FAQ About Iran

Depending on your nationality, yes. You can see visa exemptions and regulations here.

Most eligible foreign nationals should apply for an Iranian e-Visa before traveling. In some cases, you can choose to collect your approved visa at an Iranian international airport (such as Tehran Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, or Tabriz). For more information about an Iran visa, see Iran visa – a complete guide.

Yes, it is possible. For more information about visa extensions, see Iran visa extension – a complete guide.

Yes. As of May 21, 2024, it is mandatory to have insurance.

Iran has been known for its hospitality for a long time. Many visitors describe it as welcoming.

Yes. Many solo travelers have explored Iran and often highlight the kindness of local people.

Many women have traveled throughout Iran and report positive experiences, especially due to the country's welcoming culture. Female travelers are expected to follow Iran's dress code, including wearing a headscarf in public, and should respect local customs.

Here is a list of important emergency contacts in Iran:

Service	Number
Police	110
Ambulance (Medical Emergency)	115
Fire Department	125
Iranian Red Crescent	112

No. Due to sanctions imposed on Iran, it is not possible to use international credit cards.

It depends on your travel style and whether your tour includes accommodation, transportation, and meals.

Both are acceptable in Iran and easy to exchange.

Yes, but we don’t recommend doing all your exchange there. You can usually get a much better rate in the city.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Iran. While it is not expected in every situation, leaving a small tip is a thoughtful way to thank guides, drivers, hotel staff, or restaurant servers for excellent service.

Only if you are using an Iranian credit card.

Rial is the official currency of Iran. For more information about Iranian currency, see Toman vs. Rial Explained – A Simple Guide to Iran’s Currency.

It depends on your travel style and what is covered on your tour.

Yes, it is. Major cities in Iran have a sophisticated metro system.

No, but you can use reliable Iranian alternatives like Snapp or Tapsi.

Yes, it is. Both have a friendly UI and support English as well. To know more about the ride hailing apps in Iran, see Snapp & Tapsi in Iran: A Traveler's Complete Guide.

Generally, trains in Iran are comfortable.

Yes, they are. Iran has some of the best pilots in the world.

You need to dress modestly in Iran; for more detailed information, see Iran Dress Code in 2026 What Tourists Should Wear (Complete Guide).

Drinking is not allowed in Islam, and Iran, being an Islamic country, you can’t drink alcohol.

Visitors should dress modestly, greet people politely, remove their shoes when entering someone's home if requested, and ask permission before photographing people. You may also encounter taarof, a traditional custom of polite offers and refusals.

Shaking hands is possible between people of the same gender.

Iranians are friendly and let you take their photos, but it’s better to ask them first.

Except for military sites, government buildings, and airports, you can photograph almost everything else.

Yes, you can. You need to follow the Iran dress code in the mosque.

During Ramadan, many Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. As a visitor, you are not required to fast, and traveling around Iran remains comfortable. Most tourist attractions, museums, and hotels continue to operate as usual. Some restaurants and cafés may have reduced daytime hours or serve meals only in designated indoor areas. After sunset, cities come alive with festive gatherings, special foods, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making Ramadan a unique and memorable time to experience Iranian culture and hospitality.

Yes, you can. Upon arrival at the airport, you can buy a SIM card at an MTN-Irancell or IR MCI booth. To know more about SIM cards in Iran, see Iran SIM Card & eSIM Guide (2026) Best Options for Tourists.

Not yet. Iran does not currently support eSIMs for tourists through its local mobile operators.

Depends on what you need to do. To use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, and X (Twitter), you need to use a VPN.

Wi-Fi is available in hotels. Some restaurants and cafes provide free (no username and password) Wi-Fi as well.

Yes, 5G is available in most areas in Iran.

Yes! Drinking tap water is safe, clean, and common in Iran.

Yes, they can. Iran has some of the best hospitals and doctors in the whole world. There are many health tourists coming to Iran annually.

Yes, there are always English-speaking staff in Iranian hospitals.

Keep calm and call 115 for medical emergencies.

Yes, they are. There is always a pharmacy in the cities within walking distance.

Yes! Although it depends on what medicine you need.

It’s better to carry your prescription with you. The doctors in the pharmacy can help you.

Some of them are open 24 hours.

For most travelers, no vaccines are required for entry. However, if you are arriving from or have recently traveled through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen during the warmer months, wash your hands regularly, and eat at clean, reputable restaurants. Carry any prescription medications you need in their original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription. If you have any specific medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider before your trip.

Yes, it is possible to do so. Everything will be based on your preferences and pace in a private tour.

These tours are made around your interests, travel style, budget, and pace. For more information about tailor-made tours, see Iran Tailor-Made Tours.

Iranians are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. Iran is a great destination for families and solo travelers alike.

Except for American, British, and Canadian nationalities, you can travel through Iran without a guide.

Yes! We can apply quickly for your visa and get its approval.

No! only a portion of money should be transferred to begin the process. You can pay the rest upon arrival.

Iran is an Islamic country and follows the teachings of Islam. There are Muslim-friendly tour of Iran where you can enjoy the Islamic culture of Iran.

Iran has been mentioned in the Bible as Persia. You can walk through the land mentioned in Isaiah, the book of Daniel, Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah through the Iran Biblical Tour.

The best time to visit Iran is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing.

It all depends on your preference. You can visit just a city in a day or two, or you can have a longer tour by visiting different cities.

Iran is one of the cheapest countries to travel to.

Most first-time travelers to Iran visit the golden triangle of Iran. The cities of Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd alongside Tehran and Kashan.

Yes, many travelers can explore Iran independently. Major cities have good domestic flights, trains, buses, and taxis, making it easy to travel between destinations. However, depending on your nationality and current visa regulations, some visitors may need to travel with an authorized guide.

Yes, you can. You need your passport and International Driving License (IDP) to rent a car in Iran.

Yes, you can easily rent a car and drive.

It depends on your preferred accommodation and travel style. The price for hotels can be quite reasonable for tourists in Iran.

No, Airbnb is not available in Iran.

Yes, it is possible for unmarried foreign couples to stay together.

Yes, they do. Every hotel provides Wi-Fi for the guests.

Yes! Iran has a diverse food culture.

Yes! It is possible to have vegan food in Iran.

Not necessarily. Iran has a diverse food culture, and you can find food you prefer easily in Iran.

Yes! Drinking tap water is safe, clean, and common in Iran.

Yes, bargaining is common and expected in traditional bazaars and local markets, especially when buying handicrafts, carpets, antiques, and souvenirs. Bargain politely and with a smile, as it's often part of the shopping experience.

Iran is known for its high-quality handicrafts. Persian carpets and rugs, handwoven kilims, saffron, pistachios, Persian caviar, turquoise jewelry, enamelware (Minakari), marquetry (Khatamkari), hand-printed textiles (Ghalamkari), copperware, pottery, Persian sweets such as Gaz and Sohan, and aromatic spices are amongst many things you can buy in Iran.

Yes. Most Persian carpets and rugs can be legally taken out of Iran as personal purchases. However, the export of antique or historically significant carpets may be restricted, and some countries have their own import regulations or sanctions that affect purchases from Iran. If you're buying a valuable carpet, purchase it from a reputable dealer who can provide the necessary documentation and advise you on any export requirements.

You can take up to 100 grams of saffron per person.

Iran uses Type C and Type F electrical plugs.

You can find many Iranians who are able to speak English.

Yes, you can. The easiest way is to buy it at the airport at an MTC-Irancell or IR MCI booth at the airport. To know more about SIM cards in Iran, see Iran SIM Card & eSIM Guide (2026) Best Options for Tourists.

You need to have a VPN to use WhatsApp in Iran.

Yes, 5G is available in most areas in Iran.

Knowing some essential Farsi (Persian) words like how to ask directions, price, or address can help you throughout your tour in Iran. To learn more about these words, see Essential Farsi Phrases.