Iran is a very friendly and hospitable country, and as long as you follow the local rules and regulations, it is a very safe country to visit as a foreign traveller. Violent crime against foreigners is minimal, although petty crime is still prevalent in major cities, so keep your wits about you and be aware of pickpockets whilst in busy public spaces and markets.

Iran is an Islamic country, and so ensure you adhere to cultural and religious regulations whilst in Iran. Check out our FAQ on how to dress for more details on clothing regulations in Iran.

As a woman visiting Iran, you will need to follow the religious regulations regarding clothing. Headscarves in public are required and you will not be able to wear anything which shows skin on your arms or legs.

Whilst there is gender segregation in a few areas of society such as on public transport, as long as you follow the rules you’ll encounter no issues and discover Iran and its people are very welcoming and friendly.

It’s possible to visit Iran as a US citizen, however, unlike most countries around the world, visitors from the US & Canada are required to have an official Iranian guide accompany them at all times and must have an itinerary mapped out in advance. This is no issue when joining a tour with Absolute Nomads since we already work with local partners in Iran and have an established itinerary for the trip.

Avoid overtly political statements, and as long as you follow the local rules, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

Yes. Unless you are a US or Canadian citizen, you will be able visit Iran without a designated guide and explore the country solo.

Farsi, officially Persian, is the official language of Iran. Whilst you may encounter English speakers during the trip, do not assume that anyone you meet will be able to speak English or understand you easily. Our local guides will speak English, and other languages on private tours if needed – if you’re planning a private tour and require a guide who speaks another language, let us know.

Do not speak Arabic. This could be considered offensive to many locals.

You will need to carry cash with you into Iran since your credit or debit card won’t work once you’re in the country. You’ll be able to change your currency into Iranian Rials at the airport, if that’s how you’re arriving. If not, most local branches should be able to offer money exchanging services upon your arrival.

Alternatively, you can load your cash onto an Iranian debit card which are available to foreign travellers and can be acquired at the following banks:

• Bank Melli Iran
• Bank Pasargad
• Saman Bank

There is a branch of Imam Khomeini International Airport, a common port of entry into Iran. Here, you’ll be able to get a cash card and load your currency onto it. These are accepted all over Iran, although it’s certainly a good idea to keep some local currency in cash-form for any trips out into truly rural Iran.

For extra details on how and where to obtain currency, check with your tour manager before you travel.

Iran hosts a hot and dry climate with long summers and short winters. January is the coldest month of the year on average whilst August is the hottest. For this reason, the best time to visit the country is during the spring/early summer and during the autumn to ensure you catch the warm weather but avoid the months of extreme sweltering heat.

Iran, traditionally, is a meat-eating country but there are a few delicious traditional vegetarian-friendly dishes. In the capital and major cities, you shouldn’t have any trouble sourcing western-style food, however in the countryside it may be more difficult.

You MUST let us know about any dietary requirements in advance as well as any food allergies so we can ensure the food on tour is prepared appropriately and avoid any issues.

Generally speaking, the rules and regulations in Iran are based around Islamic cultural principles, and so adhering to these rules is important as a sign of respect to our Iranian hosts and the locals we’ll meet along the way.

Do not blaspheme while in the country – religion is taken very seriously in Iran and so this could easily cause great offence. Also be sure not to insult the leadership of the country. Do not exercise your political or religious beliefs whilst in public places and refrain from public displays of affection. Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, so bear this in mind during your trip.

Iran is an Islamic country, so there is a certain dress code to follow; shorts, vest tops, tight-fitting clothes are out, and hijabs (headscarves), trousers, and loose clothing are in.

Yes, ladies are indeed expected to cover their heads upon leaving the plane, but any coloured headscarf is acceptable, and there are many ways to wear the scarf. Although the rules for men may not be as strict, shorts are a no-no, as are muscle tops and vests. Knees and shoulders must be covered.

Travel insurance is required, not only by Absolute Nomads for all travellers but also by Iranian law.

Check your travel insurance covers travel to Iran. If you need any advice on insurance, contact your Tour Manager prior to your tour and they will be able to advise you on insurance policies.

No. Alcohol is banned by law in Iran.

Shops in Iran will not stock alcoholic beverages and there are penalties for being found with alcohol. Foreign travellers risk being arrested and deported if found with alcohol. Locals often drink tea and other non-alcoholic drinks. It is possible to get alcohol-free beer.

There is wifi available around Iran in hotels and in public spaces.

Iran’s ‘Visitor SIM Card’ is a prepaid SIM card made for foreigners who travel to Iran. You don’t need to have an international SIM card when travelling to Iran, the Visitor SIM Card enables you to make domestic and international calls, send SMS and enjoy the fastest 4G Internet in Iran.

In the capital, Tehran, and other major cities in Iran there is western-equivalent medical care. However, outside the cities, basic medical care and first aid may be available, but for more serious situations a return to the nearest city may be required.

For this reason, we require all travellers have fully comprehensive travel insurance.

Iran is an incredibly photogenic country with many sites and natural wonders to photograph. All the ruins, stunning scenery and beautiful landscapes can be photographed without any issues.

There are a few photographic restrictions around the country however; military and government facilities must not be photographed.

Iranians are generally quite conservative, so when taking photos of locals, always ask permission first to avoid causing offence or creating problems. Especially ask before taking photos in markets and bazaars.

The following vaccinations are recommended, but not required:

• Chickenpox
• Diptheria
• Tetanus
• Flu
• MMR
• Polio
• Shingle
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Malaria Medication (depending on region)
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if travelling from risk country)

This information may change depending on the COVID situation. Contact your Tour Manager for up-to-date information before travelling.

All travellers require a double vaccination against COVID-19 along with vaccine certification. You will need to present a negative PCR test upon arrival, taken less than 48 hours before you arrive in the country with the certificate in English. There may be additional COVID testing upon arrival.