How to Prepare for a Trip to Iran in 2023, Step by Step
How to Prepare for a Trip to Iran
You have decided to visit Iran, a lesser-known destination, and have no idea, how to prepare for a trip to Iran? This blog is for you, don’t miss it!
We have prepared this step-by-step guide, based on our local knowledge, knowing the Iran rules and their changes, as well as many years of experience in dealing with international travelers. We have put ourselves in your place to clarify all the steps of preparing for an Iran trip from the moment you decide to travel to Iran until your arrival day.
If you have any questions about any step of preparation for a trip to Iran or have a suggestion that completes this blog, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Also, do not miss this article on travel tips to Iran.
Step 1: Check Your Passport Validity
The first step for preparing for a trip to Iran is to check your passport. Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months and 2 white pages for entry and exit stamps.
Step 2: Do You Need to Get a Visa for Travelling to Iran?
Pay attention to your nationality because the conditions for obtaining an Iran visa and the process duration differ based on your nationality. For example, you may be among the citizens who can travel to Iran visa-free.
The citizens of the below counties are exempt from getting an Iran visa to visit the country:
Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Bolivia, Georgia, Malaysia, Venezuela, Armenia, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Iraq.
If you are not among the mentioned nationalities who are exempt from getting an Iran visa, then you will be categorized into two groups as per below:
1) The first group, which includes most nationalities, can receive an Iran visa at the airport upon arrival. These travelers must first obtain a visa tracking code (invitation letter) online through reputable Iran travel agencies and tour operators (this code is valid for one month) before their Iran trip. Then, upon arrival at Iran airports, they will receive the visa on arrival stamp.
These nationalities can also obtain the visa stamp in advance at the Iranian embassy in their country, in which case, they will get their entry stamp faster.
2) The second category consists of travelers who are not allowed to receive Iran visas at the airport. This category includes US, England, Canada, Somalia, Colombia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Jordan passport holders.
3) Americans, English, and Canadians have different circumstances than other nationalities. They must apply for a visa at least 70 days before traveling to Iran.
Step 3: When Do You Want to Travel To Iran?
One of the most important steps to prepare for the Iran trip is to determine your travel date. To do this step, you must consider the following factors.
1) Check the Iranian calendar for checking the holidays and events. This stage is very important because Iranian holidays and weekends are different from most countries.
Notably, there are occasions in Iran such as Ramadan, Muharram, Nowruz, etc., you should know about them.
For example, there are 6 holidays in Iran when no attraction is open, including:
- Tasua
- Ashura
- Martyrdom of Imam Ali
- The demise of Imam Khomeini (3rd or 4th June)
- Martyrdom of Imam Sadegh
- The demise of Prophet Mohammad
2) Besides, Iran is a vast country with different climates. So, you should determine the most appropriate time for your trip to Iran.
Step 4: Plan Your Iran Tour ahead
Iran is a vast country with different attractions. Therefore, it is not possible to visit all the country in the form of a trip. Accordingly, you should choose among Iran destinations and consider the number of days required to visit each destination to prepare your Iran trip plan.
Usually, first-time travelers to Iran choose the Iran classic route.
We can help you arrange an Iran tour plan based on your interests, so do not hesitate to contact us.
Step 5: Apply for Iran Visa
Now that you have specified your travel date and tour plan, you can apply for an Iran visa. Please note that his step can take from 3 days to nearly 3 months for different nationalities.
Step 6: Book the International Flight Ticket to Iran
The next step to prepare for a trip to Iran is to buy the international flight ticket. Note that depending on the date of your trip to Iran, this step can be done before or after applying for the visa.
Note: Not all countries have direct flights to Iran, and the available direct flights are few, so they become fully booked quickly.
Step 7: Book the Iran Travel Services
If you bought the tour from a travel agency or tour operator, you don’t have to worry about this step. But if you want to provide the services on your own, you should start sooner and buy all the services before arrivals, such as domestic tickets, including flights, trains, and buses, hotels, travel insurance, tour guides, etc.
Note: Due to sanctions against Iran, you can not buy all travel services online with your credit card. Hence, it is necessary to contact an Iranian travel agency or tour operator to book some services.
Step 8: How Will You Pay for Iran Travel Expenses?
Due to sanctions, international credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, etc., cannot be used in Iran. Hence, you have 2 options. First, you can estimate your Iran travel cost and bring cash with you.
The second method is to use the Iran Tourist Card.
Tourist Card is an Iranian Prepaid Credit Card for tourists that you can transfer money from your credit card to this card and use in all your transactions in Iran. We recommend this option one hundred percent.
If you plan to travel to Iran, contact us right now and order your Iran tourist card.
Step 9: What to Pack for Your Trip to Iran
Now that you are ready to travel to Iran, it is time to pack your bags. Accordingly, consider the following points:
1) Check the weather conditions of your destinations in Iran and choose the right clothes accordingly.
2) Consider the Iran dress code. In short, ladies should cover their bodies and heads, and men should not wear shorts and tank shirts in public.
3) Since you can not use your credit card in Iran, you must obtain an Iranian Tourist Card or bring cash. If you bought a tourist card, you are comfortable. But if not, you should estimate the cost of your trip to Iran and bring cash (preferably euros and dollars).
4) Bring your vaccination card, negative PCR test, a copy of your invitation letter (if you want to get an airport visa code), the health self-declaration form, and travel insurance that covers COVID, along with other travel documents.
5) You cannot enter Alcohol, gambling equipment, professional cameras, and a series of prohibited objects to Iran.
Step 10: What to Do upon Arrival in Iran
Welcome to Iran!
Upon arrival at Iran’s international airport, your trip to Iran begins. But you should note that at this stage, there are points that if you know them, you will not be confused.
1) Your entry conditions will vary depending on your nationality and whether you have already obtained the visa stamp or want to receive it at the airport.
Naturally, nationalities exempt from receiving an Iranian visa or travelers who have already received the visa stamp will pass this stage faster.
2) At the airport, you may be asked about your accommodation in Iran. So, it is better to have your hotel voucher or to know the phone number and address of your accommodation in Iran.
3) Also, if you want to have travel insurance, you can buy it at Tehran International Airport or contact us before your trip.
4) Most international airports have currency exchange counters, but their rates are lower than in the city exchange offices. So if you do not need Iranian currency upon arrival. You can wait and exchange money in the city.
Note: If you have bought an Iran tourist card from Legendaryiran, we will hand over your card at the Tehran international airport upon arrival.
5) Buy an Iranian SIM card as soon as you arrive at the airport or on the first day of your Iran trip to access the Internet everywhere.
6) After buying a SIM card and accessing the Internet, install one of Iran’s online taxi applications; Snap or Tapsi. So, you can easily travel to all parts of Iran’s major cities. You can even use these applications and take a taxi from the airport to your hotel.
Finally, if you have any questions or suggestions about preparing for a trip to Iran, please your comments.
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