Info
Latest Update — November 2025
Tourist entries are recorded on a paper slip (no passport stamp).
VOA is airport-only; for rules and timelines, see the Iran Visa Guide.
Bring EUR/USD cash—foreign cards don’t work; use local cards or cash exchange.
Install 1–2 VPNs before flying to keep your apps accessible.
Tehran’s IKA is the main international airport; see Tehran Airports Guide
Why visit Iran in 2025
Iran blends ancient civilizations (Persepolis), Silk Road bazaars (Tabriz, Kashan), deserts (Yazd, Kaluts), Caspian forests, and warm hospitality. 2025 brings improved domestic flights, stable intercity bus services, and easier tourist services (SIM, local ride-hailing, and metro in major cities).
Is Iran safe to travel in 2025?
For tourists following normal city awareness, major routes and sights are considered safe. Avoid political gatherings, follow local advice, and respect photography rules near official sites. Solo women’s travel is common on main routes; choose central accommodations, use ride-hailing apps, and dress modestly.
Best time to visit
March–May (spring): peak cities & gardens; Nowruz crowds/prices.
September–November (autumn): ideal for most routes (cooler deserts).
June–August: hot south/deserts; cool in Tabriz/Zanjan/Caspian.
December–February: quiet & cheaper; snow in the northwest.
Quick planning: 7–14-day itineraries
Classic 7–8 days (first-timers)
Tehran (2) → Kashan (1) → Isfahan (2) → Yazd (2)
Optional day trip: Abyaneh and Varzaneh Desert.
Highlights 10 days
Tehran (2) → Kashan (1) → Isfahan (2) → Yazd (2) → Shiraz (3) (Persepolis & Necropolis).
Two-week discovery
Tehran (2) → Kashan (1) → Isfahan (2) → Yazd (2) → Shiraz (3) → Kerman (2) (Kaluts) → Tabriz (2) or Caspian coast.
Getting around: intercity VIP buses (spacious & cheap), frequent domestic flights, and trains on some routes (Tehran–Mashhad/Isfahan/Tabriz).
Costs & budgets (typical)
Mid hotels/guesthouses: €25–€60 per room/night (double).
Meals: €3–€10 pp (local to nicer restaurants).
City taxis / ride-hailing: €1–€4 per ride in big cities.
Intercity bus (VIP): €6–€15; domestic flights: €30–€90.
Museums/sights: €2–€10.
Sample daily budgets (pp):
Backpacker: €25–€40 (hostels/guesthouses + buses)
Mid-range: €45–€80 (private rooms + mix of flights/buses)
Comfortable: €90–€150+ (boutique stays + flights)
Money, cards & exchange
Foreign bank cards don’t work. Bring EUR/USD cash and exchange it at authorized exchanges. Many travelers use local tourist cards (prepaid debit cards) to avoid carrying too much cash. Keep small bills for taxis/markets.
SIM, internet & VPNs
Buy a tourist SIM at the airport or city kiosks (MTN Irancell / MCI / Rightel). Data is cheap; a passport is required. Install 2 VPNs before arrival to keep your usual apps and maps accessible.
Dress code & etiquette
Women: headscarf, long sleeves, tunic/long shirt covering hips; loose trousers/jeans are fine.
Men: t-shirts and jeans are fine; avoid very short shorts in public.
Etiquette: remove shoes in homes; accept tea; be polite with photos; avoid political discussion with strangers.
Food you shouldn’t miss
Ghormeh Sabzi, Fesenjan, Dizi (Abgoosht), Tahchin, kebabs, Ash Reshteh, saffron ice cream, pistachios, pomegranate everything. Vegetarian options exist (ash, kashk-e bademjan, kookoo, salads), but plan a bit.
Transport inside cities
Metro: Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz.
Ride-hailing: Snapp/Tap30 (cheap, reliable; cash or local card).
Taxis: Agree on a fare in advance when hailing on the street.
Intercity: VIP buses, trains, domestic flights; book via agencies or hotel desks.
Top places & experiences
Tehran: National Museum, Carpet Museum, Tabiat Bridge, Grand Bazaar.
Kashan: Fin Garden, Agha Bozorg Mosque, historic houses (Tabatabaei, Borujerdi).
Isfahan: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam & Sheikh Lotfollah mosques, Si-o-se-pol bridges.
Yazd: Windcatchers, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Towers of Silence, and desert tours.
Shiraz: Nasir-al-Mulk (Pink Mosque), Vakil Bazaar, Persepolis & Necropolis.
Kerman: Shahdad Kaluts (otherworldly desert).
Tabriz: Bazaar (UNESCO), Kandovan troglodyte village.
Caspian: forests, rice paddies, local seafood.
Do’s & don’ts
Do: carry copies of passport & visa slip, modest clothing, cash, VPN, and offline maps.
Don’t: bring drones, photograph sensitive sites, rely on foreign cards, or plan to get VOA at land borders (airports only).
Visas (one-screen summary with link)
Most travelers need a visa. Choices: e-Visa + embassy/airport pickup or VOA at major airports (not land). US/UK/CA: embassy-only with guided itinerary. Fees typically €30–€100; processing 7–15 business days (US/UK/CA: 4–8 weeks). Entry window after issuance is ~45 days.
👉 Full details: Iran Visa Guide
Essential packing list
- Passport & paper-slip holder
- Scarf (women)
- Light layers
- Sunscreen
- Power bank
- Universal adapter
- Refillable bottle
- Small EUR/USD bills
- VPNs installed
- Offline maps
FAQ
Quick answers
Is Iran safe for solo women?
Yes. Registration typically needs SMS verification, and phone-booking options also require an Iranian number.
Can I pay by card?
International cards don’t work. Use cash or a local tourist card.
Can I drink tap water?
In many cities, it’s safe but tastes different; most travelers use bottled or filtered water.
Do I need a return ticket?
Often requested at the airport for VOA—carry a booking.
Will my passport be stamped?
No, tourist entry/exit goes on a separate paper slip.
How fast is mobile internet?
4G is common in cities; coverage is decent on highways; keep offline maps for deserts.