Iran Tours & Vacations

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter Iran. Please be aware that this can be a frustrating and stressful process, and can take from 6-8 weeks. You will need to allow sufficient time for this and plan any other travel around your Iran trip accordingly. The cost of a visa also varies depending on your nationality and also changes regularly, making it hard for us to advise of the actual cost. But you should plan for it to cost somewhere around 100-180 EUR depending if you get a visa before departure or on arrival.

Iranian visas are issued in a two-step process and this will differ according to your nationality.

1. An authorisation code for your visa must be issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. A visa for your passport must then be obtained at an Iranian Embassy once the authorisation code has been issued, or on arrival (depending on your nationality).

If you are travelling on a UK, USA or CANADIAN passport, please be aware that your visa process can take longer due to government regulations. Please check that you will have sufficient time to obtain a visa before departure.

We are not currently operating in Iran and, therefore not facilitating/processing authorisation code applications at this time.

It's customary to tip service workers in Iran, so set aside small amounts for porters, local guides, waiters, drivers and cleaners.

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

During ongoing protests, the Iranian authorities can limit or shut down internet access.

Outside these shutdowns and restrictions, you can usually access the internet in Iran's cities, with many major hotels and cafes having internet access. There is typically little to no access in rural and remote areas.

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

Mobile phone functions may be limited in Iran. Foreign advisories note that mobile data, non-Iranian apps and international calls may not work and should not be relied on. 

Typically, mobile phones from other parts of the world may not work in Iran, although it's possible to buy a low-cost prepaid SIM card in most of Iran's large cities.

Squat toilets are the most common variety in Iran, although flushable western-style toilets can be found in some tourist areas and hotels. Carry your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

Tap water is considered safe to drink but due to the high mineral content, visitors should avoid drinking tap water which can cause stomach upsets. For environmental reasons, try to avoid drinking bottled water - ask your leader or hotel where access to filtered water can be found.

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

Iran is a cash economy and recent unrest has made it difficult to access cash. Travellers are advised that travellers’ cheques are difficult to change and non-Iranian debit, credit and cash cards will not work. You are also unable to use commercial banks or money transfer companies to transfer money.

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

As with the question above, ATMs in Iran rarely accept foreign cards, so cash is the main form of currency. Most foreign currencies can be exchanged into local currency onground. This included US dollars, British Pounds, Euros or Australian Dollars. Don't forget to exchange whatever you don't use back to your home currency before departing Iran.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.

Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

Read more about travel insurance