Traveling to Iran without a Visa: Kish Island & Qeshm Island

  • All tourists, may stay on Kish Island or Qeshm Island for 14 days or less without obtaining any visa.
  • Americans, Canadians, and Britons are only required to have a certified escort guide waiting for them upon their arrival and they also need to have hotel booking in advance.

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Eisenda

Elisenda F (London, UK)

June 5, 2019
    Any way you like to travel: solo, guided, fully planned, in group or with your own driver ... all that and more you can get with the TAP Persia team. I have travelled to Iran so far with my husband and two kids and solo. Organizing a trip to Iran from abroad is not easy. Both times TAP Persia sorted out the bits and pieces, I needed .... visa, hotels, bus, drivers etc...

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Iran Visa for US Citizens

1. General info

US citizens are able to visit Iran. Check out some of the American traveler experiences in Iran.

2. Process

  • Complete TAP Persia’s online visa form and provide an up-to-date resume and a scan of your passport. Your authorization code should be available in about 2 months.
  • Complete a physical copy of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ application form
  • Mail your completed application form, physical passport (with at least 6 months validity), 2 passport photos, authorization code and a money order for 120 USD to the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC.
  • Receive your passport and visa in the mail in about 1 month or pick it up yourself after at the embassy in about 1 week.

3. Costs

  • Authorization code fee: Free with the purchase of an Iran package for US citizens
  • Processing fee: 90 USD
  • Expedited processing: 58 USD
  • Maling fee: 30 USD

4. Passport photo requirements

  • Photographs for female travelers MUST adhere to the Islamic dress code
  • Must be taken in the last 6 months

5. Embassy mailing address

  • Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC
  • Mailing address: 1250 23rd St. N.W. Suite # 200 Washington, DC 20037

6. Iran tour package for US citizens

US citizens must purchase a tour package to visit Iran. Luckily, all our Iran tour packages are completely customizable. Check out this

Iran tour package for US Citizens

1. Best way to visit Iran for US citizens

The best and safest way to make sure you get a flawless experience is to book your trip through TAP Persia. Thanks to international agreements, there are plenty of options when it comes to Iran tourism for US citizens. Start a chat with one of our awesome travel support staff to get your free personalized itinerary. We can customize all our Iran tours for US citizens.

To know more about Iran visa for US citizens  and Iran vis for Canadian citizens read these articles.

2. Are US citizens allowed to visit Iran?

Yes they are. One of the most common questions we get asked is, can US citizens travel to Iran, and the answer is Yes. You can read more about US and Iran relations

3. Is Iran safe for US citizens?

Yes Iran is certainly safe for American travelers. You should exercise the same travel precautions you would take before traveling to another country. Read more the US government’s advisory about travel to Iran

4. Iran tourist visa for US citizens

  1. Get your authorization code
    • TAP Persia
    • e-Visa warnings
  2. Send application, fee and passport to the embassy. More details MFA Washington Visa
  3. Receive passport and visa

5. Cost of Iran tourist visa for US citizens

Your authorization code will be provided FREE by TAP Persia with every booking of an Iran tour package.

6. How are US tourists in Iran viewed?

Iranians are famous for their hospitality and will treat you like they treat all other travelers in the country. Iranian culture is about treating guests like family, and since travelers are seen as guests inside the country, they are extended the same warmth and welcome.

7. What are the best US tours to Iran?

  1. 5 Days
    • . If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 5 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 5 day plan.
  2. 7 Days
    1. If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 7 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. We offer 7 day Iran package tours covering all interests. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 7 day plan.
  3. 10 Days
    1. If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 10 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. We offer 10 day Iran package tours covering all interests. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 10 day plan.

8. What does an Iran tour for US citizens look like?

Escort guide, accommodations with traditional Iranian architecture, friendly locals and unique activities.

9. Can I use my Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile SIM card in Iran?

  • International roaming plans do not cover Iran.
  • You can buy a local sim at the IKIA Airport for all domestic and international calls along with normal 3G and 4G internet on your cell phone.
  • Buy a MTN IranCell SIM card, the best provider in Iran

Iran Visa for UK Citizens

1. General info

US citizens are able to visit Iran. Check out some of the traveler experiences in Iran.

2. Process

  • Complete TAP Persia’s online visa form and provide an up-to-date resume and a scan of your passport. Your authorization code should be available in about 2 months.
  • Complete a physical copy of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa application form.
  • Mail your completed application form, physical passport (with at least 6 months validity), 2 passport photos, authorization code and your visa fee to the Iranian embassy in London.
  • Receive your passport and visa in the mail in about 1 month or pick it up yourself after at the embassy in about 1 week.

3. Costs

  • Authorization code fee: Free with the purchase of an Iran package for UK citizens
  • Processing fee: 265 USD
  • Expedited processing: 58 USD
  • Maling fee: 30-40 USD

4. Passport photo requirements

  • Photographs for female travelers MUST adhere to the Islamic dress code
  • Must be taken in the last 6 months

5. Embassy mailing address

  • Consulate Department ofthe Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Mailing address: 50 Kensington Court, W8 5DD, London, United Kingdom

6. Iran tour package for UK citizens

UK citizens must purchase a tour package to visit Iran. Luckily, all our Iran tour packages are completely customizable.

Iran tour package for US Citizens

1. Best way to visit Iran for UK citizens

The best and safest way to make sure you get a flawless experience is to book your trip through TAP Persia. Thanks to international agreements, there are plenty of options when it comes to Iran tourism for UK citizens. Start a chat with one of our awesome travel support staff to get your free personalized itinerary. We can customize all our Iran tours for UK citizens.

2. Are UK citizens allowed to visit Iran?

Yes they are. One of the most common questions we get asked is, can UK citizens travel to Iran, and the answer is Yes. You can read more about UK and Iran relations

3. Is Iran safe for UK citizens?

Yes Iran is certainly safe for British travelers. You should exercise the same travel precautions you would take before traveling to another country. Read more the UK government’s advisory about travel to Iran

4. Iran tourist visa for UK citizens

  1. Get your authorization code
    • TAP Persia
    • e-Visa warnings
  2. Send application, fee and passport to the embassy. More details MFA London Visa
  3. Receive passport and visa

5. Cost of Iran tourist visa for UK citizens

Your authorization code will be provided FREE by TAP Persia with every booking of an Iran tour package.

6. How are UK tourists in Iran viewed?

Iranians are famous for their hospitality and will treat you like they treat all other travelers in the country. Iranian culture is about treating guests like family, and since travelers are seen as guests inside the country, they are extended the same warmth and welcome.

7. What are the best UK tours to Iran?

  1. 5 Days
    • . If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 5 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 5 day plan.
  2. 7 Days
    • If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 7 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. We offer 7 day Iran package tours covering all interests. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 7 day plan.
  3. 10 Days
    • If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 10 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. We offer 10 day Iran package tours covering all interests. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 10 day plan.

8. What does an Iran tour for UK citizens look like?

Escort guide, accommodations with traditional Iranian architecture, friendly locals and unique activities

9. Can I use my EE, O2, Three or Vodafone SIM card in Iran?

  • International roaming plans do not cover Iran.
  • You can buy a local sim at the IKIA Airport for all domestic and international calls along with normal 3G and 4G internet on your cell phone.
  • Buy a MTN IranCell SIM card, the best provider in Iran

Iran Visa for Canadian Citizens

1. General info

Canadian citizens are able to visit Iran. Check out some of the traveler experiences in Iran.

2. Process

  • Complete TAP Persia’s online visa form and provide an up-to-date resume and a scan of your passport. Your authorization code should be available in about 2 months.
  • Complete a physical copy of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ application form
  • Mail your completed application form, physical passport (with at least 6 months validity), 2 passport photos, authorization code and a money order for 75 USD to the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC.
  • Receive your passport and visa in the mail in about 1 month or pick it up yourself after at the embassy in about 1 week.

3. Costs

  • Authorization code fee: Free with the purchase of an Iran package for US citizens
  • Processing fee: 75 USD
  • Expedited processing: 58 USD
  • Maling fee: 40 USD (outside the US)

4. Passport photo requirements

  • Photographs for female travelers MUST adhere to the Islamic dress code
  • Must be taken in the last 6 months

5. Embassy mailing address

  • Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC
  • Mailing address: 1250 23rd St. N.W. Suite # 200 Washington, DC 20037

6. Iran tour package for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens must purchase a tour package to visit Iran. Luckily, all our Iran tour packages are completely customizable.

Iran tour package for Canadian Citizens

1. Best way to visit Iran for Canadian citizens

The best and safest way to make sure you get a flawless experience is to book your trip through TAP Persia. Thanks to international agreements, there are plenty of options when it comes to Iran tourism for Canadian citizens. Start a chat with one of our awesome travel support staff to get your free personalized itinerary. We can customize all our Iran tours for Canadian citizens.

2. Are Canadian citizens allowed to visit Iran?

Yes they are. One of the most common questions we get asked is, can Canadian citizens travel to Iran, and the answer is Yes. You can read more about Canada and Iran relations

3. Is Iran safe for Canadian citizens?

Yes Iran is certainly safe for American travelers. You should exercise the same travel precautions you would take before traveling to another country. Read more the Canadian government’s advisory about travel to Iran

4. Iran tourist visa for Canadian citizens

  1. Get your authorization code
    • TAP Persia
    • e-Visa warnings
  2. Send application, fee and passport to the US consulate in Washington DC. More details MFA Washington Visa
  3. Receive passport and visa

5. Cost of Iran tourist visa for Canadian citizens

Your authorization code will be provided FREE by TAP Persia with every booking of an Iran tour package.

6. How are Canadian tourists in Iran viewed?

Iranians are famous for their hospitality and will treat you like they treat all other travelers in the country. Iranian culture is about treating guests like family, and since travelers are seen as guests inside the country, they are extended the same warmth and welcome.

7. What are the best US tours to Iran?

  1. 5 Days
    • If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 5 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 5 day plan.
  2. 7 Days
    • If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 7 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. We offer 7 day Iran package tours covering all interests. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 7 day plan.
  3. 10 Days
    • If you would like to experience an Iran tour in 10 days, you will see the classic destinations of Shiraz, Isfahan & Yazd. We offer 10 day Iran package tours covering all interests. Contact us for a free personalized itinerary for your 10 day plan.

8. What does an Iran tour for Canadian citizens look like?

Escort guide, accommodations with traditional Iranian architecture, friendly locals and unique activities

9. Can I use my Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, and Telus Mobility SIM card in Iran?

  • International roaming plans do not cover Iran.
  • You can buy a local sim at the IKIA Airport for all domestic and international calls along with normal 3G and 4G internet on your cell phone.
  • Buy a MTN IranCell SIM card, the best provider in Iran

FAQ: Traveling to Iran for US, UK and Canadian citizens

Can I use my credit cards or debit card in Iran?

  • Due to financial sanctions, you will not be able to use international credit, debit or bank cards while in Iran. This includes purchasing goods, withdrawing cash or any other financial activities.
  • You will have to bring enough cash in USD for your trip
  • For convenience, you can apply for a Iranian Tourist card and
    1. Just like an Iranian bank card but with your own name on it.
    2. Avoid Banks
  • Avoid carrying around lots of cash in Iranian Rials (IRR)
  1. Iran does have an extremely extensive network of ATM’s and all tellers across the country, even in rural areas, have card machines that accept the Iranian Tourist Card

Can I use my SIM card in Iran?

  • You will not be able to use your SIM card as most international plans do not cover roaming while in Iran.
  • International roaming plans do not cover Iran.
  • You can buy a local sim at the IKIA Airport for all domestic and international calls along with normal 3G and 4G internet on your cell phone.
  • Buy a MTN IranCell SIM card, the best provider in Iran

Can I travel solo in Iran?

  • US citizens must declare their entire day to day itinerary along with their accommodation for each night.
  • Easiest thing to do is get a local reputable travel agency to customize your entire experience.
  • While most agencies sell you a set itinerary, TAP Persia allows you to customize your entire Iran experience. All of our tours are private.

Where can I exchange money in Iran?

  • You can exchange money right at the IKIA airport upon your arrival.
  • You can also find reputable exchanges in major cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Tabriz and Mashhad.
  • Do a quick search on google maps and read their reviews
  • You can wire the money directly to our bank account in Germany and we can exchange your money in IRR and put it on to a personalized Iranian debit card for you. This was, you can keep track of all your transactions and don’t have to carry around a bunch of cash.
  • Exchange offices will not tell you the IRR exchange rate over the phone, only in person. The exchange rate fluctuates daily
  • You can also ask your accommodation for reputable exchanges close to where you are staying

How much money should I bring?

  • You should plan on spending 25-35 USD per day on entrance fees, transportation, food, fancy meals, service tips, souvenirs and other expenses. A typical 15 day trip could see you spending between 500-800 USD.
  • TAP Persia’s personalized half-board tours include breakfast, entrance fees and all transportation between and inside cities.
  • You should also have about 100-200 USD in emergency funds set aside.

What are the limitations when traveling in Iran?

  • Alcoholic beverages are banned in the country. The best way to have fun is to make friends with locals or if you bought a tour package, ask your guide on each cities best entertainment options.
  • Women must have their hair, arms legs covered in loose clothing while out in public
  • You cannot drastically change your itinerary without coordination with the travel agency that booked your tour package or your Iranian host.
  • Taking pictures of government buildings or police.
  • Taking pictures of people without their permission. The vast majority of locals would not mind and will even get excited when asked to take their picture.

When is the best time to visit Iran?

  • Best times to visit are in the Spring and Fall
  • Wintertime offers skiing and Summertime offers sandy and colorful beaches
  • Do not visit during the month of Ramadan as most restaurants are closed.
  • Traveling and finding places to stay between March 20 to April 5 can be difficult as this is the Nowruz period, the most important holiday of the Iranian calendar.
  • It depends on what you want to do! In most places in Iran summer is hot and winter is cold, with snow in some places.

Do I have to receive my authorization code from a travel agency?

  • You have to have an immediate relative or business apply for you through the MFA’s e-visa website.
  • You will still have to provide your travel plan for each day and list each night’s accommodation in advance.
  • It is not well maintained, the process is not trackable. In most cases authorization code can take more than 3 months. If you get it through us, it only takes about 2 months and we can give you an update on your application status whenever you like.

Can I travel to Iran as an unmarried couple?

  • Yes you can. The vast majority of hotels, like the locals, will not care whether you are actually married or just traveling together.
  • In the rare case that you are asked, you are not obligated to show proof of any kind.
  • If you are traveling with an Iranian of the opposite sex, you may be required to either show proof of legal marriage or get separate rooms. If you are married to an Iranian, keep a copy of your marriage certificate and passport as proof of marriage.

Can my Iranian partner apply for my Iran visa?

Only an immediate family member or legal spouse can apply as your host in Iran. Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends or other relatives cannot apply to be your host.

Do I have to purchase a tour to visit Iran?

The vast majority of travelers from the US, UK and Canada who travel to Iran must purchase a Iran tour package from a reputable Iranian agency such as TAP Persia. If you have Iranian spouse or immediate Iranian family members, they can apply on your behalf and while you do not need to purchase a tour, you still have to submit your itinerary and accommodation for each day of your visit.

Do I need to use VPN’s in Iran?

You will need a VPN to access many sites, so purchase a one month VPN package before you come to Iran. And be sure to ask them if they cover Iran

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