Language

Persian is the official language, it is spoken by around half the population and is the predominant language of literature and journalism; around 20% speak Azeri Turkic and Turkic dialects; 10% Kurdish, 7% Gilaki and Mazandarani, 6% Luri, 2% Balochi, 2% Arabic and 2% other.

Currency

Iranian Rial

USD is the only currency recommended. Banks will only change US$50 and US$100 into local currency.

Credit cards and travellers cheques are very rarely accepted.

Access to cash withdrawal services for foreign visitors is very limited. Non-Iranian debit and credit cards will not work in Iranian ATMs. Therefore, all spending money for you entire time in Iran must be carried with you.

International Dialing Code

+98

Electricity

Electricity in Iran is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

Visas are required for passport holders from the following countries:-

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

Iranian visa procedures and requirements can vary greatly between nationalities. It is vital that you make your specific inquiry at your relevant Embassy/Consulate to get the most current information. This will need to be obtained at least 8 weeks prior to departure, longer for US and Canadian passport holders. In order to obtain a visa number on your behalf you will need to provide us with your father’s full name and your occupation. Once we have obtained a visa number on your behalf you will need to obtain the visa at the Iran consulate – please refer to visa instructions and application form provided on confirmation of booking.

Please note than all foreigners entering Iran are required to pay $USD20 on arrival for health insurance. This payment is mandatory regardless of the personal travel insurance policy with which they are travelling.

Please note: Visas will not be issued to people who have Israeli entry stamps in their passport. If you have Israeli stamps we suggest that you apply for a new passport.

Further details of obtaining visas are provided in your confirmation kit.

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.