Solo female travel in Iran
Last Updated on 05/02/2023 by kami
So I went to Iran alone. Most people think I’m stupid or crazy, or both. But am I really?
I must admit I had some doubts and couple of minor panic attacks before going, mostly due to my uncertain visa situation, but also because I haven’t traveled to such an exotic, unknown destination before, the one I didn’t really know how to prepare for. But the whole “solo female travel in Iran” thing turned out to be really cool and easy there and I enjoyed every single bit of it! Iran is one of the best solo female travel destinations I’ve been to.
For the 10 days I’ve spent in Iran I haven’t met another woman traveling alone (but I’ve heard from others there’re 2 more doing the same thing as me at the same time). There were tourists, surprisingly many of them, few guys traveling solo but not a single women.
That just meant to me that the stereotype that Iran is a dangerous place to visit, especially for independent (female) travelers are as strong as always.
When I was telling my friends I’m going to Iran some 90% of them were seriously concerned about me and asked me to think over my chosen destination. People keep confusing Iran and Iraq, thinking it’s a country torn by war and now under the ISIS rule.
I kept explaining that it is a perfectly safe place, that I haven’t heard of anyone having a single issue there, that everyone I know just loved their visit in that country. But still people were not convinced and that eventually made me feel pretty nervous about my trip to, I started having the thoughts of what I’m getting myself into…
Finally planning a trip to Iran is so much easier! I remember how much I’ve struggled not being able to plan anything ahead. Fortunately it has changed!
- Get your insurance for Iran here! (you will need it for the visa anyway)
- Book accommodation in Iran!
- Book domestic flights in Iran here!
- Book your bus connections in Iran here!
- Get help with your visa application and authorisation code here!
Happy Iran travels!
Safety
For the whole time I’ve spent there I didn’t encounter even one situation when I would have felt in danger or even uncomfortable. Unlike other countries that are top tourist destinations but can be challenging for solo women (I’m looking at you Morocco) Iran was completely safe!
Of course people were staring at me, both men and women, young and old but it was only because they were curious and didn’t have any bad intentions. Some braver one tried to talk to me and every day I repeated the word “Lachestan” (“Poland” in Farsi language) countless times. Usually the question where I am from and how do I like Iran were the only ones I was asked.
Just the other day I saw a list of the safest cities in the world and I was not surprised to see Tehran there. Iran really was probably the safest country I’ve ever visited!(click to read more about safety in Iran)
Iranian people
I heard so many things about the incredible Iranian hospitality I was really curious to see how it really is. I usually divide such stories by four and don’t expect much but surely on my second day in Iran (or was it a night?) I experienced it as well.
I took the night bus from Tehran to Shiraz (the journey was supposed to last between 12 and 15 hours) and at 5 in the morning I was woken up by the driver – it turned out he lives in the random town we were passing by and since at that point there was only me and two more passengers – a mother with a teenage daughter – he invited us over for a breakfast.
Normally I wouldn’t have accepted such an offer (and I refused few times before finally agreeing) but since I was accompanied by other women I figured out nothing bad can happen.
No one spoke English so for two hours we all did our best to communicate with hands, speaking loud and slow in our languages or using the short phrasebook at the end of Lonely Planet. Still it was a really lovely time, I felt very welcomed, ate much more than I’ve wanted and even got some extra food for the onward journey.
And stories like this do happen in Iran, a lot. People there are incredibly generous and hospitable and don’t have any bad intentions! As soon as you step out of the tourist route someone will talk to you and you never know how it might end! Just be open and say “yes” – that’s where the adventure in Iran starts!
Traveling around
You probably have heard about the Tehran metro that has separate carriages for women. Well, it’s true. I was slightly afraid I will end up in a wrong car but as it turned out there was nothing to worry about.
At the platform it is clearly marked where the women-only zone starts and those specific carriages are located at the front and back of the train. The stations are full of posters showing why men shouldn’t enter these parts of the metro, how uncomfortable the women would feel.
Traveling around Tehran was quite an experience anyway! There was always something going on, on every station the new show was starting, women were selling and buying all necessary things: from kitchen equipment to make up and bras!
The buses between the cities didn’t have the specific areas for women but when buying a ticket you get a seat reservation too. It happens that a guy gets a place next to you – it then takes some creativity from the driver to rearrange the passengers so no woman sits next to an unknown man. During my journey from Kashan to the airport (3 hours) I changed the seat 3 times!
Trying to figure out the transportation between the cities was slightly challenging. Fortunately now you can book everything beforehand at 1stQuest website! I wish it was possible during my trip…
Accommodation
I’m the kind of person that likes to have everything organized and when I travel I always book the place to stay in advance as I prefer to know there’ll be a bed waiting for me at the end of the day. Well, this wasn’t the case with Iran.
Due to my uncertain visa situation I wasn’t sure if I will be let in to the country and so I only booked my first night in Tehran (it was required to get a visa anyway) and it wasn’t easy anyway as back then there was only one pretty bad website that allowed you to book hotels in Iran. Now you can easily do it at 1stQuest – click here for more details and accommodation options!
The next nights I spent in various places: a random hotel with only Iranian guests (I was a big attraction for them), 8-bed dorm in the basement of the most touristic hotel in Yazd (both nights I was the only women in the room), a private room in another hotel popular among foreign tourists and couchsurfing with a lovely Iranian couple. And every time it was all fine!
The only issue I had was in Yazd where the bathroom was located few steps away from the dorm and to get there I had to cross the patio with the restaurant – with wet hair, wearing a pajama, a tunic and a scarf on my head I must have looked funny.
As for Couchsurfing – officially it is illegal in Iran but it is not blocked (unlike Facebook) and it is working really well in the country, every city has a lot of hosts to choose from. I heard only amazing things about CS in Iran and I knew I have to do it too!
Of course I followed the rules like anywhere else: looked only for women or couples, preferable with some references, those I felt we’d click with. I tried CS in Isfahan, where I stayed with a really lovely couple – I got my own room, we spent pretty much time together and the most I learnt about the life in Iran was from them.
But if you look at their home or listen to our conversation you’d never guess they’re Iranian – they could as well live in any European country! Another prove that Iran is a normal place just like any other!
Eating out
That’s usually the most difficult part for solo travelers as let’s face it, we do feel uncomfortable sitting alone in the restaurant. But it was surprisingly good in Iran.
When I visited a place with Iranian clientele there was always someone trying to talk to me, whether a person working there or a fellow customer (and again the same questions were asked, where I am from and how I like Iran). In the tourists-oriented places there was also always someone chatting to me, just the topics of the conversation were different.
I don’t think in these 10 days I ate alone even once! The most challenging thing was eating with the headscarf on!
Clothes
That’s the most controversial part of solo female travel in Iran. For all the time you’re outside in the public (so even in the common areas of the hotel) you need to have your hair covered and to wear a manteau (a coat or tunic). You cannot have bare arms (everyone was wearing long sleeves) and your legs should be covered till ankles however the feet can be bare.
I was wearing skinny jeans and it was totally fine.
Also it’s not like the hair need to be all hidden, when I was looking at some girls I was wondering how their headscarf doesn’t fall (every journey by Tehran metro left me with jaw dropped as I couldn’t stop staring at beautiful women around, with all these clothes they really know how to show best features).
It’s also a stereotype that you need to wear black color only!
You need to follow these rules from the moment you step out of the plane till the moment you board the plane again.
There were days when it was pretty challenging to wear all that clothes when it was really hot outside but well, there was nothing I could do about that, I just accepted these rules. And honestly I expected it will be much worse!
The headscarf kept me cool from the sun and it fell down only few times (but, surprisingly enough not when I was sleeping in the bus). When by accident my arm was seen a helpful women on the streets rearranged my outfit so I looked fine again.
For next two days after leaving Iran I kept checking if my headscarf is on, you get used to it pretty fast and become somehow obsessed with keeping it on your head.
With over 15 years of independent travelling I’ve learnt which websites and services are the best when planning a trip. I always use and trust following websites:
Flights – I search for the best deals on either Momondo or SkyScanner. Both search numerous sites to find the best offers. I also really like the “everywhere” option when searching for the flights as it often gives me the inspiration, if not for this trip then for the next time.
Accommodation – Finally it’s possible to book accommodation in Iran online (that’s what I’ve strugled with the most during my trip). You can do that at 1stQuest website. Click here to see the hotels and book the place for yourself!
Insurance – I never travel without the insurance as you never know what might happen on the road (I’ve learnt my lesson). In Iran you need to get the insurance from the local agency and you have to have one for the visa anyway. Fortunately you can do it online! Click here to check the options and book your insurance for the trip to Iran!
Guide books – I do like reading a guide book before and during the trip. Depending on the destination I usually buy either Lonely Planet or Bradt. You can get your guidebooks for Iran here: Bradt / Lonely Planet
Day tours in Iran – I do go for a day trips when I travel as often they are the most convenient way to see the place that save you time and money. Click here to see and book the best day tours in Iran
So, that’s more or less my experience with solo female travel in Iran. I really enjoyed it, felt very safe for all the time and can only recommend it to everyone! If you think of visiting Iran now is the time to go as the country and especially its politics is changing and soon might become just another tourist destination. And you don’t want to miss the real Iran!
Would you like to visit Iran? Would you dare to travel solo there? If you have any questions about solo female travel in Iran (or about the country in general) feel free to ask them in the comment or email me, I’ll gladly answer!
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Wow, now Iran looks so safe and friendly! I haven’t considered that destination so far, but as it may become more touristic place I have to be fast and defenetlig go there, ASAP. Btw. the scarf really fits you! :)
haha, thank you! And yes, you definitely should visit Iran as soon as you can since it’s changing too fast and soon there just might be too many people!
Hi Kami
On be half of Iranian people I would like to show my appreciation for your kindly comments about My country .
I wish to see you soon and again in Iran .
Abbas
From the capital
Thank you!
There are some other cities in iran, like Share kord. People are more kind. In a way you can stay there more than two weeks with out paying any mony. Beacause people will invite you so fast. Even though some times if you dont accept their invitation they become sad. I am iranian. If you experiance other small cities in iran, you will see more hospility and kindness.
I’m actually against promoting travels based on people’s hospitality as that way some people might overuse it. Hopefully nothing like that will happen in Iran! Anyway, next time I definitely would like to visit smaller and less known places!
Hey, thx for the tips. Just so you know, I spent 8 days alone in Morocco. Took night trains, lost myself in the medinas and even went far north. The only place I did not feel really safe was tangier. Everywhere else I super recommend.
Great! I’m glad you had a wonderful time in Morocco! I was there solo too couple of years ago and it was all fine!
Hi Kami! I enjoyed reading your blog. I am actually also like you, i loved to travel solo. I’m planning to do this in the future, I would just like to ask about what currency did u bring in there? Is it in dollars and have it exchange there? Can you tell me more about it? Also do they accept card payments? I would highly appreciate your response. :)
I wrote everything in this post I had dollars with me but euros are ok too. Unfortunately you can’t use the bank cards in Iran so you need to have all the money with you and exchange it there
about money :
You can use Mah Card which is an Iranian debit card.
could be, but I bet most of the travelers won’t bother with getting one…
Great guide! I plan on visiting Iran sometime in the near future with my family but this is all still very useful information.
Thank you! You definitely should go there, it’s such a great country to visit!
So interesting to read about, Kami! It’s good to hear that the stereotype of Iranians being friendly and hospitable is true!
Thank you! Iran definitely is nothing like the Western world sees it!
Love this. I really really really want to go now. I have this irrational fear of being kidnapped, but I guess as long as we aren’t cruising the hillsides on the border regions I should be fine right! :) Can’t wait to see more of your posts on Iran.
Definitely! It is such a safe country and people are super friendly and welcoming that you’d be fine! I haven’t heard yet about anyone having problems in Iran!
hi
im mehdi from Yazd city Iran
i like say some points about travelling to Iran,
first: iran is very safe and cheap and had a countless places to visiting
second:the people of Iran are very hostable and kind
third:Iran is big and four seasons country but Autumn and two first months of spring are best time
have a nice time.
mehdi
This was a really great read, Kami! I’ve been fascinated with Iran ever since I read The Physician while I was still in high school, and I’m so glad that you had such an amazing experience there! I hope you’ll inspire many other women to travel in this region of the world!
Thank you! You definitely should consider a trip to Iran too, I’m sure you’d love it!
hi i live in iran any help that i can feel free
hi i am from yazd, iran.
i’ll be happy to come to our city.
we are hospitable family.
Thank you
Most people have very bad opinion about Iran. But it isn’t true. I changed my mind, after I read a book “Przez świat na rowerach w dwa lata”. The chapter about Iran was my favorite part of this book. After that book Iran is in my number one at top 5 place to visit in my live.
I think I’ve read that book a while ago, at least it sounds familiar! You definitely should visit Iran, I think you’d like it there. Plus apparently they have some really nice trains there :)
Great honest and interesting article – it is wonderful to hear that Iran is so safe and its people so friendly. Good on you for being brave enough to visit there alone. I find the couchsurfing thing very interesting! I wonder if they have AirBnB as well? We are hoping to visit Iran next year as part of our journey overland all the way from Indonesia to UK so will definitely be looking into it for this. Thanks
Thank you Steph! I highly doubt they have AirBnB, even Couchsurfing is illegal there so… :) I will keep my fingers crossed for you to get to Iran next year, it’s an amazing country and definitely deserves a visit!
I think as a north american anywhere in the middle east is seen as a huge risk- solo travel or not. However after reading this article.. I totally want to go. Love that you got to have breakfast with your local driver…that’s amazing.
I’ve been to few countries in Middle East and they were perfectly fine! I guess these are just unfair stereotypes. Hopefully you will go there one day!
I live in Iran.
if you need any information I can help you
Thanks
I would love to go to Iran one day. Between you and Sylvia posting about it, it doesn’t seem at all like a place where I should feel intimidated or scared. I love reading about places first hand rather than listening to other people’s uneducated opinions. I also know a lot of people who would likely confuse Iran and Iraq to the point I probably wouldn’t even tell them I was going.
Thanks for this post, it is inspiring me to research getting a visa with a US passport.
Unfortunately it’s not so easy to get there for the US citizens but since recently Iran and USA are in some better relations they will hopefully change the rules for travels there! And Iran is definitely worth a visit and nothing like people here think!
Znakomicie, że przetarłaś te ścieżki! Obecnie najbardziej mnie odstrasza to totalne bycie ubraną ;) A co do wagonów tylko dla kobiet, to takie też są w Kuala Lumpur i uwielbiam je! Jakoś tak naprawdę się znakomicie czułam, gdy otaczały mnie same kobiety. Było czysto, nie śmierdziało, dzieciaki latały – tak… przyjemnie :)
W Rio też na takie wagony trafiłam, ale jakoś te teherańskie są już sławą owiane. A to chodzenie poubieranym nie jest takie najgorsze, a i przyzwyczaić się szybko można :)
Good for you. It’s on my list. And as I see more and more going there, it’s moving toward the top.
Good, you definitely should travel to Iran when you have a chance!
It sounds really great and story with driver and breafast proces that people from Iran are so helpful and kind. I had similar experience in south-east Asia – everyone told me I should be carefull all the time and they asked me if I was scared but to be honest I felt much mord safer then in Europe or USA. Nice post, thanks!
Thanks! All these worries comments usually come from people who don’t travel and don’t really know how safe the world can be and how good people are! I still need to visit SE Asia!
Great post! I too learned the word Lahestan since I was traveling under a Polish passport and otherwise every time I said Poland it was met with — “Holland? Yes so many tourist from Holland!”
A friend of mine is traveling in Iran as we speak and I’ve heard nothing but good about it. Not sure where all the warning etc comes from but to me it’s pretty clear now that there should be no reason why not to go…
it comes from the lack of knowledge I guess. people confuse Iraq and Iran and know that there’re bad things happening in Iraq right now so assume Iran is the same. Plus media show us the bad image of the country so people believe in it, sadly
As Alex said – trully great post!
Ale, że założenie kawałka materiału na głowę i ramiona nazywać kontrowersyjnym? ;)
I podpisuję się pod Twoim nazwaniem tego. Zresztą burka w niektórych krajach arabskich została na życzenie kobiet, a nie mężczyzn i miała zupełnie inne funkcje, niż dzisiaj pierwszemu, lepszemu Kowalskiemu się wydaje :)
Well written Kami!
How fantastic! I really, really want to go to Iran but my husband is from the UK so has to do a tour. Otherwise I could travel solo, which I’m thinking about doing, but I’m not sure. It looks so amazing though. I hope you’ll be writing more about it.
You definitely should go solo, the sooner the better! And then you can return with your husband, when things get easier for UK citizens (as I’m sure eventually there will be the same rules for everyone). And I will definitely be writing more about Iran, just need to find some time (ah the summer in Warsaw… ;))
Podróżowałam stopem po Syrii (jak jeszcze dało się tam pojechać). Nigdy nie czułam się bezpieczniej, lepiej i bardziej przyjaźnie. Fajnie, że w Iranie miałaś podobne doświadczenia.
Nice one Kami!
Also I totally emphasize with what you mean about people telling you that you are crazy before you go. I assumed it was just Americans but now I know it was not :) we won’t all soon forget that feeling when you first stepped off the plane and realized … We were absolutely right and they are totally wrong ;)
I traveled to Iran, with my Persian husband, for the first time (my first time) in March of this year. I had to laugh at some of your comments. I had such a time eating with the head scarf on, it drove me crazy! Did you know that women can ride in the men’s metro car but men cannot ride in the women’s car. I rode in the men’s car with my husband as did many other women. And I had SO many people approach me to ask where I was from. And every single one of them asked me to tell Americans that Iranians loved America. ;)
I heard so much about eating with a scarf yet I had no problems with it ;) I was more afraid of the scarf falling down when I was sleeping in the bus but was fine here too :) I knew about the metro and it was really tempting to go to the men’s car but I didn’t want to risk ;) Iranians are really amazing and it’s so bad they get such a bad publicity all over the world…
pokazałaś że się da, nawet samemu :)
This post makes me even more excited to visit Iran someday… Soon! Thank you for sharing your experience… This very valuable.
I recently watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, in which he visited Iran. I was frankly surprised to see how warm, welcoming and generally friendly everyone was – MUCH more so than half the people I meet here in Orlando! You’re lucky you got a chance to visit – I’m sure it is something you will remember for the rest of your life.
That’s exactly how Iran is – nothing like we imagine it here but so much better! And people are just the friendliest ever!
Pierwsze, co przychodzi na myśl o Iranie, to, że jest tam niebezpiecznie. Jak widać totalnie mylne wrażenie.
Iran musi być bardzo ciekawym krajem. I zazdroszczę wszystkim udającym się w te rejony.
zdecydowanie jest ciekawy. nie ma czego zazdrościć tylko trzeba samemu pojechać!
To własnie ubiór chyba jest najciekawszy w całej podróży do Iranu!
So happy you enjoyed visiting Iran! It is high on my list :)
i love iran and very interesting post.
Salam! This was a really cute article! Thanks Chloe (from Wanderlust in the Midwest) from sending over the link! I am actually Iranian (I was born and raised in the USA but I go back all the time!) and I am really happy to hear that you had such a positive trip! Actually, every article I’ve read on westerners traveling to Iran has always been overwhelmingly positive! It’s a shame that we have such a bad rep in the media! ;(
In any regard, I enjoyed reading your article and didn’t realize that there were so many stereotypes about us! (Haha I didn’t know people thought we wear all black!? omg)
Hope you can make the trip back again very soon! ;)
<(') Hoda
Thank you Hoda! I definitely enjoyed it and will promote Iran to everyone! The rep it gets in the media is so unfair and I really hope it will be changed soon!
Iran, maybe one day, who knows. For now I travel with you :). If you don’t mind.
of course I don’t :)
I bet you appreciated the most the breakfast with that Iranian family! I would! That seems like the most authentic experience one can only impagine. Congratulations!
Thank you! and you’re right :)
This was honestly the most interesting travel blog piece I have ever read. I think it’s because Iran is so foreign. There are 1000000’s of blog posts on Ubud and Florence. But nothing on Iran. And certainly nothing on Iran by a Solo Female Traveler! Although Iran may not be a desirable country to live (their people are fleeing for good reasons), it is nice and reassuring to know that you felt safe traveling there. And it’s exciting that you did this as a solo female traveler. Your blog post made Iran a very enticing place to visit (although my mum would not take me traveling to Iran by myself very well). Thank you!!
Thank you for your lovely comment, it made me blush! Iran is definitely a wonderful place to visit, and so safe your mum shouldn’t be afraid ;)
That metro sign is too funny! Iran sounds wonderful, and not scary at all. Would love to go some day!
Hopefully you will! :)
One of the best blog about touristic, realy enjoy reading your post. Although i would prefer if you write in PL :)
thank you! and well, there’s always google translate ;)
wow! That’s very brave of you to go to Iran alone! Great photos!
thank you! :)
I am very impressed that you had the courage to go on such a trip. But as you can see it was worth it – wonderful pictures.
I love learning more about places that I really don’t know much about, especially those that have a bit of a stigma there…I’m glad that you felt safe and that you would recommend it! :)
Thanks! It was really such a safe country! No one believes me when I say that and I was actually pretty surprise too!
Loved this and all the photos. Where did you buy your mantou?? I’m going in October and need to be ready!
Thank you! actually I got that tunic in the second hand shop here in Warsaw. I figured since I’d need these kind of clothes just for Iran I can as well look for them there so I won’t need to pay too much ;) I’m sure you will love Iran when you go there later this year!! Do you know where will you go to?
Grunt to przełamywać stereotypy :) Polacy mają dość przyjazny stosunek do Irańczyków, związany pewnie z XVI-XVII wiecznego sojuszu związanego z zagrożeniem płynącym od Turcji. Czy tą samą sympatię dało się odczuć u Irańczyków w stosunku do Ciebie?
tak tak, jak najbardziej! chociaz w dużej mierze mogło to wynikać z tego, że oni ogólnie mega pozytywnie reagują na zagranicznych turystów. ale naprawdę, przez te 10 dni nie miałam ani jednej niefajnej sytuacji tam!
I realy enjoyed reading this post!:) very interesting!
thank you!
What an amazing journey! I fall into the category of feeling uncertain about traveling in Iran, but hear it is an absolutely gorgeous country. Thanks for a marvelous post!
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
Thank you Natalie! I definitely would recommend Iran to everyone, it really is super safe and people are the friendliest but I can understand why people are afraid of going there as media really show an awful image of the country.
WOW! I am so glad I found your blog through the Awesome Bloggers Group. I love reading of experiences in places that we’re so often told are unsafe, but turn out to be wonderful! I’m 1/2 Colombian and people have told me they’ve heard horror stories, but I love Colombia and find it extremely safe.
I absolutely love this post! Look forward to reading more of your blog. Thank you for sharing your time in Iran. Beautiful!
Thank you for your lovely comment Heather! People often ten to exaggerate when it comes to safety and sadly places like Iran or Colombia lose the most on these prejudices. I really would love to visit Colombia one day, this must be an amazing country!
Kami dzięki za ten post. Jesteś kolejną osobą, która potwierdza, że podróżowanie po Iranie jest bezpieczne, a jego mieszkańcy bardzo serdeczni. Zebrałaś to w fajny sposób, pzyjemnie się czytało, a opowieść o śniadaniu i porozumiewaniu się przy nim bardzo mnie rozbawiła :D
dzięki! Naprawdę nie ma się tam czego obawiać, normalny kraj z bardzo gościnnymi ludźmi :) kolejny przykład jak bardzo media wszystko demonizują…
Czesc! This report was amazing! I’m also considering going as a solo traveler, maybe next may (I haven’t planned anything yet, I just have this idea building up in my mind). I am very relieved to read about your experience because I was slightly worried about security issues but really don’t want them to stand in my way… One question about accommodation, was it expensive? I usually sleep in hostels and B&Bs when I travel, are such structures popular in Iran?
Thank you Camilla! You definitely should go, you will love it! Iran is a wonderful destination! As for the accommodation: it varied but I’d say the cheapest single room in any city was less than 30$. Not the cheapest option ever but you have no choice (besides couchsurfing) and they don’t have hostels there. In more touristy places like Yazd or Kashan there were dorm rooms in hotels, I paid less than 7$ for bed in Yazd (and that included breakfast and wifi)
Hey! I really loved your post!
I read that you can’t go to Iran without an invitation or without hiring a tour. Is it right?
Thanks! It all depends what country you’re from. Citizens of the US, Great Britain and Canada need to be part of organized tour but the rest can travel around freeley and you don’t need to have an ivitation to get a visa. I just needed a hotel reservation for the first night and it was fine!
Thanks for the useful pieces of advice! Travelling alone in Iran as a woman is what I was looking for. Didn’t you have any sort of problems with that entering the country?
I also see you’re a street art fan, I saw a few photographs you posted of it there, any interesting tips?
All the best & safe travels!
I’m glad you found it useful Ania! I didn’t have any problem with entering the country, I was only asked 3 questions (about my plan in Iran, if I have a place to stay for the first night and if I have the verification code) and few minutes later I had a visa in my passport.
and street art is literally everywhere there but not the kind we’re used to here :)
Happy travels!
I can’t tell you how envious I am of your solo trip to Iran. I’m trying to plan a trip, but I really hate the idea of having a tour guide with me the whole time (I’m from the USA). I can’t decide if I should go in February or March or if I should wait to see if they lift the tour guide requirement!
I’d go now, before too many tourists get there (as this is going to happen for sure!) And I think March would be better, the day would be longer and the weather should be better! I’m sure you’ll love it there!
Loved this! Gave me a lot of confidence to go to Iran by myself- I am going in January and so excited!
I’m so glad to read this! You’ll enjoy it a lot, I’m sure of that!
Amazing description of your trip. I’ve been to Iran twice and can’t wait to go again. Greetings from south Morocco!
Thank you! :) I actually don’t really plan to go back but it was definitely one of the most interesting trips! Cheers from Kazakhstan ;)
dear Kami
I enjoyed when I read your travel memories in Iran.
the photos were beautiful, too.
I am Iranian and all of us like to be the host of foreign traveler to have a chance to change their view about Iran and Iranian and share the Iran beauties with them.
we wish to visit you in Iran for a second time,
Thank you! I really enjoyed Iran and meeting the people, you’re one of the most hospitable nation ever and I hope more tourists will visit and find it out too!
Hi honey!Im an iranian girl…
When iI was reading your description,I was crying hard.Its our enemys opinion to give the people false information unfortunately.I dont know why every tourists dont know the facts about iran.we dont have any problem with our region and our public and rejim.we are living like other people all over the world.and love every one.
If some one likes to see iran his foots is on our eyes…
When you are here we try to do some works to be happy and have a good trip.Im in tehran,the capital of iran…
I will see you soon honey…
There are many misunderstood places all over the world and unfrortunately Iran is one of them. but when someone decides to visit anyway they see the real face of the country and spread the word around! Thank you!
hi thank you KAMI for selection Iran.
it was a pleasure!
Kami – thoroughly enjoyed this post. I’m very heavily contemplating a solo trip to Iran very soon in Feb/Mar. As a Chinese American, I do not speak Farsi or Arabic. How challenging do you think this will be for me?
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I also don’t speak Farsi or Arabic and it was challenging but manageable, people are really helpful and even if they don’t speak English they will do all they can to help you! Just learn the numbers and you will be fine! Iran is great and you should go if you have a chance!
Even if you knew Arabic, it wouldn’t help you in Iran since they speak Persian, an indo-european language that has a completely different origin from Arabic.
Hey there! I’ve been reading your website for a long time now and finally got
the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Tx!
Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!|
Thank you!
Hi Kami, your article is spot on. I, too, travelled to Iran solo. Wonderful place to go, it has left me with superb memories and a yearning to go back. I have written up my trip on my travel blog if you would like to have a look.
https://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Iran/North/Tehran/blog-857887.html
Thanks for the memories!
Gill
Thank you Gill, I will definitely take a look!
Iran is no doubt a beautiful place to go this is the place where memories of islam are still alive this is the most wonderful place and you can go for a solo trip here without any fear
agree!
Thank you for saying such a good comments about my country. people around the world don’t know who we are and etc they think we are another Arab country but as you see and say we have many differences with other countryies around us . thank you for visiting my wonderful and four season country . i hope you visit again
Thank you! It’s sad how misunderstood Iran is but I hope more and more people will get to know its real face!
Just one clarification on the Subway and City bus seating, the women are free to sit anywhere they want in the Bus or Subway, but the men are restricted from sitting in the “women Only” section
yes yes, I know :) must have written it in the wrong way but I was aware of that :)
Hi :)
I am planning a trip to Iran this fall, and i am thinking about going alone or with a friend. Since you have eksperience with travelling there, can you tell me which places in Iran are good to visit when you travel as a solo female? Have you been outside the bigger cities in the smaller villages, and do you think i can travel alone, even if it is my first time travelling by myself?
Thanks!
Hi Nanna! Here you have more info about my itinerary and all the other practical things from my trip to Iran https://www.mywanderlust.pl/visit-iran-practical-information/ I think you will find it useful. But to be honest Iran might be slightly challenging if it’s your first solo trip. Maybe first you can travel somewhere nearby, even for the weekend, just to see if it’s your kind of thing.
HI dear friend
Thank you very much for your beautiful photos.
I, as an Iranian living in France, I appreciated you.
I hope you didnt days in Iran, have spent the best hours of your life.
thank you. I indeed enjoyed the trip to Iran very much
Thanks Kami for your wonderful pages about Iran!
I’m going to leave to these country in less of one week as a solo female traveller. It isn’t my first experience and I hope it won’t be the last one.
I’m so excited and I hope to have a so great experience in Iran as you enjoyed.
At the moment, I’m experiencing only the first part, whit “most people think I’m stupid or crazy, or both”.
Happy travels
Hope you’re having a wonderful time in Iran! I’m sure you will enjoy it, it’s a wonderful place to visit
Kami, thanks a lot for a great post.
thank you!
Planning to visit Iran end of April for 6days.. Thanks for a great post, found all info very helpful ? am so excited to go
Thanks for your kind words Linda! You will have a great time, I’m sure of it!
I didn’t travel to Iran solo, but I agree that it is a safe destination for women. Certainly more so than a lot of popular travel destinations like India. Ironically, the religious restrictions on public behavior work in women’s favor. I got the sense that any man who harassed a woman on the street could get into serious trouble.
I experienced a minor harassing there but only because there were hardly any people around, I’m sure it would never have happened in crowded places. Still I got rid of the guy very easily. And overall I felt very safe in Iran. Just like you said, it was much easier destination to travel for women than many mainstream places!
Great post Kami. I especially found this useful though https://www.mywanderlust.pl/visit-iran-practical-information/ tells a story with all the practical bits.
Thank you! I’m glad it was useful!
Gerat trip, hope you be fine wherever u r Kami. There are so many different unique places in towns and cities as well as Tehran that are unseen by tourists.
Thank you! I hope to return to Iran one day to see more od the country!
Amazing journey Kami :) I love to read your story and also you had beautiful pictures. I hope someday can explore Persia too. Greetings from Palembang, Indonesia :)
Btw, KAMI its means WE/US in Indonesian language :)
Thank you! I really hope you will go Persia one day too! And so funny about the meaning of “kami” in Indonesian :)
iran is safe but in big city..u can not trust to everywhere
like in almost every country I guess. And sometimes big cities are not that safe after all
Dear Kami, thank you very much for this! I really needed it – booked tix to Tehran yesterday on a whim, and since then everyone has been telling me how “very, very dangerous” Iran is, especially for a solo female traveler. Thank you! Just one question, though – in most of these places, did you get a guide? Or did you plan the entire trip on your own?
Thanks!
Thank you for your comment. I’m sure you will be just fine and will have a wonderful time in Iran, proving everyone how wrong they are :) I planed and visited everything on my own and it wasn’t that difficult after all! Iran is a really good country to travel around! Good luck!
Great post! I have an Iranian roomie and we talked about me visiting him in Iran next year. I really wanted to but was still a bit nervous until I read this post. It totally convinced me so thank you so much :D
Thanks! There is really nothing to worry about, you will see :)
Great post! I’m looking forward a Trip to Tehran but safety is my top concern. Thanks for your sharing. I feel more confidence
Thanks! There really isn’t much to worry about, Teheran is just a normal city, kind of overwhelming but still normal! I’m sure you will have a great time in Iran!
Great guide, Kami! I am seriously considering to travel to Iran solo. Cant wait to explore such an unknown, exotic and underrated destination. Thanks a lot for your tips! :)
Thank you! I really hope you will go!!
im live in mashhad,iran as a migrate.. many times i had the chance to migrate to europe but i but i love living here. especially imam rezas holyshrine… i cant leave here:)
and kami thanks for your nice article…
Thank you! I really hope I will have a chance to visit Mashhad one day too!
Good day to you dear friend,
I enjoyed a lot to reading your nice story with beautiful photos. Some parts was very very funny for me especially your description about Hejab( covering hair and ….) in Iran ;-).As a Iranian girl I’m really happy to your positive idea to my country. hope to have another trip to Iran with your family.
Many love & kisses
Thank you for your nice comment Fatima! I really enjoyed visiting Iran and I hope to return there one day! All the best to you!
Thank you so much dear KAMI for being honest about my country. We Iranian people are so sorry for those who are trying to show Iran an unsafe place through different propaganda. But according to our believes ” MOON WILL NOT BE ALWAYS COVERED BY CLOUDS” rich Persian culture again will be more and more known all over the world. We love and respect every nations and you are all welcome to Great Persia! JUST TRY IT
Thank you for your nice comment. It was my pleasure to visit Iran and write about my experience there!
nice article. btw I have plan visit to iran next year on april 2017 as solo female travel, hope will be nice trip similiar like you kami and hope meet new friend from there
warm regards,
LILY
Indonesia
I really hope you will have a great trip to Iran too!
Kami, this is a wonderful article as I am planning to visit Iran by the end of this year or early 2017 with a friend. Would you please tell me which cities did you visit?
Here you can read more about my trip to Iran, including the itinerary: https://www.mywanderlust.pl/visit-iran-practical-information/ It is a really amazing country and you have nothing to be worried about!
Wow! Kami, I really enjoyed reading your blog post about traveling solo in Iran! It’s a big dream of mine to go there! Somehow recently I’ve been more and more intrigued by the thought of going, that it’s now crept right up to the top of my bucket list! Reading that you went as a solo woman was really inspirational for me! I did a solo trip to Cuba last year and was also quite nervous (and very excited, but still quite nervous!) — but of course it is usually just the fear of the unknown. Everything turned out fine! It was wonderful, in fact, and I felt safe the entire time! I hope I can follow in your footsteps sometime soon! Thanks for the great post! (I’m going to share it on FB now!) :)
Thank you for your comment Stefanie! You definitely should go to Iran! Just like your trip to Cuba there’s nothing to worry about! :)
Im javad from tehran and i want to say you thanks for warm comment about my country Hope welcome again
you’re very welcome! Thanks!
Kami You have written it very well keep it up
thank you!
Hi Kami,
Really enjoyed your article and I totally agree with what you say about travelling solo, people are welcoming. However, experience has shown me that there is inherent danger in travelling to countries where as a woman you have no rights. Everything is fine as long as there are no issues, but if issues arise then you have no protection in the law if the land, trust me this makes a difference! Some 5 or so years ago I was in Oman with my work, I travel on my Polish passport and there was an opportunity for me to go overland to Abu Dhabi with a colleague. The officials at the crossing had not heard of Poland and felt that my passport was not legitimate, irrespective of the fact that Poland is part of the EU. For the first time in my life I was confronted by an official who held my life in his hands and I could see in his eyes that his attitude was about exercising his complete power over me. In addition to this he possessed very little intellect and very large muscles – combine those 3 and it’s a very dangerous situation to be in. In the end I thankfully didn’t go to the UAE, I returned to Muscat on a bus and the Omanis were just out of this world. Very friendly and caring people, but since then I always check my legal status before I enter any country – the proverbial ‘gowno’ happens when you least expect it and it only takes one person in a position of power to ruin your life.
I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you… I agree that sometimes there are issues that we can do nothing about and have to depend on others but overall world isn’t as scary as it seems for many… You just gave me one more reason to avoid UAE. Safe travels and thank you for your comment!
Hey Kami,
I was in Iran with Nate & Phil just 3 weeks ago and I totally agree with everything you’ve said about Iran. I too got the ‘Why are you going to Iran? Isn’t it dangerous?’ questions leading up to the tour. Like what you said about Ukraine, Iran is also pretty much misunderstood. I never once feared for my safety and if anyone asks if I would go there again, my answer would be abso-f**king-lutely! :) Anyway, if you’re ever in my part of the world (Malaysia), let me know – would be happy to show you around!
Thank you Christina! I’m sure the tour with Nate and Phillipa must have been amazing, they are such a cool people!
I feel the opinion about Iran is slowly changing for better but it still is a crazy misunderstood place…
Mabey strange question but, I really want to know it u westeners that travel to iran what do u think about the beauty of iranian people yesterday I had spoken with some tourists they said me that they had found iranian people the beautifullest in the world they said iranian girls and womwn are the best and I had heared such stories from people that they has heared such worlds from travelers do you think like them too??
I agree, Iranian people are definitely beautiful!
THank you for your interesting post about Iran :)
thank you
Dear Kami:
I’m a Pakistani woman, and I want to travel to Tehran for cosmetic surgery. I believe I can get a visa on arrival. I am worried, however, on two counts. First, do I need a letter of permission from my dad? (I’m not married.) Secondly, where can I stay safely but cheaply? Even fifty dollars a night is too expensive for me because my surgery is going to cost me thousands of euros. I’d be very grateful for your answers.
I honestly don’t know how are visa regulations for Pakistani citizens so I’m not sure about the letter of permission. I wasn’t asked for such a document and I’m also not married. As for the accommodation I’m affraid that it is rather expensive in Teheran and you will have problems finding something cheap. Good luck!
Dear Kami: Thanks!
Dear Kami: Pakistanis can’t get visa on arrival, so I’ll get my visa here, which i think is a good thing. The thing that worries me – no, scares me – now is the trip from Quetta to Taftan as a solo female traveller. Have you ever traveled by that route? I’d be grateful for any info. Thank you.
I’m sorry I can’t help you, I’ve never taken this route. Good luck with your trip, I’m sure you will be just fine!
Thanks for this, it’s really clear and helpful, and inspiring. I can’t wait to go.
thank you for your kind words!
Hi. I am from Iran. When I saw your comments about Iran I bacame happy very much.thanks a lot for visiting my country.come bake soon Kami.
Thank you! I really hope I will be able to go back to Iran one day! There are still so many places I’d like to visit in your country!
I just saw some really affordable flights to Tehran and immediately googled ‘Solo female travel Iran’ and there you popped up – 1st on google! Whoop! However, I’m now gutted to read that UK residents can’t get independent Visas and must be accompanied. What a bummer. But I’m glad you had a super time there, and I’m pleased your experience is clearly paving the way for more female solo traveller to go without being too nervous.
Nate from Yomadic does Iran tours – maybe try to go with him as I’m sure it’s lots of fun! And thank you for your lovely comment Shing :)
Do you think two female travelers would have any issues going to the small cities? Is there any region you would advice not going to?
I honestly don’t know. But I’ve heard that in smaller cities with less tourists people take care of you even more. As for the region – best would be to check with the ministry of foreign affairs as something might have changes since my visit, I don’t know about any dangerous places in Iran! Good luck with your trip!
TNX for your comments but travelling alone in iran for women is not safe this is the truth and im telling you as an iranian. if you travel with a group and accompanied by a guide its better
I disagree, and I base my opinion on my and other travelers’ experience.
I am a male and just finished a 3 week trip through Iran. I met many solo female travellers and they all had positive experiences just like you say! I read your blog before heading to Iran and found it very useful.
Hit me up if you want any travel tips for the Balkans when your their! Also I am currently in Gdansk :D Love your country!
Thanks! I know the Balkans pretty well but thank you for your offer :) Enjoy Poland! Gdańsk is amazing!
Amazing report,
I went to Iran last year in Nowruz and I always call it my best trip.
It was funny I had been spending my best days of my life and my parents were calling every day to ask Are you alive?
I recommend every body to visit this beautiful country and their friendly people.
Thank you! I agree, everyone should visit Iran! It’s amazing!
hi kimi.
thank you for your wrote about iran and iranian.
you’re very welcome!
Hi kami, i would love to go to Iran but as they said once u have Iran stamp you cant enter US. Is it true?
no, I know many people who have visited the US with Iranian stamp in their passport. You might get more questions at the border only. But with the recent US politics towards Middle East you should research online more on the subject.
Realy good article about Iran thanks
thank you!
Hi Kami! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I must say this is the one of the most encouraging posts you’re ever written. Myself, as a woman who prefers solo travel, going to Muslim countries has always felt somewhat scary. However, after reading this post and your other writings about Iran, I’m confident it is a very good choice for traveling. Thank you so much for your posts and wish you enriching travels in the future!
Thank you! I’m really glad the post encouraged you! I never had any problems in Muslim countries. Of course there are cultural differences but nothing too scary :) If you decide to go you will have a great time for sure, Iran is amazing and people there are the best!
im so happy you had a ENJOYABLE trip to Iran . beside this helpful article i invite all travelers visit Qazvin and its mysterious Valley (alamut)
i would be more than happy to help anyone need more information about that
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience….looks like you have enjoyed a lot!!
What’s your experience as a solo traveler in Middle East?
I indeed had a great time! All the Middle East places I’ve visited were great and easy to travel to!
Salam
Thank you for your helpful information about Iran.
I recommend visit Qom province, a religious city between Tehran and Kashan.
Thank you! I was hoping to visit it too but didn’t have time unfortunately! I need to go back!
Dear kami
i’m really happy that you enjoyed my country i hope too see you again we’ll welcoming you by the roses.
best regards
Thank you! I’m sure I will be back in Iran sooner or later!
this post is good for news, thank you for this information.
thank you
unfortunately western medias show Iran unsafe and bad.but in fact Iran is not this like.people should understand that it is not war of people.it is war of governments.governments of western counties try to show Iran unsafe and governments of Iran try to show western countries bad.unfortunately the opinion of someone does not change easily.thanks KAMI to describe Iran
it was my pleasure to write about Iran and show how it really was. I know that governments often don’t represent the people and those were great in Iran, one of the most hospitable and welcoming I’ve ever met!
iran is a good country to visit for having a different kind of tour. there you can experience a different kind of thing you cant find in another country, like the old market, bathhouse, mosque you will enjoy your trip .
indeed! It’s such a diverse country!
Hi KAMI
thanks of your comment about my country.I’M FROM TEHRAN and I think you should come to TEHRAN again and we will take you to DARBAND and DARAKEH or FARAHZAD then give you hookah with chicken barbecue and KABAB, test them they are deliciouse.
And you should see nights in TEHRAN by a personal car, also I have the same problem about scarf, don’t worry,it’s so normal take it easy.
come again and see new funny things.
bye hony.
Thank you. I’m sure I will be back sooner or later :)
Hej Kami,
have you met any unmarried couples when you were in Iran? I want to go there with my boyfriend, but we are not sure if that could be problematic (hotel bookings, public transport, etc.)
Thaaaank you :)
pozdrawiam, Gosia
Yes, I did. It’s not as problematic as it might seem.
Ale na wszelki wypadek odpiszę po polsku ;) w Iranie, z tego co wiem, nie przyjmuje się nazwiska męża, więc nawet z dwoma różnymi nazwiskami można udawać małżeństwo. Znam kilka osób, które kupiło na podróż obrączki, żeby być bardziej wiarygodny. I mimo wszystko nie słyszałam, żeby ktoś miał problemy jako niezamężna para. Udanego wyjazdu i powodzenia!
if you are jewish it would probablu be a problem to go there and if you were in israel and have that stamped on your passport it could be dangerous?
I guess regular people are not too crazy about your origins, officials however might be a different story. Fortunately Israel doesn’t stamp passports so you don’t have a proof of visit in it. I visited Iran after going to Israel and I had no problems with getting a visa and entering/leaving the country