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Southern Asia

IranTravel guide

Explore Iran visa rulesCommon scams in Iran

Iran, formerly called Persia, has ancient sites, tiled mosques and varied landscapes. Tehran is the capital. The source warning, updated 11 October 2026, says many countries advise against all travel and advise visitors already there to leave because of armed conflict and civil disturbance.

Why go

  1. Ancient Persian history and tiled mosques.

  2. Meymand, a village with homes cut into rock.

  3. Traditional hotels in Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd.

  4. Historic inns that form the Persian Caravanserai World Heritage Site.

  5. Iranian food, strong black tea and a strong tradition of hospitality.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn are relatively mild in the northwest. Southern summers are very hot, while northwestern winters bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures.

Getting there

By air

  • Tehran's main international airport is Imam Khomeini International Airport, 37 km southwest of the city.
  • Many domestic connections require a transfer to Mehrabad Airport, about 40 km away. Allow at least three to four hours between flights.
  • The source lists flight connections through Dubai, Istanbul and other regional hubs. It also lists international flights to cities including Shiraz, Mashhad and Isfahan.

By land

  • Iran has road border crossings with all its neighbouring countries. Turkey is a common route for travellers bringing a car.
  • Bringing your own car requires a Carnet de Passage, a customs document for the vehicle, unless you pay import duty. The source also says foreign drivers must have a valid international driving licence.
  • Drivers coming from Pakistan need permission to cross Balochistan and must travel with official escorts. Paperwork and escort arrangements can cause delays of several days.

By sea

  • The source lists scheduled boats from Baku to Bandar Anzali on the Caspian Sea.
  • It also lists services from Persian Gulf cities to Iran's coast, but describes their quality as generally poor.

Customs

  • Do not bring books or magazines that may offend strict Islamic beliefs or criticise the government. They may be confiscated and cause problems on arrival.
  • Importing alcohol is strictly banned and carries severe penalties.
  • Iran normally does not recognise dual citizenship. Iranian dual citizens must enter using their Iranian passport.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Tickets can be bought at airports or travel agencies in major cities. Book early for August and September, when last-minute seats can be very hard to find. The source describes flying as safer than road travel, while noting old aircraft and concerns about maintenance and safety procedures.

  • Intercity buses

    The bus network is extensive and cheap, but long journeys can be slow. First-class buses usually have air conditioning and a small snack. Second-class services run more often. Buy tickets at bus terminals or ticket offices, up to a week ahead. Terminals are often far from city centres, so allow for a taxi journey.

  • Trains

    Trains are generally more comfortable than buses. Overnight sleeping berths can save the cost of a night's accommodation. Buy tickets at stations up to one month ahead. Book at least a few days early during busy domestic holidays. Trains are often delayed, so leave plenty of time between connections. Some cities have few direct rail connections, even when they appear close on a map.

  • Local buses

    Routes and signs can be hard to follow without Persian. Most road signs have English, but local bus signs generally do not. Men sit in the front half, while women and children sit at the back. Tickets are sold near many stops, and private buses accept cash. Tehran buses use rechargeable travel cards rather than paper tickets.

What to see and do

  • Meymand

    This ancient village near Shahr-e-Babak in Kerman province has hundreds of homes cut by hand into rock. People still live there.

  • Stone engravings around Meymand

    The source describes engravings around the village as 10,000 years old.

  • The Persian Caravanserai

    This World Heritage Site brings together dozens of historic inns across Iran.

  • Iran's tiled mosques

    The source highlights their beauty as one of the country's main attractions.

  • Visit Meymand

    Explore a village with a long history of people living in rock-cut homes. Summers are hot and winters are very cold.

  • Visit a tea house

    Tea houses are places where local men, and less often families, gather to drink tea.

Food and drink

  • Kebabs

    Kebabs are a common restaurant dish. The source says restaurant menus can be repetitive.

  • Home cooking

    Iranian cooking uses fresh produce and aromatic herbs, with influences from several surrounding regions.

  • Pastries, fruit and nuts

    These are often served during long, relaxed social gatherings. Refusing what is offered is considered rude.

  • Meal times and food rules

    Lunch may be served from noon to 15:00, and dinner is often after 20:00. Pork is generally illegal, although shops serving the Christian community may sell it.

  • Black tea

    Called chāi, this is Iran's national drink. It is served strong, often with sugar held between the teeth while sipping.

  • Coffee

    Coffee is available in cities as Turkish-style coffee, French coffee, espresso and instant coffee.

Money

Iranian rial (IRR). Prices may be quoted in toman; one toman equals 10 rials.

  • Western credit and debit cards do not work in Iran because of sanctions.
  • Using a foreign card or checking its account online may cause the card or account to be blocked.
  • Ask whether a price is in rials or tomans before paying.
  • Exchange rates fluctuate. Black-market currency trading carries risks.

Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected. Locals often round up taxi fares and add about 10% in restaurants; the source says porters and bellboys expect 20,000 rials.

Typical costs

  • The source quotes domestic flights at no more than US$60.
  • The source quotes car rental at roughly US$20–50 per day.
  • First-class train tickets cost roughly twice the fare for a comparable bus journey.

Language

  • Persian, also called Farsi, is the national and official language.
  • Conversational English is spoken by many young people in major cities and by staff at international travel agencies and high-end hotels.
  • Kurdish, Azeri and Arabic are spoken in some regions.
  • Armenian and Aramaic are spoken by some communities.
Kheili Khosh Amadid
Welcome.
Aghaye [name]
A respectful way to address a man, like Mr [name].
Khanoome [name]
A respectful way to address a woman, like Ms [name].
Daru-khaneh
Pharmacy.
Ghatar
Train.
Chāi
Tea.
Āb ma'dani
Bottled mineral water.
Terminal
Bus station.

Staying safe

  • The source warning, updated 11 October 2026, says many countries advise against all travel and advise leaving Iran. It says Israel and the United States have been bombing Iran since 28 February 2026.
  • Stay close to air raid shelters.
  • Foreigners face a risk of arbitrary arrest and detention. Some governments also warn about terrorism and kidnapping.
  • Travel insurance may be invalid when travelling against government advice.
1 common scams in Iran, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Bring flowers, sweets or pastries when visiting a home for the first time or on a special occasion.
  • Accept food offered by a host, even if you do not plan to eat it.
  • Use Aghaye before a man's name and Khanoome before a woman's name as respectful forms of address.
  • Allow time for meals and social visits, which are often long and relaxed.

Don't

  • If you are a man, do not offer to shake a woman's hand unless she offers hers first.
  • Do not assume that hospitality means every person will feel comfortable with foreigners. The source says some people may be suspicious.

Staying healthy

  • Major cities have advanced medical facilities, but sanctions have caused severe shortages of medical supplies.
  • Serious cases may require evacuation to another country. Make sure your insurance covers this.
  • Keep your usual travel vaccinations up to date, including tetanus and polio.
  • For minor illness, your hotel can contact an English-speaking doctor. For serious illness or injury, ask for a hospital with English-speaking staff.

Phone and internet

  • Some villas available for longer stays include an internet connection.

Where to stay

  • Major cities have hotels ranging up to five-star properties.
  • Cheap guesthouses are called mosāferkhaneh or mehmānpazir and are found in many town and city centres.
  • Traditional hotels are available in central Iran, including Isfahan, Shiraz and especially Yazd.
  • Furnished villas can be rented for longer stays in Tehran and other major cities.

Outdoor adventures in Iran

Iran offers mountain walks, skiing, water caves and birdwatching. Many countries advise against all travel because of armed conflict and civil disturbance, and advise travellers already there to leave. The travel warning updated in October 2026 reports ongoing bombing.

  • Dizin ski resort

    Skiingnear Tehran

    Dizin is about two hours north of Tehran.

  • Ali Sadr Cave

    Cavenear Hamadan

    The cave is about 100 km north of Hamadan. Explore it by pedal boat.

  • Hara marine forests

    WildlifeQeshm Island, Persian Gulf

    Visit the Hara marine forests on Qeshm Island. Transport and tour arrangements are not specified.

  • Soffeh Mountain

    Hikenear Isfahan

    About 3 hours return

    Take a taxi to Soffeh Mountain, 8 km south of Isfahan. Walk up the mountain, or take the cable car from the lower station.

    • Cost: Taxi: 100,000 rials. Cable car: 200,000 rials. Prices dated April 2017.

  • Chitgar Lake birdwatching

    WildlifeTehrannear Tehran

    Visit the artificial lake in the northern part of Chitgar Park in Tehran.

  • Kebar Dam pathway

    Hikenear Qom

    Head 23 km southeast of Qom, near Zanburak village. Follow the pathway along the dam for views of the Kebar River.

Airports, metros and trains in Iran

Airports with scheduled flights

  • ABDAbadan Ayatollah Jami International AirportAbadanMain international airport
  • KERAyatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani International AirportKermanMain international airport
  • BNDBandar Abbas International AirportBandar AbbasMain international airport
  • XBJBirjand International AirportBirjandMain international airport
  • IKAImam Khomeini International AirportTehranMain international airport
  • IFNIsfahan Shahid Beheshti International AirportIsfahanMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • IsfahanIsfahan Metro20 stations20.2 kmsince 2015
  • MashhadMashhad Urban Railway40 stations43.3 kmsince 2011
  • ShirazShiraz Metro24 stations32.5 kmsince 2014
  • KarajKaraj Metro4 stations10.5 kmsince 2023
  • TabrizTabriz Metro18 stations17.2 kmsince 2015
  • TehranTehran Metro132 stations224.6 kmsince 2000

Trains

Rail network
16,998 km
Electrified
2,200 km

People and safety in Iran

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim100%

LGBT+ travellers

Illegal, with the death penalty in law

  • The law allows death penalty.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #128 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

72% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 110 of 198 countries can visit Iran easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required44
  • Visa on arrival66
  • eVisa78
  • Visa required8
  • Admission refused2

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa42 of 54 countries
  • Oceania9 of 14 countries
  • Asia31 of 49 countries
  • Americas19 of 35 countries
  • Europe9 of 46 countries

Questions

Is Iran safe to visit?

The source warning, updated 11 October 2026, says many countries advise against all travel because of armed conflict and civil disturbance. It also warns about arbitrary detention, terrorism and kidnapping.

Can I use my bank card?

Western credit and debit cards do not work in Iran. Prices may be quoted in tomans, with one toman equal to 10 rials.

Can I buy transport tickets in person?

Yes. Buy bus tickets at terminals or ticket offices, train tickets at stations, and domestic flight tickets at airports or travel agencies.

Will people speak English?

Many young people in major cities speak some English, as do staff at international travel agencies and high-end hotels. Basic Persian is especially useful in rural areas.

Can I drink the tap water?

Tap water is safe in most of the country, especially cities. Bottled water is widely available if you dislike the taste.

When is the weather milder?

Spring and autumn are relatively mild in the northwest. Winters there are cold and snowy, while southern summers are very hot.

Are cheap places to stay available?

Yes. Guesthouses called mosāferkhaneh and mehmānpazir offer cheap rooms in many town and city centres.

What should I bring when invited to someone's home?

Flowers, sweets or pastries are customary gifts for a first visit or special occasion.

What electricity supply does Iran use?

Iran uses 220 volts at 50 hertz, with Europlug and Schuko sockets.

What time do people eat?

Lunch may be served between noon and 15:00. Dinner is often eaten after 20:00, and meals can be long and relaxed.

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