Iran Travel Forum

I was wondering what are the requirements for Iranians to get a visit Visa to Egypt. Is it difficult?

Thanks

I know that there is a train that leaves Tehran on Thursdays but have also heard that there is one that leaves on a Tuesday in summer. I am hoping to be traveling around 20th September. Does anyone know if there is a train on Tuesday at that time? And can anyone suggest who to book it through?
Thanks

I have a letter from someone but it is written in Dari or Farsi. It is not very long, only about 5 lines. I have it as a JPG image file. If you can help me, please let me know. Thanks!

Does anyone have recommendations for a tour operator for Iran (or ones to avoid)? We are generally moderate travelers - not real high end using only 5 star hotels - but we are not into hostels, dorms or overnights on local busses either. Surely there are some companies that provide good value for a reasonable price. We want a good guide who understands the local customs.

Could you please tell me the name of the travel agent you managed to buy your ticket from please? I beleive you said they were in Esfahan..... I will need to buy 2 tickets for the July 2nd train. Many thanks

hi,

My French friend is very concerned that his airline Lufthansa may not let him and his family get on the plane next month because of Iran new rule change.

In short, it seems like that Iran Foreign Ministry approved a new regulation on June 1 -- pre-registration for 'airport visa' on Iran FM web site. In other words, all coming tourists, from now on, must first register online, receive a number/code a week later, and then fly to Iran with that number to get visa at the airport! IATA has accordingly been informed. However, Tehran IKA Airport Immigration office says that no one will be turned back and the code is NOT necessary. So I am confused.

Having said that, any one out there has the correct web address for airport visa (VOA) registration?
Do you know of any tourist who has received such an online 'code' for VOA since June 1? only for VOA and not other types of visas, I mean. Thank you.Amir.

Can anyone answer the question?

Hi

I am wanting to trek from Garmarud in Almut Valley to Yuj on the Caspian sea. LP gives some brief info but not much detail. Does anyone know if the trek can be completed in 2 days and if home stay accommodation is avail or if own camping gear is required. Also will it be hot/cold in late June? And can any tell me where to find a guide with mules for luggage if possible.

Many thanks
Marc

hello to all
in july i have plan to travell in iran for 1 week
then if i can find a cheap fly ticket i wil continue my travel to malaysia
can i find a fly ticket in tehran
thank you for your information

What are the easiest, and cheapest ways to do this?

Is flying the only option?

I am half-Iranian - my mother is Iranian - and I have travelled to Iran many times as a child on my British passport with a visa. Now that I'm older I am interested in getting an Iranian passport so that I could live and work in Iran. My Mum tells me I can't get one (and why would I want one) as she is the Iranian parent and not my father. Does anyone know if this is the case? If not, how would I go about getting myself a passport?
I should probably add that although my Dad is British, my parents are actually married under Islamic law. I'm hoping that this would make a difference. Any help would be gratefully received.
Thanking you in advance!

I was given asylum by the USA and I have a green card. My national passport from my home country (country of prosecution) has expired and I'm not able to renew it otherwise they would invalidate my green card. However the US government gives an RTD (refugee travel document) to asylees who want to travel abroad. The RTD is like a passport. My question is: once I get my RTD, will the Irani government give me a visa based on the RTD? I've heard that some countries accept RTD's, others do not.

Hi I am looking to travel to iran to visit family memebers. But the Only thing that is holding me back is that my whole family left Iran when i was really young and now i am living in australia and have citizan ship here, but i am also a citizan of iran. I am worried that when i get there i may be arrested. You See My father was in the Air Force in Iran and left illegally and has now been banded from entering the country. i still have my fathers last name and so you can see that i am worried i will have to pay the price. the australia government has advised me that i should be fine. but 4 years ago my mother went and she was arrest and kept there for 8 months even tho she is no longer with my father. So as you can see i am in a lost as to what to do. Thanks

Hello,

I travel to different countries every summer from mid July to mid August. Iran is my dream for long time, I am thinking to travel Tebriz, Tehran, Esfahan, Kum, Shiraz and other towns this summer. My only concern is the extreme temperature there. I searched but could not find statistics. Can you write me the average highest day temperatures for that period in Iran? And what is the humidity that can make the weather bothering?

I will appreciate info about summer weather from locals and travellers.

Cheers.
Alper

Hello,

We will be in Tehran between May 24-28 for an industry fair.
Can you please recommend a hotel (preferably 3-star) NEAR International Exhibition Area? Is it close to Airport also?

Thanks,
Ali

I would like to know whats the best option to get around in Iran. Easy would be by car, does someone know a travel agency in Teheran or a privat chauffeur who would be interested in driving us around for 2 weeks. How much would it cost us? What about de flights? I am glad for all answers !

Hello- I am a USA national, and am waiting for my tour operator to send me my VISA NUMBER from Foreign affairs in Tehran. when and IF I get this number, HOW LONG ( on the average), when posting my passport to the PAKISTANI (INTERESTS) EMBASSY in WASHINGTON- did OTHER AMERICAN PASSPORT VISA APPLIERS have to wait for their tourist visa to be processed and passport sent back to you?
( SEE HOW MANY GAMES AMERICANS HAVE TO PLAY? I AM NOT USA GOVERNMENT but just ME! (normal citizen) ALL YOU OTHER NATIONALITIES HAVE IT SO GOOD !!
thanks for your advice

Is Kish Air still flying from Abu Dhabi to Kish Island? Anyone know for sure? Why is their web site always under construction? I'm genuinely interested in getting Iran on my list of countries visited, and Kish seems like an easy option while I'm out working in Abu Dhabi.
Any help gratefully received.

Hello,

I have a bunch of dolls handmade by girls in the USA and want to donate them to a school or orphanage in Iran. I'll be traveling there in April and will be in: Tehran, Mashad, Yazd, Isfahan, Shiraz and Kerman. Any help finding a nice place to donate them would be appreciated. I have approx 30 dolls.

Thanks,
Tracy

Hi, I have swedish nationality and I am planning to visit Tehran in May and then continue to Damscus (by plane), then on to Beirut, and finally return to Europe.

Does anybody have experience with the Visa upon Arrival at Tehran airport in this case? As a swedish citizen, I am eligible for this VUA, but I read somewhere that I need to have a return flight when entering the country.

My flight booking would be
FRA - IKA with Lufthansa
IKA - DAM with Iran Air
Damascus - Beyrouth by bus
BEY - FRA with Lufthansa

So, technically, its not a return flight, and the leg IKA to DAM is a separate booking.

Does anybody have any advice? Would be really appreciated. Would hate to be turned back at the airport for a reason like this.
Thanks

hi there

i am an irish guy. i arrive in iran on tuesday. it is my first journey to iran. will have 3 weeks travelling on my own. will try and fit in as much of the country as possible. would love to meet people along the way. drop me a line if ur interested and we can have a tea and some conversation. ok. it is now time to get back to reading hafez and ferdowsi.

Dear All,

I will be arriving Tehran on the 20th of march and I just found out that is the start of the Iranian new year. Is this a good thing?

I will be staying with some family friends.

I wanted to go skiing and my main question is skiing attire/clothing available for rent? just like skis? I am coming from dubai and don't want to lug to much stuff around.

Which is the best place to go skiing? can i stay overnight at these ski resorts?

Will there be anyone who would be willing to meet up in Tehran? I was supposed to go with my family but they backed out and now I am alone. Don't think it should be a problem though.

I know alcohol is not permitted in Iran, so that means I cannot buy something from duty free dubai and take it into iran right? that would be stupid.

anyways thanks for any help in advance.

Where to repair a camera (with sand inside it) in Iran?

I broke my Sony Cybershot DSC-W80 in the desert last week, tiny sandstorm hit on top of a dune, and now the lens won't open. I can still transfer pictures, and the power turns on, but no photo taking whatsoever. I already opened the camera to take a look inside, but only to blow on a few things in hopes of clearing any grains of sand. NO LUCK, the lens still won't open.

My question is how can I repair this camera, where is the cheapest repair shop, and how much does it cost? I am traveling in the Iran for 3 months, and need my camera repaird ASAP. I cannot afford to buy a new one.

Thanks

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The Absolute Best Master list of IRAN (in Spring)

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:
1) memorable/dramatic scenery, landscape photography, or specifically where to find the best (viewpoints, vistas, city views, natural views, panoramas, skylines, sunsets, etc..)?

Also looking for the unique outdoors, hikes/hilltops/lookouts, and other amazing, breathtaking views?

2) lovely/charming streets, cute villages, hidden nooks/places, and magnificent/attractive architecture?

3) authentic/unforgettable "local" travel experiences or non-typical, interesting/special experiences (full of original character), and unique only to the local area.

4) specialty/unique regional cuisine/gastronomy (at places where local's go to eat @ local's prices, & where food is made with love, and regional favorites are specialties. Also the fewer tourists the better.

5) the best freebies (museums, galleries excluded), or anything else off-the beaten path?

Thanks for your suggestions

-------------------------------------------------------------

-IRAN- "POTENTIAL" TRIP PLAN
(MAR 11-JUN10)

-Ardabil: Neor Lake, then hike to Sobaten village, see Mt. Sabalan near Meshkinshar, Masjid e Jomeh, Azam, and Mirza Ali Akbar Mojtahed, as well as Sheikh Safi-ad-din Ardabili buildings, Imamzadeh Saleh, Panj Pole Ardabil, meuseum lobby, eat Ash Mast,

-Azarbaijan: Urumiyeh, Daryacheye Gori, Khoy, Maryam e Moqadas Church, Sohrol church (Sohrageh of Shabestar), Koohe Sahand, Valasht Lake, Kandovan, Own-ebn-e-ali (on top of Koohe Sorkhab), and in Tabriz, see Arge Tabriz, Masjid e Kaboud, Bagh-e Melli/Eil Goli, Masque of shahidi (Qarichi), see Yam, Inali, Arasbaran (Ahar) scenery, eat sweets, Ash Masti, Anari, Ghorabie, eat Koofteh Tabrizi, leave Iran at Norduz border to Armenia

-Gilan: Masuleh, shiriniye masuleh, jungle near Fooman, Rudkhan castle, shiriniye fooman, eat Reshteh Khoshkar, Kaviar,

-Mazandaran: Kandalous, Kelardasht, Roodbarak, Daryacheye Valasht, go hiking to Takhte-Soleiman, Alamkuh, go to Abbasabad Tonkabon, (then drive toward Ramsar, Jadeh Haris, village Lega, hike to Lakterashan village, and finally to Shah e Sefid Kooh/Kooh e Baloor), visit Mazichal, Vavsar, Namakabroud forest (not gondola), Moghan, and then in Sari, Tajan River Park, Zare Forest Park, Salardareh Forest Park, Dasht-E-Naaz National Park, Pol-e-Gardan hiking trail, Nemashoun Lake, Lak-Dasht Lake, Soleyman Tangeh Lake, Bam-e-Shahr Hill (for viewpoint over Sari)

-Golestan: National Park (near Gorgan), Dashte Gorgan, and Farms east of Gordan, View a top Khaled Nabi tomb (passed Kalaleh near border), Daryacheye Almagol, Garmeh desert oasis, eat Qatoorqa, Qatleqliash

-Semnan: Arge Semnan, Khartouran National Park, Shahre Abr, hike to Jangale Abr (near Shahrood), Badrud oasis, and Harandeh valley (near Firuzkun), Shahmirzad, eat gerdoo

-Khorasan: Mahshad (Fazl ebne Shazan), view from Koo Sangi, Masjid e Goharshad, Madrese-e Abbas Gholi Khan, and in Neishabur (Farid al-Din Attar Tomb, Beheshte Fazl), Imamzade Mahrogh, Kamal Ol Molk, village of Kang, Gonbad-e Kheshti, Gonabad, Garmeh oasis, Tabas, Quchan, Kopet Dag, Haft Hoz (in Khalaj), Tandureh national Park (near Dargaz), Arg e Furg (in Birjand),

-Qasvin: Avan Lake/Keshteh Chal, Alamoot, Sharakhs, Imamzadeh Hossein,
-Karaj: AmirKabir Lake
-Zanjan: Sultanieh dome, Masjid Jome,

-Tehran: Bazaar-e Gol, Borje Milad (Gisha), Hedayet Street (Darrous), Armenian Club on 68 Khark Street, parkhaye e Jamshideh, Niavaran, Vardavard, (Hezardastan restaurant, Shahid Beheshti @ Valiasr), Hosseiniyeh Ershad, Emamzadeh Zeid, Imam Khomeini tomb, Hazrat Abdol Azim (Rey)// Darakeh, Darband (end of Meidoone Sarband, end of street, up the stairs, passed the cafes, waterfalls, to Shir Pala), (Ghavekhaneh Sonnati), Dashte Havij, near Afjeh village (in Lavasan), Tochal in Valenjak, (take gondola to last station, walk up 30 minutes), Khajeer National Park, Tangeh Savashi, Dizin, Taleghan, Shahrestanak, Lar National Park, Damavand (Daryacheye Sade Lar, Daryache Tar, Mosha Valley, Abshare Yakhi),

-Qom: Kavir National Park (Varamin), Daryacheye Sultan Namaki, Masjid e Jamkaran, Fatima È Massummeh, Imam Hassan Askari, Masjid e Azam, eat Sohan

-Kashan: Walking on the roof (from bazaar), Emamzadeh Abdollah, Agha Bozorg Mosque, Mehrab madresseh, Khooneye Boroujerdiha, Kavire Maranjab, Baaghe e Fin, Jashnvare Gol-o Golab dar Ghamsar, then Niasar,

-Esfahan: Panj Masjid ( Masjide Jomeh, Loftollah, Shah, Imam, va Ali), Madreseye Chahar Bagh, Hasht Behesht, Sunset at Siasehpol, Jolfa quarter, view from Atashgah, Kelisa e Vank, Pole Khaju, Abbasi hotel, visit Khansar scenary, Imamzadeh Helal Ilb Ali, and Kavire Maranjab (both in Aran va Bidgol) MAsjid e Ardestan, eat Khoreshe Mast ----


-Yazd: Baadgir e Yazdi, Amir Chakhmagh, top of Chak Chak at Pire Sabz, Zarjoo, near Ardekan, see eternal flame, Dakhmeh, then towers of silence, then Shir Kuh, go to Taft, then Tezerjan, Maybod, Koohe Sir, Masjid e Rigg, Karanaq, Shahzadeh caravansarail, buy Zaffaren, eat Ghotab, shirine yazdi

-Shiraz, Masjide Vakil, Masjid Nasir Ol Molk, Madreseh Khan, Shah-e Cheragh, Emamzade-ye Ali Ebn-e Hamze, Bazare Vakil, view from top of Jomhuri St, also view from University Library, Arge Karim Khan, Baghe Eram, Bagh-e-afifabad, Bagh-e-naranjestan, Hammam-e Vakil teahouse, Aramgeh Hafez at night, Daryacheye Bakhtegan (near Neyriz), (Naqsh-e Rotam/Rajab, and Persepolis/Pasagarde), Barm Firooz (Sepidan), drink Bahare Naranji, Faloodeh e Shirazi,

-Kerman: Take road to Zabol, Shahdad-Nahbandan, Dashte Lut at sunset/sunrise, (Gandom Beriyan), Mahan, Gonbad-e-Jabaliyeh, Arge Rayen, Abarkuh, Kuhe Hazaran, Imamzadeh ye Shahzade Hossein (in Jopar), Masjide Ganjali Khan/Masjid e Malek, Masjid e Chehel Souton, Moshtari-ye MAshtaq Ali-Shah, Hammame Ebrahim Khan, Yakhchal, eat Kolempeh, Faloodeh e Kermani, Ghovatou,

-Hamedan: Estakhr e Abbas Abad viewpoint
-Kurdistan: Uramanat village, Daryacheye Zarivar (near Marivan)
-Kermanshah: Bisotun
-Lorestan: Daryache Gohar, Oshtaran Koo (in Dorood), Abshare Gale Khaneh (in Abhar),

-Koguliye va Boyer Ahmadi: (Dena, Daryacheye Kohgol near Yasooj), also Daryacheye Moor Zard Zilaei
-Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiar: Zard Kuh
-Khuzestan: Izeh, Shush (Pole Shadarvan at night), Chogha Zanbil
-Busher: visit turtles in Nakhiloo Island, eat Ghaliye Mahi, Mahyawa sauce
-Hormozgon: Qeshm island, Bandar Lengeh mountains

Alborz roads
1) Qazvin-Rasht Road
2) Karaj-Chalus Road
3) Tehran-Amol (Haraz) Road
4) Tehran-Sari (Firooz Kooh) Road - nice one

Iranian food: KooKoo Badenjan, Morasa Polo, Nan-e-Taftoon, Nane-e-Gisu (Armani), Aab e Havij/Talebi/Hendoone/Anar, Havij Bastani, Yakh dar Behesht, Ranginak, Fereni, Ghorse Khorshid, Sohan Asali, Morabaaye Seeb, Haveej, Aalbaloo, Shirin e Berenji, Shirin e Yazdi, Kolouche, Gooshe Fil, Samanu, Noghl, Sharbat, Khak sheer, Shirmal, Ghandi,

Northern Iranian food (from Caspian region): Ghalie Mahi, Ghalie Maygu, Alu Mosema, * Anar Bij, * Ash-e Fatematazahra, * Ash-e Shalqam, * Ash-e Shir, * Ash-e Qalamkar, * Ash-e Torsh, * Badenjan Torshi * baqala bij , * Baqala Qatoq, * Choqortmeh, * Darar * Haftabijar, * Halvaye Raqayeb, * Khali Ash, * Khalou Abeh, * Kolucheh Fuman, * Kolucheh Lahijan, * kuku Eshpel, * Kuku gerdu, * Longi * Mahi Dudi, * Mahi Fibij, * Morabaye Badrang, * Morabaye Bahar Narenj, * Morabaye Gol Mohammadi, * Morabaye Kadu, * Morabaye Shaqayeq, * Morabaye Velesh, * Morabaye Zoqal Akhteh, * Morq-e Torsh, * Naz Khatun, * Piyaz Torshi * Reshteh Khoshkar, * Rob e Narenj, * Rob e Anar, * Rob e Sir Torsh, * Shah Kuku, * Shami-e Rashti, * Sheshandaz, * Shirin Tareh, * Shur Mahi, * Sirabij, * Sir Qaliyeh, * Ash-e Esfenadj Torshi Kebab, Vavishka, Shir Kateh with Milk, and Jam, Sir paneer, Narenj Vahar

------------


I am looking to get an Iranian number, just for 3 months, and just to SMS other Iranian mobiiles. I'm looking for good coverage in villages, and far away places, like mountains, desert. Which company is better?

Thank you for helping...

Hi there,

I was born in Iran, where my family lived for a number of years. I don't remember anything about the country... but (or because of this) I have a strong desire to return to see where I come from and how life is there today. I'm particularly interested to see the place where I was born and the house (or the street at least) where my family lived.

I have looked online for a good map of Teheran but have thus far been unable to find one that is detailed enough. I also just don't know which street names may have been changed since the revolution. I'm hoping someone out there might be able to help?

We lived at #3 Kamyar, an east-west street about 2 blocks north of the US Embassy. Kamyar was about a block south of Karim Khan-e Zand, another east-west street. Kamyar was not terribly long. Kheredmand was two houses east of ours. A famous restaurant called Chetniks was apparently on Kheredman and very close to our place. There was also a north-south street west of Kamyar called Iranshahr. The US consulate was on that street, as was a window glass shop and the Nun-e Barbarie bakery. The hospital where I was born was apparently about 3 blocks north and a tad west of our house.

Thanks so much for any help!

Hello, I am another one of those Americans who wants to visit Iran. I've been looking at every option, but it does not look very good. I wrote to some schools for persian courses, but they can not accept americans. I would really like to go overland from Turkey to Pakistan. Does anybody know any tour agency that would be able to do so with many stops in between? I also want to ask any americans if they have done an 'accompanied tour' and how it went.
Maybe I just have to postpone this trip for another year and hope that somehow the American and Iranian governments can improve relations.
Also, does anybody know about how the letter of invitation works? If an American receives a letter of invitation from an individual Iranian, will he be able to travel to other cities?
Thank you for any help/advice/encouragement :)
Billy

i'm a canadian looking to get an iranian visa in india... any suggestions? best plac, my chances, approximate costs... anything would help... thanks alot

hello people

having travelled a bit through turkey and in syria i developed a great love of hammam baths. i am coming to iran next month and wondered is there a tradition of hammams in iran and are there any in tehran?

I'm an American born Brit so I have an American passport and an EU one, will I be allowed to visit Iran with my American husband? Is it safe for me to bring our very young son with us or would it be better to leave him at home? Where do we apply for a visa, what documentation do I need and do we need to hire a travel guide or do many people speak english in Iran (or French, or Dutch) What places should I make sure to see? Any travel tips welcome. (And, can someone direct me to a web site that will outline what I should/should not wear)
= )

hi

i am an irish guy coming to iran in march for three weeks. i suppose i am just looking for anyones tips and advice. where to go what to do etc. or are there any iranians who what to hook up? it would be great to meet people etc. my reasons for to come to iran are purely cultural and a product of a love for the middle east and a curious mind. anyway that's my post, ridiculous and vague - (kind of like myself)