Visit Iran - Tourism & Holidays - Top Places to visit

Geographical position and Climate of Iran

Iran is situated in the Middle East, bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, to the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and to the west by Iraq and Turkey. The country covers a land area of approximately 1.65 million square kilometers, making it the second-largest country in the Middle East and the 17th largest in the world.

Iran has a diverse climate:

Northern Regions: Along the Caspian Sea coast, the climate is subtropical with high humidity and heavy rainfall.
Northwestern Regions: These areas experience a mountainous climate with cold winters, heavy snowfall, and mild summers.
Central Plateau: The interior of Iran has an arid or semi-arid climate, characterized by very little rain and extreme temperature variations between day and night, as well as summer and winter.
Eastern and Southeastern Regions: These parts are mostly desert with hot summers and mild winters.
Southern Coasts: The Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman shores have a hotter and more humid climate, with mild winters and very hot and humid summers.

Brief History of Iran

The history of Iran is rich and complex, marked by the rise and fall of several empires and dynasties:

Ancient Times: The earliest civilizations in Iran were established around 4000 BCE. By the 1st millennium BCE, the Medes had formed an empire, which was soon overtaken by the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) founded by Cyrus the Great. It became one of the largest empires in history.
Classical Antiquity: Alexander the Great conquered the Achaemenid Empire in 330 BCE. His death led to the Seleucid Empire, followed by the Parthian Empire in 247 BCE, and later the Sassanian Empire in 224 CE, which lasted until the Arab conquests of the 7th century.
Islamic Conquest: The Arab-Muslim conquest of Iran led to the decline of the Zoroastrian religion as Islam gradually became dominant. Various dynasties ruled during the Islamic Golden Age, including the Abbasids, the Safavids who established Shia Islam as the state religion, and later the Qajars.
Modern Era: The 20th century saw significant change with the Constitutional Revolution in 1906, establishing a parliament. Reza Shah Pahlavi came to power in 1925, initiating modernization efforts. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, continued these policies but faced increasing opposition, leading to the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Recent History: The Islamic Republic of Iran was established under Ayatollah Khomeini. Iran has since navigated complex relationships with other nations, while dealing with internal political, social, and economic challenges.

Religion of Iran

The predominant religion in Iran is Islam, with Shia Islam being the official state religion. An overwhelming majority of Iranians—about 90-95%—identify as Shi’a Muslims, specifically adherents of the Twelver branch, which is the largest branch of Shia Islam. The remaining Muslim population is predominantly Sunni, comprising about 5-10% of the total.

Language of Iran

The official language of Iran is Persian, also known as Farsi. It is the most widely spoken language in the country and is used in government, media, and education. Persian is an Indo-European language with a rich literary tradition that dates back over a thousand years.

Places to visit in Iran

Before you visit Iran

Travel to Iran

Travelers can reach Iran through various means, depending on their location and preference:

By Air

International Flights: The primary and most common way to enter Iran is by air. Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the main gateway for international flights, with connections to many major cities worldwide.
Regional Flights: Other international airports such as Mashhad International Airport, Shiraz International Airport, and Isfahan International Airport also serve flights from neighboring countries and some direct long-haul services.

With car or bus

Border Crossings: Iran shares land borders with several countries, and there are official crossing points from Turkey, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Travelers can enter by car or bus, but it’s essential to check the current status of border crossings and any visa requirements in advance.

By Sea

Ferries: There are ferry services available from several countries across the Persian Gulf. For instance, travelers can take a ferry from Dubai or Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Bandar Abbas or Bandar Lengeh in Iran.

By Train

International Trains: There are rail connections from Tehran to Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey, and from there to Europe. Additionally, there is a railway line connecting Iran to Turkmenistan and onward to Central Asia and Russia.

When planning a trip to Iran, it’s crucial to consider visa requirements, as many nationalities need to obtain a visa before arrival. Some may be eligible for a visa on arrival, but this should be verified prior to travel. It’s also advisable to keep abreast of the latest travel advisories and local regulations.

Visas for Iran

Obtaining a visa is an essential step for most travelers planning to visit Iran. Here are the general types of visas available and the usual process for obtaining them:

Tourist Visa

Pre-Arranged Visa: Most visitors need to apply for a tourist visa in advance through an Iranian embassy or consulate in their home country. The process typically involves completing an application form, providing a passport-sized photo, a valid passport, and sometimes an itinerary or invitation letter from a tour operator.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival at select international airports in Iran. This option usually allows for a stay of up to 30 days but can vary depending on nationality. It’s important to check the eligibility and requirements before traveling.

Other Visa Types

Business Visa: For those traveling to Iran for business purposes, a business visa is required. An invitation from an Iranian company or organization is often necessary.
Student Visa: Foreign nationals accepted into Iranian educational institutions will need a student visa, which requires additional documentation from the educational institution.
Transit Visa: Travelers passing through Iran en route to a third country may need a transit visa, depending on their nationality and the duration of their layover.

Visa Requirements

Visa Application: The application process may require details such as personal information, travel dates, and proof of medical insurance.
Visa Approval: Some nationalities must obtain a visa authorization code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iran before applying for a visa at an embassy.
Passport Validity: A passport with at least six months of validity beyond the date of entry into Iran is typically required.

Exemptions and Restrictions

Exempt Countries: Citizens of several countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Syria, and Lebanon, can enter Iran without a visa or obtain one upon arrival with varying durations of stay.
US, UK, and Canadian Citizens: These nationals face stricter regulations and must be accompanied by a government-approved guide at all times. They are also required to have a pre-arranged tour to obtain a visa.

It’s crucial to check the latest visa policies and procedures with the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate, as regulations can change. Additionally, due to political considerations, the availability of visas and entry to Iran might be affected by current diplomatic relations.

Best time to visit Iran

The best time to visit Iran largely depends on the climate and regional weather patterns. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan your trip:

Spring (March to May)

Ideal Season: Spring is widely considered the best time to visit Iran. The weather is mild and pleasant, with nature in full bloom.
Nowruz Celebrations: Traveling during late March, you can experience Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which comes with unique customs and festivities.

Autumn (September to November)

Pleasant Weather: Like spring, autumn offers comfortable temperatures and is a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Cultural Events: Various cultural events and festivals take place during this season, offering a glimpse into Iran’s rich traditions.

Summer (June to August)

Hot Temperatures: Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the southern and central regions, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Cooler in the Mountains: The Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges offer cooler retreats if you’re looking to escape the heat.

Winter (December to February)

Varied Climate: Winters are generally cold, but the climate varies significantly across the country. The north experiences heavy snowfall, while the south remains relatively mild.
Ski Season: For winter sports enthusiasts, this is the time to enjoy skiing in resorts like Dizin and Shemshak near Tehran.

When planning your visit, consider national holidays and religious observances, as they can affect opening hours of sites and public transportation. Additionally, during the holy month of Ramadan, daily life changes significantly, with many restaurants closed during daylight hours and a general slowdown in activity.

Important Information

Capital – Tehran

Territory – 1,648,195 km²

Currency – Iranial rial (IRR)

Time Zone – UTC+3:30 (IRST)

Population – 89,819,750

Demonym – Iranian