Travel Information

Passport/Visa

Entry restrictions : Nationals of Israel will be refused entry under all circumstances.

Passports : Valid passport required by all.

Visas : Required by all except nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey (for a stay not exceeding 3 months). Requirements are subject to change at short notice, and you are advised to contact the appropriate Embassy or Consular Section.

Types of visa : Entry, Transit, Business, Tourist and Journalist. Fee varies according to nationality of applicant, type of' visa and the existing regulation between countries.

Note: A visa cannot be issued for passports which have a validity of less than 6 months. Exit permits required by all (often included with visa).

Validity : Entry visa: up to 3 months from date of authorization.

Transit visa : maximum of 10 days. Application to: Embassy or Consulate. For addresses, see entries.
Application requirements: Two completed application forms, four passport - sized photos and visa fees.

Note: To acquire a tourist visa within 10 days, it would be easier to apply to local tour operators in Iran .
Temporary residence: All foreigners wishing to stay for more than three months must obtain a residence permit.

Money

Currency : Iranian Rials. Notes are in denominations of RL 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of 250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.All foreign currencies such as Deutsch Marks, Pound Sterling, US Dollars and Yens can be exchanged and credit cards (Mastercard & Visa) are also accepted.

Communication

Telephone : IDD service available. Country code: 98. Outgoing international code: 00.

Telex/telegram : Facilities are available at the Central Telegraph Office, Meydan Sepah, Tehran. There are also telex facilities at the major hotels.

Post : Post Offices are found throughout all cities, towns and villages.

Religion

Predominantly Islamic; mostly Shi'ite, with a minority of Sunnis. Many Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians also live in Iran.

Dress

According to the Islamic and social beliefs in Iran, it is necessary for women to be modestly covered & wearing ahead scarf.

Language

Persian (Farsi) is the most widely spoken language. Arabic is spoken in Khuzestan in the southwest, and Turkish in the northwest around Tabriz. English, French and (to a lesser extent) German are spoken by many businessmen and officials.

Source: Iran Tourism and Touring Organisation