Over recent years relations between Iran and the West have thawed considerably. With the lifting of sanctions in 2015 and the UK Foreign Office amending their advice soon after, Iran is now firmly back on the travel map. Following years of isolation the country remains a source of surprise to western travellers whose views have been distorted by the media. Iran is quickly casting off its old image problems and becoming a travel hotspot.

Here are some things to be aware of before you go.

Is it hard to get a visa?

If you are a UK, USA or Canadian national you will need a visa before you travel. Other nationalities can obtain visas on arrival. Before you can apply for a visa you need to have an authorisation code issued by the Ministry of Tourism in Tehran. Don’t worry, we will obtain the code for you – all we will need is a scan of the information page of your passport and some other personal details. We will generally apply for visa codes around 10 weeks prior to departure. The code generally takes 2 – 3 weeks to come through to your local Iranian embassy. We will inform you when this will be. Once the code has been received, we will send you the application form. Applications have to be made to the embassy in London in person. The embassy staff can appear to be unhelpful and the bureaucracy endless, consequently we suggest that in addition to all the requisite paperwork you take a dose of patience and a sense of humour with you. Full details of the process and entry requirements can be found HERE.

 

What currency should I take with me?

Despite the lifting of sanctions, you will not be able to use ATMs. We suggest you take your money with you in either US dollars or euros, in cash. Money can be changed into the Iranian Rial or Tuman (10,000 Rial) at local exchange offices in Tehran. The KE group leader will assist everyone with changing money shortly after arrival.

 

Will I be welcome?

You will most certainly be very welcome, and very safe. The image of Iranians as American-hating, nuclear-weapon toting, burkha-clad religious zealots could not be further from the truth. Modern Iranians want to welcome you to their country and confound the ideas the rest of the world has created about them. They want to teach you about their traditions, and discuss Premier League football! Most travellers to Iran return to remark on how safe they felt. As the country is mostly Shia, there is little of the religious conflict between Shia and Sunni which causes problems in other parts of the Middle East.

 

What to wear?

Iran, as an Islamic Republic, does have a strict dress code which is often of concern to female travellers. The most important thing for ladies to remember is to PACK A HEADSCARF IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE. You must cover your head from the moment you step off the plane and are officially in Iran. Women do not need to worry about wearing burkas or other traditional dress, but it is important that they wear long loose-fitting tops that fall to the knees and baggy trousers to cover contours. For men, shirt sleeves should come down to the elbow and long trousers worn at all times. Dress code is more relaxed when trekking, although women should wear trousers, long-sleeved shirts and a hat or headscarf.

 

Your round or mine?

The entire country is dry, including hotels. There are no bars and no clubs, although there is a wide range of alcohol-free beer for sale in a range of flavours. Note that you cannot bring duty-free alcohol into the country either. Consider a holiday in Iran a great opportunity to detox!

 

Can Americans go to Iran?

Yes, Americans can travel to Iran although they cannot travel independently and have to join an organised tour such as our Mount Damavand and the Pearls of Persia tour. As there is no Iranian embassy currently in the USA, visa applications are handled at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington.

 

Can I still go to the USA after visiting Iran?

Yes, you can. However, you will need to get a visa to visit the USA rather than enter via the ESTA visa waiver system. The visa process is not as daunting as you may think (it’s easier than getting an Iranian visa) and also involves a visit to the embassy in London or in your nearest city with a US consulate. Once you have a US visa, it is valid for 10 years and for multiple entries.

 

I am a keen photographer. Can I bring my professional gear with me?

Just as we advise not to state that you are a journalist or photographer on your visa application form, we would suggest that you leave any professional equipment at home to avoid arousing suspicion on arrival that you are a media professional – special permission and visas are usually required for any media activity. Digital SLR cameras are allowed, providing its obvious they are for your own personal and recreational use.

 

Will I be able to check my facebook feed on wifi?

Internet access is available but limited. Note that most social networks are blocked and internet speeds can be very slow. A great opportunity to enjoy a digital detox, too!

 

What about vegetarians?

Iranian food is flavoursome and of good quality, although most dishes include some meat. Indeed, for most Iranians vegetarianism is an alien concept. Vegetarian dishes are usually available, including pomegranate rice, vegetable kebabs, aubergine and chickpea-based dishes which are widely available.

 

 

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