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Asia

40 Iran

40 Iran

Iran offers one of the region's richest historical journeys, from Tehran's museums and royal complexes to Isfahan's Safavid architecture, Yazd's desert heritage, and Shiraz's poetic gardens. Travelers can experience ancient Persian sites like Persepolis alongside vibrant bazaars, mountain landscapes, and strong local hospitality. Because of sanctions, legal sensitivities, and regional tensions, careful planning is essential before and during travel.
Iran flag

Visa Information

Below is a summary of how I entered, whether through a visa or another permitted route.

Visa Required
Yes
Process Time
7-10 working days (authorization code)
Duration
30 days
Cost
EUR 75 approx (EUR 36 authorization code + EUR 40 visa stamp at airport)

Required Documents

Prepare these before applying

  • Valid passport
  • Authorization letter from MFA (obtained through hotel/hostel in Iran)
  • Return flight ticket
  • Hotel booking

Notes

Obtained an authorization letter from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Tehran hostel I was going to stay at. On arrival at the airport, paid the visa stamp fee in EUR cash.

Last updated 2 weeks ago

Draft: This expense data is still being reviewed and may be updated.
S.No Date Details (Notes) Category Unit Cost / Unit Amount Currency Amount (NPR)
1 — — Visa & Documents — — — — 75.00
2 — — Visa & Documents — — — — 25.00
3 — ~6M/night Accommodation — — — — 12,000,000.00
4 — ~3M/day Food & Dining — — — — 6,000,000.00
5 — — Transport — — — — 3,000,000.00
6 — — Transport — — — — 400,000.00
7 — — Activities — — — — 2,000,000.00
8 — — Activities — — — — 1,500,000.00
9 — — Connectivity — — — — 2,000,000.00
10 — — Transport — — — — 5,000,000.00
11 — ~7M/night Accommodation — — — — 14,000,000.00
12 — — Food & Dining — — — — 5,000,000.00
13 — — Activities — — — — 1,000,000.00
14 — — Activities — — — — 1,500,000.00
15 — Free Activities — — — — —
16 — — Transport — — — — 1,500,000.00
17 — — Transport — — — — 4,000,000.00
18 — ~5M/night Accommodation — — — — 10,000,000.00
19 — — Food & Dining — — — — 4,000,000.00
20 — — Activities — — — — 1,000,000.00
21 — Free walk Activities — — — — —
22 — — Transport — — — — 1,000,000.00
23 — — Transport — — — — 4,500,000.00
24 — ~5M/night Accommodation — — — — 10,000,000.00
25 — — Food & Dining — — — — 4,000,000.00
26 — — Activities — — — — 1,000,000.00
27 — — Activities — — — — 800,000.00
28 — — Activities — — — — 2,000,000.00
29 — — Transport — — — — 1,500,000.00
30 — Taxi return Transport — — — — 5,000,000.00
31 — — Activities — — — — 2,000,000.00
32 — — Food & Dining — — — — 1,500,000.00
33 — Traditional herb stew Food & Dining — — — — 1,200,000.00
34 — — Food & Dining — — — — 1,500,000.00
35 — Pomegranate walnut stew Food & Dining — — — — 1,200,000.00
36 — Traditional lamb broth Food & Dining — — — — 800,000.00
37 — — Insurance — — — — 40.00
38 — — Miscellaneous — — — — 5,000,000.00
39 — — Miscellaneous — — — — 3,000,000.00
40 — — Transport — — — — 3,000,000.00
41 — — EUR 100 + IRR 122,900,000 + USD 40 — — — — —
Total 122,900,140.00

Last updated 5 days ago

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General Tips

Tehran: Visit Golestan Palace and the National Museum. Isfahan is nicknamed 'Half of the World' - see Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam Mosque, and Si-o-se-pol Bridge. Yazd is a desert city with mud-brick architecture and Zoroastrian fire temples. Shiraz is known for gardens and literary heritage with Hafez and Saadi tombs. Persepolis is the ancient ceremonial capital with remarkable ruins. Iranian hospitality is genuine and deeply welcoming. Try ghormeh sabzi, saffron kebab, fesenjan, and dizi. Poetry and Persian culture are central to the experience.

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Cash Only - No International Cards

International credit cards, debit cards, and bank cards DO NOT work in Iran due to sanctions. You must bring all the cash you need in USD or EUR and exchange it at official exchange offices or banks. Plan your budget carefully before arriving. This is the single most important practical tip for visiting Iran.

💡

Currency and Exchange

The official currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR), but locals quote prices in Tomans (1 Toman = 10 Rials). This can be confusing at first. Always confirm whether a price is in Rials or Tomans. Exchange money at licensed exchange offices in cities for the best rates.

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Dress Code

Iran has a mandatory dress code. Women must wear a headscarf covering their hair, a long-sleeved top or manteau (knee-length overcoat) covering hips and arms, and trousers or a long skirt. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in public. The dress code is enforced, especially at religious sites.

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Visa Requirements

Tourist visas can be obtained from Iranian embassies or as a visa on arrival at major airports for eligible nationalities. Iran also offers an e-visa system. US, UK, and Canadian citizens must travel with an authorized guide and cannot obtain visa on arrival. Check requirements for your nationality well in advance.

💡

Internet and VPN

Many websites and social media platforms (Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter) are blocked in Iran. Download and set up a reliable VPN before entering the country. Local SIM cards with data are available at the airport from operators like Irancell and MCI.

💡

Getting Around

Intercity buses and trains are comfortable and affordable. VIP buses between major cities like Tehran-Isfahan (5 hours) are excellent. Domestic flights connect major cities. Within cities, Snapp (Iran's Uber equivalent) is widely used. The Tehran metro is modern and efficient.

Last updated 5 days ago

1

First Day in Tehran

📍 Tehran

I started the trip in Tehran and spent the first day there, using the city as the beginning of my two-week route through Iran.

2

Second Day in Tehran

📍 Tehran

I continued staying in Tehran on the second day and spent more time around the city before moving on to the next stop.

3

Third Day in Tehran

📍 Tehran

I spent a third day in Tehran, finishing the first part of the journey before leaving for Kashan.

4

Tehran to Kashan

📍 Kashan

On day 4, I left Tehran and continued my trip to Kashan, where I began the next section of the itinerary.

5

Second Day in Kashan

📍 Kashan

I spent another day in Kashan and stayed there for the second part of my visit before heading onward.

6

Kashan to Isfahan

📍 Isfahan

After Kashan, I traveled to Isfahan and began my stay there as part of the middle section of the trip.

7

Second Day in Isfahan

📍 Isfahan

I stayed in Isfahan on the seventh day and continued spending time around the city.

8

Third Day in Isfahan

📍 Isfahan

I spent one more full day in Isfahan before continuing on to Yazd.

9

Isfahan to Yazd

📍 Yazd

On day 9, I moved from Isfahan to Yazd and started the next part of the route there.

10

Second Day in Yazd

📍 Yazd

I spent another day in Yazd and stayed there for the second day of that section of the journey.

11

Yazd to Shiraz

📍 Shiraz

On day 11, I continued from Yazd to Shiraz and began my stay there.

12

Shiraz and Move Toward Tabriz

📍 Shiraz

I spent time in Shiraz and then continued onward toward the next stop, following the route that later took me to Tabriz.

13

Day in Tabriz

📍 Tabriz

I spent the thirteenth day in Tabriz before making my way back toward Tehran at the end of the trip.

14

Return to Tehran

📍 Tehran

I finished the two-week journey back in Tehran, ending the trip there after traveling through the main cities on my route.

Last updated 2 weeks ago

Chelow Kebab

Saffron-infused basmati rice served with marinated and grilled lamb or beef kebabs.

Ghormeh Sabzi

Herb stew with kidney beans and lamb, flavored with fenugreek and dried limes.

Tahdig

Crispy golden rice crust from the bottom of the pot, the most coveted part of Persian rice.

Fesenjan

Rich pomegranate and walnut stew with chicken or duck, a celebratory Persian dish.

Ash Reshteh

Thick noodle soup with beans, herbs, and kashk whey, a hearty Persian comfort food.

Zereshk Polo

Saffron rice studded with tart barberries and served with saffron chicken.

Last updated 2 weeks ago

Tehran

No description provided.

Isfahan

No description provided.

Yazd

No description provided.

Shiraz

No description provided.

Persepolis

No description provided.

Last updated 2 weeks ago