Iran Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Visitors require a passport (must be valid at least six months after period of intended stay). Visitors must hold return an onward ticket, all documents required for next destination and sufficient funds. Some nationalities requiring a visa can obtain it on arrival provided the visit is for tourist purposes and for a maximum of 15 days. Immigration requires a photo and US$50 for the holder of the passport and U$10 for each of the companions (if any) to cover visa fees. Otherwise a 72-hour visa can be issued upon arrival, if a passenger has been introduced by means of a letter from a valid organization or government at least two days prior to arrival. The fee is US$30. The passenger must report to the police within eight days of arrival. Visitors should be aware that if their passport contains an Israeli stamp, or any evidence of an intended or past visit to Israel, entry into Iran will be refused even if in possession of a valid visa. Reporters, journalists, photographers and cameramen of any nationality, other than Iranian, require a visa. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

United States nationals require a valid passport and visa to enter Iran.

UK Nationals

British nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Iran.

Canadians

Canadian nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Iran.

Australians

Australian nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Iran.

South Africans

South African nationals require a valid passport and visa to enter Iran.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Iran.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Iran.

Healthcare

There are a few health risks to consider when traveling to Iran. Travelers are recommended to be vaccinated against polio and typhoid. Malaria is a risk in some parts of the country, and cholera outbreaks also occur. Yellow fever certificates are required by those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Tap water should not be drunk, including ice in drinks, and food precautions should be taken. Healthcare in the cities of Iran is good, but is generally insufficient in rural areas. Travelers are advised to have full medical insurance and to consult with their medical practitioner prior to travel.

Safety

Travelers should exercise safety precautions throughout Iran, recently there have been a number of bomb attacks in cities in Iran. In the south-eastern region, Westerners have been victims of criminal gangs often involved in the smuggling of drugs and other contraband. Crime is relatively low in the cities, but there have been an increasing number of robberies by young men on motorbikes who snatch items from pedestrians. Anti-Western sentiment among certain elements of the population has resulted in violent demonstrations outside foreign representations based in the country. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. Increased tension between Iran and the West over the past several years is a cause of concern for American travelers.