Travel to Iran with British passport!

“Can I travel to Iran with a British passport?” It’s a frequent question of British people. The information in this post covers the most common type of travel tips for three nationalities, American, British, and Canadian.

As a British passport holder, you can travel to Iran. However, according to the relationship of two governments in the last few years, there are some specific regulations. If you decide to travel to Iran in your next holiday, it’s better to follow these steps:

  1. Find a travel company.
  2. Fixed your itinerary and travel package.
  3. Provide your visa requirements.
  4. Collect your visa reference code from the Iran embassy in London or other countries.
  5. Book your flight according to your travel package and visa form.
  6. Pack your luggage and get ready for an amazing tour.
  • Find a travel company:

Traveling to Iran without an Iranian travel company is impossible. “Tours of Iran” is a local travel company with experienced staff and tour guides. It’s our honor to help you with your trip to Iran and be your host.

  •  Fixed your itinerary and travel package:

“Tours of Iran” can help you to find a proper travel package or customize your trip based on your taste. Tours of Iran can organize your trip with any budget. If you don’t want to book our available itineraries, send an email about your budget and your required services. We will back to you in less than 24 hours.

Traveling to Iran for British, Americans, and Canadians without a licensed tourist guide is impossible. But it doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy your trip to Iran. Your tour guide can make many things easier for you and make your trip wonderful.

  • Provide your visa requirements:

After your itinerary is fixed, you have to provide the visa requirements. Getting a visa for UK citizens will take longer than other European nationalities. As it’s a long and unpredictable process, it’s better to apply for your visa two or three months before your trip to Iran. The required documents are:

  • A filled visa application form
  • Passport scan
  • Official photo
  • Your CV
  • And a fixed itinerary

Note: If you’re holding a Northern Island passport, you don’t need to follow the process of UK citizens.

  • Collect your visa at the Iran embassy:

After getting your visa authorization code, you can collect it at the embassy of Iran in London. If you’re traveling at that time, you can collect it in any embassy or consulate of Iran in other countries.

To collect your visa, you have to take a copy of your visa authorization code and your passport. After paying your visa fee, the embassy will issue your visa.

  • Book your flight:

You should book your flights according to your itinerary. You should be very careful about it, not to miss any day in Iran.

  • Pack your luggage:

It’s better to read about Dos and Don’ts in Iran before your arrival. Don’t forget to bring the proper clothes according to the season you travel to Iran. And if you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to contact your travel company.

Some practical information regarding the Iran tourist visa process:

  • Passport Validity: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa application.
  • Photo Requirements: The visa photo should be of high quality, similar to a regular passport photo. Women are not required to wear a headscarf in their visa application photos.
  • Visa Authorization Code: When you book an organized tour with us, we’ll handle the visa authorization code application on your behalf. The code is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with an application cost of 100 euros for UK nationals.
  • Visa Collection: With the visa code, you can visit the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to receive your visa. If you’re outside the UK during the visa application, you can collect your visa from any Iranian embassy abroad, provided you indicated the location at the time of your visa code application.

Is solo travel allowed for UK citizens in Iran?

Solo travel for UK citizens in Iran is not permitted. You must book a tour to obtain a visa. However, the rules are less stringent compared to U.S. citizens, reducing the chances of visa denial. Your stay duration is limited to the duration of your tour, despite having a longer visa period. Our staff is available to assist with any inquiries or worries you may have.

 

Isfahan Travel Guide, Capital Of Art!

 

Traveling to Iran by Air

There are limited direct flights between London and Tehran offered by British Airways and Iran Air. Alternatively, connecting flights are available through airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian Airways, Turkish Airlines, Swiss Air, Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Pegasus.

Currency and Exchange in Iran

In Iran, there are two currency units: the official currency is the Rial, but Iranians commonly use the Toman in daily transactions. The Toman is essentially the same as the Rial but with one less zero. While this might seem confusing, it’s a common practice in Iran and simplifies transactions for locals.

To add to the confusion for foreigners, Iran has two exchange rates for foreign currencies: the Government rate and the Free Market rate. The Government rate is subsidized and used for importing goods and medications. If you exchange money at a bank at the airport, you’ll likely get this rate, which is much lower than the Free Market rate. Unlock the higher Free Market rate by visiting authorized currency exchange stores scattered across Tehran and other major cities. Stay ahead of currency fluctuations with insights from our knowledgeable staff, ensuring you make the most of your exchange.

Women’s Dress Code in Iran: What You Need to Know

Women’s dress code in Iran is not as strict as it once was, but Islamic modesty standards are still in place. Women are required to dress modestly, wearing a long-sleeved tunic or coat paired with long pants or a skirt. Additionally, they must wear a headscarf to cover most of their hair. This rule applies to girls aged 9 and above as well.

Keeping in Touch:

To stay connected while in Iran, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival and start using it immediately if your phone is unlocked. Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi service, and our tour vehicles are equipped with Wi-Fi internet. However, be aware that in some remote areas, especially on rural roads, the reception may be unreliable. Read about Social Media in Iran

The ideal time to visit Iran!

It varies depending on your preferences and interests. Summers can be hot, while winters can be cold with some regions experiencing snowfall. During Norouz, the Iranian New Year, domestic travel peaks, and finding accommodation can be challenging due to overcrowded sites. Additionally, religious observations like Ramadan or Muharram may affect the availability of restaurants and the opening hours of various sites and services. It’s advisable to consult with our staff before finalizing your travel plans to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

UNESCO HERITAGE SITES IN IRAN

Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden treasures of Iran’s World Heritage Sites, each holding a unique story waiting to be discovered during your adventure. From the grandeur of Persepolis and the unforgettable Naqsh-e Jahan square to the awe-inspiring Takht-e Soleyman and the intricately carved cave dwellings of Meymand Village, there’s so much to explore. Experience the legacy of ancient civilizations at Tchogha Zanbil and marvel at Iran’s 23 World Heritage Sites, including Qanats and Persian Gardens, recognized by UNESCO. Wherever you go in Iran, you’re likely to encounter a piece of world history.

Food

Iran boasts a wide array of delectable dishes and refreshing beverages. From savory kebabs to flavorful vegetarian options, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Read about Top 10 Iranian dishes

 

Top 10 Iranian Handicrafts

 

Souvenirs

 

Tour Dates Now Available: Book now!

It’s important to note that handicrafts vary from province to province in Iran, with each region offering unique products. Even when buying a Persian carpet, it’s essential to understand that designs and craftsmanship differ between carpets from Tabriz, Kerman, Kashan, Naein, and Khorasan.

Stay Safe!

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Iran, and the consequences of being caught can be unpredictable!

Be mindful of where you take photos. Many government buildings and military establishments have signs indicating that photography is prohibited in those areas.

Here’s a friendly tip: If you know a few words of Persian, avoid using them at the airport. There have been instances where tourists from sensitive nationalities encountered misunderstandings and trouble when trying to showcase their language skills. Unfortunately, not all airport staff, including those at Imam Khomeini International Airport, speak English, which can lead to unnecessary stress and wasted time trying to resolve misunderstandings.

 

 

 

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