Iran Planning & Practical Guide

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Iran, with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps and the Iranian visa.

Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel in the last 12 months may lead to denial of entry, so consider a new passport if applicable.

Always carry your passport as it's required for check-ins, currency exchanges, and domestic travel within Iran.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of a few countries like Turkey, Malaysia, and some Gulf states can enter visa-free for short stays up to 90 days, but most travelers require a visa.

Visa exemptions are limited; check the official Iranian e-visa portal for your nationality's specific rules to avoid surprises.

For extended stays, even visa-free visitors must register with local authorities after 15 days.

Visa Applications

Apply for an e-visa online via the official Iranian visa website or through authorized tour operators (€50-80 fee), providing itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of funds (at least $50/day).

Processing typically takes 3-5 business days; US, UK, and Canadian citizens must apply through Iranian embassies abroad due to restrictions, with fees around $160 and processing up to 30 days.

Include a letter of invitation from an Iranian host or agency if traveling independently, and ensure all documents are in English or Persian.

Border Crossings

Airports like Tehran Imam Khomeini offer visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities (30 days, €70 fee), but e-visas are recommended to skip lines; land borders with Turkey, Armenia, and Pakistan require prior visas.

Expect thorough customs checks for electronics, medications, and alcohol (strictly prohibited); declare valuables to avoid issues on exit.

Overland crossings can take 2-4 hours due to security screenings, so travel during daylight and carry copies of your visa approval.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and political risks is mandatory for visa approval and essential given limited healthcare access in remote areas.

Policies should include at least $50,000 in medical coverage; reputable providers like World Nomads offer plans starting at $5/day tailored for Iran.

Carry printed policy details and emergency contacts, as English-speaking doctors are scarce outside major cities like Tehran and Isfahan.

Extensions Possible

Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days are available at immigration offices in major cities like Tehran for a fee of around €30-50, requiring proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid overstay fines (up to $100/day); extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your reason, such as medical or tour extensions.

Multiple entries are possible with a business or multiple-entry tourist visa, but single-entry tourist visas do not allow re-entry without a new application.

Book Flights Early

Secure affordable flights to Tehran by comparing on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets, especially via hubs like Dubai or Istanbul.

Booking 2-3 months ahead can reduce costs by 40-60%, and consider indirect routes to bypass direct flight premiums.

Eat Like a Local

Opt for chaikhanes (teahouses) and local eateries for meals under IRR 200,000, avoiding upscale tourist spots to save 50-70% on dining expenses.

Shop at bazaars for fresh fruits, nuts, and yogurt-based dishes; self-catering in guesthouses cuts costs further while immersing in daily life.

Public Transport Passes

Use VIP buses for intercity travel at IRR 300,000-500,000 per leg, or get a Tehran metro card for unlimited rides at IRR 50,000/day, slashing transport budgets.

Shared taxis (savari) offer flexible, affordable options between cities; book in advance for longer routes to secure seats.

Free Attractions

Explore ancient bazaars in Isfahan, hike in the Alborz Mountains, and visit public gardens in Shiraz - all free and rich in cultural depth.

Many mosques and historical squares have no entry fees; time visits for prayer times to experience authentic atmospheres without cost.

Card vs Cash

Cash is king due to sanctions; exchange USD/EUR at certified bureaus or hotels for rates up to 20% better than airports.

Carry small denominations (IRR 50,000-100,000 notes) for markets and tips; avoid street changers to prevent counterfeit issues.

Site Passes

Purchase a multi-site ticket for Persepolis and nearby ruins at IRR 300,000, covering several UNESCO locations and saving 30% versus individual entries.

Travel in groups via agencies for bundled deals on entrance fees, especially for desert or mountain excursions.

Clothing Essentials

Pack modest attire: long sleeves, pants/skirts below knees for both genders, and headscarves for women (mandatory in public); light, breathable fabrics for heat.

Layer for variable climates - wool for northern winters, cotton for desert summers; include a lightweight rain jacket for spring showers in the Caspian region.

Respect cultural norms by avoiding tight or revealing clothes; hotels provide scarves if forgotten, but carrying your own ensures comfort.

Electronics

Bring a Type C/F adapter for 220V outlets, portable charger for long days at sites, and a VPN-enabled device to access blocked sites like social media.

Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) and Persian translation apps; carry a spare battery as power outages occur in rural areas.

Limit drones and certain electronics due to restrictions; declare cameras at customs to avoid exit fees.

Health & Safety

Pack comprehensive insurance docs, a basic med kit with antidiarrheals, pain relievers, and altitude sickness meds for mountain treks.

Include prescriptions, hand sanitizer, and high-SPF sunscreen; water purification tablets are vital as tap water isn't safe outside cities.

Carry copies of your passport, visa, and medical records; women should pack feminine hygiene products as availability varies.

Travel Gear

Opt for a secure daypack with lockable compartments, reusable water bottle, and quick-dry scarf for dust or sun protection.

Bring cash belts for USD/EUR reserves, travel towel, and laundry soap for extended stays; include a notebook for jotting Farsi phrases.

Pack light to navigate buses and bazaars easily; consider a money pouch under modest clothing for added security.

Footwear Strategy

Choose comfortable walking shoes for urban exploration in Tehran and closed-toe sandals for warmer sites like Yazd; sturdy boots for hikes in the Zagros Mountains.

Water-resistant options help with occasional rain or dusty trails; avoid high heels in uneven historical areas like Persepolis.

Pack extra socks and blister pads for long days; footwear should cover ankles to align with modesty guidelines.

Personal Care

Include travel-sized toiletries, moisturizer for dry climates, and wet wipes for areas with limited facilities; biodegradable products respect the environment.

Pack lip balm, eye drops for dust, and a small umbrella; alcohol-based items like perfumes must be minimal due to restrictions.

For longer trips, bring nail clippers and tweezers; pharmacies in cities stock basics, but rural access is limited.

Spring (March-May)

Optimal season with mild 15-25°C weather, blooming landscapes in the north, and festivals like Nowruz (Persian New Year) in March.

Ideal for hiking in the Alborz Mountains, visiting gardens in Shiraz, and exploring without extreme heat; fewer crowds post-winter.

Summer (June-August)

Peak heat of 30-45°C in central deserts, but cooler Caspian coast (25-30°C) suits beach relaxation and northern treks.

Great for air-conditioned museums in Isfahan and evening bazaar visits; book accommodations early as domestic tourism surges.

Avoid southern regions due to intense humidity; focus on high-altitude escapes like Tabriz for comfort.

Autumn (September-November)

Comfortable 15-25°C temperatures with golden foliage in mountainous areas, perfect for road trips to ancient sites like Persepolis.

Saffron harvest in Khorasan and cultural events in Tehran; lower prices and mild weather enhance outdoor adventures like desert camping.

Excellent for photography with clear skies; pack layers for cooler evenings in the northwest.

Winter (December-February)

Cool to cold 0-15°C, with snow in the north and ski resorts near Dizin; budget-friendly for indoor cultural pursuits in Yazd.

Visit hot springs in central Iran or enjoy Yalda Night celebrations; fewer tourists mean intimate experiences at UNESCO sites.

Avoid heavy snow in passes; southern areas remain mild for relaxed exploration.