Iran is regularly in the news for the wrong reasons, but as pretty much all of our clients will testify, it is one of the most rewarding countries you can visit.
Aside from the sights - the unrivaled Islamic architecture of Isfahan, ancient Persepolis, the bazaars of Shiraz and the lakes and forest scenery of the Zagros Mountains, what really makes a lasting impression are the people, with Persian hospitality being legendary.
Having been taking clients to Iran for over 15 years, we would love to see more people visit this amazing country, so we have taken it upon ourselves to dispel some myths about potential barriers to visiting. Here's our list of Iran travel tips and advice if you are interested in visiting Iran.
How can UK nationals get a visa for Iran?
It can be done, although the process takes a little time.
Firstly, to apply for an Iranian visa you require an invitation code. To get this all you need to do is provide us with a passport scan and some personal details, including your travel history for the last ten years, and we can apply on your behalf for the invitation code from the Ministry of Tourism in Tehran. The code generally takes around three weeks to come through.
Secondly, once your code has arrived, you can proceed with the actual visa application. To do this, simply complete the visa application form (we’ll send you this) and submit, together with your passport and two photos, to an Iranian Consulate. Women, please note that your passport photos need to picture you in a headscarf.
Sounds relatively easy? Well, the only complication is that you must submit your passport to the Iranian Consulate in person. No appointment is necessary - you can turn up anytime the Consulate is open. At peak times this may take a few hours. Upon your visit, you will need to pay a visa fee (currently 165 pounds) which must be paid in cash only. Your fingerprints will also be taken. You can then choose to either return and collect your passport in five working days, or you can take a self-addressed envelope and have it posted back to you.
Cost: As far as we understand, two different services are currently being offered; standard and express. We believe that the standard service currently costs £165 and will take a maximum of 7-10 working days to process, and the express service costs £250 and should be issued the same day. However, this will depend on how busy the embassy is and we strongly suggest that you discuss the timescales directly with them when submitting your application.
Opening times: Please note that you can submit your visa application documents only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2pm to 5pm. We recommend arriving early around 12.30pm, because there can be large queues at peak travel times. Once there, please form a queue on the opposite side of the road from the consulate entrance (by the railings of the garden), and wait for someone to come out with numbered tickets – this avoids people crowding the steps of the building.
Is Iran on the Foreign and Commonwealth FCO blacklist?
No, the FCO recently changed its advice and now considers the whole country fine to visit. Read our blog about the recent change.
How safe will I feel in Iran?
Whilst nowhere offers 100% guaranteed safety, all our clients and staff members who have been to Iran recently have commented on how safe and comfortable they felt wandering the sites and even the city streets on their own.
How strict is the dress code in Iran?
For women, a headscarf must be worn, although outside some of the more traditional areas, some hair can be shown. Your arms and legs should be covered at all times, although it is now acceptable in less conservative places to show bare ankles and forearms. You should wear clothing that hides the shape of your body. Ideally this will be a plain, dark coloured lightweight coat (which can be purchased in Iran), however a long shirt can also be used if it reaches at least to mid-thigh. For men you should also dress conservatively - shorts are not acceptable dress.
Having said all of that, you will likely see teenage girls with headscarves as far back on their heads as to almost not be visible, and if invited to an Iranian’s home they are likely to wear jeans and Western clothing.
Here is some feedback from one of our recent Iran group tours:
"Isfahan and Persepolis were wonderful, and completely unexpectedly, the charming and welcoming people of Iran was another highlight. We were overwhelmed by their kindness."
- Mrs Mawhinney
"The itinerary was excellent and gave an all round glimpse of Iran, covering both cities/culture and landscape/countryside. As for highlights, where do I start? Highlights included Persepolis; Shiraz - a beautiful, manageable city with its gorgeous pink/blue mosques; Isfahan of course; the homestay; the mountain walk in the Dena Mountains; the landscape and scenery everywhere; talking to and observing the people."
- Ms Allen
What is there to see in Iran?
Persepolis is probably Iran's most famous attraction. The ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire dates back to 500 BC and was built by Darius the Great. The bas reliefs in particular are spectacular.
The ancient capital of Shiraz is considered the heartland of Persian culture, and is home to beautiful mosques, a lively bazaar and a number of famed gardens and tea houses. A highlight for any visitor.
Isfahan is home to probably the most stunning Islamic architecture anywhere in the world, with its pretty bridges, mosques and the jaw-droppingly beautiful Imam Square.
Yazd is a charming historic town which is a great place to meander and explore the maze of narrow streets.
The Zagros Mountains offer a true off-the-beaten-track experience, with their sleepy agricultural towns and nomadic cultures. It is a also a beautiful region stretching up to the border with Turkey.
Have we convinced you to visit Iran?
The best and safest way to experience Iran is with a professional travel company. Wild Frontiers are one of the longest-serving and most experienced tour operators to Iran. We offer a variety of small group and tailor-made holidays to Iran. Please get in touch with one of our travel experts if you would live more Iran travel tips and advice, or if you'd like to join us on an adventure.
