Custom & Regulations | Getting Around Iran | Passport & Visa | Tourist Sites
Iran is a constitutional Islamic republic, governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy. Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state. Shia Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Iran is a developing country. The workweek in Iran is Sunday through Thursday; however, many government offices and private companies are closed on Thursdays. Friday is a public holiday for all establishments. Offices in Iran are generally open to the public during the morning hours only.
Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling shah was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces subsequently crushed westernizing liberal elements. Militant Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq over disputed territory. Key current issues affecting the country include the pace of accepting outside modernizing influences and reconciliation between clerical control of the regime and popular government participation and widespread demands for reform.
Economy
Iran's economy is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of
oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private
trading and service ventures. President KHATAMI has continued to follow
the market reform plans of former President RAFSANJANI and has indicated
that he will pursue diversification of Iran's oil-reliant economy although
he has made little progress toward that goal. The strong oil market in
1996 helped ease financial pressures on Iran and allowed for Tehran's timely
debt service payments. Iran's financial situation tightened in 1997 and
deteriorated further in 1998 because of lower oil prices. Subsequent rises
in oil prices have afforded Iran fiscal breathing room but do not solve
Iran's structural economic problems, including the encouragement of foreign
investment and the containment of inflation.
Language
The Iranian languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family. Avestan is the oldest recorded Iranian language.
Religion
Predominantly Islamic; mostly Shi'ite, with a minority of Sunnis. Many
Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians also live in Iran.
Climate
Iran is one of the only countries in the world which has the complete
four seasons.
In summer, the weather can be cool as well as warm, and in the cold winters,
it can be mild.
Currency : Iranian Rials. Notes are in denominations of RL 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of 250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.All foreign currencies such as Deutsch Marks, Pound Sterling, US Dollars and Yens can be exchanged and credit cards (Mastercard & Visa) are also accepted.
Others
- Time: GMT + 3:30
- Electricity: The voltage used throughout Iran is uniformly 220 volts, A.C. 50 Hertz
- Country code: 98
Custom & Regulations
Import regulations by Iran customs
Tobacco:reasonable quantity
Perfume:for personal use
Gifts:valued USD 80
Export regulations by Iran customs
Prohibited:
weapon and firearms
explosives
radionuclide
plants and animals
food
obscene literature
religious literature, products
Other Iran customs information
\"Iran is a constitutional Islamic republic, governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy. Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state. Shia Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country\'s customs, laws and practices. Iran is a developing country. The workweek in Iran is Sunday through Thursday; however, many government offices and private companies are closed on Thursdays. Friday is a public holiday for all establishments. Offices in Iran are generally open to the public during the morning hours only.\"
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from infected areas.
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Iran. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for further information.
Immunisation against typhoid is advised.
Limited malaria risk exists from March to November in rural areas of the provinces of Sistan-Baluchestan, Hormozgan and Kerman (tropical part); in some areas north of the Zagros mountains and in western and southwestern regions during the summer months. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported in the malignant falciparum strain. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine in the vivax risk areas; chloroquine plus proguanil in the falciparum risk areas.
Food drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Pasteurised milk is available; unpasteurised milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in southwestern Iran. Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Diarrhoeal diseases such as dysentery, giardiasis and typhoid fever are common. Tick-borne relapsing fever, cutaneaous leishmaniasis and hepatitis A and B occur. Trachoma is reported to be common.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Health facilities are limited in remote areas. Medical insurance is essential.
Tehran (THR) (Mehrabad) is 5km (3 miles) west of the city. To/from the airport: Airline buses are available to the city (journey time – 45 minutes). Taxis are also available to the city center (journey time – 30 minutes). Facilities: Bank, post office, restaurants and snack bar, duty-free shop, gift shops, tourist information and first aid/vaccination facilities.
Getting There by Water
The main port was Khorramshahr until its destruction during the war with Iraq. It is currently under reconstruction. The ports of Abbas and Bushehr are to be found in the Persian Gulf and Nowshahr and Anzelli on the Caspian Sea. P&O Ferries connects Iranian ports with Persian Gulf States and Karachi.
Getting There by Rail
RAJA Trains (part of Iranian Islamic Republic Railways) operates passenger services from Tehran to Isanbul (Turkey) and Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic); from Tabiz to Djolfa (for the CIS) and Van (Turkey); and from Zahedan to Quetta (Pakistan). The Qom-Zahedan Line, when completed, will link Europe with India. Contact RAJA Trains (c/o Iranian Islamic Republic Railways) (website: www.irirw.com) for details.
Getting There by Road
No reliable international through-road links. There are various routes possible from Turkey and Pakistan, but these are not recommended. Cars can also be put on boats at Venice or Brindisi and picked up at Ezmir. For details of political conditions governing access, contact the embassy.
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Iran without incurring customs duty:
A reasonable quantity of cigarettes; reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; gifts on which the import duty/tax does not exceed US$80.
Alcoholic beverages; all horticultural and agricultural goods including seeds and soil; living (or collection); bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes or viruses; old books or magazines; live birds, animals and their products.
Penalties for being in possession of narcotics are very severe.
Internal Travel:
Getting Around By Air
Iran Air runs services to Ahwaz, Esfahan, Kish, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Tehran and Zahedan and other major cities. Aseman Air also runs services to the major cities. The vast size of Iran makes internal flights the most practical method of transport.
Getting Around by Rail
RAJA Trains run a fairly comprehensive internal rail network. Major intercity trains operate on five main regional routes: Azarbaijan route (Tehran – Jolfa); Golestan route (Tehran – Gorgan); Hormozgan route (Tehran – Bandar-e-Abbas); Khorasan route (Tehran – Mashhad); and Khozetan route (Tehran – Khorramshahr). There are many areas in the mountains and the desert which can only be reached by rail. There are some air-conditioned trains, and sleeping and dining cars on many trains. For further details, contact RAJA Trains (c/o Iranian Islamic Republic Railways) (see Travel – International section) for details.
Getting Around by Road
The road network is extensive, with more than 51,300km (31,800 miles) of paved roads and 490km (304 miles) of motorways, but the quality is unreliable. The two main roads, the A1 and A2, link the Iraqi and Pakistani borders and the Afghan and Turkish borders. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Widespread, cheap and comfortable, although services tend to be erratic. Taxi: Available in all cities. The urban taxis (orange or blue) will carry several passengers at a time and are much cheaper than the private taxis which only carry one person. Unofficial taxis should be avoided; use only legitimate taxis or those ordered through legitimate agencies. Group taxis for up to 10 people are available for intercity travel. Prices are negotiated beforehand and tipping is not necessary. Car hire: Available in most cities and from airports. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended but it is not a legal requirement. Personal insurance is required. All motorists entering Iran must possess a Carnet de Passage en Douane and an International Certificate of Vehicle ownership.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Tehran has an extensive bus system, including double-deckers. Tickets are bought in advance at kiosks.
Passport & Visa
Passports
Passport Note
Visas
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Validity
Applications to:
Working Days Required
Tourist Sites
The archaeological site of Takht-e Soleyman, in north-western Iran, is situated in a valley set in a volcanic mountain region. The site includes the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Ilkhanid (Mongol) period (13th century) as well as a temple of the Sasanian period (6th and 7th centuries) dedicated to Anahita. The site has important symbolic significance. The designs of the fire temple, the palace and the general layout have strongly influenced the development of Islamic architecture.
The mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed in 1302–12 in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, which was founded by the Mongols. Situated in the province of Zanjan, Soltaniyeh is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture. The octagonal building is crowned with a 50 m tall dome covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets. It is the earliest existing example of the double-shelled dome in Iran. The mausoleum’s interior decoration is also outstanding and scholars such as A.U. Pope have described the building as ‘anticipating the Taj Mahal’.
