How to Travel from Dubai to Kish and Qeshm Islands
How to Travel from Dubai to Kish and Qeshm Islands
The closest Iranian tourist destinations to Dubai and, in general, UAE are Kish and Qeshm islands. Interestingly, all nationals can travel to these islands without obtaining an Iran visa and stay there for 14 days.
Therefore, this is a golden opportunity for the residents of the Persian Gulf countries such as the UAE and Oman to visit these islands in the form of a short tour or a weekend vacation at a reasonable price.
Other nationalities traveling to these countries can also arrange a short trip to one of these islands and visit them without obtaining the Iran visa.
In this blog, first, we give you some information about Kish and Qeshm Islands, and then we explain how to travel from Dubai and Muscat to these two Islands. So, if you have any questions or would like to travel to these islands, do not hesitate to contact us.
Can Americans, English, and Canadians Visit Kish and Qeshm Visa-Free?
All nationalities, including Americans, English, and Canadians, can visit Kish and Qeshm Islands without getting an Iran visa. They only need a passport valid for at least six months, a vaccine card, and a negative PCR test (during the Coronavirus outbreak).
The only difference between these three nationalities and other nationalities is that their arrival to these islands must be announced to the airport passport office in advance, and their accommodation must be reserved before their arrival. Accordingly, these three nationalities must arrange their visit to the islands with an Iranian travel agency.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Kish and Qeshm Islands?
The best time to visit these two islands is during the autumn and winter when the weather is mild.
Most of Iran’s mainland is cold in these seasons, but the weather on the Persian Gulf coasts and Islands is charming.
To be more precise, the best time to visit Kish and Qeshm islands is from October till April. However, as these islands are popular destinations among domestic tourists, they are very crowded during Persian New Year, known as Nowruz (March 21st till April 2nd)
Moreover, sometimes the sea is stormy during spring and autumn, and the boats do not cruise in the gulf. So, before planning to visit these islands, you’d better check the weather forecast.
Do Kish and Qeshm Islands Worth Visit?
Hormozgan province, known as the province of the islands, is located in southern Iran on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf; Its beautiful islands, including Kish, Qeshm, Hormoz, Naz, Hengam, etc. are the best natural, cultural, historical, and food tourism destinations in southern Iran.
Here we introduce these beautiful islands and explain how to travel to these islands from UAE and Oman.
Kish Island
Kish Island, known as the Persian Gulf Gem, is a beautiful island with white beaches surrounded by infinite crystal clear blue water.
The island is located 19 kilometers from the Bandar Abbas coast and offers its guests relaxation and modern amenities.
You can find lovely beaches, waterfront recreation sites, modern shopping malls, and even historical sites on this island.
Moreover, since Kish island is a free-trade zone, international tourists can travel without getting an Iran visa.
Why Is Kish an Interesting Destination?
- All nationalities can visit Kish Island visa-free.
- When other Iran destinations are cold during winter, this island is mild and pleasant.
- In addition to beautiful beaches and colorful shopping malls, Kish Island also has historical sites.
- The beaches of Kish Island are extremely clean, and the bay’s water in this area is blue and clear. Therefore Kish Island is a great spot to experience diving in Iran.
- Due to the low value of the Iranian currency compared to the other currencies, everything in Kish is significantly cheaper than nearby tourist beaches such as Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, etc. Accordingly, all services such as accommodation, transportation, sea recreation, food, etc., are available to tourists at a very reasonable price on this island.
- It is true that Kish belongs to Iran, but because it is located outside the mainland, the social Iran rules, such as women’s clothing, are less strict.
Qeshm Island
Qeshm, known as the island of seven wonders, is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, where you can visit a vast UNESCO Geopark full of extraordinary natural features.
Some years ago, the tourism world did not know the largest island of the Persian Gulf as a tourist destination. But, today, Qeshm island has become a popular destination among domestic and international tourists.
The abundance of natural and historical attractions, traditional resorts, water sports, and wonderful small islands have attracted tourists to Qeshm Island.
Interestingly, although the recent tourism boom on the island, Qeshm has preserved its own culture, costumes, cousins, handicrafts, etc. Finally, Qeshm, like Kish, is a free-trade zone, so international tourists can travel to this island without getting an Iran visa.
Why Is Qeshm Island an Interesting Destination?
- All nationalities can visit Qeshm Island visa-free.
- When other Iran destinations are cold during winter, this island is mild and pleasant.
- Qeshm is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, with different natural, cultural, and historical attractions.
- Qeshm Island houses a vast UNESCO Geopark, full of extraordinary natural features that is unique among other Persian Gulf islands.
- There are several small islands near Qeshm, such as Hormoz, Naz, Hengam, etc., that are exceptional in the world.
- The beaches of this island are extremely clean, and the water of the bay in this area is crystal clear.
- Due to the low value of the Iranian currency, everything in Qeshm is significantly cheaper compared to nearby tourist beaches, even Kish island. Accordingly, all services such as accommodation, transportation, sea recreation, food, etc., are available to tourists at a very reasonable price on this island.
How to Travel from Dubai to Kish Island
The first, easiest, and fastest way to go to Kish Island from Dubai is to take a direct flight from Dubai to Kish.
Currently (July 2023), Iran Air operates direct Dubai to Kish flights three times a week. Moreover, Dubai to Kish ticket price for a two-way flight starts from 280 USD.
The schedule of Dubai to Kish flight is as follows:
| Day | Origin | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays | Kish Airport | Dubai Airport | 09:00 |
| Mondays | Dubai Airport | Kish Airport | 11:45 |
| Thursdays | Kish Airport | Dubai Airport | 08:15 |
| Thursdays | Dubai Airport | Kish Airport | 11:00 |
The second option is to use the sea route. For this purpose, you can travel by ferry from Dubai to Bandar Lengeh in Iran and take a taxi or bus to Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab. Then go to Kish by boat from one of these ports. Note using the sea route to enter Kish is only possible for travelers who do not need to obtain an Iran visa or have obtained a visa before.
Notably, 15 nationalities can travel to Iran visa-free. It means that they can enter Iran without requiring any type of Iran visa. These nationalities are as per below:
Armenia, Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Turkey, Iraq (only through air borders), Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Georgia, Malaysia, Syria, and Venezuela.
The schedule of Dubai to Bandar Lengeh Ferries is as follows (Updated July 2023):
| Day | Origin | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays | Dubai Port | Bandar Lengeh | 10:00 |
| Thursdays | Dubai Port | Bandar Lengeh | 10:00 |
| Wednesdays | Bandar Lengeh | Dubai Port | 09:00 |
| Sundays | Bandar Lengeh | Dubai port | 09:00 |
How to Travel from Dubai to Qeshm Island
The first, easiest, and fastest way for all nationalities to travel to Qeshm from Dubai is using the direct flight from Dubai to Qeshm.
At present (July 2023), Qeshm Air operates direct Dubai to Qeshm flights three times during the week. Moreover, Dubai to Qeshm ticket price for a two-way flight starts from 320 USD.
The schedule of these flights is as follows:
| Day | Origin | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays | Dubai Airport | Qeshm Airport | 18:55 |
| Mondays | Qeshm Airport | Dubai Airport | 16:30 |
| Thursdays | Dubai Airport | Qeshm Airport | 18:55 |
| Thursdays | Qeshm Airport | Dubai Airport | 16:30 |
| Saturdays | Qeshm Airport | Dubai Airport | 19:15 |
| Saturdays | Dubai Airport | Qeshm Airport | 21:40 |
The second option is to travel via the sea route. For this purpose, you can travel by ferry from Dubai to Bandar Lengeh in Iran and take a taxi or bus to Bandar Pol or Bandar Abbas. Then go to Kish by ferry from one of these ports. Note that traveling through the sea route to visit Qeshm is only possible for travelers who do not need to obtain the Iran visa or have got it before.
Most Frequent Questions and Answers about How to Travel to Kish and Qeshm Islands from Dubai
The distance from Dubai to Qeshm island is 175 km. And Dubai to Qeshm flight duration is about one hour.
The Distance from Dubai to kish island is 211 km. And Dubai to kish flight duration is about one hour.
All nationalities can visit Kish and Qeshm Islands without obtaining an Iran visa. Similarly, US, Canadian and English citizens can visit these two islands visa-free, but they need a certified guide waiting for them at Kish airport upon arrival.
Although it is away from the mainland, the Iran rules are imposed on this island. So, alcohol is banned in Kish.
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