Traveling to this culturally and historically rich country may encourage tourists to take Iran tours for US citizens. But can Americans travel to Iran (iran tours for us citizens)?
Iran is the home to 24 UNESCO-registered historical sites. So if you’re wondering whether Americans can travel to Iran, the answer is YES. But under a few conditions. We’ll tell you in the article.
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Iran Tours for US Citizens
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Iran Visa for US Citizens
In recent years Iranian authorities have attempted to reduce the Iran visa process, and as a result, the process has become shorter, and many citizens can get Iran Visa On Arrival (VOA). Also, citizens of several countries can travel to Iran without a visa.
Americans can travel to Iran (iran tour for us citizens), but due to the political problems between Iran and the US, US passport holders must be aware of some points:
- If you are a US citizen, it’s not possible to travel to Iran without a visa or with VOA.
- In addition to the regular information you provide for the visa, US citizens need to send their resumes over the last 10 years.
- Getting a 30-day tourist visa takes a little bit longer for US citizens, and it’s about 2-3 months, but it can’t discourage you from visiting Iran.
- As an American, you need to apply through a travel agency in Iran and book a tour or have a private guide. If you have local friends and family, you can introduce them as your host. However, Americans can travel to Iran only with a guide present by their side at all times.
Refusal of Iran Visa
Americans can travel to Iran. However, if you visit Israel, it can lead to a rejection of an Iran visa. So, if you have a visa or stamp from Israel, change your passport and apply for a new clean one.
Israel authorities have been stamping on a separate paper since 2013, and it can avoid the problems. So, if you’re applying for an Iran visa, check your passport for the Israel stamp.
Iran Visa for US Citizens with Dual Iranian-American Nationality
If you’re traveling to Iran with your American passport, you must follow the same travel regulations as US passport holders. Also, Americans who have American fathers need to obtain an Iran visa.
Can Americans visit Iran as Solo Travelers?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Americans can travel to Iran, but a guide needs to accompany them during their stay in Iran.
You indeed need an organized itinerary, but it’s not a rigid and inflexible plan. Try to discuss your favorite sites and cities with your tour guide to have an enjoyable itinerary. If you like to break away from your group to explore new things, your guide needs to join you.
The closest option to solo travel is traveling with an Iran private tour. In the private tour, your guide is your translator and sometimes your driver. A private tour includes you and your guide. So, your guide can organize the plan as you wish and make it flexible. It’s more expensive than group tours and doesn’t give you the same experience as solo travel. Still, it’s the best available option instead of solo travel for Americans traveling to Iran.
If you can’t pay for a private tour but need a flexible itinerary, small group tours to Iran are another option. You can save money and travel around Iran with a small group via small group tours.
Flights to Iran from the US
In 1976 the first non-stop flight flew between New York and Tehran. Direct flights were flying between Iran and the US until 1980. After stopping direct flights, the tourists who traveled to Iran from the US had to travel through Iran’s neighboring countries or Europe. If you want to travel to Iran from the US, you can choose any international airport in the United States.
If you want to know about the prices, the price of flights to Iran from the US will depend on the time of year and the airline you choose (like any other destination!)
Imagine that you’re coming to Tehran from Washington, and it’s not high season. If you don’t care about the journey duration, you can find a flight as cheap as 600$.
Different airlines offer flights to Iran from the US, such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, or Lufthansa. You can even choose multiple airlines to find the best deal.
Is Iran Safe for American Tourists
The first impression of Iran on travelers is Iranian hospitality. No matter who you are or which country you are from, you’re always welcomed here as a guest.
Due to Iranian culture and etiquette, hospitality is a moral value and of paramount importance for Iranians. That’s why Iranians care about their guest’s experience. Contrary to what the mass media is broadcasting about Iran, the country is safe for everybody, both Americans and non-Americans.
Read More: Is Iran Safe For Tourists?
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Some Practical Tips For Traveling Iran as US Citizen
If you choose Iran as your destination, you may want to know some tips about this country. So here, we have listed some valuable information for American tourists in Iran.
- Uber doesn’t work in Iran, but we have our special own taxi services, which works like Uber. Two of these are Snapp and Tap30. Generally, we have every online service here, but the Iranian version!
- International debit cards don’t work here. You can carry cash (which isn’t suggested) and/or use the Iranian tourist card. Furthermore, IranAmaze can make all the arrangements for getting the Iranian debit card for you.
- A lot of people can speak English in big touristic cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, etc. However, English isn’t the official language in Iran.
- Due to the religious and cultural etiquette, there is an Iran dress code. In our comprehensive guide, you can learn more about how to dress for your vacation in Iran.
- Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked in Iran. So, if you need them, download several VPNs.
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Although the official currency in Iran is the Rial, locals commonly use the Toman. One Toman is equivalent to ten Rials. So Rial has one zero more than Toman. Curious about what can you buy with 1 Iranian Rial? For example, if a driver asks for 10,000 Tomans, just add one zero, and you have the price in Rials (100,000 Rials).
If you need to use the internet when you are outdoors, buy an Iranian SIM at the airport. It’s pocket-friendly (about 300,000 Rial) and works for one month. The internet is fast in almost every city. IranAmaze can provide this for you as well as an additional service.
FAQ
The best time to visit Iran is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Yes, Americans should experience several unique cultural events in Iran, such as Nowruz (Persian New Year), the KashanRosewater Festival, Chaharshanbe Suri (a fire-jumping festival), and Sizdeh Bedar (outdoor celebrations during Nowruz). Religious events like Muharram, the Saffron Harvest and Yalda (celebration of the longest night) can also provide a rich cultural experience for visitors.
The official language of Iran is Persian (Farsi). While English is understood in tourist areas and by younger Iranians, a translator or a translation app might be helpful, especially in more remote areas.
Americans cannot use a U.S. driver’s license to drive in Iran. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required, but even with an IDP, renting a car and driving in Iran can be challenging for foreigners due to different traffic rules and driving styles.
Yes, American tourists, like all visitors to Iran, must adhere to the country’s dress code. Women are required to wear a headscarf (hijab) and loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts.
Americans can exchange currency at official exchange offices (Sarafi) found in major cities and airports. It is important to bring cash (preferably US Dollar or Euros) as international credit and debit cards do not work in Iran.
Iran has modern medical facilities, particularly in large cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. American travelers should ensure they have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. It’s also advisable to carry essential medications, as some specific brands might not be available.
Yes, Americans can use their mobile phones in Iran, but international roaming can be expensive. A cost-effective option is to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival, which will provide access to mobile networks and data.
The best way to stay connected is through internet-based communication apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Meet, or Skype. Skype and Google Meet are better options, as you’ll need VPN for other apps.
Yes, Iranians are known for their hospitality, but it’s important to be aware of Iranian customs Always greet people with a handshake (same gender only) or a polite nod, and respect the dress code. Since American tourists must always travel with a tour, their guide will keep them informed about these social norms.
No, American credit cards are not accepted in Iran due to international sanctions. It’s important to bring enough cash to cover your expenses or use the local Iranian card systems once in the country.
No, Americans cannot travel to Iran independently. They must be part of an organized tour with a pre-approved itinerary and be accompanied by an official tour guide throughout their stay.
No, the itinerary for American travelers must be fixed and pre-planned. Any changes to the itinerary need to be approved in advance and may not be possible once the trip has started.
It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for Americans to receive their Iran visa. It’s advisable to start the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel dates.