Iran tours for US, UK and Canadian citizens

• Due to financial sanctions, you will not be able to use international credit, debit or bank cards while in Iran. This includes purchasing goods, withdrawing cash or any other financial activities.
• You will have to bring enough cash in USD for your trip
• For convenience, you can apply for a Iranian Tourist card and
  1. Just like an Iranian bank card but with your own name on it.
  2. Avoid Banks
• Avoid carrying around lots of cash in Iranian Rials (IRR)

1. Iran does have an extremely extensive network of ATM’s and all tellers across the country, even in rural areas, have card machines that accept the Iranian Tourist Card

• You will not be able to use your SIM card as most international plans do not cover roaming while in Iran.
• International roaming plans do not cover Iran.
• You can buy a local sim at the IKIA Airport for all domestic and international calls along with normal 3G and 4G internet on your cell phone.
• Buy a MTN IranCell SIM card, the best provider in Iran

• US citizens must declare their entire day to day itinerary along with their accommodation for each night.
• Easiest thing to do is get a local reputable travel agency to customize your entire experience.
• While most agencies sell you a set itinerary, TAP Persia allows you to customize your entire Iran experience. All of our tours are private.

• You can exchange money right at the IKIA airport upon your arrival.
• You can also find reputable exchanges in major cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Tabriz and Mashhad.
• Do a quick search on google maps and read their reviews
• You can wire the money directly to our bank account in Germany and we can exchange your money in IRR and put it on to a personalized Iranian debit card for you. This was, you can keep track of all your transactions and don’t have to carry around a bunch of cash.
• Exchange offices will not tell you the IRR exchange rate over the phone, only in person. The exchange rate fluctuates daily
• You can also ask your accommodation for reputable exchanges close to where you are staying

• You should plan on spending 25-35 USD per day on entrance fees, transportation, food, fancy meals, service tips, souvenirs and other expenses. A typical 15 day trip could see you spending between 500-800 USD.
• TAP Persia’s personalized half-board tours include breakfast, entrance fees and all transportation between and inside cities.
• You should also have about 100-200 USD in emergency funds set aside.

• Alcoholic beverages are banned in the country. The best way to have fun is to make friends with locals or if you bought a tour package, ask your guide on each cities best entertainment options.
• Women must have their hair, arms legs covered in loose clothing while out in public
• You cannot drastically change your itinerary without coordination with the travel agency that booked your tour package or your Iranian host.
• Taking pictures of government buildings or police.
• Taking pictures of people without their permission. The vast majority of locals would not mind and will even get excited when asked to take their picture.

• Best times to visit are in the Spring and Fall
• Wintertime offers skiing and Summertime offers sandy and colorful beaches
• Do not visit during the month of Ramadan as most restaurants are closed.
• Traveling and finding places to stay between March 20 to April 5 can be difficult as this is the Nowruz period, the most important holiday of the Iranian calendar.
• It depends on what you want to do! In most places in Iran summer is hot and winter is cold, with snow in some places.

• You have to have an immediate relative or business apply for you through the MFA’s e-visa website.
• You will still have to provide your travel plan for each day and list each night’s accommodation in advance.
• It is not well maintained, the process is not trackable. In most cases authorization code can take more than 3 months. If you get it through us, it only takes about 2 months and we can give you an update on your application status whenever you like.

• Yes you can. The vast majority of hotels, like the locals, will not care whether you are actually married or just traveling together.
• In the rare case that you are asked, you are not obligated to show proof of any kind.
• If you are traveling with an Iranian of the opposite sex, you may be required to either show proof of legal marriage or get separate rooms. If you are married to an Iranian, keep a copy of your marriage certificate and passport as proof of marriage.

Only an immediate family member or legal spouse can apply as your host in Iran. Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends or other relatives cannot apply to be your host.

The vast majority of travelers from the US, UK and Canada who travel to Iran must purchase a Iran tour package from a reputable Iranian agency such as TAP Persia. If you have Iranian spouse or immediate Iranian family members, they can apply on your behalf and while you do not need to purchase a tour, you still have to submit your itinerary and accommodation for each day of your visit.

You will need a VPN to access many sites, so purchase a one month VPN package before you come to Iran. And be sure to ask them if they cover Iran