Arrival at Iran FAQ’s

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IIran. Also known as: Islamic Republic of Iran, Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Īrān. A mountainous, arid, and ethnically diverse country of southwestern Asia.

It is bordered by Iraq and Turkey to the west, by Azerbaijan and Armenia to the northwest, by the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan to the north, by Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, and by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south.

Its largest city is the capital Tehran, followed by Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, Shiraz, and Tabriz

Religious Sites in Iran

Where Hospitality Embraces Spirituality

  • The Holy Shrine of Imam Ali Reza A.S. – MASHHAD

  • Ziyarat of Bibi Shatita – NESHYBOUR

  • Holy Shrine Fatima Masumeh – QOM

  • Ziyarat of Zaynab, Maymoona and Umm Muhammad, the daughters of Imam Muhammad at-Taqiy (al-Jawad) – QOM

  • Ziyarat of Musa al-Mubarqa, the son of Imam Muhammad Taqi A.S. – QOM

  • The Holy Shrine of Shah Cheragh (Brother of Imam Raza A.S.) – SHIRAZ

  • Holy Shine of Shah Abdul Azeem – Tehran

  • Ziyarat of Imamzadeh Saleh (son of Imam Musa al Kadhim) – TEHRAN

  • Holy Shrine of Bibi Fatima Ukhra (s) | Daughter of Imam Musa Kazim A.S. | Sister of Imam Raza A.S. – Rasht

Prior to your journey to Iran, it is essential to acquire your Visa from your country of residence. If you intend to travel from Iran to Iraq, ensure you possess a multiple-entry visa for Iran, as this will prevent complications upon your return from Iraq.

fAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Evening of Tue, Sep 03, 2024 – Wed, Sep 04, 2024

The commemoration of Imam Reza’s martyrdom falls on the 30th day of the Islamic month of Safar, which corresponds to September 04, 2024 in Iran

Instead of dealing with Riyals, think in Tomans (remove one zero):

  • 10,000 Riyal = 1,000 Toman = $0.01
  • 20,000 Riyal = 2,000 Toman = $0.03
  • 50,000 Riyal = 5,000 Toman = $0.08
  • 100,000 Riyal = 10,000 Toman = $0.16
  • 500,000 Riyal = 50,000 Toman = $0.83
  • 1,000,000 Riyal = 100,000 Toman = $1.66
  • 2,000,000 Riyal = 200,000 Toman = $3.33

The frequently utilized airports in Iran encompass Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport in Mashhad and Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. While there are several international airports in Iran for arrival, it is advisable to opt for Mashhad and Tehran airports due to their familiarity with handling ziareen. Other airports might have limited expertise, potentially causing delays and additional efforts.

Here is a list of airports in Iran:

  • IKA: Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran
  • MHD: Mashhad International Airport, Mashhad
  • SYZ: Shiraz Shahid Dastghaib International Airport, Shiraz
  • TBZ: Tabriz International Airport, Tabriz
  • THR: Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran (Domestic airport)
  • IFN: Esfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport, Isfahan
  • AWZ: Ahwaz Airport, Ahwaz
  • KIH: Kish International Airport, Kish Island
  • BND: Bandar Abbas International Airport, Bandar Abbas
  • KSH: Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport, Kermanshah
  • RAS: Sardar-e-Jangal Airport, Rasht
  • AZD: Shahid Sadooghi Airport, Yazd
  • ABD: Abadan Airport, Abadan
  • SRY: Dasht-e Naz Airport, Sari
  • LRR: Lar Airport, Lar
  • OMH: Urmia Airport, Urmia
  • ZAH: Zahedan International Airport, Zahedan
  • BUZ: Bushehr Airport, Bushehr
  • KER: Kerman Airport, Kerman
  • ADU: Ardabil Airport, Ardabil
  • ZBR: Konarak Airport, Chabahar
  • BDH: Bandar Lengeh Airport, Bandar Lengeh
  • MRX: Mahshahr Airport
  • PGU: Persian Gulf International Airport, Asalouyeh
  • KHD: Khoram Abad Airport
  • SDG: Sanandaj Airport
  • BXR: Bam Airport
  • XBJ: Birjand Airport, Birjand
  • BJB: Bojnord Airport, Bojnord
  • AFZ: Sabzevar National Airport, Sabzevar

These airports vary in their familiarity with ziareen handling, so selecting Mashhad and Tehran airports is generally recommended for a smoother experience.

Nations eligible for Iran’s visa on arrival, along with the associated visa fees.

  • New Zealand: 150 Euro
  • Australia: 145 Euro
  • Chile: 120 Euro
  • Serbia: 85 Euro
  • Armenia: 10 Euro
  • Philippines, Nigeria, Panama: 55 Euro
  • Nepal: 40 Euro
  • Ukraine, South Africa, Brazil: 80 Euro
  • Tajikistan, Morocco: 30 Euro
  • Indonesia, Kirghizstan, Mexico, Venezuela: 45 Euro
  • Uganda, Vietnam, Taiwan: 100 Euro
  • Russia, Uzbekistan, Argentina, Mongolia: 70 Euro
  • Japan, Turkmenistan, Cameron, Sri Lanka, Kuwait: 60 Euro
  • South Korea, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Paraguay: 50 Euro
  • Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, Estonia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, Czech, Denmark, Romania, Sweden, Swiss, France, Poland, Hungary, Norway, Netherlands, Greece, Thailand, Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Cuba, Malta: 75 Euro

To obtain a visa for religious tourism and visiting holy sites in Iran, follow these steps:

  1. Begin the visa application process by accessing: https://evisatraveller.mfa.ir/en/request/applyrequest/ Provide the essential details and finalize your submission. This digital submission marks the INITIAL PHASE of the visa application journey. While certain applicants may be required to attend a visa interview, others might be eligible for a visa without this step.
  2. You will have to visit the embassy with your passport
  3. Keep tabs on your application’s progress by visiting: https://evisatraveller.mfa.ir/en/request/status/
  4. In many cases, if you’ve completed the online application, the embassy may contact you for an interview.
  1. Single-entry visa: 7,000 PKR
  2. Double-entry visa: 12,000 PKR

Additional Charges:

  • The Iranian visa now requires a compulsory insurance fee.

Contact BY Travel Agent for more details

  1. Upon your arrival at Tehran or Mashhad airport, ensure you have the following documents on hand for an expedited process: your original passport, a copy of your visa (ensuring the passport number matches the one the visa was issued for), and a Polio vaccine card for Pakistani citizens. NO STAMPING
  2. Upon landing, proceed directly to the immigration counter labeled for Non-Iranian travelers. Await your turn, receive the stamp, retrieve your luggage, and your process will be complete.
  3. With numerous counters available and an efficient entry procedure, even arrivals during midnight hours experience swift processing.

  1. The available facilities at the airport include:

    1. Restrooms
    2. A compact prayer room
    3. Seating arrangements
    4. A tuck shop offering snacks and beverages
    5. Access a kiosk for acquiring a SIM card.
    6. Make sure to have Iranian currency upon arrival, allowing you to procure essentials such as snacks, SIM cards, and a taxi to your hotel. Note that airport exchange services are official but often offer less favorable rates compared to the local market.
  1. Upon completing your immigration process, it’s essential to conduct a thorough check of your belongings before exiting immigration, as re-entry won’t be permitted once you’ve departed. Proceed to the baggage area to collect your luggage.
  2. Opt for a taxi from the airport by visiting the various cab counters outside the terminal. The prices offered by these counters are reasonable compared to those charged by individual taxi drivers. When booking from the counter, ensure you receive a receipt, display it to the driver before boarding the vehicle, and confirm that no additional charges will be incurred upon reaching your destination.
  3. While individual taxi drivers might attempt to overcharge, negotiation is possible. Since verbal communication in Persian might be a challenge, using tools like a calculator can help you confirm the agreed-upon fare.
  4. Keep in mind that in Iran, drivers generally don’t assist with luggage unless an extra fee is negotiated. Be sure to address this matter with the driver before embarking on your journey.

The commonly used sim cards in Iran are MTN (Irancell) or MCI (Hamrawwal). If you’re traveling in a group, it’s advisable to opt for the same sim cards, as calls within the same network tend to be more cost-effective. When obtaining a sim card, your passport will be required. Occasionally, sims are provided for free as part of a promotion, and charges are applicable for packages. The standard price for sim cards is 150,000 Toman, excluding any credit or packages.

You can acquire the preferred sim cards, activate them, and select the package that best suits your needs.

MTN IRANCELL
ANDROID / IOS

An iOS application is not available; you will need to access it through a web browser

HAMRAWWAL
ANDROID / IOS

An iOS application is not available; you will need to access it through a web browser

These hotels are among the top choices for excellence in Mashhad.

  1. Hotel Qasr Al Dhiyafa
  2. Hotel Qasr Al Dhiyafa Quds
  3. Hotel Ziyafat Al Zahra
  4. Hotel Darwishi
  5. Hotel Atrak
  6. Hotel Almas
  7. Hotel Khorsheed Hastum
  8. Hotel Madina Al Reza

These hotels are among the top choices for excellence in QOM.

  1. Hotel Khurshid
  2. Hotel Sana
  3. Hotel Karimeh

These hotels are among the top choices for excellence in Tehran.

  1. Espinas Palace
  2. Persian Azadi
  3. Hotel Laleh
  4. Remis (IBIS) Hotel
    1. Certainly, internet services are functional in Iran, although they are categorized into local and international domains. The local network operates efficiently at notably high speeds, allowing access to websites and applications hosted on Iran’s servers.
    2. Conversely, the international realm experiences limitations, with apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar platforms being inaccessible.
    3. To access international content, utilizing a VPN is necessary. As a majority of VPNs are subject to restrictions, it’s advisable to procure a VPN from the same vendor where you obtained your SIM card. They possess knowledge of authorized VPNs suitable for pilgrims to maintain communication with their families abroad. Consider VPN expenses on par with acquiring a SIM card. Remember, some VPNs have usage limits, so exercise caution when browsing to preserve data usage.
    4. It’s advisable not to depend on hotel, restaurant, or café Wi-Fi, as even basic 1MB internet might not be complimentary. Generally, you’ll find limited assistance in accessing the internet from people or establishments. To ensure a reliable solution, consider obtaining a SIM card with a VPN and a data package tailored to your requirements.

We offers assistance and guidance at Tehran and Mashhad airports, with our representatives proficient in English, Urdu, and Persian. We ensure a seamless transition from the airport to your hotel, taking care of every detail for your convenience.

Set aside around $50-$100 worth of Iranian currency for purposes such as airport transfers, purchasing SIM cards, giving tips, and snacking. For the duration of your journey, it’s recommended to have US dollars on hand. The current exchange rate stands at 1 USD = 60,500 Toman or 605,000 Iranian Riyal. Exchange bureaus and individuals offering currency exchange services are conveniently located near the haram in both Mashhad and Qom.

In Tehran, a variety of restaurants offer Indian and Pakistani cuisines:

  1. Tandoor Indian Restaurant
  2. Taj Mahal Restaurant
  3. Maharaja Indian Restaurant

In Qom, you have the option to enjoy homemade Pakistani/Indian food, and there are also eateries located near the Holy Shrine:

  1. Ms. Nighat – Contact: +98 935 971 9990
  2. Ms. Musarat – Contact: +98 937 799 1123
  3. Mr. Meesam – Contact: +98 939 271 7859

In Mashhad, a newly opened dine-in restaurant is available near the left side of Bazar-e-Reza, Eidhgah 3. It is named “Desi Darbar”

We’ve prepared a list of points of interest for you, which you can download, keep handy, and share with others.

We’ve prepared a list of points of interest for you, which you can download, keep handy, and share with others.

We’ve prepared a list of points of interest for you, which you can download, keep handy, and share with others.

DOWNLOAD

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