Tourists in Iran: why you can't travel independently now

Starting in August 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran has introduced new visa regulations for foreign tourists. The main change is that individual trips to the country are no longer allowed: entry into Iran is now only possible as part of an organized tour through an officially registered travel agency.

For visa issuance, applicants must provide a number of additional documents. These include a detailed resume indicating travel history, education, professional activities, and links to social networks, a contract concluded with the tour operator, a detailed itinerary with exact dates and directions, and confirmed hotel reservations made through the agency. Staying with private individuals and using platforms like couchsurfing is prohibited.

Furthermore, the new rules require tourists to be accompanied by a licensed guide. This can be either one guide for the entire route or different local specialists at individual segments of the journey.

Special attention is paid to the financial aspect. Payment for the tour and visa fees is made only after the official visa approval. In case of refusal, no charges are taken from the tourist.

According to authorities, visa application processing typically takes from two to three weeks, excluding holidays and weekends.