Which Countries Can Travel to Iran Without a Visa?

 

Iran has been always the target of attention for international tourists. Are you also interested in traveling to Iran? Aren’t you sure if you need a visa to visit Iran or not? Surprisingly, some countries don’t need visas to travel to Iran. In other words, traveling to Iran is very easy without any visa applications. Referring to the international negotiations between Iran and some countries, so far, political agreements have resulted in exempting fifteen countries from visa processing. The present article tries to review and examine this issue which deals with the necessary conditions for visiting Iran without a visa application.

 

The countries that don’t need visas to enter Iran without a visa are those that are listed below:

 

• Azarbaijan
• Bolivia
• Turkey
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Georgia
• Armenia
• Venezuela
• China
• Hong kong
• Macau
• Iraq
• Oman
• Malaysia
• Egypt

 

Within this context, the citizens of the above-mentioned countries can travel to Iran only having their valid passports and the entry seal that they would easily receive while entering Iran. Of course, the allowed period of stay is different based on the negotiated deals between the diplomatic parties of each country. For example, as announced so far, the period of stay for the Syrians and Armenians is ninety days, Georgians forty-five days, Lebanese, Iraqis, Bolivian, and Azerbaijanis thirty days, Egyptians twenty days, Chinese, Macau, and Hong Kong twenty-one days, Turkish people ninety days, Venezuelans and Malaysians only fifteen days. If the citizens of these countries need to stay further in Iran, they can contact the agencies of the foreign affair ministry that are capable of accomplishing visa issues and request for updating their visas.

 

For the citizens of these countries, there are specific necessities to travel visa-free to Iran. Although these citizens do not need any visa for entering Iran, they have to complete a particular form available at an entry spot whether at the airport or any entry station. This form is usually referred to as an entry and exit form that is sometimes known as a tourist card.

This card and form are necessary and compulsory to be filled out for everyone who wants to enter Iran. This form should be also completed even for those who don’t require a visa. This form is considered to be the collection of personal information like the visitor’s name, purpose of travel, and other related points. Also important to know that every visitor needs to mention where he or she wants to stay in Iran together with the exact duration of their stay. Noteworthy to mention that, visa exclusion only concerns tourist and business visas. If foreign applicants want to apply for student or work permit visas, they necessarily need to apply for specific related visas.

 

More importantly, it is crucial to know that the citizens of these countries can only travel to Iran without a visa if they travel to Iran from their own countries as the country of origin. Otherwise, if they want to enter Iran from another country rather than their own, they would require a visa. It is noteworthy to mention that the policies that concern visa exclusion are subject to change and might undergo conversion based on international political issues and altering actions. So, it is highly necessary to check every time you want to travel to Iran and be updated before you plan to travel. The only reliable place you can always refer to check this up, without a doubt, is the embassy of Iran in your country.

 

Iranian visa, by itself, is of different categories that need to be applied for in a specific way. What are the different types of Iranian visas? Everyone based on his or her travel plan and purpose needs a specific type of visa. Every kind of visa requires diverse conditions and various documents that will be explained here. 

 

There are generally, six major visa categories for Iranian visas:

 

• Iran Tourist visa
• Iran Student visa
• Iran Work permit visa
• Iran Visitor visa
• Iran Business visa
• Iran Political and governmental visa

 

Every one of the above-mentioned categories requires specific conditions and documents. For example, the documents you need to present for a tourist visa will be completely different from the documents you need to file for a business visa. But, generally, there are basic documents every type of visa necessarily needs to be offered by every applicant:

 

1- The completed form of visa application that is either online or in hard copy available in the embassy

2- A 4*6 passport photo which is a recently taken one not older than 6 months

3- Your valid passport with at least 6 month time- period till its expiry date with at least two blank pages for visa and the related stamps

 

The most important document, as mentioned before, is a valid visa with a valid date by the end day of your trip. Iranian citizens that are staying abroad and need to update their expired passport need to apply for a passport update in the nearest embassy and register their requests. Visa processing time is roughly and takes about seven working days. Referring to this fact, every visitor needs to apply for his or her visa in advance so that he or she can arrange the travel plans on time.

 

How to apply for an Iranian visa?

 

First of all, it is necessary to remember that the diplomatic relations between Iran and other countries affect visa conditions. This is the first step, foreigners need to refer to the website of the Ministry of foreign affairs of Iran and fill in the visa application form. It is also possible for them to refer to authentic travel agencies that have the authorized license for visa application services.

 

Generally speaking, issuing visas for the neighboring countries and those countries that have friendly relationships with Iran, is very easy and relatively fast. Personalized tours can facilitate the visitors’ travel to Iran easily and happily. So, do not hesitate to search for and consider various tours and packages for Iran and select the best available choice to enjoy your trip to the legendary land of Iran.

Best Hotels in Tehran

 

Tehran, as the heart of Iran, and the point of political, social, and cultural attention of international and national tourists, offers a range of grand-style hotels that are among the best in the world.  

 

Spinas Palace Hotel is a splendid five-star hotel in Tehran that would satisfy all perfectionists. As it is on top of a hill-like region called Saadat Abaad, the guests would have a great view of Tehran from their windows. The unique architectural style of this hotel is a mixture of modern and traditional styles. It is close to beautiful tourist sites like Flight Park, Joorasik Park, and Palladium Shopping Center. Its luxurious halls are eye-catching and the most suitable ones for wedding ceremonies. Its breakfasts are so memorable that everyone would like to try it once, even for those already living in Tehran. The facilities that are already in the hotel area, one can name a green garden, sauna, spa salon, seeming pool, exchange shops, Wi-Fi, and alert systems. Its rooms are categorized as Royal, Signature, and Sky. Although it is on a hillside, you are still in the neighborhood of the city which makes it easily accessible to attractive sites such as the Persian Rug Gallery, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Arts, Laleh Park, and other beautiful places even by walking. 

 

Espinas International Hotel is also a luxurious, five-star hotel located in a great area of Tehran. If the guests are looking for a luxurious stay, this is a great choice. This hotel has 280 rooms and suites that are honestly modern, elegant and highly comfortable, and clean. The rooms range from double standard, junior double, twin double, view-based twin double, President triple rooms, family triple, and royal family rooms. Levels 11 to 14 are specified for the single rooms. All of the rooms are unbelievably pleasing in decoration and style. It is easily accessible to attractive sites in Tehran and the major museums. 

 

Tehran Parsian Azadi Hotel which is again a five-star hotel situated north of Tehran. From the beginning of its existence, guests have been considered to behave royally here. It has been the choice of great political administrators of the world like the president of North Korea, Ms. Park Geon Hai together with great international artists like The Schiller Group. There are eight different room styles in this elegant hotel with various functions and diverse designs. Surprisingly speaking, it also offers a specific room for the handicapped. This magic hotel also has eight grand halls for several functioning that always host international and national diplomatic, media, or sports events. There are four fashionable restaurants in various styles namely Parseh, Sarv, Parmin, and Japanese Kenzo. In a similar vein, distinguished sports clubs including fitness, gym, sauna, and jacuzzi, are also part of this fascinating complex. 

 

Tajmahal Hotel is another five-star hotel in the very core of the north area of Tehran. It has been able to attract the attention of many guests. It is a hotel apartment with a mixed architectural style of Persian and Indian models. It has eight levels and 80 flats that are modern indeed. It is located near Hemmat highway which makes it uniquely accessible to different parts of Tehran. VIP, Senator, and Royal rooms are different grand style rooms of the hotel. Unforgettable tastes also can be experienced here in its fanciful restaurants. 

Novotel or Rexan Hotel is one of the greatest among the five-star hotels in Tehran. It is one of the first airport hotels belonging to French Ecor Hotels being in the south wing of Imam Khomeini Airport. This beautiful hotel is on 11 levels and has 296 rooms of full facilities. This is a great option for those who need to be near the airport for their connecting flights. It is in a very peaceful and calm area far from the sounds and furies of the crowded city. It offers a highly standard service with modern features and a master staff. It is worth mentioning that, short stay rooms of this hotel do not offer breakfast as an included option. 

 

Homa Hotel is a highly popular and approved-by-all hotel in Iran, is part of Homa Chain Hotels. Its Tehran branch is also the target of the attention of both national and international guests. It does offer a very stunning view of Homa Garden from one side, and the Alborz Mountains, from another wing. It is a luxurious hotel with easy access only by walking to Vanak Shopping Center. Every entertainment facility like the swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness club is there in the building in a standard form. Homa class double bed is the special offer of this famous hotel. Vanak metro station is only accessible 9 mins from Homa Hotel. 

 

Laleh Hotel is also a great five-star hotel that is highly recommended in Tehran. It is more than 50 years old but elegantly classic and grand with 13 levels and 370 rooms. The building of the hotel is so beautiful with an attractive view of The Alborz Mountains. The climate is so exceptionally pleasing because of the proximity to Laleh Garden. It is also in the neighborhood of the famous museums of Tehran. Worthy to mention that for all international guests, the hotel does not offer single rooms. 

 

Wisteria Hotel, which is located at the highest part of Tehran’s north side, is another great option among the five-star hotels. One can easily reach Saad Abad Palace, Niavaran Palace, Ferdows Garden, Cinema Museum, and the Citadel. It offers a splendid mountain view and includes 20 levels. The hotel restaurant is big and serves varieties of delicious Persian foods. It only takes the guests about 20 to 30 mins walking to the major metro stations. Presidential and Wisteria suites are the special room options of this beautiful hotel. All the rooms are breakfast included.   

 

Evin Parsian Hotel which is a top best four-star hotel is typical in every aspect. It has 150 rooms including the grand, beautiful suites, small suites, double twins, and singles. It is located in a great spot on the north side of Tehran with a very pleasing climate. The guests can easily reach the airport and major highways. Facilities like safety boxes, light control systems, high-speed internet, and satellites are among the main ones here. 

 

Olympic Hotel is another four-star hotel on the west side of Tehran. One can even claim that it is one of the best in Iran. It is close to the Azadi Sport Complex in the western part of Tehran. It is opposite Chitgar Garden Park with a great view of the tallest mountain peaks of Iran, Damavand. Easy access to the pleasing atmosphere of the Persian Gulf Lake and the major airports are two major positive features of this prestigious hotel. Truthfully, if the guests are looking for standard services, the Olympic Hotel is the best choice.

 

Parsian Enghelab Hotel which is a four-star hotel in downtown Tehran with reasonable access to landmarks, Palaces, and sights. The building was founded in 1977 with complete facilities and a whirling restaurant on the sixteenth floor. Guests will enjoy Iranian hospitality and complimentary breakfast during their stay at Parsian Enghelab Hotel. It has 248 rooms and suites, a ballroom with a capacity of 1000 persons, two magnificent restaurants serving kinds of international & local foods on the grand floor, two coffee shops serving a wide variety of hot and cold beverages in the lobby lounge & top of the hotel, rotary restaurant (the first revolving restaurant in Iran located on the 16th floor of the hotel) offers you the fine art of hospitality in a high level.

 

Top Traditional Bazaars in Iran

In each of the historical and picturesque cities of Iran, magnificent and astonishing attractions can be the choice of any person who enjoys watching the historical remains. But anyone should not neglect to go to the traditional Bazaars of Iran, because the pleasure of walking in the Bazaars will enchant you with the old texture and the beauty of its architecture, as well as the variety of products. Traditional bazaars will be introduced in the following, each of which impresses its visitors according to its unique characteristics.

Tehran Grand Bazaar

Tehran Grand Bazaar is in the heart of the capital of Iran. It has a structure like a dreamy city. Strolling through each part of the bazaar is like a quick journey through history. Bazaars have a unique design and architecture and each of them backs to a special period. Despite the existence of many luxury shopping centers, traditional bazaars have significance in the state of affairs of buying that some people consider as the pillars that are the primary base for the improvement of the economy. The Tehran Grand Bazaar is divided into sections, each of which sells a certain item. Bin Al-Haramain Bazaar, Zargarha Bazaar, and Chaharsough Bazaar are some of the bazaars located in the Tehran Grand Bazaar.

Tajrish Bazaar, Tehran

Tajrish Bazaar is one of the traditional bazaars which has historic architecture. The bazaar has some parts that date back to the Qajar era in terms of antiquity. As the visitors stroll via the bazaar, they will be confronted with a lengthy brown brick passageway. The Tajrish Bazaar has a lively atmosphere created by the enticing aroma of spices and the sounds of shoppers asking questions about quality, price, and other topics. Never before have visitors experienced being in such an intriguing location with such a diverse range of goods. The bazaar is brimming with delectable and healthy food items, including exotic fruits, herbs and spices for cooking, etc. A very beautiful composition that resembles a painting is created by the juxtaposition of fruits and vegetables with their distinctive colors and the bright lights of the store.

Tabriz Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar of Tabriz is the biggest covered brick bazaar in the world, covering an area of roughly one square kilometer. The largest covered bazaar in the world is in Tabriz, Iran. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it sells many goods, including hand-woven carpets, leather goods like bags and shoes, and fabrics. Publicly available for purchase.

Kashan Bazaar

Kashan Grand Bazaar is one of the most magnificent traditional bazaars in Iran. One of the most intriguing components of Kashan Grand Bazaar is Amin al-Dawla Caravanserai, formerly a covered area for the sale of expensive goods. The earthquake caused some of this traditional bazaar’s components to be damaged, but it was rebuilt in the same manner as before.

Qeysarie Bazaar (Isfahan Grand Bazaar)

The Grand Bazaar’s entrance is the famed Qeysarie Gate, which is in Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan. Qeysarie Gate alongside Naqsh Jahan Square is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Grand Bazaar in Isfahan is one of the biggest and most well-known bazaars in the world. Hand-woven carpets and rugs with stunning and genuine Iranian patterns are among the premium materials found in this bazaar.

Vakil bazaar

Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz is one of the traditional and historical bazaars of Iran, placed in the heart of the historic region of Shiraz City. One of the places that was previously built during the Zandiyeh Dynasty is the Vakil Bazaar. Vakil Bazaar has an area known as Saraye Moshir, which is additionally famous as Saraye Golshan. This part was made by Abul Hasan Khan Moshir al-Mulk. The center of the octagonal Saraye Moshir structure is a pool, and all around it are orange trees, whose spring blossoms give Saraye Moshir beauty and an indescribable aroma. Persian handicrafts, such as rugs and Khatam Kari are plentiful in Saraye Moshir.

Ardabil Grand bazaar

The cross-shaped Ardabil Grand Bazaar is in the center of the city. The bazaar is partially illuminated by openings in the dome-shaped sections. The Ardabil bazaar once was a place for political and business transactions during the Safavid era. This bazaar is made up of a sub-bazaar called the Qaysarieh bazaar, a butcher’s bazaar, and a hat maker’s bazaar.

Bazaar of Saqqez

One of Iran’s most dazzling traditional bazaars is Saqqez. Between Qala market and Sarpache market, there are two sections of this bazaar. Saqqez Bazaar is made up of numerous smaller bazaars that are separated based on the goods they sell. These smaller bazaars are separated into the upper market where luxury goods are sold and the lower market where traditional goods are sold.

Bazaar of Borujerd

The Borujerd Grand Bazaar was once built during the Qajar era. Traditional products with incredibly beautiful designs, like copper dishes, are sold in the Borujerd bazaar. Treasured caravanserais like the Qeysarie and Vahdati caravanserais are found in the Grand Bazaar of Borujerd.

Sannandaj Bazaar

The Sanandaj bazaar is a historical bazaar that dates back more than four centuries. The brick and stone material that makes up this bazaar’s dome-shaped roof. There are three entrance gates to Sanandaj Bazaar. Its construction was based on the Safavid era’s architectural design. The bazaar is split into two sections: a northern and a southern one. The northern section is known as the Sanandaji Bazaar, and the southern portion is the Asef Bazaar.

Mashhad Grand Bazaar

The Razavi shrine’s eastern side is where you find the Mashhad bazaar. One of Mashhad City’s tourist attractions is the bazaar, which has a style of a traditional Iranian bazaar. The Reza bazaar in Mashhad appears to be an integrated bazaar at first, but it is made up of 6 separate bazaars. More than a thousand shops are placed on two floors of Reza Bazaar. Famous Mashhad mementos like turquoise, rings, and other ornamental stones are available in this bazaar.