I knew I will be in Armenia at the end of April, for the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, and I figured I can take a bus from Yerevan to Tehran. It just seemed so easy in my mind, like the most obvious thing to do. Well, it probably is if you have an visa in your passport. I’ve read it can take a while to get a visa to Iran so I applied for the authorization code some 2 months before my planned arrival to Tehran to be on the safe side. I must admit I was slightly afraid the Iranian authorities will somehow find this blog and the fact I was in Israel but I got the code pretty fast and I was almost celebrating I’m going to Iran, feeling I’m already there and thinking things can go only easy from that moment and the hardest part is already achieved. Well, it turned out it wasn’t that easy…
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!
I called the Embassy, asking if my code has arrived and one of the first questions I was asked by the nice lady working there was if I’m travelling alone. I explicitly confirmed – it turned out that wasn’t the answer she was waiting for. The second question – if I know anyone in Iran (no, I don’t) – destroyed my chances for getting visa to Iran even more. The nice lady said I should come with my documents and the consul might want to talk to me but I should better not pay the 50€ fee yet. I was still so sure I’d get a visa (because why shouldn’t I?), that I can easily prove the consul I’m a reliable traveler that I didn’t even consider things can go differently.
I happily headed to the Iranian Embassy in Warsaw (which happens to be few steps away from where I live), with the whole set of documents needed for the visa. Iran really isn’t the most popular travel destination – there were only 3 people in the queue before me (and I remember how much hassle it was to apply for the Chinese visa;)) The nice lady remembered me from the phone conversation earlier on that day, took a look at my documents which were fine but before taking my visa application she called the consul, telling him about my planned solo trip. He wasn’t so fond of me going there on my own and said I should get on the tour or have the support of the Iranian tour agency, only that way I can get a visa… And it was all because apparently he was just concerned about my safety in Iran as woman traveling solo are just asking for troubles…
I was emailing with the agency that got me the code but it wasn’t going well. They were claiming that by giving me the code they are supporting me and I can turn to them in case of the emergency. But that was not enough for the consul and the agency didn’t want to send the email to the Embassy saying they’re helping me out. At some point they just stopped answering to my emails altogether. I was constantly in touch with the nice lady from the Embassy and she was doing her best to talk the consul into giving me that visa (she perfectly understood why I want to travel solo and don’t want to join any tour and assured me that Iran is worth all the hassle) but the guy was just stubborn and kept saying no. I was slowly losing my faith in going to Iran and the time was really running out.
Finally the nice lady said that she really did her best but there’s nothing else she can do to change the consul’s mind. And so she came up with another plan for me. Since I officially didn’t apply for the visa I can still fly to Iran and get it at the airport. I already had a code, it’s valid for 3 months after issuing and it would be just a waste not to use it. The problem is each code is for a specific Embassy and so mine was for Warsaw. But the nice lady came up with the story that I just was sick and couldn’t get the visa on time in Warsaw so they sent me to get one at the arrival – that would explain my code.
I was fighting with my thought for a while. The time was running out, my departure to the Caucasus was getting closer and closer and I still had no idea about my plan after Yerevan, if I should go back to Poland, head to Iran anyway or go somewhere else. Eventually I started looking for flights – as that’s the only way one can get a visa on arrival – and it turned out I have to go back to Tbilisi to fly to Tehran (via Baku and Doha;)). This trip was getting more and more absurd but well, I’ve decided to go for it! After all I was so close to getting to Iran, one of my top places I was hoping to visit, that it’d be a shame to give up at the very end!
So many people have told me I’m really brave (or stupid) to travel to Iran without a visa in my passport, I got so many question what I’ll do when they don’t let me in. But I simply didn’t think about this option, I was just focusing on the positive possibilities. At the airport in Tbilisi I was asked at the check in for my visa to Iran and when I said I will get one on the arrival the woman just asked if I have booked a flight back from there as they’ll ask me for sure about that and without any prove on the outward journey I might not be let in. Fortunately I had everything and she didn’t cause any more troubles, checked me in for my flights and I was free to travel to Iran. The moment I got my boarding pass with “Tehran” on it I started having some minor panic attacks and keep asking myself “what if…” but at that point there was no return!
My flight arrived to Tehran at the calm time and as soon as I left it I could hear my heart beating like crazy. The moment of truth has came! I was afraid I will be the only one applying for the visa on arrival but it turned out there were some 5 more people. I got to the counter and well, the whole process took maybe 2 minutes (and then 10 more minutes of waiting). I was asked only 3 questions: if I have an authorization code (I explained why it is for Warsaw but they didn’t even want to look at it), what is my plan in Iran and if I have a hotel reservation (again didn’t even want to see the confirmation). That was it. I just had to go to the bank counter and pay the 50€ fee and few minutes later got my passport back with a shiny visa for 15 days! (That’s the downside of visa on arrival, in the consulate they usually give it for 30 days).
There was just one more issue to solve – the insurance. Iran requires you to have one and even if I have an annual one, valid all over the world, the guy dealing with it said he doesn’t have this company in his list. But as soon as I said that I reconfirmed before coming that it really is valid in Iran too and I know people who have traveled to that country with that one and were fine and that was enough, I could enter the country. After few more minutes of waiting in the line for the passport control I entered Iran, for real! I was free to travel there and explore this incredible country. And as it turned out everyone was right, it really was worth of the hassle!
Citizens of all the countries but 11 (including USA, UK and Canada) can apply for the visa on arrival at 6 main Iranian airports. It is only a tourist visa, valid for 30 days. The whole process is easy and straightforward and depending on the number of people applying can take from few minutes to one hour. The authorization code is not needed for this kind of visa however it is advised to have one – you can get yours here!) and an onward ticket (but you can always say you will take the bus to Armenia or train to Turkey afterwards). The fee depends on the nationality, for Poland it was 50€. You need to have the Iranian insurance to go with your visa. You can get one online – click here to see the offers and buy the insurance!
If you plan to cross the mainland border of Iran you need to have a visa before. You should get one at the consulate, it doesn’t need to be in your country. For that kind of visa you will need an authorization code – there’re some Iranian agencies who can get you one (just google them, they all reliable), I paid for mine 35€. The whole process might take some time so better start it around 2 months before your planned trip.
Citizens of USA, UK or Canada still can visit Iran, they just cannot go there independently and have to be a part of the tour group.
As for the solo female travelers: I think the issue I had in the embassy was only caused by the consul in Warsaw. Few months ago my Dutch friend easily got her visa in Amsterdam (and said it was one of the easiest visas she has ever applied for), I also know girls traveling solo who got their visas without any hassle in Trabzon (Turkey) or in Yerevan, Armenia.
You can also read Yomadic’s story about his visa to Iran.
What was the most difficult to obtain visa you got? Would you like to visit Iran?
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
If you think of visiting Iran or just want to read more about the country take a look what else I wrote about it!
If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin!
62 Comments
Jennifer
14/05/2015 at 12:01Really interesting and useful post. I think if I were to go to Iran (which I hope to do so somepoint in the future), I think I’ll use my Hungarian passport instead of my British one. I’m glad to see you had no hassle with travelling alone as a woman. We get such a distorted point of view in the Western media of the country.
kami
16/06/2015 at 13:40You definitely should use your Hungarian passport! It will give you so much more flexibility and ease when traveling around! This trip just showed me how media create the reality we live in and how it often has nothing to do with how things really are…
Justyna | wAfryce.pl
14/05/2015 at 12:02What a helpful lady that was! Although with lots of complications, I’m glad everything went well and you ended up visiting Iran. I look forward to reading more of your stories, Kami ;)
kami
16/06/2015 at 13:40thanks! I was really surprised at this lady too, you don’t experience this kind of nice people in embassies! ;)
Olelle OLelle
14/05/2015 at 18:17You made it , now you have to cover your head after landing . In Iran for women to cover their head is a must .
Marcin Wesołowski
14/05/2015 at 20:16Trochę miałaś przygody z tą wizą w Warszawie jak Artur Orzech :) kto wie, jak on napisał o tym książkę, to czemu Ty byś nie mogła? Super, że się udało! Dzięki Tobie mogę teraz rekomendować innym tą opcję! Pozdrawiam!
kami
18/06/2015 at 21:26jakoś nie mam potrzeby pisania książek, pozostawię to innym osobom z lżejszym piórem, ale dzięki :) no ta warszawska ambasada jakaś pechowa. a na lotnisku naprawdę miło i przyjemnie! polecam bardzo!
kanoklik
14/05/2015 at 22:47That is really great that everything went fine and you could see this amazing country. One week ago I met some people from Iran in Turkey. They made iranian food for me and told me a lot about their country. Last year I tried to get visa in Trabzon, but a new consul changed rules and now apparently it is not so easy to get visa there anymore.
kami
18/06/2015 at 21:44I’ve heard that there’re some issues in Trabzon these days. Too bad as it was such a sure option! Now I really think the airport must be the best way to get an Iranian visa! And so nice of those people you’ve met! But Iranians are just like that!
Zuza
15/05/2015 at 04:26Całe szczęście, że cię przepuścili na lotnisku i pozwolili polecieć bez wizy! Mnie cofnęli na lotnisku podczas lotu do Birmy, mimo tego, że mogłam zaaplikować o visa on arrival. Wszystko zależy od linii lotniczych chyba…
kami
18/06/2015 at 21:53a to ciekawe! a jak się tłumaczyli? tutaj stres był, ale na szczęście się udało! chociaż nie wiem co bym zrobiła gdyby coś nie tak poszło ;)
Szymon | Znajkraj
15/05/2015 at 12:52Lucky you! Great you did it.
Could you tell us more about this insurance issue – the company list? Is it a “secret” thing, or it is widely known? Are there Polish companies too, or only the global ones, more expensive for us in Poland? Thx :-)
kami
18/06/2015 at 22:42Sadly I don’t know much about it and it must be some kind of secret list, the guy just checked something on his computer and when I told him (in my most confident voice) that my insurance is valid too he was just ok with that
Dolnośląski Podróżnik
15/05/2015 at 15:40Ale super! Wiza to coś :) Przywieź sobie jak najwięcej pamiątek, nigdy nic nie wiadomo. Ja mam mnóstwo pamiątek z Iraku z lat 80-tych po Tacie. Bajka!
kami
18/06/2015 at 22:43nie dałam rady nic przywieźć – uroki podróży na 3.5 tygodnia z bagażem podręcznym… tylko herbatę udało mi się jakoś przetransportować, rewelacyjna jest!
Jenna
15/05/2015 at 17:32Very interesting–I’ve never really thought about visiting Iran, but I think I’ll have to add it too my list–it really does sound like a great country! Glad everything went well and you were able to visit!
kami
18/06/2015 at 22:49It certainly is great and you should definitely consider it for one of your trips, you won’t regret it :)
Tim
15/05/2015 at 18:54This might be the first post I have read on Iran and very interesting it is. I guess I have never really thought about Iran as a destination of late but am happy to know the ins and outs of the visa process. Glad you made it in without a problem and look forward to reading about your thoughts on the country.
kami
18/06/2015 at 22:51Thanks! Unfortunately Iran isn’t on the radar for most people and the country is really incredible and so well worth a visit! I really hope you will decide to go there one day :)
Artur
16/05/2015 at 08:04Jestem pełen podziwu, udanej podróży :)
kami
18/06/2015 at 22:53dziękuję :)
Łukasz | Kartka z Podróży
16/05/2015 at 08:12Dzięki! Zawsze jest fun z załatwianiem wiz i tłumaczeniem się przy przekraczaniu granic (-:,
kami
18/06/2015 at 23:28i zawsze są nerwy, nawet jeśli nie ma się nic na sumieniu ;)
Ewa Serwicka
16/05/2015 at 10:25Najważniejsze, że się udało :D
Martyna SKura
16/05/2015 at 10:49wizy nigdy nie są tak łatwe jak się na początku wydaje ;) ale ważne że jest!
Alex Uher
16/05/2015 at 17:46It’s interesting how totally different each embassy seems to be from what I’ve read. I got mine in Istanbul and on my first call to see if they had my authorization code they couldn’t find it but when i called the next day they had it. Then when I got there, they were super friendly but couldn’t find it again! Once they did, absolutely no questions whatsoever and I think I left half of the form blank accidentally. Bizarre. So definitely worth it though, as I write this from my hotels serene courtyard in Yazd!
Paulina Szałamacha
17/05/2015 at 10:01Niedługo też mnie to czeka :)
Monika Marcinkowska
17/05/2015 at 10:13so it looks like the consul at the embassy in Warsaw is a simple pain in the neck – why do people have to be like that??
Justyna Śnieżek
17/05/2015 at 10:21Grunt, że się udało! Ta historia z panią w konsulacie mnie zaskoczyła. W polskich realiach to bym się spodziewała bardziej odpowiedzi “Konsul mówi nie, to nie. Do widzenia”. A tu proszę :)
Ania
17/05/2015 at 13:10Kami jak to mówią w “czepku urodzona” :D ważne, że się udało :)
kami
18/06/2015 at 23:29głupi ma zawsze szczęście :D
Clive
17/05/2015 at 17:28Are you sure UK citizens can only travel as part of a tour group? I don’t think that’s correct.
kami
18/06/2015 at 23:29yes I’m sure. They’ve changed the rules for British citizens recently
Meg Jerrard
17/05/2015 at 19:27Interesting overview Kami – I totally understand the reasons why you prefer to travel solo and not with a tour, and I’m so glad you got into the country in the end. If I’m heading to Iran I might end up just doing it all at the airport as well and save what seems to be like a massive hassle going through the embassies – thanks for the great tip!
kami
18/06/2015 at 23:31Thank you Meg! I really hope you’ll decide to go to Iran soon, it’s an incredible country but it’s changing and opening to the world pretty fast!
Natalia Malec
17/05/2015 at 22:09Najważniejszy jest efekt!
Antonina
18/05/2015 at 08:57Great article! I’ve never apply for any visa, so I don’t really know what a hussle it can be… I only heard stories :) Going to Iran also never crossed my mind, but I met an Iranian girl last semester and she assured me that Iran is beautiful and worth visiting.
kami
18/06/2015 at 23:31It surely is beautiful so I hope you will change your mind and consider a visit to Iran soon!
Yok
28/05/2015 at 02:41Hey:
1. I just found your blog. As others before me have shared, it is pretty awesome. :)
2. Are all concerns about female traveler’s in Iran cliched? I have been looking into going after traveling in Jordan and absolutely loving it. I have read Iran is extremely safe, but just wonder if men in rural areas were a little conservative and approached you in uncomfortable ways?
Ricardo Ribeiro
06/07/2015 at 11:20I was wondering how did you got the accommodation reservation, considering Iran is now allowed in booking.com and alikes… also if you actually did use the booked accommodation and finally, if it’s necessary booked accommodation to the whole length of your stay…?
kami
28/07/2015 at 22:09I’m sorry for a late answer Ricardo! I only booked the first night in Iran and used this website: https://hotelyar.com/ which is like a booking for Iran. And I indeed stayed in that hotel, especially that I had to pay for it when booking online. As for the rest I just asked in the hotel to call and book the next place for me (that happened when I was going to Shiraz and it looked like it will be busy over the weekend) or I just came from the street to the place I found in Lonely Planet (in Yazd and Kashan). I Esfahan I used CouchSurfing.
Rafal | Nakreceni.in
30/08/2015 at 05:49Odnośnie info w żółtej ramce, spotkaliśmy sporo osób po drodze, które miały problemy z agencją spod adresu: http://www.iranianvisa.com co jest o tyle nieciekawe, że na pierwszy rzut oka i z uwagi na pozycjonowanie w guglu wygląda to jak oficjalna irańska strona do załatwiania authorization code. Tymczasem ostatnimi czasy najwyraźniej próbują dorobić i zdarza im się prosić o dodatkowe pieniądze “bo cośtam”, co nie dość, że czyni cały proces sporo droższym to jeszcze przedłuża oczekiwanie na kod. Wygląda na to, że na tę chwilę lepiej wybrać inną agencję. (My skorzystaliśmy ze stantours zarówno na Iran jak i na Uzbekistan i ze swojej roboty wywiązali się b sprawnie)
pozdr:)
kami
03/09/2015 at 22:12Dzięki, że piszesz, zaraz dodam info, żeby ludzie wiedzieli! ja korzystałam z tourcośtam i w sumie było ok, chociaż pod koniec mnie zirytowali. a ostatnio parę osób mówiło, że też zaczęli wydziwiać. z kolei o tym stantours sporo dobrego słyszałam, dobrze wiedzieć, bo może kiedyś się przyda, Uzbekistan tez mi się marzy :)
Emilia
12/01/2016 at 00:38Pod koniec lutego wybieram się od Iranu z rodziną i chcielibyśmy skorzystać z wizy on arrival. Nie wiesz czy na lotnisku także trzeba wykupić kod?
kami
15/01/2016 at 11:41Kod wykupuje sie wcześniej, nie można tego od ręki na lotnisku zrobić. Można dostać wizę bez kodu, ale wtedy będą musieli Was sprawdzić w swoich systemach, więc wszystko dłużej trwa. I niby jest ryzyko, że mogą nie wpuścić wtedy, chociaż nie słyszałam jeszcze o takim przypadku, a znam sporo osób, które wyrabiały wizę na lotnisku. Ja miałam niby ten kod dla Warszawy, spytali się mnie tylko czy mam kod, ale oglądać go już nie chcieli. Powodzenia! Iran jest fantastyczny dość :)
marzieh
15/03/2016 at 10:29Hi dear KAMI.i am Iranian and Live in Tehran. i read your travel story to Iran and i am so happy to visit your page and your idea about my country. as you said Iranian are so hospitable and kind.
i hope the world knows more and more about Iran civilization.
thanks for introduce real face of Iranian to your page readers.
wish to see more tourist in future in Iran.
kami
18/03/2016 at 22:22Thank you for your nice comment Marzieh! I also hope there’ll be more and more tourists visiting Iran, you definitely deserve the (positive) attention of the world!
tasneem
21/10/2018 at 23:48Hello I just read your story about Iran .I’m really inspired by your spirit of traveling solo.
Michelle
10/09/2016 at 14:18Hi Kami,
I’m visiting Iran in October for 2 weeks, I’m a solo female traveler as well and I’m so happy I came across your post! I’m pretty much following your route as well. I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about the clothing situation? I see you’re not wearing something down to your ankles in your photo. Was everything ok for you? (I’m a budget traveler too so I don’t want to buy new clothes if I don’t have to!)
Compliments on the blog and instagram too :)
Michelle
kami
13/09/2016 at 22:07Hi Michelle,
thank you for your kind words. I’m sure you will enjoy your trip to Iran!
I have no problems with cloths and had only one manteau for my trip, the one you can see on the pictures. It was all fine. The rules got very liberal recently and you even can wear a scarf very low. Here you should find more informations about Iran: https://www.mywanderlust.pl/visit-iran-practical-information/
All the best!
Kevin
26/10/2016 at 20:00Hello,
I was wondering if you were required to bring passport photo when you obtained VOA.
I’ve also read conflicting information about the insurance requirements. What would you recommend that I do? Cheers!!
kami
01/11/2016 at 21:46Hello Kevin,
when I applied for a VOA I wasn’t asked for a passport photo. As for the insurance I was lucky as the one I had was accepted but most likely you will be asked to buy an Iraninan one, which isn’t that expensive anyway. Safe travels!
mohammad
16/02/2017 at 21:31hello
I think 15 days Not enough to To see Iran
You need at least 15 months :)
kami
16/02/2017 at 21:48like in every country ;) but sometimes you have a very limited time and you try to take the best of it!
Donovan
30/09/2017 at 11:28I am headed to Iran at the end of this year and plan to get the Visa on Arrival! fingers crossed.
My most difficult visa application was for Pakistan! I tried three times before finally getting it.
kami
11/10/2017 at 13:56I’m sure you won’t have any problems! Iran is amazing, you will like it for sure!
I’d love to visit Pakistan one day!
tasneem
21/10/2018 at 23:52Hello really amazing just got thru your story about Iran visit,n wow wow 66 countries thumbs up
kami
07/11/2018 at 16:13thank you!
Alireza
22/09/2019 at 22:09Hi Kami
Thanks for sharing your trip experience about Iran with others. It’s nice to hear you enjoyed your time in Iran.
kami
04/10/2019 at 21:14I definitely did enjoy my trip to Iran and I would love to go back there one day!
ali heshmati
20/07/2020 at 12:45Dear Kami
Thanks for sharing this post. Unfortunately, in the last few months, due to political problems and the coronavirus, the chances of traveling to Iran have almost reached zero, but the articles you publish show a good picture of our country.
kami
27/08/2020 at 09:33Thank you. I really hope tourists will be back in Iran soon, it is such a wonderful country to visit!