Desire a More Daring Venture? Look to Persia’s Crown Jewel!
I took a solo trip to Iran! I never thought I’d type out this sentence because this is a significant check off my travel bucket list. It was as incredible as it sounds!
Let’s Start with SurfIran
I need to thank SurfIran for composing a fantastic itinerary for me. I started in Tehran and journeyed through Iran’s beautiful landscapes and some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites, arid mountains, and rural villages. I also had an opportunity to learn about the traditions and cultures of a land whose influence has been felt for centuries.
I got to see the highlights of Persia, and I want to share my incredible experience with you. I hope this post will serve as your ultimate Iran guide if you wish to go.
Otherwise, you can live vicariously through my experience.
Entry Requirements
Iran has streamlined its visa process, moving away from physical passport visas and stamps for most passport holders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an e-visa system, making travel to Iran more convenient for you.
Upon approval, you will be granted an e-visa to print and bring on your trip. Obtaining a visa is straightforward, with SurfIran guiding you through most of the steps. Unless you are from the list of nations below, you will need a visa to enter Iran.
– Turkey
– Armenia
– Azerbaijan
– Bolivia
– Georgia
– Malaysia
– Syria
– Venezuela
– China
*The above-listed countries will simply receive a passport stamp at border control.
Getting a visa on arrival is possible, but it is a complex process. For minimal hiccups, I recommend an e-visa prior to departure. Several visa types are listed on the e-visa website, but you will likely get a tourist visa (Type B). Other common types are listed below.
– Travel for Educational Purposes – Type E
– Pilgrimage – Type C
– Transit – Type G
When it comes to acquiring a visa, SurfIran is your reliable partner. If you choose to travel with them, you’ll pay a 20 euro service fee. The tour company will then issue a letter of invitation to include in your application. They’ll submit an application on your behalf to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If approved, you’ll receive a visa code. For US passport holders, this visa code and a few other documents need to be mailed to the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC., or you can visit the embassy yourself if you live close enough. The Embassy of Pakistan has an Iranian Interests Section to handle the process for us.
It can take 5-7 business days to receive a visa authorization code and 4-6 weeks to obtain the visa. I recommend starting the process around 90 days before your trip. The validity period of your visa will depend on the length of your tour.
Here’s what the Iranian Travel Company will need from you:
– Passport Scan
– Passport Size Photo
– Complete Tour Itinerary (provided by the tour company)
– Iran Authorization Code Application Form
– Professional Resume
Here’s what the Embassy of Pakistan will need from you:
– Visa Application Forms (can be downloaded from their website)
– Passport Photo
– Valid Passport with a minimum of six months of validity remaining
– 80 USD processing fee (send 120 USD if you would like it expedited)
– Return Envelope
Click here for the latest visa information, but the tour company handles this for you!
Flight & Hotel Information for Iran
Your trip will likely start at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), the primary international airport in Tehran, Iran.
More airlines fly to this airport than you might initially think. I used OneWorld Alliance member Qatar Airways, and this is the airline I recommend.
Don’t worry. Qatar Airways is one of many airlines that service Iran’s airports if you have a different preferred airline. Below is a list of airlines that operate non-stop service to Tehran’s primary international airport:
– Emirates
– Lufthansa
– Turkish Airlines
– Oman Air
– Kuwait Airways
– Austrian Airlines
– Aeroflot (Likely not an option while Russia is sanctioned)
Iran has several airlines that take you to Tehran, but these are harder to book as US passport holders. Depending on your itinerary, you may have domestic flights within Iran included. The tour agency will organize these flights for you.
US passport holders are required to have a guide for hotels, so hotels are included in your itinerary. We will discuss these again in this blog’s “Tips” section.
Tehran
My guided tour started in Iran’s beautiful capital city. Tehran is an enormous urban sprawl. With more than 15 million people in the city and its surrounding towns, Tehran is the Middle East’s second-largest metropolitan area after Cairo.
I love cities; the bigger and more populated, the better. So, Tehran was one of the highlights of the tour for me.
Tehran could be described as a colorful city that never sleeps. Given its size and population, there’s much to do and see here, and it’s also a beautiful city. To the north of Tehran, the Alborz Mountains and the Milad Tower serve as excellent viewing platforms for landscape photos.
I stayed at the beautiful Espinas International Hotel, which I recommend, but if possible, you should aim to lodge at the Espinas Palace Hotel. It’s a little nicer and sits on a hill to offer better city views.
Keep in mind that it gets a little hazy in Tehran, so visibility can disappear quickly.
Places in Tehran I think you should visit:
Milad Tower
Golestan Palace
Azadi Tower
National Museum of Iran
Tehran Bazaar
Tehran will be one of your favorites for all the travelers who enjoy city-dwelling.
Kashan
Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to spend multiple nights here. I only passed through on my way from Tehran to Isfahan. But the good news is that you can hit most highlights here in a few hours.
It was closed so I couldn’t see it, but make sure you visit Fin Garden. It’s a beautiful historical Persian garden I will see when I visit again.
If you get hungry, stop at the Abbasian Historical House. Its exquisite design and beds for tables make for a unique dining experience. Persian food is delicious! Various forms of kebabs and rice are served at nearly every restaurant. Trust me; you won’t get tired of it.
The rumors of Iranian hospitality being unmatched are true. I noticed that all restaurants have flags of all nations at the entrance, a kind gesture to show that all tourists are welcome. I was immediately greeted with the American flag at my table when I walked in.
Leaving Kashan, we stopped at a service station where a lovely Persian store owner offered me a piece of candy. If you’d like to witness some of Iran’s hospitality, stop in Kashan!
Isfahan (Esfahan)
If you walk around gazing at signs, you’ll see Isfahan, sometimes spelled as “Esfahan.” The two are interchangeable, so use whichever one you like. Isfahan is considered one of the most beautiful cities globally due to its magnificent public square, the Imam Square.
The 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here, you can stroll through the Isfahan Grand Bazaar and see the incredible tilework of the Shah Mosque.
Isfahan at night is magical. The city comes to life with its colorful display of lights on every major street. I recommend having a peaceful night walk with your camera in the city center.
Lastly, the most incredible place I visited on the trip was Chehel Sotun Palace. Set in a forest park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, the venue served as an entertainment pavilion for Shah Abbas II, the seventh Safavid king of Persia.
Shiraz
While driving from Isfahan to Shiraz, you will pass two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Pasargadae and Persepolis. These are must-visits.
Then you’ll be on your way to Shiraz.
I’ve heard this place referred to as the “City of Poets, “probably because Hafez, Persia’s greatest romantic poet, was laid to rest there. Located at the foot of the Zagros Mountains, Shiraz is a city of fine arts and natural beauty.
Many beautiful mosques are located here, the most well-known being Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque). Here, you will also find the beautiful Narenjestan Garden, where you can take pictures in the traditional clothing of the Qajar Dynasty.
My guide, Ali, is from Shiraz and currently lives there. I got to smoke shisha (hookah) with his wonderful family.
About an hour south of Shiraz, I had lunch with a nomadic family. It was an incredible experience.
Also, Iran has a pink lake! Ali and I stopped to admire it while leaving Shiraz for a few minutes.
Kish Island
While working on the draft version of my Iran itinerary, I researched Kish Island the most. I first heard of this island when I went to Dubai several years ago. The island is located in the Persian Gulf, just 12 miles from Iran’s southern coast.
Kish Island is Iran’s free trade zone, so tourists only need a visa to visit if they plan on staying more than 14 days. If the beach is your vibe, you will consider Kish Island a tourist paradise. This was the perfect place to relax after a highly intensive trip. I had a lovely morning swim in the Persian Gulf, a bumpy camel ride while admiring the night sky, and a parasail ride with my guide to say goodbye.
If time permits, please visit Kish Island. The beaches here are beautiful, and you can even see one of the most exciting tourist attractions I’ve seen in my travels, a beached Greek ship from a 1966 wreck. Ali and I biked to it, and the ride took over an hour. On a super warm day, maybe opt for a taxi.
By the way, check out the video below of Ali’s first parasailing experience. He did so well holding the camera that we had to celebrate with Persian Dance music after.
Tips & Tricks
As your favorite world traveler, I had to compile a list of tips and tricks based on my experience to help make your trip as smooth as possible. I won’t hit everything, so always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
1. I mentioned that hotels are included in the itinerary for US passport holders. Before issuing your final itinerary, let the tour company know which accommodations you want. For example, I told Mehdi at SurfIran that I would prefer four and five-star accommodations, and I was delighted with my hotels. If you would like something cheaper, let your guide know. The tour operators are there to help.
2. The US has imposed sanctions on Iran, so Visa and Mastercard do not work there. Your US-issued credit and debit cards are no good in Iran. I highly recommend getting a tourist card. You must bring cash to give to your guide to upload on the card. How much you need depends on the length of your tour. For an 11-day tour, I brought 400 USD. Not only did this last me the entire time, but I could also tip my guide and get some money back. You’ll notice that things do not cost much in Iran.
3. Iran is thrilled to welcome tourists. However, our passports (US passports with the old design) are challenging to read at Iranian ports of entry. Have a colored copy of your passport photo page and a copy of your visa to give to border control. Bring a copy of your detailed itinerary, and you can chat with your guide before arrival at your port of entry to help you translate the following information:
-Why are you in Iran? If you hold a US passport, your answer will likely be a guided tour.
– What do you do for a living?
– Your guide’s name and contact number
– Address of your first accommodation
– When you will be leaving Iran, and from where
Once this information is translated into Persian (Farsi), please write it down and give it to border control. You will be asked these things when you arrive, and trying to navigate the language barrier alone is intimidating. Save yourself the headache.
Don’t be afraid, however. I did not feel at any point that I was potentially being detained, and a passport agent even offered me some water while he made a scanned copy of my passport. When he finished making photocopies of my documents, he gave me my papers back, shook my hand, and said, “Welcome to Iran.”
If you have the newly-issued next-generation passports, your entry process should be seamless as you’ll only need to scan it on the reader, but bring this information just in case.
4. Clean public restrooms in Iran are difficult to find. Keep this in mind while planning your day in Iran. The cleanest bathrooms are usually in hotels.
5. I honestly think you can survive without a SIM card. Wi-Fi is slow, but it is available at every hotel. The most reliable internet I found was my guide’s hotspot. Therefore, save your money and skip the SIM card.
6. I’ll include pictures below, but if you need somewhere close to Tehran’s international airport, the Remis and Rexan Hotel is your place. It is connected to the airport by an elevated tunnel, and IKA International is located more than 30 miles outside Tehran’s city center. Keep this in mind when considering your departure plans.
7. Two things you must do if you visit Iran, with no exceptions. The Azadi Tower is a must-visit! But if your schedule permits, I strongly advise you to see it at night. The pictures will explain why. Secondly, please try to watch a Zurkhaneh ritual. Zurkhaneh is a sports activity that is like a fusion of martial arts and music. It’s very cool, and you need to witness it.
8. Pictures are fine in almost every tourist attraction. Flash photography may not be permitted in certain places, but photos and videos are encouraged. So bring your iPhone and your digital camera with you everywhere.
9. Drinking water in Iran is safe. Bottles are provided free in hotels. Stay hydrated, as the days are hot for most of the year.
10. Please be open and honest with your guide(s). They want to ensure you have a memorable trip. Concerns are always okay to discuss, but please make sure you raise them respectfully. Keep an open mind. Itineraries, weather, and traffic are all subject to change. You may experience culture shock. You may experience things you weren’t expecting.
For example, the majority of the country’s citizens are Muslim. After all, the country’s full name is the Islamic Republic of Iran. I visited during Ramadan. So, most people were fasting from sunrise to sunset, which means most restaurants were closed during the day. It is okay if you don’t observe Ramadan.
My guides made sure to find me a place to eat when hungry. Just be respectful and try not to eat or drink in public spaces. Your guides will make sure you have a good time but, most importantly, will make sure you are safe and happy.
Again, feel free to reach out with questions. I’m here to help and inspire you. I know I didn’t cover everything. I just want to remind you to keep an open mind. Your guide and the locals are happy to host you. Please return the favor by experiencing their beautiful country to the fullest.
Is it safe to travel to Iran?
While walking through the Isfahan bazaar, an elderly Persian gentleman ran up to my guide. At first, I was startled. But as the man began explaining himself, my guide couldn’t help but smile. He tells me that the man is happy to see an American tourist.
He wanted to give me an Iranian soccer jersey since Iran and the USA met in the 2022 World Cup. I loved the jersey so much that I wore it on one of my days on the trip. A man saw me wearing this jersey and wanted to take a selfie with me and welcome me to his country.
A server at a restaurant in Kish Island asked if he could take a picture with us. A lady in a service station near Kashan offered me a piece of candy while walking back to the car.
A local runs up during a night camel ride and repeatedly says, “Welcome to Iran.”
Two women come up to my guide at a restaurant to tell my guide to welcome me to Iran. My guide invites me to dinner and shisha with his family and close friends in his hometown.
Why am I telling you these seemingly random things?
Well, they serve as evidence of the fantastic hospitality I experienced. I’m proud of myself for pulling off this incredible trip, and to do it solo makes me a pretty cool fellow. I’m not sure what I expected when I visited Iran, but I returned home with a new gratitude for what I do.
Being able to travel the world at my age is a dream most people can only imagine.
To both of my guides, Ali and Mojtaba, thank you! Thank you for stopping at nothing to ensure I had the most memorable trip this blog has witnessed.
To the people of Iran, thank you for your unwavering hospitality. And lastly, thank you to those of you who are reading! My travel blog only exists with my audience, and you all are an unbelievable audience.
Post after post, trip after trip, you all continue to support me, and I cannot express how much it is appreciated. Stay tuned and keep supporting. More exciting things are coming in the future, but I have to leave you with a final request. Please go out and travel. If nothing else, I want my blog to inspire you. You can travel no matter what limitations you think prohibit you from doing so. You just need my help! 🙂
There is a breathtaking world out there, and you deserve to see it. I’ve returned from Iran with a newfound love of travel and want to share it with you. Please let me know what you thought of this post, and as always, feel free to reach out with questions and concerns. Don’t be shy. I love hearing from you. Until next time, beautiful people! دوستان دفعه بعد میبینمت
