Iran

Översikt

For many, Iran has developed a reputation as a pariah state since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, which overthrew a US-backed regime and replaced it with a system of government based on a combination of Shi’a theocracy with an elected government. Iran's regime is engaged in a sectarian cold war with a loose coalition led by its main Sunni rival, Saudi Arabia, accelerating proxy battles across the Muslim world. Iran’s support for anti-Israel groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and its pursuit of nuclear missile capability have led to a raft of international sanctions against it. In spite of this however, Iran is mostly a safe and stable middle income country for tourism or business travel, with a functional political system, middle-income status and low levels of crime and a general threat of terrorism.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about four weeks prior to departing for Iran.

Travellers should have the following vaccines up to date: influenza, polio, chickenpox (or varicella), hepatitis A, typhoid, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT). Vaccinations against hepatitis B, malaria, and rabies are also recommended. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from infected areas.

It is recommended to avoid drinking tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Furthermore, do not drink un-bottled beverages or drinks with ice.

Travellers’ diarrhoea is a common problem for travellers to the region. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines and oral rehydration salts should be brought for the journey, with rigorous food and personal hygiene precautions exercised.

Travellers should have enough medicines you may need to last during the trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles carrying the generic names with supporting documentation and always in carry-on luggage.

Although it is advisable to acquire a comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, this insurance is unlikely to cover medical care at all facilities. Doctors and hospitals may expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Life-threatening medical problems may require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities since only basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities. Health professionals usually speak some English in hospitals in larger cities. In the rural areas however, medical facilities are unlikely to meet Western standards and could also be lacking in terms of medicines and supplies.

Pass

A passport valid for at least six months after date of departure from Iran is required for travel.

Visum

A visa is required if you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK or the US. Travellers from these jurisdictions should allow a large amount of time to lodge their requests with Iran’s diplomatic and consular missions, as the process can be very long and unpredictable. 

Thirty day tourist visa are available upon arrival in Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz and Tehran for nationals of Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Travellers from other countries are advised to check with their local Iranian consular office.

Transit passengers continuing their journey within 12 hours, holding valid onward journey documentation and not leaving the airport do not need a visa. Transit passengers continuing their journey within 48 hours or 72 hours, holding valid onward journey documentation and not leaving the airport can obtain a transit visa on arrival for a fee. Transit visas are only valid for five days. 

Generally, it takes a minimum of four weeks to process business and tourist visas for travel to Iran. Visas are issued for stays of up to one month and are valid for three months from date of authorisation. In the event you overstay your visa, you may be detained in Iran until the situation is resolved. 

Pilgrimage visas may only take two weeks to process and are also issued for stays of up to one month and are valid for three months from date of authorisation. If you wish to renew or extend your visa applications should be made to the Iranian Embassy.

Female travellers aged over nine years are recommended to wear a headscarf in their visa application photo. Failure to comply with this is likely to result in a delay to the application process.