Can American Travel to Iran?

Laelia Yang October 02, 2024 | 05:01

U.S. citizens may be wondering if they should or can visit Iran right now, given the uncertainty surrounding US-Iranian relations and rumors of changing political winds within the country.

Can Americans Legally Travel to Iran?

Iran, a country rich in over 5,000 years of history, is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. One visit won't be enough to see everything, from the ancient Persian Empire to the Zoroastrian temples, the innumerable mosques, and even the contemporary cities like Tehran.

In November 2021 Iran resumed issuing visas to American citizens. Normally, it takes about three months to obtain a visa.

Regulations for American travelers also remain intact: Americans must travel on a confirmed tour with a qualified guide at all times and must respect Iran’s laws, such as observing the hijab and abstaining from alcohol. If you have any questions about what’s permitted, please ask!

Check our Iran requirements for Americans to plan your trip every day in Iran.

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U.S. Relations With Iran

As a result of the Iranian takeover of the American Embassy on November 4, 1979, the United States and Iran severed diplomatic relations in April 1980. The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran have had no formal diplomatic relations since that date. Switzerland is the U.S. protecting power and provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Iran has no embassy in Washington, D.C.

Can Americans legally travel to Iran?

A lot of people think that going to Iran is like going to Cuba as an American, but that's not true. Americans can go to Iran without a visa, but they need to know some things about tours and visas before they go. Due to many political and economic issues, relations between the United States and Iran are tense.

However, it is legal for an American to travel to Iran. The Department of State warns Americans who want to travel to Iran that there are risks, but it is legal to do so. This is how an American can get to Iran.

Can you do independent solo travel in Iran?

Sure, but it really depends on where you're from. Right now, folks from the U.S., the UK, and Canada can't travel solo. They can choose to explore the country with an authorized tour operator, whether that's through a group tour or a private one.

So, the ABCs are supposed to have a tour guide with them all the time, but that doesn’t mean the guide will be hovering over them constantly.

You’ve got some free time to do whatever you like and stroll around the city at your own pace.

They just need to tag along with you as you hop between cities and check out the main sights. It seems like the Iranian government is really keen on keeping things smooth with ABC nations. They want to ensure that everyone is doing okay while they're in the country, just to avoid any extra political drama.

ABCs can only hang out in the country for about 15 days. You can totally extend this if there's a good reason for it, like if you want to extend the tour.

How to Apply for an Iranian Visa as an American

Photo: s-travels

Before applying for a visa, Americans must obtain a travel authorization number from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Your itinerary requires approval from the MFA, and your tour operator can assist you with this process.

When you are prepared to submit your visa information, please send it to the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C. This information comes from Travisa. The overall processing time for the visa was approximately 10 days. Starting this process 2-3 months before your trip is a wise decision, as the invitation letter took nearly 30 days to arrive.

Step 1: Get your travel authorization number from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign affair (handled by your tour company)

Step 2: Apply for your visa to Iran

How to Travel to Iran Without a Visa

Kish Island is frequently referred to as the Pearl of the Persian Gulf. The resort island spans a modest 36 square miles in the Persian Gulf, and a visa is not required for travel to this destination.

No entry visa is necessary at Kish International Airport. If you wish to travel to Iran without a visa, Kish Island is your sole option. Although the locals are just as welcoming as those on the mainland, you won't experience an authentic flavor of Iran's culture. Kish Island is designed for international tourists and serves as a resort destination.

Visitors from Western countries will need to provide evidence of hotel bookings and contact details for their stay on the island. Women will be required to wear a headscarf upon arrival. If you do not possess one, it will be provided to you promptly upon your arrival at the airport while you are going through customs and immigration. Visitors can stay on Kish Island for a maximum of 14 days without requiring a visa.

Public transportation in Iran

Taxis

Most taxis don’t have meters. Drivers often overcharge foreigners.

Only hire official taxis from agencies or hotel-based companies

Take pre-booked official taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street

Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter

Never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers

Note the licence plate number and name of the driver when you travel

Immediately communicate this information to family or friends

Railway transport

Trains are comfortable and punctual, but service is limited and slow.

Sea travel

Iran and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over the islands in the Persian Gulf and the military patrols the waters. Foreigners navigating Iranian waters have been arrested and detained. In September 2019, Iranian authorities specifically called for the seizure of Canadian assets and vessels.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunb.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

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Dress Code When Travel in Iran

Photo: gomediran

It is important to respect the dress code when visiting Iran (or any country). Luckily, Iran does not have a strict dress code (when compared to many other countries in the Middle East) but there are still some important rules to follow.

Women’s Dress Code in Iran

Wear a headscarf as soon as you enter Iran and bring one with you. You must cover your head when you are in public. Ladies should only wear loose-fitting apparel. Iran places a high value on fashion, and in contrast to popular belief, women there follow current trends rather than donning burkas. Women can also wear shirts that are three-quarter length.

Men’s Dress Code in Iran

Men have it a lot easier in Iran. Stick to pants and don’t wear shorts. Long sleeves might be most appropriate in certain places but when it is hot a t-shirt is just fine.

Is it safe for Americans to travel to Iran: Travel advice and advisories

Women's safety

Certain types of verbal abuse and harassment are applicable to women. In Iran, violence against women is not uncommon.

A few Iranian husbands or male relatives have left some Canadian and Canadian-Iranian women abandoned in Iran or abused them. Local government representatives seldom talk about domestic abuse in public because they view it as a private matter.

In order for women and children to obtain a passport or other travel document, they must have the consent of their husbands or other male Iranian heads of household. Permission to exit the nation is also necessary for them.

Iran strictly enforces the dress code. When in public, women are required to cover their upper thighs and arms with a long jacket and wear a headscarf.

Road safety

The nation's roads can differ significantly in terms of safety and condition, and city streets often lack adequate lighting. The network of highways is comparatively advanced.

Most trucks operate at night, and they frequently lack headlights. Drivers disregard traffic laws and are careless. They hardly ever yield to pedestrians at authorized crossing locations. In urban areas, sidewalks on major roads may become blocked by parked cars. In residential areas, sidewalks are uncommon.

Expect roadblocks and checkpoints.

Avoid traveling at night

Consider hiring a personal driver who’s familiar with local conditions

If you are involved in an accident, remain at the scene until authorities arrive

Can Iranian citizens travel to the United States

In the past, it was simpler to travel from Iran to the United States and vice versa; however, this process is now more challenging and requires a longer processing time due to political tensions. This issue has become even more complex and challenging for Iranian citizens.

In general, travelers to the United States are required to obtain a visa, which may be of various types, including business, tourist, or student visas. Professional, scientific, educational, or business conferences may be attended in the United States with a business visa. A tourist visa in the United States allows you to visit your relatives and friends, enjoy yourself, or take a holiday in the country.

The US embassy has established stringent regulations for tourism visa applicants, which include the highly regarded certificates of financial ability and bank turnover. The financial capability must fall within the range of 100 to 150 million Tomans. Furthermore, the turnover of bank accounts must have occurred within the past three to six months. The number of transactions is the sole factor that will be taken into account, and the input and output amounts in bank account turnover are of minimal significance.

It is important to mention that the absence of a diplomatic relationship between the United States and Iran necessitates the selection of a third country in order to obtain a visa. The third country may be any of the following: Turkey, Armenia, Cyprus, and Dubai, all of which are more affordable and closer to Iran. Travel permission will be granted upon completion of the necessary interviews at the US Embassy in one of these countries and receipt of the embassy's confirmation.

The following documents are necessary for individuals from Iran and other countries to obtain a US visa:

Confirm sheet at the time of interview along with a receipt of payment

Front–side personal photo with a white background and without retouching

Original birth certificate and ID card and their copies

Original Military Service Completion Card and its copy for men

Your bank account print-out which must be in English

Marriage certificate, in case of being married

Divorce certificate, in case of being divorced

A certified copy of court records and detention or imprisonment and anything related to criminal records, in case of having criminal and legal history

All medical records and tests which have been done based on the embassy's request

Certificates of financial ability that shows you will be back to your country after the visa expiration date