Visa
A small number of passports are entitled to visa free access to Iran, while most nationalities can receive a visa on arrival if they have pre-approval.
Citizens of the United Kingdom, United States and Canada must be on a guided tour when travelling to Iran and must get their visa in advance.
You can read more about Iranian visa requirements in our dedicated Iranian Visa section .
Getting in and out
By air
The main way everyone enters Iran is through Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. Most other major cities in Iran also have international flight connections mainly to other parts of the Middle East. Other popular airports that you can fly into include: Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Masshad, Awhaz, Bandar Abbas, and Kish. There are another 21 airports in the country however they only have one or two international flights.
By land
As a foreigner you can cross all of Iran’s neighbouring borders. There are both buses and sometimes trains to the neighbouring countries including: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and even Afghanistan.
By sea
It is also possible to enter Iran by ferry from one of the nearby Gulf countries. There are ferries directly from Dubai to both Kish Island and also Bandar Abbas. The ferries run from Dubai to Bandar Abbas twice a week. Other options for ferry travel are also possible from Kuwait.
See and Do
Tehran
Tehran is a bustling metropolis with a mix of history and modernity. Don’t miss Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing beautiful Persian architecture. The National Museum holds ancient Persian artifacts, while Milad Tower gives panoramic views of the sprawling city. For a local experience, get lost in the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for everything from spices to carpets.
Isfahan
Isfahan is a city of stunning architecture. Naqsh-e Jahan Square is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful, surrounded by incredible sites like the Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Ali Qapu Palace. The Si-o-se-pol Bridge is perfect for sunset views over the Zayandeh River. Vank Cathedral offers a blend of Persian and Armenian architecture that’s not to be missed.
Shiraz
Shiraz is a city of poetry, gardens, and history. The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is famous for its vibrant stained-glass windows that create a kaleidoscope of colors in the early morning light. Hafez’s Tomb, surrounded by serene gardens, is a peaceful spot to reflect on the life of one of Persia’s most beloved poets. Shiraz is also often used as a launching pad for Persepolis, though there are accommodation options closer to the site itself.
Persepolis
Just outside Shiraz lies Persepolis, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire. The ruins are a testament to the grandeur of the Achaemenid dynasty, with colossal columns, detailed bas-reliefs, and grand staircases that once welcomed visitors from across the empire. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and Persian culture. And to be honest, even if you're not particularly interested in those things, it's still a must-visit!
Yazd
Yazd feels like stepping into another era. The old city, with its narrow alleys and mudbrick houses, is a UNESCO listed site. The Zoroastrian Fire Temple has a flame that has been burning for over 1,500 years. The nearby Towers of Silence offer dramatic views and insight into ancient Zoroastrian burial practices.
Ali Sadr Cave
Located in western Iran, Ali Sadr Cave is one of the largest water caves in the world. You can take a boat ride through its underground chambers, passing by towering stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s serene atmosphere and impressive scale make it a truly unique natural wonder.
Tashkooh Fire Mountain
Tashkooh, or Fire Mountain, is a striking natural phenomenon in the Lut Desert. The mountain glows with shades of red, orange, and yellow, especially at sunset. It’s one of the hottest places on Earth, but its fiery landscape is like nothing else in the world. Interested? Read more about it here.
Abyaneh
Abyaneh is a picturesque village known for its traditional red clay houses and ancient customs. The village feels frozen in time, with locals still wearing brightly colored clothing that reflect centuries of culture. It’s a great place to experience authentic Iranian village life and admire its beautiful mountain setting.
Why visit
Many people will think of Iran as a scary country if you just watch Western media, but the truth of how the country really is couldn’t be further away! Iranians are famous for being if not the most then one of the friendliest peoples in the world. When people find out you are a foreign visitor it is extremely common to get invited to people’s houses and even have random people pay for your meals or just not charge you.
Iran also has an incredible amount of historical sites and extremely amazing natural beauty that ranges from sandy deserts to snowy forested mountains. You can go skiing, swim at the beach and explore huge cities all in this great country.
If you’re a foodie, then Iran is also a country for you with nearly every province having specialities that will make you drool everyday you spend in the country.
Rules
Being a strict Islamic country means that there are some dress code rules to follow in the country. Women must wear a headscarf and not show any form fitting clothing. Men must also wear long pants and dress conservative.
Dress code
As Iran is a conservative Muslim country, Islamic dress rules apply. Men should not wear shorts and should be decent, while women need to be fully covered and wear a headscarf.
The headscarf in Iran, when it is worn, is often worn very loosely, back from the forehead.
If you travel to Iran now, you'll see lots of locals not following the dress laws, with increased numbers of women refusing to wear headscarves and even some men wearing shorts in solidarity. As a tourist, it is best to follow the laws, so that you don't have any issues with the police. While you might agree with their protest, for your safety it's best not to get involved.
Topics of discussion
Iranian people are very curious about the foreigners that visit their country and they will ask you all kinds of questions. You will often get asked “why did you come here?”, “Are you scared?”, “Are you hungry?”. They want to know what made you come there despite what you have heard on the news and then they will probably try and feed you. We really can’t stress enough how friendly people are in this country.
Many of the locals may also try bring up sensitive topics about their country or the West, it is best to have these conversations behind closed doors while in the country and if locals bring it up in public just try be careful who you are speaking with or who is around you.
Religion
The official name of Iran is the Islamic Republic of Iran. Over 99% of Iranians are muslim, with very small Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian communities. The main branch of Islam in Iran is Shia, with a minority Sunni Muslims making up roughly 10% of the population.
According to the laws of Iran, there are only 4 permissable religions - Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrian. All other religions, as well as aethism and agnostism are illegal. This has made getting a true idea of religious identity difficult in Iran as there will be many Iranians who are non-believers but are legally muslim, and likewise some people who will members of banned religions and therefore legally, on paper, they are recorded as a religion that they don't actually believe in.
Politics
The Islamic Republic of Iran is run as a theocracy where the Supreme Leader - the Ayotollah, has the final say on all matters. The country has elections and political parties, but all candidates for election must be cleared by the Guardian Council, which is chaired by the Ayotollah. The Guardian Council is the supreme decision making body and is made up primarily of clerics who are unelected. The Guardian Council can veto any laws passed by the Parliament or the President.
Ethnicity
Around 80% of the population of Iran are Persian. Other significant ethnic groups include Arabs, Kurds, Balochi, Turkmen, Azeri, Assyrians, Georgians, Armenians and Lurs, just to name a few.
There are a large number of immigrants and refugees from Afghanistan, as well as small minorities such as Russians who fled the Russian revolution and Africans that were originally brought as slaves.
Photography
You are going to love taking photos in Iran. If anything you will get tired clicking all day and being asked by friendly locals to snap a picture with you. As a rule there are no restrictions on camera equipment, however the Iranian regime is very sensitive about journalists, so it's probably best not to have all of your gear with you.
Likewise, it's important not to take pictures of government buildings or near military installations. Tourists have been arrested and accused of spying for taking these actions.
Hotels
Iran has all kinds of accommodation from camping and guesthouses to flash luxury brand hotels and everything in between. You might not be able to find the same brands such as the Ritz or Four Seasons mostly due to sanctions, however the hotels that are there will have the same quality as international brands.
Nightlife
Alcohol is offically illegal and as such you will not find bars and nightclubs. If an alcohol-free evening is what you are after, then the major cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz have great cafes that are open until late, as well as restaurants that feature dancing and live music.
However, if it is a party with a drink that youre after, you'll need to find your way to a private home somewhere in Iran, where every night rebelious Iranians still enjoy a drop of their favourite tipple.
Shopping
The bazaars of Iran are nothing short of legendary. You will be able to explore the kilometres of mazes filled with spices, sweet, textiles, souvenirs and many more things throughout the country.
The main thing you should definitely buy in Iran is saffron which is cheaper and better in quality than anywhere else in the world. As well as saffron, the most famous product to buy in Iran is carpets! These can vary in price from cheap made ones to carpets that cost over 1 million USD and take more than 15 years to complete.
When is the best time to visit?
Iran really comes into it's own in Spring. In Isfahan the snow melt will mean that the Zayanderud river is flowing. In Shiraz the trees are blossoming, and the temperature hasn't gotten too hot yet, especially for the ladies wearing headscarves.
There is a lot of domestic tourism in Iran, so avoid the summer months has the double benefit of avoiding the high season. After spring, September through to November are also great months for Iran.
What to eat
The most important part of any visit to Iran is eating. Whether you’re a meat eater or vegetarian there is something for everyone. Get ready to be doused in pomegranate flavoured sauces, butter, onions and so much rice! To see some of the dishes we recommend in Iran check out our food and drink section .
