Iran

Brimming with ancient cities, ruins, and magnificent mosques and museums to explore, Iran may not appeal to the typical traveller. But for culture seekers it has over 5,000 years of history and offers some of the world's ancient wonders, as a former part of the Persian Empire. Originally called Persia, Iran was one of the first countries to be occupied by the early Islamic armies that emerged from Arabia in the seventh century.

Although tourism is on the rise, it is still not generally considered to be safe to travel to Iran. Iran and the West have had a rocky relationship for many years and most people's perception of the country and its people is based on what they see in the media. Iran's negative image is largely due to its governmental policies, but what people tend to overlook is the beguiling country and a sympathetic people that lies behind this stern façade. Iran was the only country in the Middle East whose citizens held a spontaneous vigil for the 9/11 victims. However, anti-Western sentiment is high in some areas, and foreign tourists are often detained.

This culturally-rich country has something to offer everyone with plenty of sightseeing choices, wonderful shopping and exciting cuisine. With some of the most repressive laws for women, Iran is not the ideal honeymoon destination. However, for the more adventurous, Iran offers trekking, rock climbing and a few ski resorts all at affordable prices. The mountains bordering the Caspian Sea are covered in deciduous forest, and the brown forest soils found along the coasts of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf are used extensively for farming. Iran has extremely rich mineral resources, especially petroleum and natural gas.

Climate

Spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Iran as the weather is not as hot as in June and July when the country scorches with occasional heavy rains. July is the hottest month with temperatures soaring to between 95ºF - 133ºF (35ºC - 45ºC). Autumn starts in September and is usually sunny, turning cold and damp by November. Winter lasts from December through March and can include substantial snowfall depending on the region. January and February can be bitterly cold with temperatures plummeting to 5ºF to -4ºF (-5ºC to -20ºC) though days can be mild in the southern parts of the country.

Money

The unit of currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR) which is divided into 100 dinar but the tomanis used by Iranians today as an amount of ten Rial. Most Iranians state the value of things in toman instead of Rial. Prices are most often marked in toman, with 1,000 or 1,000,000 toman equivalent to 10,000 or 10,000,000 Rial respectively. It is best to travel with US Dollars, which can be exchanged upon arrival in the airport or bank in big cities or at street rate in the streets. Travellers are not advised to take travellers cheques unless it is a necessity as they can only be exchanged at the Bank Melli branches at the international airport in Tehran and in central Tehran. An increasing number of mid-range hotels and all top-end establishments accept Visa and MasterCard. Some of the more expensive Iranian hotels charge in US Dollars.

Passport Visa

Visitors require a passport (must be valid at least six months after period of intended stay). Visitors must hold return an onward ticket, all documents required for next destination and sufficient funds. Some nationalities requiring a visa can obtain it on arrival provided the visit is for tourist purposes and for a maximum of 15 days. Immigration requires a photo and US$50 for the holder of the passport and U$10 for each of the companions (if any) to cover visa fees. Otherwise a 72-hour visa can be issued upon arrival, if a passenger has been introduced by means of a letter from a valid organization or government at least two days prior to arrival. The fee is US$30. The passenger must report to the police within eight days of arrival. Visitors should be aware that if their passport contains an Israeli stamp, or any evidence of an intended or past visit to Israel, entry into Iran will be refused even if in possession of a valid visa. Reporters, journalists, photographers and cameramen of any nationality, other than Iranian, require a visa. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States nationals must have a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.
• British nationals must have a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.
• Canadian nationals require a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.
• Australian nationals require a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.
• South African nationals require a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.
• Irish nationals require a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport that is valid six months beyond their intended stay. Visa required.

Health

There are a few health risks to consider when travelling to Iran. Travellers are recommended to be vaccinated against polio and typhoid. Malaria is a risk in some parts of the country, and cholera outbreaks also occur. Yellow fever certificates are required by those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Tap water should not be drunk, including ice in drinks, and food precautions should be taken. Healthcare in the cities of Iran is good, but is generally insufficient in rural areas. Travellers are advised to have full medical insurance and to consult with their medical practitioner prior to travel.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Iran, Washington DC, United States of America: +1 202 965 4990.
• Embassy of Iran, London, United Kingdom: + 44 (0) 207 225 3000.
• Embassy of Iran, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 4726.
• Embassy of Iran, Canberra, Australia: +61 (02) 6290 7000.
• Embassy of Iran ,Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5880.
• Embassy of Iran, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 288 5881.
• Embassy of Iran, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 386 2976.

Foreign Embassies

• Embassy of Switzerland, Tehran (also accredited for US citizens): +98 21 2254 2178.
• British Embassy Tehran, Iran: +98 (0)21 6405 2000.
• Canadian Embassy, Tehran, Iran: + 98 (0) 21 8152 0000.
• Australian Embassy, Tehran, Iran: +98 21 8386 3666.
• South African Embassy, Tehran, Iran: +98 21 2270 2866.
• Embassy of Ireland, Tehran, Iran: +98 21 2280 3835.
• New Zealand Embassy, Tehran, Iran: +98 (0)21 2612 2175.