The US says do not travel to Iran and tells U.S. citizens in Iran to leave immediately because of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and arbitrary arrest. The UK advises against all travel to Iran.
Cool, changeable November. Cool and variable across Iran, nights fall colder while rain increases in the north and west; mountains may see early snow. Stick to museums and covered bazaars in Tehran and Caspian Iran.
Expect one of the Middle East’s biggest culture hits, with bazaars, gardens and world-class historic sites on the classic Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz loop. It can be an incredible first trip if you plan carefully, but the political risk and strict laws mean it is not for everyone.
Why Visit Iran?#
Come for Persian history and architecture, then stay for bazaars, gardens and the country’s famous hospitality.
Persepolis. Persepolis near Shiraz is a must-see archaeological site of the ancient Persian Empire. Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.
Isfahan icons. Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are Safavid highlights. Walk the historic bridges like Si-o-Se-Pol in the evenings.
Bazaars and crafts. Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and Shiraz’s Vakil Bazaar are the classic stops for spices, carpets and food stalls. Try chelow kabab and fesenjan in busy market lanes.
Yazd desert city. Yazd is all wind-tower architecture and mud-brick alleyways, with Zoroastrian fire temples. Nearby deserts offer sand hikes and starry nights, and traditional houses add atmosphere.
Gardens and poetry. Shiraz is known for Eram Garden and the tombs of Hafez and Saadi. It is an easy cultural day between bazaars and nearby ruins.
Mountains and snow. For outdoors, the sources flag Mount Damavand climbing, Alborz hiking and skiing at Dizin. Tehran also works as a base for Mount Tochal and Alborz village day trips.
Things to Watch Out For#
Detention. The sources flag risk of arbitrary detention for Western visitors.
Dress code. Women must cover hair in public and both sexes dress conservatively.
Cash-only. Foreign bank cards usually do not work, so bring cash.
Roads. Driving can be aggressive, so use experienced drivers on long trips.
Earthquakes. Iran is seismically active, so be ready for tremors and aftershocks.
Who Is Iran For?#
Backpackers
It rewards budget travel with hospitality, and the Tehran-Isfahan-Shiraz route is well trodden.
Digital nomads
Filtering and intermittent access, plus payment sanctions, make long remote stays difficult.
Foodies
Come for kebabs, fesenjan, saffron rice dishes and strong tea culture in bazaars.
Adventure seekers
The sources highlight Damavand climbing, Alborz hikes, desert treks and skiing at Dizin.
Party animals
There is no legal alcohol, and nightlife is more private gatherings than clubs.
Nature buffs
Big landscape variety includes Caspian forests, high Alborz peaks and central deserts.
What you need to get in#
The sources say most Western passports need a visa for Iran, and that rules vary significantly by passport. They also say US, UK and Canadian citizens face extra restrictions and can only travel with an approved guide, and typically must obtain a visa in advance.
Passport validity
Authorities generally expect a passport valid for several months, but rules vary.
Onward proof
You may be asked for return tickets and hotel reservations.
Check e-visa
Many nationalities use an e-visa or apply in advance.
The sources note Iran has issued e-visas for many nationalities and has traditionally offered visas on arrival for limited nationalities at certain airports, but entry rules vary by passport. Iranian airspace can close at short notice.
When to go#
The short answer is March to May and September to November, when temperatures are generally more comfortable across regions.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| April to June | Spring warmth with cool nights, good for city touring | Nowruz in late March is a major domestic travel peak. |
| July to August | Very hot inland and in the south | Heat can make desert travel challenging at midday. |
| September to November | Cooler autumn conditions after summer heat | Good for cultural routes, with generally lower crowds. |
| December to March | Cold, with snow in mountains and the northwest | Winters can close high passes, and ski areas attract visitors. |
The Persian Gulf coast and islands are best November to April, and summer is hot and humid there.
The classic trips and what they cost#
A typical first trip follows the Historic Persia circuit, starting in Tehran, then Isfahan, desert cities like Kashan or Yazd, and on to Shiraz for Persepolis day trips.
Prices are per person, with two sharing mid-range rooms, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Tehran (3 nights), Kashan (1), Isfahan (3) | $1,000-1,900 |
| 14 days | Tehran (3 nights), Kashan (1), Isfahan (4), Shiraz (3), Persepolis and Pasargadae day trips (3) | $1,900-3,400 |
| 3-4 weeks | Tehran (6 nights), Kashan (3), Isfahan (5), Shiraz (4), Yazd (4), Tabriz (5), Tehran (1) | $3,200-5,500 |
| 10-14 days | Historic Persia route: Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz | Varies |
For day to day spending, the sources suggest roughly $30-45 backpacking, $45-80 mid-range and $80+ for comfort travel. Tehran and tourist hotspots are pricier, while smaller towns and guesthouses are cheaper.
Prices are usually quoted in toman, which the sources define as 1 toman = 10 rials. Some places drop further zeros, so always ask which unit is meant.
Iran in a nutshell#
- Capital: Tehran. Most international arrivals land at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), and Mehrabad (THR) handles many domestic flights.
- People: About 89 million people, with Muslims listed as the official majority. More in [Iran demographics].
- Language: Persian (Farsi) is the official language, with Azeri and other Turkic dialects, Kurdish, Gilaki and Mazandarani, Luri, Balochi and Arabic also listed.
- Money: Rial (IRR) [Rial (IRR)]. The sources say most visitors should plan on a cash-only trip, and exchange USD or EUR on arrival.
- Daily budget: The sources give a typical daily spend of about $30-80, and elsewhere suggest $40-90 for many travellers. More detail is in the costs sections referenced as Iran travel costs.
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz, with plug types C and F. See [Iran plug types].
- Emergencies: Police 110 or 112, ambulance 115, fire 125. More help numbers on the [Iran emergency page].
Don't forget to bring#
Modest clothes
Modest dress is expected in public, and the sources say women must cover hair. Pack loose, breathable layers you can wear every day.
Cash in EUR or USD
The sources say foreign cards usually do not work and ATMs will not accept most foreign cards. Bring enough cash to exchange at banks or exchange bureaux.
A plan for connectivity
Tourist SIMs are available with ID, and 4G is widespread in cities. The sources warn internet access can be filtered or throttled.
Basic medicine kit
The sources note pharmacies or some medicines can be in short supply. Bring any essentials you rely on, plus basics for stomach upsets.
Heat and sun protection
Summer is described as very hot, especially inland and in the south. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and a hat for ruins and desert days.
Warm layer for mountains
The sources flag cold mountain winters and snow in the northwest. Pack a warm layer if you plan Alborz hikes or ski trips.
Good to know before you land#
- Money units: Menus often use toman, and some places drop more zeros, so confirm the unit.
- Cards and ATMs: The sources say foreign cards typically do not work, so do not plan on withdrawals.
- Greetings: The sources say mixed-gender handshakes may not be appropriate, so wait to be offered.
- Photos: Avoid photographing military or government buildings, and ask before photographing people.
- Food and water: The sources recommend bottled or boiled water, and caution with ice and salads.
- Religious periods: During Ramadan and mourning periods, behaviour expectations and hours may change.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Iran guides#
First time in Iran FAQs#
Is Iran safe for tourists?
The sources say political risk and arbitrary detention are the main safety concerns, and that most Western governments advise against all travel. Violent street crime is described as uncommon, but protests, arrests and strict laws are highlighted.
Do I need a visa for Iran?
The sources say most Western passports need a visa, and many nationalities use an e-visa or apply in advance. They also say US, UK and Canadian citizens face extra restrictions and can only travel with an approved guide, and typically must obtain a visa in advance.
How many days do I need for a first trip?
The sources suggest allowing 2-3 weeks for Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz, including Persepolis. They also publish 1-week and 2-week itineraries that focus on Tehran, Isfahan and then Shiraz with day trips.
How much money should I budget per day?
The sources suggest roughly $30-45 a day backpacking, $45-80 mid-range and $80+ for comfort travel. They also summarise a typical daily budget of about $40-90.
What is the best time of year to visit Iran?
The sources recommend March to May and September to November, and note summer is very hot. For the Persian Gulf coast and islands, they say November to April is best.