Iran Reseguide
Viktig reseinformation — nödnummer, säkerhet, valuta, visum, seder och att ta sig runt.
As of mid-2026, Iran is rated 'Do Not Travel' (the highest level) by the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most Western governments due to an extremely volatile security situation, the risk of renewed armed conflict and airstrikes, terrorism, civil unrest, and - most seriously - the arbitrary arrest and wrongful detention of foreign and dual nationals, who are sometimes used as bargaining chips. A fragile ceasefire is in place but hostilities could resume with little warning, and airspace and flights remain unpredictable. Ordinary Iranians are famously warm and hospitable and violent street crime against tourists is comparatively low, but the political and detention risks are real and severe. Dual nationals (especially US/UK/Canadian-Iranian) face elevated risk and may not be granted consular access; several Western governments have no embassy able to assist their citizens.
Iranian Rial (prices are commonly quoted in 'Tomans', where 1 Toman = 10 Rials) (IRR)
Types C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Tipping ('an'am) is appreciated but not strictly obligatory. Round up taxi fares; leave roughly 10% in nicer restaurants if service isn't included. Tip hotel porters and tour guides/drivers a few dollars' equivalent per day. Small tips for service are customary in cities.
Local SIMs (Irancell, Hamrah-e-Aval/MCI, Rightel) are cheap and sold at airports and shops with your passport; coverage is good in cities. Note that Iran's internet is heavily filtered: many Western sites and apps (Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, Google services) are blocked. A reliable VPN installed BEFORE arrival is essential. International roaming for most foreign carriers does not work in Iran.
Most nationalities require a visa, obtained in advance or as a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) at major airports for many passports (not at land borders). Crucially, citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are NOT eligible for VOA or independent travel: they must travel on a pre-arranged guided tour booked through a licensed Iranian agency, with a fixed itinerary and a government-approved guide, and apply for the visa in advance (processing ~2-3 weeks). All travelers need a passport valid 6+ months and proof of travel insurance valid for Iran. An Israeli stamp or evidence of travel to Israel will result in refused entry.
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Major cities have good public transport. Tehran has a clean, expanding metro (with women-only carriages), plus extensive bus and BRT lines; Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz also have metros or BRT systems. Fares are very cheap and paid via rechargeable cards. Shared 'savari' taxis run fixed routes within cities.
Snapp, Tapsi
Iran has an extensive, cheap, and generally comfortable network. VIP/'Mahmooly' long-distance buses connect almost every city affordably. The national rail network links Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Mashhad, Tabriz, and the Caspian region, with comfortable overnight sleeper trains. Domestic flights (Iran Air, Mahan Air and others) are inexpensive and save time over long distances, though the aging fleet and sanctions affect reliability - and regional airspace is currently unpredictable, so flights may be delayed, rerouted, or cancelled.
- • Greet with the right hand over the heart and a slight bow; a warm 'Salaam' goes a long way. Same-sex friends often greet with kisses on the cheek, but avoid initiating physical contact with the opposite sex unless they extend a hand first.
- • Master 'taarof', the elaborate ritual of politeness. Shopkeepers and taxi drivers may insist payment is unnecessary ('it's worthless, be my guest'); this is a courtesy. Politely insist two or three times, then pay.
- • Remove your shoes before entering a home, a mosque, or any room with carpets. Step over the threshold, never on it.
- • Hospitality is sacred. Expect to be offered tea (chai) and sweets everywhere; accepting is gracious. If invited to a home, bring flowers, pastries, or sweets, and expect generous, multi-course meals.
- • Women must observe hijab in public: a headscarf covering the hair, plus loose clothing covering arms and legs (a long tunic/manteau over trousers). This is legally enforced and applies to foreign visitors too. Men should avoid shorts in public.
- • Avoid public displays of affection, do not point the sole of your foot at anyone, and never give or accept items with your left hand alone. Sensitive political discussion is best avoided in public.
Conservative and legally enforced. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) covering the hair and loose clothing (a knee-length-or-longer tunic/manteau) covering arms to the wrist and legs to the ankle in all public spaces; bright colors are fine. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts. Tighter rules apply at religious shrines, where women may be given a chador.
Iran is an Islamic Republic and Shia Islam shapes daily life. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering mosques and shrines; women cover hair fully and may need a chador (often loaned at the entrance). Non-Muslims are barred from some inner sanctums of major shrines such as those in Mashhad and Qom. During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight. Friday is the holy day; avoid loud or disruptive behavior near places of worship and never photograph worshippers without permission.
Football (soccer) — Football is the national passion; the men's national team ('Team Melli') unites the country, and Tehran's Esteghlal-Persepolis derby is one of Asia's fiercest rivalries, filling the Azadi Stadium with deafening crowds. Wrestling (especially freestyle) and weightlifting are deeply traditional sources of national pride and Olympic medals, rooted in the ancient 'varzesh-e bastani' ('zurkhaneh') ritual gymnastics performed to drumming and chanted poetry. Volleyball has surged in popularity, with Iran a top Asian team. Note that women have historically faced restrictions on attending men's stadium matches, a contentious issue. Skiing is a surprise highlight: world-class resorts like Dizin and Shemshak in the Alborz mountains lie within easy reach of Tehran.
March 20-21 (and the following days)
Nowruz (Persian New Year)
The most important Iranian festival, marking the spring equinox and the start of the Persian calendar year. Celebrated over roughly two weeks with the haft-seen table of seven symbolic items, family visits, and travel; many businesses close, so plan accordingly. Rooted in ancient Zoroastrian tradition and observed by virtually everyone.
Eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz (mid-March)
Chaharshanbe Suri (Festival of Fire)
An ancient fire-jumping festival held on the last Tuesday night before Nowruz. People leap over bonfires in the streets chanting for health and renewal, accompanied by fireworks and sparklers - a lively, pre-Islamic celebration of light over darkness.
Night of December 20-21 (winter solstice)
Yalda Night (Shab-e Yalda)
One of the world's oldest celebrations, marking the longest night of the year. Families gather to stay up late eating pomegranates and watermelon (symbolizing the sun's red dawn), reading the poetry of Hafez, and sharing stories until the small hours.
Varies by Islamic lunar calendar (e.g., around July in 2026)
Muharram & Ashura
The most solemn Shia religious observance, mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Streets fill with black-clad processions, chanting, chest-beating, and the free distribution of food (nazri). A profound and emotional period; visitors should dress and behave with particular respect, and avoid festive activities.