Welcome to Iran

A combination of ancient architecture and centuries-old traditions, presented with warmth and genuine hospitality, Iran is a treasure chest of Middle Eastern jewels. History buffs will be drawn to the legends of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan and the echoes of ancient Persia at Choqa Zanbil.

The architecture is mesmerizing – marvel at minarets and turquoise-tiled domes, beautiful bridges, intricate mosques and pretty palaces. If you can, find time for a tea service with a local Iranian family – they’re eager to share their culture, an amalgamation of influences over the centuries, from Greek to Arab, and Turkic and Mongol.

Unique Facts

• One of the world’s oldest civilizations has its origins in Iran: the Elamite kingdoms in the 4th millennium BCE.
• Iran has the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia: 24 sites, including 22 cultural sites and 2 natural sites.
• Iran is the only place on earth that is home to the endangered Asiatic cheetah.
• The Pahlevani and Zourkhaneh rituals are from Iran, ancient athletic traditions that were used to train Persian warriors. UNESCO recognizes these rituals as the world’s longest-running form of such training.
• The carpets from this region of the world are famous – in fact, Iranian carpet-weaving techniques can be traced back to the Bronze Age. Thirty percent of the world’s carpet exports are from Iran.

Language

Iran’s official language is Persian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Iran is from March to May or September and October.

Airports

Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Iran: Measles, Polio and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Iranian Rial

Getting Around

Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. It is recommended that tourists do not drive.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section
Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5th)
Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue
Tehran, Iran
Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273
Emegency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333
Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432
tie.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Local Visitor Info

https://www.visitiran.ir/

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 110
Ambulance: 115
Fire: 125

Safety and Security

Use caution throughout Iran, especially in the southeastern region. Avoid travel to areas within 62 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, within 7 kilometers of the border with Iraq and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistani border. Avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations.

Street crime is common, including robberies and purse snatching.