Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | No |
Passport NoteNationals of Israel
or holders of passports containing a visa for Israel (either valid or expired) will be refused entry under all circumstances. Women judged to be dressed immodestly will be refused entry.
PassportsPassport valid for six months beyond stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey within 12 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Transit passengers continuing their journey within 48 hours (under the above conditions) can obtain a transit visa on arrival against a fee of US$40, or within 72 hours for US$30.
Note: nationals of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden may obtain a visa for tourist purposes only for a stay of seven days on arrival at the following airports: Isfahan, Mashad, Shiraz, Tabriz and Tehran (IKA and THR). A visa fee is applied.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
.
Visa NoteWomen over nine years old should wear a headscarf in their visa application photo in accordance with Islamic custom.
Types of Visa and CostTourist/Business/Pilgrimage:
£61 (single-entry); £68 (double-entry).
Business (multiple-entry): £79 (three months); £90 (six months); £90 (one year).
Transit: £61. The above prices are for UK nationals; fees vary according to nationality of applicant.
ValidityTourist,
Business and
Pilgrimage visas are issued for stays of up to one month and are valid for three months from date of authorization.
Transit visas are valid for five days. Applications for renewal or extension should be made to the Iranian Embassy.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see
General Info for details.
Working Days RequiredA minimum of four weeks. A
pilgrimage visa may only take two weeks to process.
WarningTravelers are strongly advised against all travel to within 100km (60 miles) of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border or within 10km (6 miles) of the entire Iran/Iraq border. The Pakistan border area is also insecure, and travelers are advised against any travel east of the line running from Kerman to Bandar Abbas, including all travel to Bam. Westerners have, in the past, been the target of kidnaps by criminal gangs in southeast Iran. There have also been a number of violent incidents in the Sistan va Baluchestan province. The most recent was a bomb blast on 16 February 2007.
There have been incidents of kidnapping of foreigners by armed gangs in southeastern Iran. In August 2007, bandits seized two Belgian tourists in Sistan-Balouchistan, southeastern Iran. One was freed two days later but the other was held for 34 days. On 8 October 2007, a Japanese national was kidnapped by suspected bandits from his hotel in Bam and not released until June 2008.
Although street crime in Tehran, as in other Iranian cities, is low, incidents of robbery against foreigners are not unknown. There have been a number of robberies by young men in unmarked cars, and young men on motorcycles have also snatched bags, including from open car windows/doors. Since November 2007, there have been a number of robberies involving motorbikes with pillion passengers who drive up along side their victims and snatch their items. Visitors are advised not to carry large amounts of hard currency.
Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street. There have been a number of attempted robberies by bogus policemen, usually in civilian clothing. Travelers approached by anyone claiming to be a policeman should insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. They should not surrender any documents or cash, or get in a vehicle without being convinced that the policeman is genuine.
There is increasing political tension between Iran and the international community. The UK and other Western countries have come in for particular criticism in the Iranian media. Those planning to travel to Iran are advised to keep a close eye on political developments and check the media and travel advice regularly.
A series of incidents in recent years have demonstrated that there is a risk of arbitrary arrest and detention by the Iranian authorities. In these and other cases involving foreign nationals, the Iranian authorities do not always fully meet their international consular obligations.
There is a threat from terrorism in Iran. Explosions have killed a number of people in 2005 and 2006. Attacks could be directed at Western interests.
Travelers should avoid demonstrations and similar large public gatherings. In the last three years, there have been several violent attacks on, and violent demonstrations outside, British Embassy compounds in Tehran. Further incidents are possible, and other protests may take place without warning.
It is understood that the Government of Iraq has closed six border crossings with Iran at Kella, Saranban-Golle, Taiwella, Parweez Khan, Muntheria and al Sheeb.
Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Travelers may be detained and face serious criminal charges, including espionage, which can carry the death penalty.
Iran is prone to earthquakes. Many people have died in recent years in larger earthquakes. Small tremors occur frequently.
Credit cards and bankcards cannot generally be used in Iran and travelers’ cheques can be very difficult to exchange.
Islamic law is strictly enforced in Iran. Alcohol is forbidden and all females over the age of 9 must observe the local Islamic dress code.
Travelers should carry some form of identification at all times.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Diphtheria | Yes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | Sometimes | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | Sometimes | |
| Yellow Fever | No* | |
Health CareHealth facilities are limited in remote areas. Medical insurance is essential.
Note* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers coming from infected areas.
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