Everything you need to know before you travel: visas, money, dress code, transport and etiquette.
Most visitors need a visa. Citizens of many countries can apply online for an electronic visa through the official portal of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and some nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays. Citizens of the USA, the UK and Canada must travel with a licensed guide on a pre-arranged itinerary. We help you prepare the application and the supporting documents.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for the classic cities. Summer is hot in the centre and south but perfect for the green north and the mountains. Winter is the season for the desert and the Persian Gulf islands. Around Nowruz, the Persian New Year (about 20–21 March), Iranians travel too — book early.
International credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) do not work in Iran, so bring enough cash in euros or US dollars and exchange it at official exchange offices. Prices are often quoted in tomans (1 toman = 10 rials). Local prepaid tourist cards are a convenient alternative to carrying cash.
Women are expected to cover their hair with a scarf in public and to wear loose clothing that covers the arms and reaches below the hips. Men should avoid shorts in cities and religious sites. At some shrines a chador is required and is lent at the entrance.
You can buy a local tourist SIM card with data at major airports and phone shops. Some international websites and apps are restricted, so download offline maps, translation packs and your travel documents before you arrive.
Domestic flights connect the main cities affordably, comfortable VIP buses run day and night, and trains link Tehran with cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Yazd, Kerman and Tabriz. For the most flexibility, travel with a private car and driver.
Iranians are famously hospitable — expect invitations to tea. Taarof, the art of polite refusal, means an offer may be repeated before it is truly meant. Take your shoes off in homes, use your right hand to give and receive, and remember that Friday is the weekend.
Travellers consistently describe Iranians as warm and welcoming, and petty crime is relatively low. The situation in the region can change quickly, however: check your government’s travel advice before booking, take out travel insurance that covers Iran, and follow your guide’s advice.
Rules and conditions change. Always check the latest official information and your government’s travel advice before you book.
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