Traveling to Iran

1404/06/24

Traveling to Iran can be a deeply rewarding experience — rich in culture history hospitality and diverse landscapes. Travel advice for visiting Iran: 🛂 Visa Entry Requirements Most travellers need a visa to enter Iran. You can apply for a tourist visa at an Iranian embassy or through the e-Visa portal. https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/ Citizens of some countries must travel on guided tours and face stricter entry processes. Travel insurance is mandatory for entry. 🛃 Customs Entry Tips Alcohol and pork products are strictly prohibited. Women must wear a headscarf and modest clothing upon arrival. 🧕 Dress Code Women: Headscarf (mandatory in public) Tunic or long coat (called manteau) is commonly worn Men: Shorts are not culturally appropriate in public 💵 Money Currency Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR) but prices are often quoted in Toman (1 Toman 10 Rials). International credit/debit cards do not work due to sanctions. You must carry cash (preferably Euros or USD) and exchange it for Rials. Consider using local travel debit cards for convenience. 🌍 Connectivity Internet is available but some websites and social media platforms are blocked (e.g. Facebook YouTube Twitter). SIM cards are available for tourists (e.g. Irancell Hamrah Aval). 🛡️ Safety Security Iran is generally safe for tourists and locals are very welcoming. Petty crimes like pickpocketing are rare but still take basic precautions. Avoid political discussions photography near government/military sites and large gatherings or protests. 🧬 Health Vaccines No mandatory vaccines but it’s recommended to be up to date on: Hepatitis A B Typhoid Tetanus Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water is widely available. Healthcare is good in major cities travel insurance is advised. 🍽️ Food Water Iranian food is delicious healthy and affordable: Try kebab ghormeh sabzi fesenjan tahdig and dizi. 🚕 Transport Getting Around Domestic travel is easy and cheap: flights buses and trains are available. In cities use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Snapp or Tap30. 📅 Best Time to Visit Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are ideal. Summers (June–August) can be extremely hot especially in the south. Winters (December–February) can be cold especially in the north and mountainous areas. ⚠️ Important Restrictions Alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden. Photography of military police or government buildings is prohibited. Highlights Not to Miss Tehran – museums bazaars Milad Tower Isfahan – stunning mosques Naqsh-e Jahan Square Shiraz – poetic city Persepolis nearby Yazd – desert city with windcatchers and Zoroastrian culture Tabriz – historical bazaar and architecture Caspian Sea Gilan – lush greenery and local charm