What I love about Iran is that whenever and in whatever season you go, there are always 4 seasons. The southern part (Persian Gulf) is known for its golden beaches and hot climates, other areas such as Shemshak, Darbandsar, etc… are known for their snow and mountains. I recommend going to ski resorts in winter, and as a person who has lived in Switzerland I can tell that they are better. At the same time where you find snow in Iran, you can also travel to the other side where there are hot deserts. I recommend you go to these desert areas with a local tour called RONATURE, which is an ecofriendly tour and provides vegan and vegetarian food, furthermore supports locals and the environment. The Persian Gulf is unimaginably beautiful. Qeshm island in the south is probably the most beautiful place in the world, unfortunately there are not many photos of this island online because not many people know about it yet, but I do recommend taking diving courses there. The water park in Kish island is the best I’ve ever seen, much better than the ones in Dubai. I could go on for forever but you go to Iran once and experience all the four seasons. You get snowy mountains and sunny beaches. You go skiing and after a short flight you are tanning on the beach. This is a miracle and not something other countries dont have to offer. I can say nothing more but to recommend this marvellous country. Do not listen to the media, Iran is safer than Europe and Im not even slightly exaggerating.

Thank you for helping people to travel to Iran, I believe everyone should visit Iran beyond the media portrayal.

We totally agree with you Vahid. Never listen to the media about a destination, we don’t. We really enjoyed our time in Iran and encourage people to experience this country for themselves. 🙂

Sorry, I won’t support Iran. The government is evil. They imprison and torture their own citizens and they execute gay people. How can you support a government like that? Oh, and if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport, they won’t let you in. That’s ok with you?

We don’t support the government, we support the people of the country, who are among the friendliest, most genuine and hospitable people we have ever encountered. If we were to boycott countries with corrupt and evil governments, we’d start with the US.

I recently moved to Iran, as I am Iranian-American (well, now mainly just Iranian). I really appreciate all of the sweet and insightful comments and your wonderful website. Since the last time I lived here I was a child and have only visited every few years, when I arrived I was definitely feeling like a Persian that came back from a lost time warp of sorts, and had to learn the deeper levels of what you all already thoughtfully mentioned like tarof and the culture. Iran is a BEAUTIFUL & AMAZING country and I am lucky to be here. Just to let people know, everything I read here is true and helpful. 🙂 Even riding a bus from Iran into Armenia (to access my american bank for my final paycheck), I started out feeling slightly awkward as the 99% Persian only passenger peers around me were playing cute little games with each other laughing, with LOTS of incredible Persian music… I started getting many happy flashbacks of American-Iranian dance parties… but this was the REAL thing! Within minutes I joined in after being invited to clap my hands and a few girls were doing little hand dances in their seats… within about 10 minutes half the people on the bus were all SINGING together, it was precious. I felt like I was home, with my (native) Iranian people, and I got little happy tears in my eyes. YOU CANNOT FIND THESE MOMENTS IN AMERICA or EUROPE where nearly everyone around you surrounds you with welcoming bright eyes all at the same time. It’s like they are making you part of their family. I recommend visiting Iran for ANYONE… You will see that Iranians are good hearted and loving, even with all the sanctions. Give them a genuine smile, and you will get 100 smiles back, with tea and poetry. 😀

What a beautiful moment. That is great you are going back to your roots. We hear you. Iranians are good hearted and so generous. It is a beautiful country. Have a great time and hope you settle in quickly. All the best

Thanks for visiting my country. Hope tourism breaks all the wall of this global village.

We hope so too. It is a beautiful country with many beautiful people. We loved our time there

Thank you so much for this amazing article! I am going to visit Iran, but just for one week, so I need to take everything that I can from this short trip. I didn’t know that I need a VPN, that is a surprise! I have Surfshark subscription. Maybe you know how it works in Iran?

Not too sure if it will work or not. We used VPN Express and had no issues. There are free VPNs if you get suck and find yours does not work. Have a great trip.

So disappointing to learn that Canada is not one of the countries included on the Visa on Arrival program…I really want to spend a week in Tehran but it looks as though that won’t be possible. That’s really too bad 🙁

I know. It is a little more of a hassle but worth it. I know Canadians, UK and USA citizens have to go on a tour but there are many great tours within the country. If you want a tour that is not a tour, check out Yomadic. He’s tours are informative but relaxed and have great reviews. All the best.

I was 10 days in Iran (Teerah, Esfahan, Yazd and Siraz) and … is a great country, good food, culture and fantastic people. Thank you Iran!

Glad you had a wonderful time Vitor. 🙂

hi im ghazal from kermanshah iran! a offer all to come here and feel how friendly people are

Yourwellcom

I’m sorry for this government rule.

Your welcome. I hope you back soon in my country.

hello,im shahzad from iran. thank you so much for your excelent content about Iran. all of the sentences are true about my country and u knew it very well.im so happy that you had good times here. As the other iranian people said,now 1 USD is equal with 141,000 Rials :).so Iran is a very cheap country for tourists,too:). come to my country and enjoy,it would be your best trip with no debt:)

Hi Shahzad, We had a wonderful time there. Thank you for the update with the exchange rate. We recommend all travellers to visit Iran. 🙂

Thanks for this guys! I am super excited leaving for Tehran on Monday I booked a small tour as I felt anxious about travelling independently first time ever in Iran. If I like it -and I am sure I will – I shall go back. I was advised to take a day travel backpack and a medium sized wheely which I hope to fill up with things bought locally. Of course I shall take essentials. Is a long skirt allowed? It might be cooler than trousers. What do you think?

Hi Alex, I hope you are having a wonderful trip, That great you booked a small tour. Sometimes it is the best way to see the country and learn about the people and culture. There is so many great souvenirs to buy. Unfortunately my bag wasn’t big enough. 🙂 Absolutely a long shirt is allowed but not a tight body fitting one. Long sleeve and maxi dresses are perfect. Trousers are great just make sure you top is loose and long past your bottom. Have a great trip.

Wow, Thanks for this. I’am glad, that I found your page. I’ll travel in october alone to isfahan. I’m already so excited

That’s amazing. You will have a great time. The Iranians are so friendly and welcoming. There is so much to do there. Here is a video we made about Isfahan if you want to check it out. https://youtu.be/XDYJ44CutT4

Great points!

Regarding bringing a load of cash though, I found a solution. In my last trip to Iran, I got a DaricPay card. It made everything easier!

Thank you for your suggestion and information. Glad that worked for you. We still recommend visitors to take cash as not everywhere will accept cards.

Hello everyone. This is Ali, an Iranian. This page is a good guidance; LIKE ! Iran is a country of different climates and has very beautiful historical monuments and natural areas. Contrary to propaganda, Iran is safe and a good choice for travel. Come to Iran and have nice time here.

Thank you Ali. 🙂

This is great ! Thank you! I’m preparing to go there in June and your article answered a lot of questions! I will come back to it just to remember everything. Thanks again.

Glad the article could help. Have a wonderful trip Joanna.

Great i read your experiences you had great fun in Iran. Everyone should need to aware about your guidelines before visit.

Hi Eric, thank you. We had a great time in Iran. Definitely everyone should read up on the guidelines, not just what we have written but from other also. It is important to do your research before travelling to a country. 🙂

Hey, great article on Iran tourism. What should I plan in terms of budget, if I want to plan a 7-day trip to Iran and cover major tourist/historical destination.

How would you rate food for just vegetarians. Thanks!

We budgeted $80 USD a day for a couple. We came home with a little bit of money but we rather have more than less as there is no ATMs that work for foreigners. As for vegetarian food, there are many options.

This is awesome article, I’ve read a ton of articles online these past couple of months as I’m traveling to Iran in May. I’ve already bought a NordVPN subscription regarding the social media access, I hope it will work fine too, saw some recommendations for it too. Other than that I really cannot wait for the trip, so I keep reading about it. Thanks 🙂

Awesome Steve. Have a great time. The people there are so friendly. It is an amazing country.

hi steve, i recommend, first travel to iran then try free vpn then buy subscription.because some vpn in iran dose not work. instagram and what up don’t need vpn.have a nice trip!

Hi I am very pleased to be pleased with your trip to Iran I hope that one day we will be able to travel to other countries as well These days, people in my country are very sad.

Hi Mostafa, thank you for your message. We did enjoy visiting your country but did hear this from many locals. We hope that one day it all changes and travel will be a lot easier for Iranians. We saw nothing but friendly and welcoming people. The most friendliest country we have visited. We hope happiness comes soon.

Glad to hear that you had good trip in Iran guys. However things get worse and now 110,000 rials = 1 USD which is good for tourists. Lol.

Thanks for that Mohammad. Not good for the locals. We thought it was cheap when we visited last year. Sorry to hear that

I glad to read this site My country has very beautiful natural scenery and tourism, as well as very caring and kind people… I hope to see you in my city, Isfahan, the city of culture and art, and we can spend good times together^_^ I hope that there will always be in all countries, including my country

Hello I am Iranian I am very pleased that you have been satisfied with traveling to Iran I wish you success

Thank you for stopping by. We loved travelling Iran. The people were so welcoming and we had a lot of great chats with many. We are looking forward to returning one day.

You were ok travelling without a guide? Is it easy to travel around without one? And is it possible to hire guides to specific places, such as Persefone of some mosque? My wife and I are planning to visit Iran on April or October? What’d say? Thanks a lot.

Absolutely. We met so many local people and had so much fun. It is an easy country to get around in. Their transport system within the cities were easy and great. Their bus system across the country was comfortable and faster than the train. You can hire guides at main attractions as you go. The hotels can help with that also. Have a great trip.

If you are from the USA, Canada or UK you need to go on a tour.

Hi We are older Australians and are wanting to go to Iran. We usually plan our holiday booking accommodation and transport before we go so are a little hesitate going without anything booked. We have not been on a tour before and they don’t appeal to us.

Thank you so much for this valuable information. My mother and I are trying to book an organized trip with Intrepid Travel. They told us that we were not allowed to be out and about without the accompaniment of a male. Which they say we would have to stay in our hotel during our free time unless we go with a male. Have you heard of this before?

I am Mehdi and I am from, Shiraz Iran. I welcome your arrival to Iran in advance. Staying you in your hotel during your free time in Iran is not right. You can go out without a male. I can help you if you have any question. please don’t hesitate to ask me. you can contact me at [email protected] . I hope you have a nice trip in Iran. Regards; Mehdi

Hi Cathy, that is so strange they would tell you this. That is wrong on Intrepid Travel to tell you this and if they are concerned about this for their guests they should provide tours for you free of charge as staying in the hotel room is not a very good experience at all. I hope you wrote to them to express your disappointment with this.

As Mehdi said above, that is not right. When we were travelling throughout Iran there were many woman travelling on their own that out and about by them selves. We did not hear of any issues. Obviously have your wits about yourself. The people of Iran are so friendly. The friendliest we have come across in our travels. I hope you got to experience this and see a lot of the beautiful country.

Hi Cathy, I’m an Iranian person, this is not right, you can go out without a male. Iran is full of friendly people and I’m sure you will enjoy your time and this would be one of the most unforgettable trips.

Hello kathy I’m very surprised by your talk I am from Iran and I assure you that it is not

Hey guys! This is one of the *very* few articles about Iran that I completely agree with. Oh, apart from one sentence: “Iranians are very punctual”… I actually laughed out loud. You must have got lucky. In any case, I’m glad you enjoyed your time, and hope we cross paths one day.

(also, feel free to edit this out: the photo of Alesha at Friday mosque in Yazd is actually Friday mosque in Esfahan)

Thanks so much Nate! Glad the piece got the seal of approval from the Iran expert himself! And I guess we did get super lucky with the locals being punctual. For the whole month we were there we were never left waiting. Will count our lucky stars, and make a note that perhaps it’s not always the case.

And thanks for the correction on the Friday mosque! Have amended it now. Happy travels mate.

Hi dears! I’m an iranian girl & I love my country… Actually my father is a tour guide & I’ve heared such lovely words from so many tourists… they mostly say they had heard many bad things about iran and they have experienced the bests when they came here… I’m so glad to here such nice words by many travelers and i really appreciate you cause you ‘re telling the truth about my amazing country!!!! I love you all dears!!

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Armenia travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 15:12 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, armenia - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Armenia.

Eastern border with Azerbaijan - Avoid all travel

• within 5 km of the eastern border with Azerbaijan
• the M16/H26 road between the cities of Ijevan and Noyemberyan

Border with the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakchivan - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to within 1 km of the border with the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan due to the risk of armed clashes.

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Border areas

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services in areas along the international borders with Azerbaijan is extremely limited.

The security environment remains highly volatile at the eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

There have been periodic outbreaks of violence in these areas for several decades and, while there have been no major incidents since Azerbaijan’s military operations in September 2023, tensions remain heightened. As part of the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are also occasional ceasefire violations and clashes on the Nakhchivan border.

All border crossings into Azerbaijan are closed and the border is heavily militarized.

Armed clashes occur occasionally at multiple points along the international border, including near the following Armenian cities:

Border areas with Azerbaijan are subject to extremely dangerous military activities, such as:

• mortar and artillery shelling
• rocket fire
• drone attacks
• heavy gunfire

If you choose to travel near the border with Azerbaijan despite this advisory:

• exercise caution at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local and international media to stay informed on current clashes
• follow instructions from local authorities and security forces

Türkiye

The land border between Türkiye and Armenia is closed.

The border crossing near the Armenian town of Meghri is the only official access to Iran from Armenia.

Russian border guards are present along the border and have set up several checkpoints to deter smuggling and other illegal activities into Armenia from Iran. 

Iran’s military occasionally conducts operations in the area.

• Only cross at official border crossings
• Follow the instructions of security forces
• Avoid travelling at night
• Avoid travelling alone

Petty crime

Pickpocketing, mugging, purse snatching and theft from cars and homes occur.

During your stay:

• keep your car and home doors locked and windows closed at all times
• don’t leave personal items and documents in plain sight in a vehicle
• make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• don’t show signs of affluence

Police officers don’t regularly patrol streets and response may take longer than expected.

There is a low threat of terrorism in Armenia, but attacks could occur at any time.

In 2022, there have been bomb alerts in Yerevan targeting:

• Zvartnots International Airport
• metro stations
• shopping malls
• the city hall
• the national assembly

Targets could also include:

• places of worship
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

In the event of a bomb alert:

• expect heightened presence of security forces and disruptions to air traffic and public transportation
• monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow instructions of local authorities and security forces, including evacuation orders
• don’t go near the targeted areas

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• other public celebrations

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Yerevan and the vicinity of institutional buildings, and are mostly peaceful.

In 2022, large-scale demonstrations took place in several cities across Armenia over the government’s posture toward Azerbaijan after the Nagorno-Karabakh war. They have led to acts of vandalism and violent clashes amongst demonstrators and with security forces in certain places.

Further demonstrations are likely.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions.

Road conditions have improved in recent years in Yerevan and on main roads. Roads in rural areas are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• bad road markings and signage
• large potholes
• unpaved sections
• lack of road shoulders
• poor snow clearing during winter

Emergency services may take a long time to reach you if you’re involved in an accident outside of urban areas. You must have a warning triangle in your car at all times in case of an emergency.

Roads in Armenia – Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia

Driving habits

Drivers are often distracted, frequently break traffic regulations, drive at excessive speeds and lack driving skills.

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially on weekends.

U-turns and lane changes without warning occur frequently.

If you’re driving in Armenia:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• use main roads and highways as much as possible
• don’t stop in isolated areas
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

Be careful when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

Tourist scams

There have been reports of foreigners being pickpocketed or forced to pay the bill by friendly strangers who:

• offer to help, especially near ATMs
• ask you to take a photo
• invite you for drinks at a bar

While travelling:

• avoid showing signs of affluence, carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Overseas fraud

Adventure tourism

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, kayaking, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation  
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• always wear a lifejacket during water activities.

Public transportation

Taxis are widely available in Yerevan, but vehicles are often in poor condition and don't always have standard security features like seatbelts.

Most taxi drivers:

• smoke and talk on the phone while driving
• don’t accept credit cards
• can’t make change for large bills

There are several mobile applications on which you can order taxis with safer vehicles and fixed fares.

If you choose to take a taxi:

• confirm the driver's identity and license plate before getting into the car
• never share a cab with strangers
• make sure the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination
• negotiate the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment.

Trains operate in Armenia, but mainly serve destinations in the north of the country. Be careful when travelling by train as wagons are often overcrowded and not always well-maintained.

• Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t leave the compartment unattended
• Keep the door locked from the inside

When travelling outside of Yerevan, avoid using minibuses called "Marshrutka".

Drivers are reckless and are often involved in accidents. The vehicles are overcrowded and not always equipped with seatbelts.

Petty crimes such as theft occur, and drivers may overcharge you.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Armenian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Armenia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Transit visa: required Business visa: required

You must obtain a visa before departure either from:

• Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or
• the closest Embassy of Armenia

Apply for an e-visa - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Dual citizenship

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, you might be required to enter and exit Armenia on an Armenian passport. Contact the nearest Armenian diplomatic office to confirm this information.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Some prescription medication may not be available in Armenia.

If you are taking prescription medication, you must verify its legality.

• Bring a sufficient supply of your medication
• Always leave your medication in its original packaging
• Keep your medication in your hand luggage
• Keep a copy of your prescription with you

Medical services and facilities

Adequate medical services and facilities are available in Yerevan. Outside Yerevan, medical personnel, services and facilities are limited and may not offer the level of care you may be used to in Canada.

Medical professionals may require cash payments before providing care, even if you have travel insurance that covers hospital stays.

Serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country equipped with adequate facilities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Armenia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Armenia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Armenia authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

There are severe penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis.

You could face:

• heavy fines
• lengthy jail sentences

Drinking and driving

There is zero tolerance and severe penalties for drinking and driving in Armenia.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%.

If you’re convicted of drunk driving, you could face jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It is illegal to takes photographs or videos near sensitive areas along the border of Armenia, including:

• military installations
• engineering facilities
• surveillance towers
• transportation equipment

This prohibition also applies to drones.

You need an international driving permit or an Armenian driver’s license to drive in Armenia.

Car insurance is mandatory in Armenia.

International Driving Permit

Imports and exports

You must obtain permission from Armenian authorities prior to importing certain goods and products, including:

• pharmaceuticals
• weapons and components of weapons
• communication equipment

The import and export of cultural and historical items is also regulated. This includes:

• archaeological objects
• sculptures and paintings
• ancient books and documents
• musical instruments
• furniture and carpets
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Information for tourists, importers and exporters – Customs service of the Republic of Armenia

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Armenian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Armenia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

National obligations

Canadian-Armenian citizens may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes and military service. Check your status with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada. Authorities may detain dual nationals who try to avoid military service and face large fines or imprisonment.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Armenia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Armenia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Armenia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD).

Some ATMs may not accept foreign bank cards. You can make withdrawals at bank counters using your passport as identification. Most banks do not accept traveler's cheques and treasury bills. 

You must declare all foreign currency in your possession exceeding 10,000 USD or its equivalent:

• upon arrival
• upon departure

Foreign currency declarations apply to:

• traveller's cheques
• treasury bills

If you’re travelling with bearer securities in your possession, you must declare it to customs officials regardless of its value.

Armenia’s climate is continental, and temperatures vary geographically. In Yerevan, summers are hot and winters are mild.

A vast portion of the territory is at an altitude of 1000m above sea level where temperatures are lower than in the capital and rainfall more frequent.

Earthquakes

Armenia is located in an active seismic zone. Although no major events have occurred in recent years, an earthquake could strike at any time.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

The rainy season generally extends from March to June and from October to November.

Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and the provision of essential services, especially in the Ararat and Shirak valleys. Landslides could occur, roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for updates, including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101
• Emergency services: 112

Consular assistance

On October 25, 2023, the Government of Canada inaugurated the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan. At this time, consular services continue to be provided by the Honorary Consul of Canada in Yerevan and the Embassy of Canada to Russia.

Armenia (Consular and Trade Commissioner services)

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Russia, in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

(+98) 935 -122 0038

Iran tour for canadians.

Welcome to Tours Of Iran. In this article, we discuss Iran Tours for Canadians in 2024.

Table of Contents

Is Travel to Iran Possible with a Canadian Passport?

Certainly! However, there are certain conditions to keep in mind. As a Canadian traveler, you can visit Iran, but you’ll need to follow specific regulations. It’s mandatory to have an organized trip and be accompanied by a licensed tour guide during your time in Iran. This requirement ensures a safe and enriching experience. But don’t worry; this doesn’t mean your journey is rigid or lacking personal time. Tours of Iran offers options for private and small group tours from Canada to Iran . We’re here to assist you every step of the way, making your tour to Iran from Canada a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Step-by-step Guide to Iran Tours and Visa for Canadians

If you’re looking for tours of Iran from Canada, there are a few straightforward steps to follow:

1. Selecting Your Travel Agency in Iran

For Canadian citizens eager to explore Iran, Choosing a good Iranian tour company is the initial and essential step in planning the trip. This choice holds significant importance, as the tour company can request an Iran visa on your behalf. This simplifies the process, guaranteeing a seamless journey for you.

2. Submitting Iran Visa Documents

Sorting out an Iranian visa constitutes a significant aspect of your travel arrangements. After confirming the intricate details of your travel itinerary with your chosen Iranian travel agency, you will need to provide specific documents:

• A scanned copy of your passport
• Official photograph
• Detailed travel itinerary
• Completed visa application form
• Professional resume

Leave the intricacies of the paperwork to your dedicated travel agency, which will expertly handle the submission process. This procedure typically takes around 45 working days.

3. Receiving Your Iran Visa

After the request goes through, the tour company will get an “Authorization Code” from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Obtaining a visa authorization code generally requires approximately two months.) Upon receiving this code, you have two options for obtaining your visa:

Option 1 : If you’re currently in Washington, DC, you can visit the “Iranian Interests Section” of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC, to collect your visa. After submitting your passport, the visa processing took around four days, and they returned it to you. You can collect it from the same office where you dropped it off.

Option 2 : If visiting the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, DC, is impractical, you can mail the necessary documents to the interest section. (As Iran lacks an embassy in Canada, Canadians are required to send their visa application and passport by mail to the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC)

These documents include:

• Visa application form
• Visa authorization code
• Copy of your passport
• Original passport
• $120 (comprising visa fee and return mailing fee)
• Self-addressed return envelope

Within three weeks , your visa will arrive at your designated mailing address.

Important note : If circumstances prevent you from securing your visa in Canada or the US, your travel agency can facilitate obtaining your visa from the Iranian embassy in another country you plan to visit.

Tips for a Seamless Iran Tour and Visa Process for Canadians

As you prepare for Iran tours for Canadians in 2024, consider these insightful tips:

• Embrace Iranian Hospitality : Iranians are renowned for their warm and welcoming nature. Expect heartwarming interactions with locals who may even extend invitations for tea and engaging conversations.

• Dress Code Etiquette : A loosely worn scarf to cover the hair is customary for female travelers. Long-sleeved tops and bottoms, including trousers or skirts, are appropriate. Sandals are generally acceptable. Male travelers should avoid shorts but can comfortably wear T-shirts.

Iran Tour for Canadians 2024

• Navigating Alcohol Restrictions : Consumption and sale of alcohol are strictly prohibited in Iran. Tourists caught with alcohol may face deportation. Instead, embrace traditional beverages like Dough (yogurt-based), Sherbat (sweet drink), non-alcoholic beer, tea, and coffee. Pork-based dishes are unavailable due to Islamic dietary rules.
• Capturing Memories : Most tourist sites permit photography but exercise discretion within museums and mosques. Avoid photographing military installations and power plants. Always seek permission before capturing images of individuals.

• Financial Preparedness : International credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Iran. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash during your trip. The necessary amount depends on the duration of your stay and the destinations you plan to visit. Your travel agency can guide you on the minimum required funds . Alternatively, consider an Iranian debit card for convenience. For more information please contact us .

FAQs of Iran Tour & Visa for Canadians 2024

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Is Solo Travel Possible for Canadians in Iran?

Duration of stay for canadians in iran, driving in iran with a canadian license, is traveling to iran permitted for unmarried couples, is alcohol and pork consumption allowed in iran, when is the ideal time to visit iran, is iran safe in 2024, is iran safe for female travellers, about the author.

Mohammad Hesani

A professional tour guide from Yazd, a world heritage site famed for its architecture. With a master's in Tourism Marketing, he has diverse experience in hotels, teaching, and travel agencies. Since 2016, Mo has dedicated himself to guiding tours, driven by his passion for history and culture. He loves meeting people and sharing his country's rich heritage

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Iran Tours & Vacations

Intrepid is not currently operating any tours in Iran.

Please visit our   Travel Alerts   page for more information. From time-enduring remains of the ancient cities to the regional delicacies cooked up by those who enjoy sharing them – Iran is a destination we hope to experience with you again. When the time is right, we look forward to showing you the best spots for orange blossom tea in Bazaar Vakil, finding the best hand-made traditional sweets in Yazd and trailing under the intricate ceilings of the World Heritage-listed Golestan Palace. Any future decisions to resume operations in Iran will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.

Our Iran trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

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Iran at a glance

Capital city.

Tehran (population 7.2 million)

76.9 million

(GMT+03:30) Tehran

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Iran

Best time to visit iran.

The climate of Iran is mostly arid or semi-arid, with a subtropical climate along the Caspian Coast. Generally, the hottest month is July, the coldest months are December and January, and the wettest month is January. Tourists visit Iran during the summer months (June - September) for the sunshine and regional festivals, and during the winter months (November - March) for skiing.

Culture and customs

Being one of the oldest continuously inhabited civilizations in the world, modern-day Iranian culture is enriched by centuries of tradition. Years of trade, conquest and invasion have created a distinct culture with myriad influences from far and wide, resulting in an overriding national identity and culture rich in symbolism. Religion plays an important part in many aspects of Iranian society - the legal and educational systems, dress, marriage, architecture, the arts and the media are all affected. As Iran is an Islamic nation, visitors can expect to see the hallmarks of Islam throughout Iran; mosques, the call to prayer, strict dress codes and the observance of Ramadan are the most easily noticed, although there is a complex network of rules, customs and traditions at play every day. 

Although Iran's population is largely youthful and urban-centric, rich Persian artistic traditions are alive in contemporary Iran, with much of the elaborate architecture, cuisine, handicrafts and popular poetry of Iran having their origins in ancient Persia. Iranian hospitality is world-famous; guests are often touched by the sincerity, politeness and generosity of spirit of their Iranian hosts. Accepting tea and food is considered polite if offered, as is acting graciously and modestly while visiting someone's home.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Things to try in Iran

1. Dried Fruit & Nuts

Dried apricots, prunes, dates, raisins and figs can be bought from shops, street stalls and bazaars and make wonderful, healthy snacks. Also, you'll be able to find a wide variety of nuts sold by the bag - pistachios, almonds and walnuts are usually the best picks.

2. Persian Ice Cream

Flavoured with orange blossom, rose water, honey, nuts or saffron, Persian ice cream is different to Western-style desserts. Often made with chunks of cream and wedged between two waffles, don’t miss the chance to try this type of sweet treat.

3. Khoresht

This hearty Persian stew can be found everywhere in Iran and has many variations. Meat eaters will love the split-pea and lamb combination, while the eggplant, mushroom and spinach options will delight vegetarians.

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with Afghanistan,   Armenia ,   Azerbaijan , Iraq, Pakistan,   Turkey   and   Turkmenistan , Iran is located in the southwest corner of Asia. The Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman provide shoreline in the north and south, and while Iran lacks a major river system, there are several small rivers and streams throughout the country. Much of Iran’s terrain is mountainous, with most of the population living in the basins, plateaus and plains. The deserts of Iran are mainly uninhabited, with the exception of a few oases, while the major cities are quite modern, with well-developed infrastructure and housing.

History and government

Early history.

The country now known as Iran was known as Persia for hundreds of years and has been occupied by people for many centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that people populated the land here as long as 7,000 years ago, with civilizations and societies developing as the surrounding nations and areas evolved. Persia's fate was very much tied up with the destinies of neighbouring countries, so as empires rose and fell (and leaders came and went), Persia was affected by invasions and confrontations with the Greeks, Mongols, Romans, Arabs, Turks and others. 

Under the reign of Darius the Great and Cyrus the Great (during the Achaemenid Empire), the Persian Empire expanded to be the largest empire of the time. During this period, coins were first introduced as a form of currency, building works on Persepolis began and a system of far-reaching highways and canals were built. Islam was brought to Persia around 637 AD; the population slowly adopted the religion and by the 11th century, the majority of the population was practising Islam. Despite adopting the religion of the conquerors, Persian culture, style and art was largely preserved, which led to the 'Islamic Golden Age' - a time when Persian literature, philosophy, science and art blossomed (750-1258). 

This time of creativity and prosperity was brought to an end by the Mongols, who invaded in 1219. This invasion proved devastating, with a monumental loss of culture occurring due to the widespread demolition of infrastructure, libraries and mosques. Famine and violence accounted for a steep decline in population, which was worsened by the arrival of the Plague during the 14th century. Persia was in better shape by the 16th century, with the Safavid Dynasty (1502-1736) establishing the modern nation-state of Iran.

Recent history

The Great Persian Famine of 1870 and 1871 accounted for up to 2 million deaths in the region, but Iran's fortunes changed with the discovery of oil in 1908. This discovery also increased interest from other nations wishing to capitalize on this precious commodity. Iran endured many changes in leadership due to invasions and coups during the 1940s, 50s and 60s, leading to the Iranian Revolution. The Iranian Revolution (also known as the Islamic Revolution) took place between 1978 and 1979 and resulted in the birth of the Islamic Republic. Ayatollah Khomeini served as leader until his death in 1989, after enduring the Iran-Iraq war, which was waged between 1980 and 1988. The Iraqi use of chemical warfare during this time caused international fury and led to the deaths of many of Iran's people.

Top 10 beautiful buildings of Iran

1. qavam house.

This elegant, traditional house located in Shiraz was built by the Qavam family in the mid-19th century but is now open to the public as a museum. The fine paintings and mirrored porch are the highlights, but the peaceful gardens, pools and courtyards are also worthy of attention.

2. Abbasian House

This large historic house located in Kashan was built in the late 18th century. Featuring several serene courtyards, highly detailed wall carvings, peaceful pools and arched doorways, this fine example of Kashani residential architecture is now preserved as a museum.

3. Tomb of Hafez

While not the largest or most elaborate of places, Shiraz’s Tomb of Hafez possesses a simple, organic beauty. The pavilion, memorial hall and surrounding gardens are well-preserved examples of Iranian architecture - a fitting memorial to one of Persia’s most loved mystical poets.

4. Jameh Mosque of Yazd

This exceptional example of Azari-style Persian architecture has stood in Yazd for centuries. People come to admire the blue-green tiles, deep-blue interior and grand arches, but it's mainly known for its grand minarets, which are among the tallest in Iran.

5. Golestan Palace

Visiting this divine palace complex is a must-do for visitors to Tehran. Colourful mosaics, decorated doors, dazzling mirrors, intricate marble carvings, lattice windows, elaborate chandeliers, bespoke furniture and grand paintings combine in a sea of regal brilliance.

6. Khaneh Tabatabaei-ha

Also known as 'The Tabatabaeis’ House', this gorgeous building is another fine example of traditional Persian architecture. Detailed wall murals, ornate stained-glass windows, reflective pools and well-manicured gardens create an atmosphere of opulence and grandeur.

7. The Zoroastrian Complex of Amir Chakmak

This unique three-tiered wonder of Yazd possesses beautiful order and symmetry. When lit up at night, its many arched alcoves provide a stunning spectacle to view and capture on camera.

8. Persepolis

This is the ancient crown jewel of Iran. The buildings of Persepolis may no longer be in as good a condition as they were thousands of years ago, but they are still full of beauty and mystery.

9. Imam Mosque

Previously known as the Shah Mosque, this UNESCO World Heritage site is considered a masterpiece. Featuring a glittering, tiled dome, walls of skilful calligraphy, stunning minarets and spectacular mosaic work throughout, this is one of the world's most beautiful buildings.

10. Maqbaratoshoara

This stunning mausoleum is the final resting place of many of Iran's celebrated poets, scientists and mystics. Built in the 1970s, it's a great example of contemporary architecture that manages to remain true to its cultural roots.

With ancient bazaars, handicraft centres and modern boutiques, there are a huge variety of ways to shop in Iran - from bargaining with a bazaar vendor to buying fixed-price items from a museum gift shop.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The United States and Canada generally have strict quarantine laws.

Festivals and Events in Iran

Also known as Persian New Year, this is one of the most important traditional holidays on the Iranian calendar. Heralding the advent of spring, this celebration with Zoroastrianism roots is a time of feasting with family, celebrating in nature, springcleaning the home and purchasing flowers and new clothes for the New Year. Many different types of rituals are performed during this time and can vary from family to family, area to area.

Ramadan and Eid

The ninth and holiest of months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by most in Iran and is thought to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation. For this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Eid marks the end of fasting with three days of feasting and celebration.

Further reading

Iran travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What is the current situation in Iran?

There are currently serious safety concerns regarding travel to Iran. Due to the strong advice from foreign governments, we have made the decision to halt all current and future trips to Iran for 2023 and beyond. The safety of our travellers, operators and team members is our top priority and any future decisions to resume operations will depend on the security of those involved.

Please visit our Travel Alerts page for more information.

Do I need a visa to travel to Iran?

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter Iran. Please be aware that this can be a frustrating and stressful process, and can take from 6-8 weeks. You will need to allow sufficient time for this and plan any other travel around your Iran trip accordingly. The cost of a visa also varies depending on your nationality and also changes regularly, making it hard for us to advise of the actual cost. But you should plan for it to cost somewhere around 100-180 EUR depending if you get a visa before departure or on arrival.

Iranian visas are issued in a two-step process and this will differ according to your nationality.

• An authorisation code for your visa must be issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A visa for your passport must then be obtained at an Iranian Embassy once the authorisation code has been issued, or on arrival (depending on your nationality).

If you are travelling on a UK, USA or CANADIAN passport, please be aware that your visa process can take longer due to government regulations. Please check that you will have sufficient time to obtain a visa before departure.

We are not currently operating in Iran and, therefore not facilitating/processing authorisation code applications at this time.

Is tipping customary in Iran?

It's customary to tip service workers in Iran, so set aside small amounts for porters, local guides, waiters, drivers and cleaners.

What is the internet access like in Iran?

During ongoing protests, the Iranian authorities can limit or shut down internet access.

Outside these shutdowns and restrictions, you can usually access the internet in Iran's cities, with many major hotels and cafes having internet access. There is typically little to no access in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Iran?

Mobile phone functions may be limited in Iran. Foreign advisories note that mobile data, non-Iranian apps and international calls may not work and should not be relied on. 

Typically, mobile phones from other parts of the world may not work in Iran, although it's possible to buy a low-cost prepaid SIM card in most of Iran's large cities.

What are the toilets like in Iran?

Squat toilets are the most common variety in Iran, although flushable western-style toilets can be found in some tourist areas and hotels. Carry your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

Can I drink the water in Iran?

Tap water is considered safe to drink but due to the high mineral content, visitors should avoid drinking tap water which can cause stomach upsets. For environmental reasons, try to avoid drinking bottled water - ask your leader or hotel where access to filtered water can be found.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Iran?

Iran is a cash economy and recent unrest has made it difficult to access cash. Travellers are advised that travellers’ cheques are difficult to change and non-Iranian debit, credit and cash cards will not work. You are also unable to use commercial banks or money transfer companies to transfer money.

What is ATM access like in Iran?

As with the question above, ATMs in Iran rarely accept foreign cards, so cash is the main form of currency. Most foreign currencies can be exchanged into local currency onground. This included US dollars, British Pounds, Euros or Australian Dollars. Don't forget to exchange whatever you don't use back to your home currency before departing Iran.

Are there any restrictions for customers travelling on a UK/US/Canadian Passport?

If you are travelling on a UK, USA or CANADIAN passport there are a few things to be aware of:

1. You are not eligible for a visa on arrival. Therefore you must obtain your visa before departure.

2. Your visa process will take longer due to government regulations but it certainly shouldn't deter you from travel. Please allow 60-90 days to obtain a visa before departure.

3. You will need to provide additional supporting documentation when applying for your visa. Please see our visa information for more details.

Follow the link below and select your nationality in the drop down list to access detailed visa information relevant to you: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/iran-visa-application-form

4. For US, UK or Canadian travellers any time spent in Iran outside of the duration of the tour must be facilitated by the local host (Intrepid's local Operator) and travellers must be accompanied by the Leader assigned to your trip. If you would like to spend some additional days in Iran, please contact your booking agent for availability, recommendations on extra activities, and extra accommodation requests.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Iran Tour packages from Canada

Travel & tours to iran from canada.

Can i go to Iran with Canadian passport? well, yes, sure, as visiting Iran is usually high on the wish list of most Canadian travelers and with our carefully structured Iran tour packages from Canada , first time visitors no need to worry about visa arrangements, tour recommendation and more. Whether you are looking for an Iran experience with visiting locals and cultural sightseeing, or would prefer to travel and visit must see destinations and its amazing tourist attractions then you are more than welcome to visit through one of our Iran tours from Canada which could be easily tailored to your wish and need.

Escorted tour packages to Iran from Canada

Iran Tabriz Tours

Iran Tour in depth

Iran Persia Tours

Iran impression tours

Mount Damavand Expedition

Iran Ancient Tours

Whatever you want from your Iran tour, our team of expert travel advisors are ready to help.

VIEW ALL TOURS

INQUIRE ONLINE

Explore tourist attractions of Iran

Explore top 10 Things to do

Tehran tourist attractions

Esfahan tourist attractions

Shiraz tourist attractions

Yazd tourist attractions

Start your trip to iran from canada in in tehran.

Because of the flights schedule from Canada to middle east and then to Iran, it will be better easier to arrive and or depart from Tehran and in the other hand, the capital city is the best starting point for most of the Iran travel tour packages from Canada . However, there are frequent flights from Tehran to most of the Iranian cities which enables tour organizers to choose Tehran as the kick off point for their trips.

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Iran visa for Canadian

In order to travel to Iran from Canada you’ll need a visa that allow you one month stay to enjoy your stay. The tourist visa entitles you only if you book a tour and packages and travel with an authorized tour guide. Once you got the approval code you may refer to Iranian embassy and get your visa stamped into your passport. Read more about how to get a visa to travel to Iran

Traveling to Iran from Canada? Watch this video

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Iran tours from ….

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Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Iran , Misunderstood Destinations

This Is How to Travel to Iran – Everything You Need to Know

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Many travel to Iran to experience the delights of the ancient Persian Empire yet are unaware of the limitations faced by the rules and regulations of what is now the strict Islamic Republic.

As travel warnings persist and diplomatic relations with other countries continue with varying degrees of existence, many are confused about how to go about entering Iran and travelling in Iran safely, efficiently, and within the boundaries set by the current regime.

However, an Iran trip doesn’t have to be difficult at all – tourism is growing as relations develop; hatred of the western world is not as rife as the media likes you to think, and travel in the country is safe. Ancient Persia is within easy grasp, most notably in the central region where key sites have been maintained and the infrastructure linking them is growing, and tourists are not subjected to as heavily enforced rules as the locals.

With enough pre-planning and prior research, you can easily avoid the limitations and stresses of travelling in what is perceived as a closed and tricky country to traverse.

Use this checklist and list of tips for when you visit Iran as a comprehensive guide to help get you started. This Iran travel guide shows you how and is constantly revised with the help of an authorised tour guide on the ground in Tehran, alongside access to regular Iran tourism updates via tourism business partners. 

Travel Warning: Due to the volatile security in the region and the recent developments in April 2024, check your government and official advisories before visiting Iran. 

Check Before you Visit Iran

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Inbound bookings for Iran usually change when something has severed particular diplomatic ties, which then reverberates to tourism apprehension and a halt to tourism altogether. Always check the news and the political landscape before travelling to Iran to see if you (and your nationality/country) are affected by visas and entry to Iran. It’s always a matter of time and patiently waiting to see how the political landscape plays out following these events. Here are some of the more recent ones.

On 3rd January 2020, it was announced that the Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike, with Iran calling for ‘severe revenge’. While the outcome is not yet known, this does ignite fears of a conflict in the Middle East , and it pays to be more aware of travel warnings at this time. American citizens, in particular, may face more restrictions. 

Following the Ukrainian Airlines plane crash near Tehran, several flights routes to Iran have been cancelled following the news that the Ukrainian jet was ‘unintentionally’ shot down . If you have any Iran travel planned, check your airline to see if the service is still running.

The arrest of the UK Ambassador to Iran in Tehran as part of government protests have further sparked an international row between the two countries. UK travellers should be on alert for developments. 

Both Iran and Persia are used interchangeably about the country and also while you are on the ground. Reference to Persia is more so in the context of the history and legacy of the ancient kingdom of the Persian Empire; Iran is about the modern-day Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East.

READ MORE: Best Places to Visit in Iran to See Ancient Persia

You’ll stumble between modern-day cities and the sights of ancient Persia, like the Persepolis, on any Iran trip.

Can Everyone Travel to Iran? Iran Visas and Authorisation Codes

Getting a visa for Iran is quite possibly the most stressful and challenging part of your entire trip. You first need to know if you are eligible and what limitations you may face.

For countries like the UK, which have strained and little to no diplomatic relations with Iran, you may find that you cannot even get an Iran visa in your country because there is no Iranian embassy. British travel to Iran means a little more legwork, where you may also have to travel elsewhere, like Dublin or Paris for example, to obtain the visa since there is no Iran embassy in the UK.

Most airlines flying to Iran will not allow you on a flight unless you show you have an Iran visa, but you can get a visa on arrival. However, sanctions have been lifted, most notably in 2016, with up to 900 Iran visas daily on average granted on arrival, according to the Office of Foreign Affairs. Tourism numbers annually have increased year on year, with 5.2 million foreign visitors entering Iran in 2015, in comparison to 4.7 million in 2013.

On the 14th February 2016, the Ministry of Iran announced that airports could issue 30-day visas for Iran, for nationals of 180 countries.

Non-eligible nationalities for Iran Visa On Arrival:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, USA, UK

A 30-day Tourist Visa Upon Arrival, for those of eligible nationality , can be obtained at the following Iran airports:

IKA:  Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport THR:  Tehran Mehrabad Airport MHD:  Mashad Airport SYZ:  Shiraz Airport TBZ:  Tabriz Airport ISF:  Isfahan Airport

Follow the signs that say ‘Visa on Arrival’ where you will be asked questions about your trip to Iran and asked to present:

• Details about your confirmed first night’s accommodation in Iran, including the address and phone number (you may also be asked about your travel plans on-going).
• Proof of a confirmed return flight ticket.
• A copy of your travel insurance policy document and policy number.
• Those people I met who were granted an Iran tourist  visa on arrival as part of the tour   were given a special letter from the company that they could present to both the airline and passport control on arrival.

You can be waiting up to 30 minutes before your visa is granted and you can proceed to immigration. You will need:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Two passport photos, in which women should be wearing a headscarf
• The completed visa form. You can also fill out the form online before arrival in Iran, from which you will receive a visa application reference number, print it off and take it with you.

One of the many beautiful places in Iran to visit – The UNESCO World Heritage site of The Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh) of Isfahan.

The costs for a visa in Iran and visa on arrival in Iran – each country is different.

Iran Travel insurance is a requirement to obtain your visa for Iran. Without proof of purchase and printed documentation, you cannot pick up your visa from the embassy or secure your visa on arrival at the airport.

Aside from it being a stupid idea not to have travel insurance coverage, check that your current policy (or the one you are thinking of getting) covers Iran. Some do not provide travel insurance for Iran or only cover limited regions of the country and activities.

Getting Your Iran Authorisation Code – Non-Eligible Nationalities

For those not eligible for a visa on arrival, and those wanting to apply for a visa for peace of mind before they arrive,  you have to apply for an Authorisation Code. EVERYONE has to have one of these, which will determine if you are granted an application for a visa.

• For those who HAVE to travel in a group (see below), this code will generally be processed by your tour company.
• For everyone else, you can use 1stQuest which offers essential travel services for Iran travel. Otherwise, source an Iranian travel agency local to you at the time of planning or seek direction from the embassy you wish to get a visa from about where to apply for it.
• When applying for the authorisation code, you will need to specify which embassy you will be processing your visa at – a pain for those travelling around with no solid plans. Once the code is released, you cannot change the embassy choice. It’s wise to choose an embassy in a city you are likely to fly to Iran from (see also timings below).

Authorisation codes (if not booking with tour) come with an administration cost of around 35 Euro, which is dependent on the agency you are working with. There is no set price for an Iran Tourist Visa since it is determined by nationality and where you process your visa.

I paid €180 for mine in Tbilisi, Georgia and a British guy on my tour paid a little more to process his in Paris. The Australians in my tour group paid differing amounts between €50-€100, as did the Germans. There’s no hard and fast rule – it’s more about luck.

If all that wasn’t enough, it is highly likely that

1. Your authorisation code will take WEEKS to process

2. It will most likely arrive with only a matter of DAYS to spare before your planned arrival in Iran or tour start date.

This means that before any trip to Iran, especially when travelling on a tour, you will be rushing to the embassy in the hope of getting your authorisation code for Iran processed quickly. You may have to pay extra for fast-tracking and organise your flight ticket to Iran very last minute. This doesn’t always guarantee the best price and the idea of getting a cheap ticket to Iran has to be pushed aside.

DON’T book your flights to Iran or any travel arrangements until you know your Iran visa will be processed. Many people travel to Turkey beforehand to process their visas and fly to Iran from there, using the country as a cost-effective flight or train route for entry.

Everybody needs to get an Authorisation Code before travelling in Iran.

Refusal of Entry to Iran

The main reason for Iranian visa refusal is when there is proof you have travelled to Israel and the government’s paranoia based on your career (think journalists, media workers and similar).

Iran tourism issues are not linear, and while anything can happen at any time that would affect a particular nationality entry, the majority of the problems are political-based and beyond our control. Diplomatic relations and any political actions for/against Iran based on historical or current affairs at the time of applying may affect your refusal of entry into the country, or an Iran travel ban put in place.

On 4th January 2020, it was announced that the Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike, with Iran calling for ‘severe revenge’. While the outcome is not yet known, this does ignite fears of a conflict in the Middle East , and it pays to be more aware of travel warnings at this time. 

On 6th October 2019, it was reported that the two Australians imprisoned in Iran for flying a drone were freed in a political swap. It is suggested that strained relations between the UK and Iran after Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar are inciting such political moves to detain people breaking the rules.

On 29th August 2018, France informed diplomats to postpone all but non-essential travel to Iran after a foiled bomb plot near Paris. The following day, Iran dismissed such restrictions , proving that it is best to stay aware of any sudden changes. 

Solo Travel in Iran vs Tours in Iran

One of the biggest questions I hear is: Can US citizens / Americans travel to Iran? They absolutely can, but because of the long-standing history of coups, espionage, nuclear sanctions and everything else in between (outside of the control of the average American citizen unconnected to the historical actions of their government), all US passport holders are only allowed into Iran if part of Iran tour packages (or with a tour guide).

Despite restrictions, it is safe for Americans to travel to Iran, so don’t be put off by the bureaucracy needed to get there. US travel tips to Iran focus on this red tape. For example, it still stands that Americans must also be escorted from the airport to the hotel, and cannot make their arrangements. This all has to be pre-organised pick-up (a simple addition via the tour company) so do check this before you leave.

READ MORE: Inside The Den of Espionage – Former US Embassy in Tehran Turned Museum

The former US Embassy in Tehran, Iran

As of February 2014, British and Canadian citizens going to Iran became subjected to the same ‘tour only’ sanction (official Iran tour operator or private Iran guide). As a result, your visa is usually only granted for the exact number of days of your tour, with a couple of days on either side if you list this as part of the arrival and departure options.

British passports holders should also pay attention to Foreign Office updates following strained relations between the two countries after the oil tanker seizure, as listed above in ‘Current Diplomatic Relations’. 

Unfortunately, Israeli citizens cannot enter Iran at all, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Check on any nationality restrictions before you visit Iran. It may mean having to join a tour and hire a guide.

While those booking up Iran holidays might choose a tour package for the fact that everything is taken care of on the ground and for ease of travel, I had no choice since I had a British passport.

There’s an overwhelming amount of Iran tour packages, and it can often be hard to know where to start. At the time, I travelled with G Adventures on a Discover Persia tour which operated through the revered Iranian agency AITO. I allowed myself free time to visit Tehran on either side of my trip, so I had a taste of both worlds, albeit on a small scale. Currently this trip is not running. 

The upside to a tour, however nomadic and sporadic you usually are, is that these trips pack a real punch in getting you to many sites in 14 days. On the G Adventures Iran tour, I saw places I would not have been able to access easily on my own or with public transport. Plus, my local guide to Iran was the bundle of knowledge that a history and sociology geek like me needed for an ancient civilisation such as Persia. The downside of such holidays in Iran is a lack of free time and lazy resting for an itinerary that would normally, on my terms, take about three weeks, not two.

Being in a tour group when visiting Iran does not mean being chaperoned and watched 24-7. ven while on a small group tour, we were allowed time to ourselves in each destination. 

Choosing between and small group tour and a private guide – with a local who will show you all the historical places in Iran.

Generally, under the condition that you must have two people minimum, hiring a private tour guide in Iran is also an option. This is a viable option for those with visa restrictions who do not want to travel in slightly larger groups.

Come2Persia  is a certified and reliable Iran travel agency run by a trusted Iranian friend of mine, Ali Reza Nokhostin, who I met and travelled with when in Georgia. He is both passionate about showing off his country and in changing perceptions of Iran. Specialising in incoming tours to Iran, Come2Persia also provides other travel services needed to complete the private tour package, including hotel bookings, visa application, transportation and access to various guides, not just Ali.

Note that while solo / independent travel is moderately easy in Iran (if of a free nationality), Iran is not that well-trodden on the independent travel path. There’s little to no hostels and guesthouses, and a dominance of big, expensive hotels (especially in Tehran) and even then it is rare to stumble upon a bunch of solo travellers to join.

However, solo travel in Iran is happening, and it is safe, it’s just a little more challenging than usual, which can, in itself, be pretty exhilarating. 

Note that Couchsurfing in Iran is officially illegal, but it happens anyway. Nearly all independent travellers I have spoken to have mentioned that they have travelled here via this resource with your local hosts, of course, being the best guides. However, travellers looking to Couchsurf in Iran must be aware that they can not hold the Couchsurfing host responsible if anything goes wrong because there is no official ‘filter’ in place when it comes to the hosts listed online.

In a society where women are much more restricted than their male counterparts, to travel Iran as a solo female is a little harder and viewed with surprise/suspicion depending on where you go.

Also in Iran, since public displays of affection between males and females are not allowed, any harassment or inappropriate contact by an Iranian male to a female traveller would be frowned upon and draw attention. 

Iran is one of the safest countries in the world based on tourists’ feedback. There have been many solo female travellers who have experienced Iranian hospitality and kindness.

However, it is vital to bear in mind that Iran is an Islamic country with traditional values and of course, some types of outfits would send the wrong message, especially in smaller and more conservative cities, such as Yazd, Kashan and Qom.

Solo female travel in Iran is safe, but with awareness of the conservative values of this Islamic country.

Iran is a four-season country, which means in different corners of the country, you can experience various climates at the same time. So, when is the best time to go to Iran, based on the different climates in the country? As a quick guide to Iran and its geographical mix, we can divide the country into three regions:

• From early March until late May
• From early September until late November
• There is one high season, from mid-April until mid-November
• Only one high season, from late November until late March

In between the high seasons from July to September is marked by high temperatures rendering travel on the classic route potentially uncomfortable.

The stunning Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is Isfahan is one of the must-see sites.

Iranians love to shout about the abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As my local friend stated, “It gives Iranians a lot of pride to possess such ancient lineage”.

Iran has 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – 22 cultural and two natural. Each of which is the result of years of investigation and presentation of evidence as to why they should be regarded as world heritage sites. It would take more than one trip to traverse them all.

The Zoroastrian Towers of Silence in Yazd – one of the 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran.

Dress Code in Iran – Headscarves and Hijabs

Iran does have a strict dress code, and this is one of the biggest concerns for female travellers to Iran. Most importantly – PACK A HEADSCARF IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE.  It’s called ‘Roosari’ in Farsi, and you MUST be wearing it the moment you exit the plane and are officially in Iran.

You must wear a headscarf the entire time you are in Iran (except when in your hotel room), as well as loose clothing that covers your body. But let’s get one thing straight – you don’t have to wear a burka or anything that completely hides you.

When you arrive, you will soon see that reality is far removed from the stereotype. Iranian women are super stylish and proud of their appearance – fashion being a means to stand out and make a statement.

The dress code for women in Iran doesn’t have to be complicated.

The ‘Morality Police’ you hear of do exist in Iran but are not spending their time chasing down foreign visitors, so do not worry too much with that. If anything, you will get a polite mention. Visitors have a bit more flexibility when it comes to the rules.

• A headscarf is the most immediate essential item, and you can buy more when you are there) . If your headscarf falls, don’t worry – quickly put it back on again. You won’t be in trouble for this, but pay attention at all times. Wearing your hair in a high bun or ponytail helps keep the scarf in place. Many Iranian women wear it a little loose and halfway back on their head, since showing a little hair is granted.
• Tops must be loose-fitting, and three-quarter length sleeves are ok – a little more comfortable in the heat. The general rule of thumb is that the body should be covered and arms should not be bare.
• It is said that trousers must be baggy, but some local women wear tight, brightly coloured leggings.  As long as your legs are covered down to the ankles, it is fine. For tourists, leggings worn with a long, loose-fitting top are acceptable. However, in the more conservative areas such as Isfahan, Mashad and Qum, respect the values and revert to looser fitting trousers.
• Colour of clothing. It’s a myth that you need to dress in dark colours or black tunics. Embrace fashion the ways the locals do and bring some colour into your Iran packing list!
• Open toes sandals are OK. Pack some sports shoes for longer day trips where you might be walking a lot (such as at the Persepolis). You’ll soon see how sports shoes are fashionable in Iran, especially in bright colours!
• Worried you do not have enough appropriate attire? Fear not, as soon as you arrive in Tehran or even Shiraz (if you fly into the city), hit the bazaars and the local markets . There’s plenty to be sought out. Other people on my trip stuck with two outfits and alternately hand-washed them every night.
• Strict dress codes do not apply in the same manner when travelling with children . Young boys can wear shorts and t-shirts and girls under ten are not required to wear a headscarf.

For men it’s more straightforward – you will be dressing much the same as you do in western countries, except no short shorts, no super short sleeves and no extreme tight-fitting clothing.

READ MORE: Iran Dress Code for Women (What to Wear in Iran)

Is Iran Safe? Is it Safe to Travel to Iran?

Iran’s image of being a terrorist-driven, American bashing, nuclear weapon holding, burka-clad society is something that has been highly driven mainly by western media. “Is Iran safe?” “Isn’t it dangerous in Iran?” are likely to be some of the first questions you encounter from others when you announce you are travelling here. 

In short: Iran is a safe place to visit. 

Since the election of the more moderate President, Hassan Rouhani in August 2013 and his re-election in 2017 , both international relations and internal rules have become less severe and slightly more open.  It won’t take long before Iranians give you a warm welcome, ask where you are from or even invite you to dinner or tea.

It is a part of Iranian culture to go out of their way to help you, and it’s not uncommon to be given a phone number on a piece of paper or a business card in case you need to call upon someone.

The people of Iran are just as keen to show you they are the opposite of how they are portrayed, just as you should be teaching them that the western world doesn’t hate them.

Is it safe to travel in Iran? Absoluely. Locals are very welcoming.

There’s never a right time for those who are worried, anxious or scared. Of course, you need to keep up to date with any significant political changes and your country’s diplomatic ties, but avoid listening to the hive of scaremongering out there and those who say don’t travel in Iran.

For example, in June 2018, there were protests about the economic situation in Iran, and these took place inside and around the Grand Bazaar in Tehran. It means being aware of any internal demonstrations and staying away from those areas, as you would in any country. 

Iran remains as one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. While breaking the rules of Islamic society (including drinking alcohol, taking drugs and engaging in sexual activity with locals) can result in deportation, arrest or worse, general travel here is entirely safe.

Don’t assume you can break any rules in Iran, play the dumb tourist and get away with it. Iran is a Muslim country where Islamic law is strictly enforced.

An example of harsh punishment is with the case of the two Australians imprisoned in Iran for illegally flying a drone near a military installation, freed in October 2019, but as part of a political swap. It might seem that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime, but what is justified in your country can have harsher consequences elsewhere. 

This is an Islamic State with a strict system, and if you can’t play by Iran rules, don’t go.

Given the location of Iran in the Middle East, the Muslim religion and some similarities in culture and language, the scaremongering of Iran can often revolve around the ‘it’s Arab’ misconception.

Iran is not an Arab country. Iranians are not Arabs. The language spoken is Persian (also known as Farsi) and not Arabic (although there are many languages spoken within Iran including Kurdish and forms of Turkish, Indo-European languages and Khuzi Arabic for example, due to the many ethnic groups that exist within the country).

Not only is the Arab misconception a source of contention generally, but Persians can take offence at these preconceived ideas.

Take US Dollars or Euros with you to Iran and change them up into Iranian Rial at the local exchange offices (not the dodgy guys on the street or at the hotels which have the lower government exchange rate). Before you know it, you have millions of Rials, and it all looks easy.

However, while ALL notes state ‘Rial’ there is another ‘currency’ or ‘super unit’ that is used – Toman – which is not listed on any note or coin.

Toman is used by locals and is one-tenth of the Rial total. 1 Toman = 10 Rial.

When I was first presented with a dinner bill of “37,000”, I was quietly happy that my food had cost the equivalent of $1.5, but this was, in fact, the price in Toman.

To convert to Rial, you simply add a zero – therefore my dinner was 370,000 Rial.

Lost? It takes a couple of days to get used to, but in the majority of cases, unless stated clearly, all prices are in Toman and not Rial. Hence, the basic equation anywhere in Iran is to add a zero onto printed prices (if ‘Rial’ is not listed), or ask market vendors and others which ‘currency’ they are operating in to save the confusion.

A big question is if you can use your credit or debit card in Iran. Sadly not, since there is no network in Iran for the use of international cards. It’s always been the best option to carry enough cash with you for your trip to convert to Iranian Rial on the ground.

However, there is now an Iranian prepaid debit card for tourists and temporary visitors called the Mah Card. Like most travel cards, you can instantly add funds to your card in your preferred or home currency, and it will convert it to Iranian Rial. It is more convenient than carrying cash, protects you from unauthorised purchases and is accepted country-wide.

To get 40% off the price of a Mah Card (Full price €19)  enter BECKI at the checkout.

Public Transport in Iran – Options, Usage and Cost

When traveling in Iran, you have various options for public transport:

Intercity transport:

Private car

• Domestic flight

The Metro is available in several cities in Iran, mainly in Tehran; alongside Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad and Isfahan. It is the best option to get around in Tehran, and the stations are also easily accessible by taxi and buses. The ticket price for one trip is 1000 Tomans (approximately 25 cents). You can also buy a card to pay for the metro trips and even the buses in Tehran. The rush hours are mainly 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. 

Tehran metro map and the three lines that cover the city.

You can find buses in every corner of the country. There are two main types of buses in big cities: regular and BRT. BRT buses are red, and because they have designated stations and paths, they are express buses. You can pay for the buses by your Metro card, and the fares would vary between 500 to 1000 Tomans (12 to 25 cents) per trip. You can find all the bus and BRT stations on Google Maps.

There are different types of taxis inside the cities:

• Shuttle/shared taxis (khatti): It is a way cheaper way to get around the cities. The two downsides are that they are for fixed destinations and you will have to wait for the taxi to be filled. The fares are also fixed, and you cannot negotiate.
• Private taxis (darbast): You can easily hail a taxi and say ‘darbast’. It means the driver will not pick any other passengers up and you must negotiate the price before getting on.
• Non-registered taxis (shakhsi): These are non-taxi drivers who you would easily spot from the yellow and green cabs. These are people who try to earn some money by giving people a ride. Again you must negotiate the price before getting on.
• Uber-like apps: Tap30 and Snapp are the two leading apps that you can easily use on your phone. Unfortunately, they’re not available on App Store and Google Play, but you can ask a local to help you with downloading them on your phone. Tap30 is available in many cities including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz and Mashhad. Snapp is available in the same cities and also in Ahwaz and Qom.
• Bisim Taxi: You can also call the numbers 133, 1828 and 1833 in major cities in Iran to call a taxi wherever you are.

There are plenty of taxi options in Iran.

There are two types of buses between the cities in Iran: regular buses (44 people on board) and VIP buses (25 to 35 people on board). You have more legroom on VIP buses, and you can almost lie down on the seats. You can ask a receptionist at the front desk of the hotel, go to a local travel agency or go directly to the bus terminal to buy a bus ticket in Iran. The prices vary according to the type of bus and the distance. For example, the price for a VIP ticket from Tehran to Shiraz is around 70,000 Tomans ($16).

Using trains is the best and safest option to get around the cities in Iran. There are different types of trains: 4-bed, 6-bed and the so-called ‘bus’ trains. You can also ask if the train you are trying to take is an express train or a regular train. You can book trains through the hotels, local agencies or go directly to the train station. The price for a ticket from Tehran to Yazd, for example, is between 30,000 to 70,000 Tomans ($8 to $15).

You have two options to travel in Iran by a private car. You can hire a driver or a licensed driver-guide who can not only drive you from one city to another but show you the sites en route and give you all the information you need in English and other languages. You can find a driver-guide in Iran through TourHQ . You can either go to a taxi company or a local travel agency to hire a driver or a guide. Beware a killing machine in Iran named ‘Pride’ it’s a very low-quality car produced by Saipa company. It’s the worst car in Iran. Recommended cars in Iran are Peugeots and Samand by Iran Khodro Co.

Domestic flights

If you do not have much time on your hands and you want to visit the classic route (Tehran, Qom, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz), it is recommended to take a domestic flight from Tehran to Shiraz. From there, you can continue your journey by other means of public transportation eventually back to Tehran. You can buy flight tickets from local travel agencies. The price of the flight ticket is approximately 180,000 Tomans ($40), and it takes around 80 minutes.

On the Metro: Generally, the cars are mixed gender, but if women need more privacy, they can get on the first and the last car on both sides.

On the Buses:  In some buses, the women sit in the back and the men in front. Other times it is the opposite. However, a couple can sit together in the men’s section and not vice versa.

Different countries have different specifications, rules and warnings about travel to Iran – some way more dramatic than others. If you can, register or alert your foreign office about your whereabouts for safety and as a piece of mind measure. As a British citizen, with no embassy representation in Iran, this is more so a good idea.

Not that some travellers cannot secure travel insurance until they have alerted the relevant authorities of their travel plans. Hence, it is worth checking precisely who you need to inform before you depart, to be comprehensively covered.

Internet Access in Iran

Be prepared to take a forced ‘Digital Detox’ during your time in Iran. Internet in Iran is slow, all social media (except Instagram and What’s App) is blocked, and you usually are paying per hour for the privilege of a sluggish connection. While I sporadically got decent internet, which allowed my VPN to work, it was never superb. Want to look up sites in Iran? Super quick. Want to find some decent news in the outside world? Good luck.

Tell your family and friends that they may not hear from you that often, and be prepared to do without the connection, however hard it may be.

Irancell is the best phone operator in Iran which offers temporary SIM-cards designed for tourists. They offer a pre-paid 4G internet and credit balance, and when it is used up you can put in a new credit code sold at any supermarket all around Iran to increase your credit and buy internet packages.

You can only have only one VPN app on your phone, so you will need to test which one works best. For Android users, Hi VPN, Psiphon, Hotspot Shield are recommended, and for IOS users Psiphon, Free VPN, VPNProxyMaster and X-VPN are deemed to be the best VPN in Iran that work well at the moment.

Food in Iran (and Vegetarian Difficulties)

I had built up incredible visions of Persian cuisine in my mind before I got to Iran. I thought it would be everywhere – easily accessible and in abundance. Wrong.

Traditional Persian food is available, but you have to do some digging on where to go and find it. Try delicious vegetable and pomegranate stews, traditional Dizi (a lamb based strew where the broth is separated from the solids which are then mashed together and eaten separately) or Ash (a thick and tasty soup of lentils, beans, starch noodles, vegetables, fried mint, fried onion and yoghurt).

Other than that, you will realise that Iran’s streets are paved with fast food outlets, whose neon lights advertise the norm – kebabs, burgers and pizzas. Try and seek out the falafel places, since these are usually the best choice for a cheap and tasty fix.

Vegetarians have more of an issue. I travelled with a vegetarian and whether at a big buffet or a local teahouse or restaurant, what appeared to be the vegetarian option still had meat in it. It may mean living on aubergine/eggplant-based dishes, which are your safest bet, or begging for meat to be left out of your meal if not already pre-prepared.

Food in Iran is better when locals show you real Persian cuisine.

There’s no alcohol in Iran. No bars, no clubs. Nothing. The best you get is non-alcoholic beer in a variety of fruity flavours like peach, lemon and strawberry which grace most menus.

There’s no set of different rules for travellers in Iran and those visiting. A local might be being kind in offering to find you the real deal at some underground gathering, but really, don’t take the chance. They might be able to waver the punishment; you won’t.

Like any country, it is crucial to know, understand and adhere to cultural and religious customs and rules that can often be very different from those at home. Here are the main rules for etiquette in Iran and interesting Iranian culture facts:

• One of the primary forms of social etiquette is TAROF, which is where Iranians usually insist on offering things to people and sometimes they do not mean it. However, you should not accept the first time.
• In Muharram month (the mourning month of Imam Hossein) people DO NOT usually wear bright colours (especially red) to respect the religious values.
• In Ramadan month , in which the majority of people keep fast during the day, it is disrespectful to eat and drink in public.
• In restaurants in Iran , it is incredibly unpleasant to see anyone clear their nose, especially loudly. In general, restaurant or not, it is also unusual to see somebody break wind.
• Shaking hands between men and women is a complicated topic. Generally speaking, it is not okay for men and women who are not related to shake hands. However, it is entirely relative. Usually, it is not advised for female tourists to extend their hand towards men, and it’s best to wait and see if the men do so first.
• The thumbs-up hand signal a derogatory sign in Iran, and it is best not to use it, especially in the presence of older people.
• When it comes to public displays of affection , you’ll see that affectionate touching, kissing, and shaking hands between men and women who are relatives are very normal. Iranian dating customs are more complex. You can kiss your significant other on the cheek, but french kissing strictly goes beyond the line. Holding hands is not something one would raise an eyebrow about at all, whereas hugging, on the other hand, would seem to be crossing the line a little. It is relative as to what extent the public display of affection is tolerated. For example, inside holy places and religious cities, it would not be easily tolerated.

Wherever you are in Iran, it is important to adhere to cultural and religious customs and rules.

‘Persian Time’ is much like ‘Asian Time’ – things take much longer than you expect. When you travel Iran you’ll soon see that service is slower and the times you are given for things, like an arrival at a destination, are not always clear or roundabout correct, like this example:

Guide: “It takes four or five hours. So if we leave at 8 am, we will get there around 4 pm.”

Me: “But that’s eight hours, not four.”

Guide: “Yes, it takes about eight hours. We will stop at x, y and z on the way and arrive around 2 pm.”

In short, don’t rely on or worry about time, and pack a bit more patience than you would at home, especially when it comes to food, service and paying.

Ancient Persia isn’t an easily absorbed history lesson. While your guide (if you choose to have one or if you are a part of a tour group) will spout a level of information that will blow your mind, it is worth reading up on the history of Persia, as well as details on the lead-up to the Iranian Revolution in 1979. This will give a valuable understanding of the basic makeup of the country.

It will mean names like Zoroastrian, Cyrus the Great, the Achaemenid Empire, Reza Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei won’t be lost on you when you go to Iran.

Great books to read before you arrive include:

• Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic  for a guide on the more recent history

Iran: What Everyone Needs to Know is by the same author, Michael Axworthy, and tries to explain how there’s more to Iran than its foreign relations, with part of the book also unravelling Iran’s economy, politics, culture and people. 

Daughter of Persia: A Woman’s Journey from Her Father’s Harem Through the Islamic Revolution  is about a woman who was born in Iran, left to study in the States and returned to a country in the grip of profound change.

• The Wind in My Hair: My Fight for Freedom in Modern Iran  about a journalist in exile after being arrested for political activism

Best for when on the road:

• Easy reference for most of us came from the Lonely Planet Iran guide book . While it shouldn’t be your sole source of information, this particular Lonely Planet is a quick fix Iran travel guide, especially for historical hotspots. Having this paper guide was a handy resource for the entire trip, especially since quick access to the internet in Iran both at the hotels and while on the road is very limited.

Have you been to Iran? Are there any other pre-departure tips you would add? And if planning a trip there, and what difficulties are you facing, if any?

Any plagiarism of this Iran travel blog or any of its descriptions used on other sites and blogs without attribution is not information authorised by myself for use. Know your source. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Marcela says

19 April 2022 at 7:42 pm

Hi, is it possible to rent a car without a driver in Iran? Thanks, I loved your post!

28 April 2022 at 11:39 am

I think you can, yes! However, it isn’t something I know much about.

Hanieh says

28 March 2022 at 8:19 pm

Iran and Tehran are great🤩

7 August 2021 at 4:02 pm

Hello. I want to thank for this text. It is completely true about Iran and I as an Iranian approciate that describe Iran and Iranians truly. I really enjoy it. Most of Iranians think people of world consider us as a terrorist country while people of Iran differ from Republic Islamic Iran.

Miranda says

24 October 2019 at 8:53 am

I really like to travel to Iran, but I don’t know when is the best time to travel there, what is your recommendation?

24 October 2019 at 10:52 am

Hi Miranda. All the details are in the article. You can find an overview of the best time to visit Iran here: https://www.bordersofadventure.com/travel-to-iran-things-to-know/#When_is_the_Best_Time_to_Visit_Iran

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• کانادا در ایران

The Islamic Republic of Iran has a long-standing history of abhorrent conduct, both domestically and internationally. For years, the Iranian government has denied its citizens their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and it has undertaken actions that seriously threaten global peace and security.

Within Iran, the human rights situation remains dire. The Iranian government has imposed a system of extensive and systematic repression aimed at containing the legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people, including women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, and journalists.

Iran’s violent enforcement of its mandatory veiling laws led to the tragic death of Jina Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman, on September 16, 2022, which sparked global protests under the banner “Women, Life, Freedom.” In response to mass-protests, Iran engaged in a violent crackdown with brutal force, arrests, and in some cases, executions. In addition, the Islamic Republic of Iran has increased its imposition and carrying out of the death penalty in recent years. The Iranian government shows no signs of easing these repressive and deeply concerning practices or undertaking credible investigations into allegations of human rights violations.

Canada is also concerned by Iran’s actions threatening international peace and security. Iran contributes to regional destabilization through the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a network of aligned armed groups including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, Hizballah, and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and Syria. Iran’s support for these groups includes funding, arms provision, and training. This network of armed groups is a core part of Iran’s forward defence strategy, as it provides a security buffer between Iran and its adversary states, especially Israel. Iran’s development of missile capabilities and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has also contributed to global destabilization; Iran is a significant supplier of UAVs to Russia in support of its unlawful war on Ukraine. Iran’s support for the Houthis has enabled them to target international shipping, causing major trade disruptions worldwide.

Canada is deeply concerned by the Iranian government’s repressive policies, human rights violations and escalatory behavior, both domestically and abroad. Recent reporting by United Nations (UN) experts, including the UN Secretary-General and the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, detail worsening trends for the human rights of women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, freedoms of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly, as well as concern for the government’s use of the death penalty, arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture, among other issues. The Iranian government’s violent enforcement of discriminatory veiling laws aimed at further subjugating Iranian women and girls led to largescale protests that began on September 16, 2022.

The  Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran  released its report in March 2024, affirming that Iranian authorities had committed egregious human rights violations, including unlawful deaths, extra-judicial executions, disproportionate force, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and ill-treatment, rape and sexual violence, enforced disappearances and gender persecution.

Canada is an unwavering advocate for human rights in Iran and has led the UN General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 2002. This resolution was most recently adopted in December 2023 with 50 cosponsors. This resolution is a key component of international efforts to maintain pressure on the Government of Iran and underscore solidarity with the Iranian people as they demand gender equality, truth, justice, and full respect for their human rights. Canada also supports human rights initiatives related to Iran at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), such as the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran to monitor and document the situation of human rights in Iran, and the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran. In March 2024 at the 55th session, Canada worked with member states of the HRC to extend the mandates of both of these human rights mechanisms for another year.

In response to the global call to action by Iranian women and girls, Canada also voted with members of the UN Economic and Social Council in December 2022 to successfully remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women for the remainder of its 2024-2026 term.

Canada will continue to explore opportunities to hold the Government of Iran accountable for its human rights violations. We stand with the people of Iran as they demand full respect for their human rights.

Canada has undertaken extensive measures to hold the government of Iran to account for its abhorrent conduct.

In 2012, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a State Supporter of Terrorism under the State Immunity Act , and has maintained the Islamic Republic of Iran on the list through every biannual review cycle since 2012 . In concert with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act , this listing allows victims to bring a cause of action (e.g. civil litigation) against perpetrators of terrorism and their supporters for loss or damage from an act of terrorism committed anywhere in the world.

In 2022,  Canada designated the leadership of the Iranian government , including senior officials of the government, security and intelligence agencies as inadmissible to Canada for their engagement in terrorism and systemic and gross human rights violations. This designation is pursued under  the  Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) . It is a broadly applied mechanism aimed at ensuring that senior government officials who served from November 15, 2019, onward do not benefit from access to Canada. Members of the IRGC are also inadmissible to Canada under an additional provision of the IRPA. Under the designation,  visas have been cancelled, investigations launched, and admissibility hearings completed .

Additionally, Canada has taken domestic legislative action to criminalize support to terrorist entities, including those who are supported by Iran:

In 2024, Canada listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code , in response to its terrorist acts both, on its own and in knowing association with listed terrorist entities, such as Hizballah and Hamas. Canada remains gravely concerned by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s actions and condemns their efforts to further destabilize peace and security across the Middle East. The Criminal Code terrorist listing regime is an important tool for countering terrorism in Canada and globally, and listing the IRGC reflects the government's commitment to keep people in Canada safe.

In 2012 Canada listed the IRGC’s Qods Force as a terrorist entity under the  Criminal Code . The Qods Force is responsible for Iran’s extraterritorial operations, which include orchestrating, facilitating or supporting numerous terrorist acts in the region.

Canada has also listed a number of terrorist entities who have benefited from the Qods Force’s provision of arms, funding and paramilitary training, including Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Taliban, as well as three groups supported by Iran. These groups are the Al-Ashtar Brigades, the Fatemiyoun Division, and the Harakat al-Sabireen. Listed entities are considered “terrorist groups” under the Criminal Code and financial institutions are required to immediately freeze their property in Canada under the Criminal Code.

There are severe penalties under the Criminal Code for any person in Canada, as well as every Canadian abroad, who knowingly deals with the property of a terrorist group. In addition, Canada’s Criminal Code prohibits a person from providing property, or financial or other related services, knowing it will benefit or be used by a terrorist group, which includes a listed entity.

Canada created the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (the Iran Regulations), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) in July 2010 in response to Iran’s grave breach of international peace and security that resulted or was likely to result in a serious international crisis, in particular related to Iran’s nuclear program. Canada established these new Regulations in coordination with the European Union, the United States and other like-minded partners. Canada amended the Iran Regulations in response to the rapid deterioration of human rights in Iran that started in September 2022. To date, Canada has listed a total of 450 Iranian individuals and entities under the Iran Regulations. On December 7, 2023, Canada also listed two Iranian individuals under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations in relation to the torture and killing of Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi in Iran in 2003. Sanctions were also enacted under the United Nations Act (UNA) in response to Iran's nuclear and weapons of mass destruction programs, implementing United Nations Security Council Resolutions related to Iran.

Canada reviews its sanctions on an ongoing basis and takes action as needed. Canada has sanctioned the IRGC and specific multiple branches of the IRGC, including the IRGC Air Force, IRGC Logistics and Procurement, IRGC Missile Command, IRGC Navy, and the IRGC Cyber Command, as well as the members of the IRGC senior leadership. Canada continues to coordinate with its allies and partners on sanctions measures.

The sanctions implemented under the SEMA, the UNA and the JVCFOA prohibit all persons in Canada and Canadians outside of Canada from dealing with all designated individuals and entities, effectively freezing any of their assets held in Canada. Sanctions under the SEMA and the UNA also impose a range of measures including an arms embargo, export and import restrictions, financial prohibitions, and technical assistance prohibitions.

On October 18, 2023, Canada rolled over expiring provisions and sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 pertaining to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs into Canada’s autonomous sanctions legislation.

All individuals who are the subject of Canadian sanctions are inadmissible to Canada. Aligning the grounds for inadmissibility with the grounds for sanctions is another concrete step Canada has taken, though Bill S-8, which came into force in June 2023.

At the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Canada consistently calls on Iran to fulfill its commitments and legal obligations, including at IAEA Board of Governors meetings. Canada is a leading contributor to the IAEA’s monitoring and verification of Iran’s nuclear program, having contributed $21 million since 2014.

Countering Iran’s influence in the Red Sea region

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are supporting multinational efforts to protect commercial shipping lanes in light of heightened aggression and attack from the Houthis in Yemen, who are supported and armed by Iran. Canada supports the US-led Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN -- the new security initiative launched in December 2023 to address security challenges in the Red Sea and the Western Gulf of Aden.

Respect for human rights is enshrined in Canada’s export controls legislation and is a cornerstone of its export controls regime. Canada’s export controls regime is designed to control the exports of military, dual-use and strategic goods and technology in a lawful manner and consistent with Canada’s foreign and defence policies, security interests and international obligations. All permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s robust risk assessment framework, including against the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) criteria which are enshrined in Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA). Under Canadian legislation, controlled goods and technology will not be exported from Canada where there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit or to facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, or serious acts of gender-based violence or violence against women and children, amongst other criteria. Additionally, Canada does not promote trade with Iran and Global Affairs Canada officials routinely discourage Canadian businesses from entering the Iranian market by outlining legal, reputational and security risks. Overall, Canadian trade with Iran amounts to less than $300 million annually and is mainly in the market of agricultural goods.

The downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, 2020, which caused the deaths of 176 passengers and crew, including 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents, and many others with ties to Canada, and Iran’s unwillingness to take full legal responsibility for its actions continues to be an overarching irritant between Canada and Iran. Obtaining transparency, justice and accountability for the downing of Flight PS752 continues to be a top foreign policy priority for Canada. Canada, with its Coordination Group (CG) partners (the UK, Ukraine, and Sweden), work together to hold Iran accountable for its downing of Flight PS752.

Canada and its CG partners have recently taken their dispute with Iran to international adjudicating bodies. On July 4, 2023, the group jointly filed an application instituting proceedings against Iran before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning its violations of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (1971 Montreal Convention). On January 8, 2024, Canada and its CG partners also jointly initiated proceedings against Iran before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding violations of Article 3  bis  of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

These cases are anticipated to progress according to the timelines set by the respective international bodies and will likely take several years before a resolution is reached. Canada and its partners continue to call on Iran to take full responsibility for its actions, including making reparations for the harm caused because of the downing.

• Canada and Iran news (Canada news)
• Canada and Iran news (Local statements)
• Travel advice and advisories for Iran
• Situation in Iran: Temporary immigration, passport and citizenship measures
• Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List
• Border measures to keep war criminals out of Canada

Travel to Iran from Canada

Travel to Iran from Canada , Iran is one of the most reliable and undoubtedly one of Asia’s best countries for lovers of culture, history, civilization and nature.  Canada and Canadians whose nationality is Canadians are also no exception, and Canadians must apply for Iranian visas to travel to Iran . In this article, we explain how Canadians can get Iranian visas and what documents are needed to get Iranian visas for people with Canadian nationality and what steps should be taken.

It is easy to travel to Iran and experience Iran tours for citizens of Canada with Irandestination. We provide you Iran tour , Iran visa , Iran hotels and the best tourist packages .

Travel to Iran from Canada, How Canadians get Iranian visas ?

At the beginning of the article, we explained that people who have Canadian nationality and Canadian passports should apply for any type of trip to Iran beforehand. Canadians who wish to travel to Iran , they in the first stage should be a travel agency, make sure to find a further visa for them through the travel agency in Iran to be done, because according to the law, the issuance of the event, Iran, Canadians cannot for the personal visa to learn.

Important note

tip is very important that there is only a small number travel agency in Iran that are able to 3 nationality Canadian, American and British visa to obtain them, and the number of these agents are approximately the size of two fingers is, so be sure before applying, and depositing the cost of Iran visa   have sufficient accuracy that the Iranian travel agency has the right to do so, select the note.

The visa stages of 3 nationalities are different from the rest of the country, so keep in mind how effective it can be to choose a reputable travel agency in Iran . After choosing a travel agency, you must collect the required documents for the Canadian visa to pay. Read more we have described each of the documents required for Iran’s tourist visa that is required for Canadians:

Documents required Iranian visa for Canadian nationals

1-Copy of passport

You need a copy of your passport to get an Iranian visa . This copy should include all pages of the passport and in color and digital form.

2-personnel photo 6*4

Another document that is required for Canadians to get an Iranian visa is a 6*4 personnel photo that must be in digital format and colored format. Tips that need to take a passport photo, to take a picture for a visa, Iran must also observe such as not having a hat, a very long beard or any mask that covers the face.

3. full resume

Any person who wants to travel to Iran should provide a complete resume to Iran so that for security reasons Iran can be more competent than the person caring for it.

It is not acceptable and causes your visa application to reject.

Short CV tip:

4-itinerary

You have to make a very convenient Iran visa call without worry and in the fastest time, your visa will be issued should plan the perfect trip to Iran to pre-specify and give us a place. Of course, if you use Iran  tours , we will set your itinerary.

Because of the sensitivity available to CANADA, UK, USAs embassy side, you must have a full resume and a complete itinerary, which is less sensitive to other nationalities.

5-translated resume for Iranian visa

Another document that need to get a visa is a complete resume translation that we describ earlier.

6-copy Tour leaderboard card

Tour leaders who can guide Canadian travelers during the trip are special. And skill people who are more credible with consulate. Also, You need to ask the travel agency before the trip to send you the introduction letter of the tour leader and the card of that person.

Travel to Iran from Canada , Iran visa personal information form for Canada

The last thing you need to do is fill out the form of personal information. In this form, you will ask for personal information along with dates of arrival and return and some other information. After completing the required documents Iranian visa, you must deliver the documents to the travel agency that you want to process Iran visa for Canada for you. The rest of the process is completely flown. And if you need to do something, the requested items will be informed through your communication routes.

8-Wachter hotel reservation

How much time does it take to issue an Iranian visa for a Canadian person ?

The right time and announced by the Consulate of Iran , to perform, and the issuance of visas, for 2 or 3 months before the travel to Iran is in all cases to check the trip.

Is the process of issuing a Canadian visa different to the rest of the country?

Answer the question yes is the process of issuing visa to Iran for a Canadian person perfectly with the rest of the countries is different and needs in the process, collecting documents carefully readouts to be.

How long is Iran’s tourist visa valid for Canadians?

Above all, Period of validity of the tourist visa Iran for 14 days. And it is any individual that Iran visa to getting it.

Iran airport visa for Canadians

The question is whether Iran’s visa will issue at the airport for Canadians and Canada?  The answer to this question is no and the airport visa not issue to Canada.

Travel to Iran from Canada , Do you need a hotel reservation to get an Iranian visa from Canada ?

Yes – in order to accept, you must have already booked your hotel in Iran and have your reservation Wachter.

Iran visa fee for Canada:

The cost of issuing a visa to Iran has two different parts. 1 – the cost of stickers or stamping and issuing visas (different per country) 2-the cost of Iranian visa services

We only charges for services and gives the passenger a barcode. The passenger who wants to travel to Iran , without delay. And it needs to check the documents just show the barcode and enter the country from the airport gate. The cost of Iranian visa service for Canadian nationals is us 5 50.

Is Iran a safe country for Canadian travelers?

Yes-with certainty, all of Iran is one of the safest countries in the world. And this security confirm and Iran  locate in the green zone without risk.

You can join our team, Iran Destination , and get more information about the visa. Iran travel agency , Iran Destination, will organize your trip to Iran. You can offer your tailor-made trip to Iran or visit our programs on the Iran tour page . You can contact to our Iranian travel agency , our agents are online to answer all your questions.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Iran. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Dengue August 14, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), and Bora-Bora), Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, El Salvador, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iran, Laos, Mali, Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), Mauritius, Mexico, Moorea, Panama, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

• Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
• May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Iran, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Iran. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Iran include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Iran. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Iran’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Iran. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Iran may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Iran, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Iran for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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6-Day Trekking Damavand South Route & Tochal Tour

Tochal Acclimatization & Damavand Triumph

• Booked 25 Times

4-Day Sabalan Trekking Tour

The Sacred Mountain: Sabalan

• Booked 32 Times

4-Day Alamkuh Trekking Tour

The Remanence of Ice Age: Alamkuh

• Booked 356 Times

Iran Tailor Made Tour

Design Your Own Trip to Iran

Travelers Love Our Iran Tours

Great experience

I went on this incredible ten-day Iran tour with Iranamaze, and it was such a nice experience… Our guide was a nice one, and the crew of Iranamaze was always there for us. Read more…

An amazing trip

In a nutshell, Iran did amaze. An often misunderstood country that belies expectations, that needs to be seen and experienced… Special shoutout to my knowledgeable and friendly guides who treat you as a guest and a friend. Read more…

Lovely experience

After some initial uncertainty, I chose Iran for my vacation and selected Iranamaze following discussions with various agents. The travel consultant, Banafsheh, was both efficient and supportive. Read more…

A Journey Made Effortless!

From the beginning of my trip to the end, Iranamaze was there for me making sure all is well with my trip. I was a little bit anxious because of my visa but the team sent me my authorization letter after 4 days. Read more…

Good memories in Iran!

We had an incredible trip in Iran！Everything was new to me when I arrived in Iran, IranAmaze and our tour guide Soheil are professional and responsible. They tried their best to fulfill our wishes, we are grateful to have them on our trip.  Read more…

My Iran Experience!

Somewhat Iran is an isolated island in the world, which attracts me a lot. Thanks IranAmaze great organize, my family got chance dive more deep into this local life… Thank you so much, all my friends! Read more…

Unforgettable Journey

I never imagined I could secure an Iranian visa as an American, but Iranamaze made it possible. My guide was a walking encyclopedia of history and culture, diving into the country’s beauty with me.  Read more…

Safe and Smooth

Iranamaze handled all the processes of my trip from visa to booking and transportation very well. My tour guide Mahsa was really friendly and welcoming. Iran is an amazing country, don’t miss giving a chance of visit. Read More…

Iranamaze company has very professional staff, they arranged hotels, transefers and guiding service for us which was of great quality. We recommend this compny for travelling to Iran. We stayed for 10 days and enjoyed our trip to Iran a lot.

Amazing experience

Iran has the most hospitable people in the world and Iranamaze is the best. I spent 2 weeks in Iran and it was one of the best in my life. My driver guide Bahman was very friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable. Read More…

Go For It Now!

As an American architect with a lifelong fascination for the rich cultural heritage of Persia… I took action to fulfill my dream. Despite the administrative complexities imposed by both governments, Ali, the exceptional manager of IranAmaze, facilitated the trip with his remarkable attitude… Read more …

Wonderful country, people and tour company

Our tour guide for all of the days was the most amazing person we have ever met in all our travels. He was more like a fried than a guide, took to to places not on our itinerary treated us to coffee, and ice cream. An incredible man who I now consider my friend… Read more

Beyond My Expectations!

Iran was in my bucket list since I started travelling around the world and this trip was beyond my expectations.

Iranamaze is such a professional tour operator that you won’t feel like you’re missing a moment during your trip. Read more …

Amazing Iran with IranAmaze

My trip to Iran wound up being my favorite vacation ever. Thank you for an incredible two weeks, and I will definitely be using IranAmaze in the future when my travels take me to Tabriz and Damavand… Read more

A spectacular trip through Iran

The IranAmaze team is very professional and they will make sure that your stay is comfortable and that you enjoy your stay to the fullest. Recommended if you want to know Iran with professional guides, well organized and smoothly.… Read More

IranAmaze Tour is Wonderful! 🙂

I did the 14 day IranAmaze tour with my friend. I was very impressed by how efficient and well organized this tour is. We got to see a lot of wonderful places, and it never felt too rushed. This tour does a good job at … Read more

Amazing Iran We spent two and a half weeks in Iran. First we climbed Mount Damavand and after that had a cultural tour and visited Yazd, Shiraz, Persepolis and Isfahan. Everything was extremely well organized and our guides, Ali and Farid, were very professional… Read More

10 day trip

Prior my trip, I was contacted by other travel agencies based in Iran but the reason why I chose Iranamaze is because right at the very beginning, unlike the others who were not interested enough to answer all my questions and concerns as I was a female solo traveller… Read More

Absolutely Perfect!

Thoughtful. Interesting. Sincere.

The guys provided amazing service. Our program was prepared individually. Moreover, we changed the program during the tour, which the guys also coped with perfectly well!

Seven Day Tour

I traveled to Iran by myself not really knowing what to expect. I couldn’t be happier with how the tour turned out! The IranAmaze team were able to help me out at each step of my trip planning, especially regarding the changing visa/covid rules at the time… Read More

Trip to nature and cultural sites of Iran

The details of our plan were set very well and we were feeling safe and were not worried about anything. They helped us from the first minute after arrival by currency exchange, buying local simcard, and providing mobile Internet… Read More.

Persian Gulf tour

We had a really wonderful experience exploring the Persian gulf with Mohammad. It was our second time in Iran, first time we traveled organised but it didn’t feel fixed at all. The tour was tailored to our specific interests, flexible but still very well organised.

Enjoy the Flexibility

One of the best features of our Iran private tours is its flexibility. We will tailor the itinerary to our travelers' interests, preferences, and concerns.

Travel with Peace of Mind

Traveling to Iran with our guided tours is a breeze! We'll take care of all the details from visa, local debit card, accommodations, transfers, and the best places to visit.

Explore with Locals

Traveling with IranAmaze, you'll have the advantage of a knowledgeable local guide who will help you have a deeper experience, also facilitate your interactions with locals.

Iran Visa? Leave it to Us!

Getting a tourist visa to Iran can be complicated, especially for US, UK, and Canadian citizens. But with IranAmaze, you don’t have to worry! We are here to help make the process as smooth as possible. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, from start to finish. With our help, you can relax knowing that you have a reliable and knowledgeable team on your side.

Iran Tours by Type

Experience All in One Tour

We want you to experience all essential aspects of traveling to Iran in one tour package, so we’ve defined 6 Moments and put them in your itinerary. From the stunning architecture, vibrant culture, breathtaking nature, and ancient religions to have a first-hand experience of Iranian hospitality and chatting with locals. Enjoy every moment of your trip with our diversified Moment feature!

All Moments in Your Trip to Iran

Visit Ancient Cities of Iran

When there is a 7000-year background behind Iran’s history, it is not surprising to find numerous ancient stuff here and there. They have scattered throughout Iran cities. Many of them have been discovered and now are in the museums. Yet, there are still several untold tales of ancient times across this land. We are proud to tell you about these stories.

Mere talking about all these ancient sites is not enough to show you the genuine behind each. How was it possible to build such gigantic castles and palaces everywhere, even on a mountain ridge? Or, how did they establish an underground watering system in the heart of deserts that supplied a whole city with freshwater? That’s impossible to write all of them here. Thus, We have tried to show you a glimpse of each city’s tales through a travelogue. The very surprise must be seen at the site!

Travel to Iran with Iran Amaze

Travel to Iran with IranAmaze

IranAmaze is enthusiastic about showing travelers not only the most famous monuments of this ancient land but also less-seen treasures and deep layers of Iran. We’ll handle your travel to Iran from A to Z, from your Iran visa to customizing the itinerary based on our interest and also addressing your safety concerns.

Have an epic trip to Iran with a professional local tour operator; you’ll be in good hands. 

Travel to Iran Responsibly

As a local Iran travel agency in IranAmaze, showing the hidden gems of Iran and making deep experiences for travelers is one of our main priorities. Simultaneously, we’d like to preserve the attractions and traditions in Iran as they are for future generations. Therefore, we advocate for traveling responsibly to minimize our environmental and cultural negative impacts. Furthermore, we’d like to share the benefits with local communities to empower them and make this cooperation sustainable. As a pioneer company in Iran responsible travel, we not only train our staff and inform our travelers but also choose responsible partners or try to help them work sustainably. For more information, check out the responsible travel page and responsible travel section in tour packages.

FAQ Iran Tours

Is iran safe for tourists.

Despite common misconceptions, Iran is remarkably safe for travellers. However, like any destination, it's essential to exercise normal precautions and stay updated on current events. Additionally, during our guided tours of Iran, your dedicated guide will accompany you every step of the way, ensuring the utmost safety throughout your journey.

Do I need a visa to visit Iran?

Yes, most visitors require a visa to enter Iran. But the visa process is easy and quick. The process varies depending on your nationality, so it's best to check with Iranamze support team first.

You can also read more information from this page .

Can I use my credit/debit card in Iran?

Unfortunately, international credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Iran due to banking restrictions. It's recommended to bring sufficient cash in major currencies and exchange it locally.

You can also read this article to know about travel costs of Iran and how to handle it during your trip.

When is the best time to visit Iran?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Iran when the weather is mild and comfortable.

However, Iran is a four season country so you can travel anytime to it depending on your preferences and interests.

What should I wear in Iran as a tourist?

Iran is an Islamic country and it has Islamic rules.

Female travellers should wear a headscarf (hijab) and dress modestly, covering arms and legs. Male travellers should also dress modestly, avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts in public areas.

If you want to know more about Iran's customs and etiquette, you can read this blog post.

Do I need a travel insurance for travelling to Iran?

Yes, you would need an  Iran travel insurance to getting Iran tourist visa. Insurance is an essential and required document for the visa process. You could either purchase the insurance through international agencies or an Iran travel agency like IranAmaze. The difference between international agencies and an Iran tour agency is in two different factors. One is that international insurance companies usually have higher coverage and for that reason, they are more expensive. The second difference is that some international companies would not cover traveling to Iran but the Iranian companies won’t have this issue. We can help you with the insurance process if you book any of our tour packages. For more information on insurance details, please read our article about Iran travel insurance.

How can I get a visa to travel to Iran?

You can apply for your Iran visa here: Iran tourist visa The process is online, quick, and straightforward for most countries. but for the nationals of the United States, England, and Canada it takes more time and requires more documents. 

Please contact our support team for more detailed information.

Is travelling to Iran safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Iran is generally safe for solo travelers. While every destination has its risks, solo travelers in Iran often report feeling welcomed and respected by locals. It's essential to exercise standard precautions, such as staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding risky areas, and respecting local customs and dress codes. Additionally, consider booking guided tours for added safety and support.

What are the must-visit locations in Iran?

Iran is rich in historical and cultural sites and there are lots of natural attractions you can visit. But the most visited cities are, Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kerman, Yazd, Tabriz, and Qeshm Island.

Which cities in Iran have the most cultural attractions?

Tehran: The capital features museums like the National Jewelry Museum and the Golestan Palace, alongside modern art galleries. Isfahan: Known for its Persian-Islamic architecture, highlights include Naqsh-e Jahan Square and its stunning mosques. Shiraz: Famous for its gardens and the ancient ruins of Persepolis, Shiraz is also renowned for its literary history. Yazd: A center for Zoroastrian culture with features like windcatchers and the Fire Temple. Tabriz: Home to the Blue Mosque and the extensive Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex. Kashan: Known for its traditional houses and the historical Fin Garden.

These cities are just a few examples of Iran's rich cultural heritage, each offering unique insights into the country's long and complex history.

What do you mean by a private tour?

Iran private tours are  flexible tours . Thus, you have the freedom to choose the dates of traveling to Iran and follow the pace and interests you like. You have a guide available anytime you wish. Also, you can pick hotels and restaurants based on your budget.

Can I travel as a solo female traveler in Iran?

Yes! Of course, solo-female travel in Iran is common. Also, we’ve mentioned before, Iran is safe in terms of the crime rate. So, the general rules you have to follow as a female tourist in Iran are the same as everywhere else. Besides that, you have to follow the Iran dress code and wear a hijab. But females in Iran are a big part of society. You won’t be the only woman in the room wherever you go especially during our tours. Also, you could reserve our women only Iran tours , which are a new and trendy category.

Would Iran stamp my passport?

No, based on the new laws, the passports of travelers who do not want to declare their trip to Iran won’t be stamped. Therefore, there will be no trace of your vacation to Iran. For more information, you could check out our Iran stamp passport .

How is internet access in Iran?

Telecommunication infrastructure in Iran is up to date. So, you don’t need to worry about making calls and using the internet. The 5G and LTE networks are available in all hotels, hostels, as well as many restaurants and cafes. Also, you can buy Iranian sim cards at a low price. Data is very cheap in Iran. A modem and a sim card are included to our tour packages.

Get in touch with us

We like to hear from you. If you have anything in your mind, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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• Admissibility