Wondering what to anticipate if you’re planning a vacation to Iran? Iran is a place that will astound you with its abundant natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, and kind people. There’s no shortage of thrilling experiences to be experienced, from the colorful bazaars of Isfahan to the spectacular Golestan Palace complex in Tehran. However, it’s crucial to know what to anticipate and how to get ready before you go off on your adventure.
Travelers should be informed of the entry criteria, regional traditions, and cultural standards that will facilitate their navigation of this extraordinary nation. There are a lot of things to take into account, such as getting the appropriate visa and knowing the local dress code. Iran’s complicated political and historical background also calls for a considerate and polite approach. You can make the most of your vacation and generate treasured experiences if you prepare ahead of time and are aware of your surroundings.
We’ll provide you all the important advice and details you need to know in this post before visiting Iran. We’ll cover everything, from helpful tips on packing and traveling to fascinating insights into the habits and culture of the area. Traveling in Iran might be confusing, but this guide will help you make the most of your trip, whether you’re an experienced traveler or this is your first time visiting another country. Now let’s get going!
Table of Contents
What do I need to know about Iran?
1. Travel and Tourism:
Iran is a country with historical sites, striking natural beauty, diverse cultures, and magnificent landscapes. Some popular travel destinations include Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Qom, Qazvin, Yazd, Ardabil, Kermanshah, Ahvaz, Hamadan, Kashan, Kerman, Urmia, Bushehr, Sanandaj, Khorramābād, Rasht and Bandar-e Anzalī.
Tehran, the capital, is known for its magnificent Golestan Palace complex and the National Jewelry Museum. Isfahan is famous for its adventure activities.
2. Visa Requirements:
Tourists who wish to visit Iran can apply for a visa online. Iran’s tourist visa is issued for up to 30 days and can have up to two additional 30-day extensions, for a total of 90 days.
3. Safety Precautions:
Travelers are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust their plans if conditions become unsafe6. The UK government advises against all travel to Iran.
4. Local Customs:
Iranians are known for their warm and hospitable nature. Several customs might seem unusual to foreigners. For instance, Iranians burn espand, wild rue seeds, to avoid being jinxed. They also have a unique way of snapping fingers, known as beckon.
The dress code in Iran is also different from other countries. It’s enough to wear a long tunic/coat with long pants (or jeans)/skirt and also to cover your hair with a loose scarf.
Visa requirements and Iran travel documents
If you’re planning to travel to Iran, here are some important points to consider regarding visa requirements and travel documents:
- Visa Requirement: You need a visa to enter Iran as a visitor. The Iranian visa is issued for up to 30 days and can have up to two additional 30-day extensions, for a total of 90 days. Some types of visas for the citizens of some countries should be applied for only in person through the relevant Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Visa Application: The visa application process is online, and your email address will be required and authenticated throughout the process. To get a visa before arrival, a Visa Authorization Code must be applied for through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s e-visa website or an Iranian travel agency.
- Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you arrive in Iran. One page is required for an entry stamp.
- Currency Restrictions: There are currency restrictions for both entry and exit. For entry, you can bring over €10,000, and for exit, you can take out over €5,000.
- Vaccinations: No proof of vaccination is required for entry into Iran.
- Previous Travel to Israel: If your passport has stamps from Israel or other countries’ border crossing points with Israel, you may be refused entry to Iran
What are the do’s and don’ts in Iran?
Here are some do’s and don’ts for tourists in Iran:
Do’s:
- Respect the achievements of Iran and the country’s cultural heritage.
- Remain humble about your successes and achievements.
- Dress modestly. For men, wearing shorts and sleeveless vests would be improper. Pants and T-shirts are recommended. For women, clothing should hide body shapes and hair.
- Acknowledge that Iranians may be very educated and technically trained.
Don’ts:
- Do not confuse Persians with Arabs.
- Avoid assuming that all Iranians are Muslims.
- Do not criticize an Iranian for the actions of their government.
- Avoid mentioning divisive topics between the West and Iran.
- Drinking or even carrying alcoholic drinks is illegal all over the country.
- Avoid telling dirty jokes or jokes that are at the expense of someone else.
What currency is best to take to Iran?
When traveling to Iran, it’s recommended to bring US dollars (USD) or euros (EUR). These two currencies are widely accepted and easy to exchange in Iran. The British Pound (GBP) and United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) are also largely accepted.
Please note that due to international sanctions, the Iranian banking system and its national currency are isolated from the rest of the world. This means that it’s impossible to make any transaction or withdraw money with an international credit card (Mastercard, Visa) within Iran. Therefore, you will need to bring your entire trip budget in cash and exchange it upon arrival in Iran.
Remember, the official currency in Iran is the rial (ریال , abbreviated IRR), but in everyday life, Iranians often speak in terms of tomans. One toman is equivalent to ten rials.
What are some rules in Iran?
Iran has a unique set of rules and laws, many of which are influenced by the country’s Islamic beliefs. Here are some key rules:
Women’s Rights and Laws:
- Women have long faced legal, political, economic, and social challenges in Iran.
- The legal age of marriage for girls is 13, but girls even younger can legally marry with judicial and paternal consent.
- All females are required to cover their hair and dress modestly from the age of puberty.
- A married woman cannot obtain a passport or travel outside Iran without her husband’s written permission.
- A woman could only get a divorce in court with a judge’s order, while a man could get a divorce by declaring it verbally.
- A divorced woman forfeits child custody if she remarries, even if her husband dies.
- A widow only inherits one-eighth of her husband’s estate, but a widower inherits his wife’s entire estate.
General Rules:
- The political system in Iran is characterized by a multitude of loosely connected and generally fiercely competitive power centers, both formal and informal.
- Iran’s 1906 constitution, written by its first parliament, promised “equal rights before the law” for all Iranians.
- The second constitution, written by Islamic revolutionaries and passed overwhelmingly in a referendum in 1979, specifically stipulated that women were “equally protected.” But in practice, it gave women fewer social rights and personal liberties.
What is Iran like for tourists?
Iran offers a unique and enriching experience for tourists. Here are some highlights:
1. Cultural Heritage:
Iran is home to a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites and architectural wonders. Some of the must-visit places include Persepolis in Shiraz, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan.
2. People and Hospitality:
Iranians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Many tourists have reported feeling extremely welcomed and humbled by their experiences in Iran.
3. Safety:
Despite what mainstream media might portray, many tourists find Iran to be a safe country to travel to. However, like any travel destination, it’s always important to stay informed about the current situation and take necessary precautions.
4. Cuisine:
Iranian cuisine is diverse and delicious. Don’t just stick to kebabs; there’s a wide variety of dishes to explore.
5. Natural Beauty:
Iran’s landscapes are diverse and stunning, ranging from mountains and deserts to forests and coastal areas.
6. Practical Tips:
Remember to bring a lot of cash, as international credit cards are not accepted due to sanctions. Also, be prepared for the traffic, especially in big cities
Is it safe to go to Iran as a woman?
Yes, many women travel to Iran and have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, it’s important to note that Iran is a conservative country with strict dress codes and social norms, especially for women. Here are some tips for women traveling to Iran:
- Dress Code: Women are required to wear a headscarf and loose clothing that covers the body. This includes long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts that cover the ankles.
- Behavior: Public displays of affection are not common in Iran, and it’s best to avoid physical contact with men who are not family members.
- Accommodation: Many hotels and guesthouses in Iran are welcoming to female travelers, and some even offer female-only dorms.
- Transportation: Women usually sit at the back of public buses, and there are women-only carriages on the metro in Tehran.
- Safety: Iran is generally safe, but like anywhere else, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Why is Iran a high-risk country?
Iran is considered a high-risk country primarily due to significant strategic deficiencies in its regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and financing of proliferation. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body that sets standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory, and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system, has included Iran in its list of high-risk jurisdictions.
Countries identified as high-risk by the FATF are subject to enhanced due diligence, and in the most serious cases, other countries are called upon to apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing (ML/TF/PF) risks emanating from the high-risk country.
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Is Facebook blocked in Iran?
Yes, Facebook is indeed blocked in Iran. The Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have blocked access to many popular websites and online services, including Facebook, as part of their comprehensive internet censorship system.
This block has been in place since 2009 amid disputed elections and mass protests. However, some users have learned to bypass these blocks using various methods. Please note that the use of such methods may be subject to legal restrictions within Iran.
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