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25 Things to Know Before You Visit Iran

Last Updated: February 6, 2024

We’ve been all around the world, spent a lot of time in a lot of different countries, and if there’s one thing we can honestly tell you it’s that we’ve never felt as welcomed, fascinated and humbled as we did when we visited Iran.

Iran is such an incredible country to travel. The architecture will amaze you, the friendliness of the people will leave you speechless, the culture is fascinating and the landscapes are out of this world.

Iran is also very misunderstood, with many people believing whatever propaganda they hear on the media about how dangerous or difficult it is to travel there.

Table of Contents

Iran is Safe!

There’s a lot of customs to follow, you need a visa for iran, have a head scarf in your carry-on luggage before arrival, bring a phrase book or have google translate on your phone, bring a lot of cash, the currency has two names, bring comfortable footwear, research the food and don’t just eat kebabs, bring a backpack rather than a suitcase, draw up an itinerary, but keep it flexible, let your guard down and talk to locals, always ask the price before buying, book domestic flights with your accommodation or travel agent, team up with other travellers and share tours, be on time for your appointments, the traffic is horrible, you need a vpn to access some social media platforms, there is wifi, but be patient with it, pick up a local sim card, iran has its own uber called snapp, you can drink the tap water, good coffee is hard to find, there’s a female-only carriage on the metros, what to know before you visit iran.

The truth is travelling in Iran definitely has its quirks, and being an Islamic country means there’s a few things you need to know about the religion and culture before you go so you can show absolute respect.

Luckily these are easy enough to know before you go if you do a bit of research. We spent one month travelling around Iran and learnt so much during our time there.

To help put your mind at ease about travelling in this incredible country, here’s our list of the most important things to know before you visit Iran.

All of the mainstream media outlets portray Iran as an unsafe country, somewhere that you’ll be at risk if you visit.

The mainstream media is wrong.

We did not feel unsafe once through the whole 4 weeks of us backpacking independently in Iran.

We weren’t with a tour group, had no tour guides, don’t speak the local language, took public transport and taxis, wandered the streets on our own – basically everything you shouldn’t do if you’re in a dangerous country.

And guess what? Nothing bad happened to us at all!

The Iranian people are so friendly and helpful. They want you to have a great time and tell your friends so more people will come and visit.

We were walking around one morning on a quiet street when a car passed us and turned around. A group of young people stopped the car, came up to us, and asked if we were ok or if we needed help.

Once we told them we were just looking for a coffee they pulled out their phones and started showing us where the cafes were on a map.

They even offered us a ride, and said if the cafes were closed they had coffee at their home and would love to make us some.

This is just one example of dozens of interactions that happened to us when we were in Iran. Iranians love that tourists are coming to their country and travelling around.

The locals know what the media says about them and what a lot of the world thinks of their country, and the people just want to show that they are nice, generous people.

Theft against tourists is very rare and even the Religion Police (secret police) tend to leave tourists alone.

Just be careful around the bazaars and crowed places for pickpocketing. We didn’t have any issue and didn’t hear of any other travellers having problems, but this is common sense in any busy place in the world.

With all that being said, there is a large military and police presence in Iran. Do not photograph any military areas or government buildings, and stay away from any protests if you see them.

Obviously there are some areas of Iran that are no-go zones, such as the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, so do your research and talk to locals if you’re thinking about going anywhere near them.

When you travel somewhere you want to take in everything about the country and its people, and that includes the culture and customs.

Iran has quite a few local customs that may take some getting used to, so it’s important to learn about them before you go so you don’t accidentally offend or disrespect anyone.

Some of the most common ones that throw tourists off are:

Women must wear hijabs (headscarves) at all times in public. They must also wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t show their figure.
Giving a thumbs-up sign is considered rude, similar to giving the middle finger in Western society.
Men can wear short-sleeved shirts, but long pants must be worn at all times.
Men and women who aren’t related shouldn’t touch either. That means no shaking hands or hugging someone of the opposite sex.
If you are travelling with your significant other, avoid any public displays of affection.
Always bring a gift if you are invited to someone’s house. Candy, pastries or flowers are fine.

Now we want to give a special mention to ta’arof – This is a hospitality trait where it’s customary for someone to refuse payment for a service, and is probably the most confusing thing for any tourist to get their head around.

Basically what happens is if you make a purchase (a souvenir, taxi ride, etc), the person may refuse your payment out of politeness. It is then up to you to insist despite their refusals that you want to pay. After two or three times they’ll then accept your money.

If they still keep refusing then perhaps you have just experienced some amazing Iranian hospitality! But chances are they’ll accept the payment once the process has been completed. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.

The locals are so lovely, that if you do something wrong someone will approach you and nicely let you know. For example, if you are a lady and your headscarf falls off without you knowing, a local will kindly let you know.

Don’t stress about getting your outfits beforehand as shopping in Iran is cheap. Just bring one headscarf and set of loose-fitting clothes, and buy more once you get there.

The culture is the best thing about visiting Iran, and after a few days, you’ll start to understand and fall in love with it just like we did.

In order to visit Iran, you’re going to need to get a tourist visa. This used to be a very difficult process, but luckily things have gotten easier with the introduction of visa on arrivals in 2016

On the 14th February 2016, the Ministry of Iran announced that citizens of 180 countries can now apply for VOA of 30-days at most international airports, including Tehran, Shiraz, Mashad, Tabriz and Isfahan.

There’s an exception to this rule though, and if you are from Canada, the UK or the USA, we have some bad news for you…You can only visit Iran if you join a guided tour, so no chance of getting a VOA and travelling independently.

Your tour company will help organise your visa for you.

Check out our article on how to apply for a Visa On Arrival in Iran.

You Need to Dress Appropriately

This follows on from the customs section above, but in a bit more detail.

Iran is an Islamic country, and as such you need to follow the Islamic dress code. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Women need to cover their arms, legs and head. This including a Hijab, loose long length shirt with long sleeves and pants.

Leggings or tight jeans are ok as long as your top is long and covers your bottom. When wearing pants, you need to be covered down to your ankles.

The most common way to cover your head is with a scarf. The local women wear bright colours and are very stylish with their clothing, so don’t think you need to wear all black.

Black is still worn a lot but not so much among the younger generation.

You can wear sandals. Some guesthouses and hostels will allow you to take your headscarf off on their premises but do check first.

Men aren’t allowed to wear shorts in public, so bring long, lightweight pants as the best option. T-shirts are fine to wear in public. Men can wear sandals too.

If you do wear inappropriate clothing it’s not the end of the world, and besides some angry looks from some of the older generation, you’ll probably just end up having a friendly local let you know what’s best to wear.

In Tehran, the locals push the limits in terms of what they wear in public. At the end of 2017, an uprising occurred and supposedly women were no longer required to wear the Hijab in public in Tehran, but wait until you are in the country to find out for certain.

When you land at the airport, it is respectful to put a scarf straight on your head ladies. This will cause no trouble for you by locals or the officials at the airport.

Once you’re in the air on an international flight you’ll see most young ladies take their hijab as soon as the plane leaves the ground. Just follow what the locals do.

We were quite surprised to discover that a lot of Iranians could speak a little bit of English, but that wasn’t always the case, so do yourself a favour and bring along something that can help translate English to Persian.

We always travel with Google Translate and offline languages saved on our phones, but at times having a phrasebook is the best (and most social) way to interact with people who don’t speak any English.

Remember, you are in a country that doesn’t have English as an official language, so don’t be that rude tourist that gets upset if people aren’t understanding you.

Persian (Farsi) is difficult, and no locals expect you to learn much beyond hello and thank you while you are there, but do your best anyway as a few extra words will go a long way in showing respect.

Also don’t be surprised if you are constantly invited out for tea with people so they can practice their English. If the opportunity comes up, make time for it, as it’s an amazing experience for both the local and yourself.

Don’t forget your cash when visiting Iran, as none of the ATMs in the country accepts foreign credit or debit cards thanks to the embargo. So if you forget to bring all of your cash for your entire trip, you’re out of luck.

Figure out what your usual budget is for a trip ($50 a day, $100 a day, etc), then bring a bit extra just in case. USD is best for all around the country but Euros and British Pounds are also accepted in Tehran.

There’s two exchange rates in the country – official rate and black market rate – and the black market rate is of course much better.

We actually found an exchange booth at Tehran airport that gave pretty close to the black market rate, so we traded some cash there.

As a tip don’t exchange all of your foreign cash into Rials at once, because you’ll either get ripped off on the exchange rate back if you have any left over, or you’ll be unable to trade it outside of the country.

Also don’t be too concerned about travelling around with thousands of dollars in your backpacks. As we mentioned earlier theft is rare. Do keep your money stashed in different spots though just in case.

UPDATE: If you’d prefer not to carry all your cash with you, can actually pre-order a local Iranian debit card from the company, Mah Card . It works just like a normal debit card in your home country.

You order it on their website and they’ll deliver it to your hotel in Tehran when you arrive. They have an online system too where you can top up the funds if you’re running low.

Use the code ‘ NOMADASAURUS ‘ at check-out to get a 40% discount on the card when ordering. Instead of a 19 Euro issue fee, our code brings it down to 11 Euro.

“Toman or Rial?” Get used to asking that question, because if you don’t it could end up being a costly mistake.

The currency in Iran is officially known as the Rial, and is valued at roughly 30’000 IRL to USD$1. That’s a lot of zeros, so what the locals have started doing is dropping a zero and calling the new value a Toman.

1 Toman = 10 Rial

When you hear prices quoted in Tomans you need to add a zero on the end and pay the amount in Rials. It sounds confusing, but you’ll pick it up pretty quickly.

That’s why it’s important to always ask Toman or Rial, so you don’t accidentally pay too much on an item. Most vendors quote in Tomans anyway, so chances are if the price seems too good to be true, you need to multiply it by 10.

Rumour has it that Iran will officially introduce Toman as a currency in the coming years, but that hasn’t come into effect yet.

You are going to do a lot of walking in Iran, so bring comfortable footwear. The towns here are so amazing that you’ll probably end up walking at least 10km every day, so look after your feet.

These don’t necessarily have to be hiking boots (unless you’re planning on doing some treks). Just make sure you have some flat shoes that you can wear all day without a problem.

Don’t bring heels. You don’t need them, and you won’t wear them. We had a pair of hiking shoes each and a pair of sandals. That was perfect.

Persian food is varied and delicious, and there’s plenty of different styles to try, so be adventurous!

Most people travelling on a budget will end up eating falafel sandwiches when they’re in Iran because they are cheap ($1 !), filling and delicious, but there’s plenty more to Iranian cuisine then just kebabs.

We don’t consider ourselves to be foodies, but luckily we were travelling with our good friends Dan and John and they are all about culinary travel, so they had a huge list of food they wanted to try. And boy were we thankful they did!

They had looked up the different types of food they wanted to try, so we basically followed their advice and tried it all. Of course, it was super delicious too.

One particular dish we all loved was dizi. It’s quite confusing how to eat the first time, so we had the restaurant owner show us how to mix and grind all the ingredients. If she didn’t show us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to eat it.

If you are a vegetarian, there are food options but they can be limited. There is a lot of eggplant, lentil and chickpea dishes. There are simple salads and rice also.

Try to get away from the popular tourist areas as well, as the prices are going to be a lot higher than the average place.

Move away and you will be surprised how much the price drops, and the portions are larger. If you are passing a local restaurant and it is packed with locals, that is going to be a winner.

We always recommend people travel with a backpack rather than a suitcase, but this is especially useful when you visit Iran.

The road and paths are uneven, and wheeling a suitcase would be a nightmare. A lot of hotels don’t have lifts, so unless you’re feeling strong it’s going to be hard to carry your suitcase up a lot of flights of stairs.

Always choose a lightweight backpack that fits you perfectly for the best support.

There are also hybrid backpacks, that have harnesses and wheels on the bottom for the times where you just don’t want to carry it.

Unless you are on a whirlwind 7-day trip of the country we recommend you design an itinerary of what you want to see and do, but don’t book anything until you are in the country.

Iran is one of those countries that is best to research beforehand so you can make the most of your time and you don’t miss anything, but don’t be surprised if some places you end up liking more than others.

Be willing to change your plans if you get somewhere that you want to stay an extra day, or if you meet a backpacker that raves about one town you hadn’t considered before.

Don’t stress about booking buses, flights or trains before you arrive. Everything can be booked in-country, for a much cheaper price than you’ll find online.

By not locking in your travel plans, you can change and swap your itinerary easy enough.

Disclaimer: The one time that you may need to book everything ahead of time is during Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. If you’re planning on travelling to Iran during this time (it happens around the spring equinox in March) you’ll find things are extremely busy with millions of locals travelling around the country to spend time with their families too.

Looking for somewhere else to check out when you visit Iran? Don’t miss our article on the best things to do in Shiraz!

One of the best experiences you will have in Iran is spending time with all the friendly locals. And trust us, you’ll get plenty of opportunities if you are open to it.

The city squares are usually where locals will approach you to welcome you to their country, have a chat and practice their English.

Don’t shy away from this, even if you are a solo traveller. We found out so much information about Iran and how the locals live simply by chatting away.

Most people asked us questions about where we are from and were very happy to answer our questions. It was a true insight to Iran and we made some beautiful friends from it (many of whom we still keep in contact with).

Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of invitations to people’s homes as well, and this may be one of the few countries where we’d say hanging out with strangers is highly encouraged. The Couchsurfing scene is huge here too if you’re into that.

Do be wary of some people who will take you to an expensive tea house though. They are nice people, you will have great conversations, but they can be a little cheeky.

Also always look at the menu before you start ordering to make sure they haven’t taken you somewhere that has crazy prices.

Some will invite you out and try to sell carpets to you. If you are not interested just be firm and move on with the conversation.

We only had this happen to us once out of more than a dozen great experiences, and once we made it clear we weren’t buying a carpet we still had a great chat with him.

There is only one thing with all this – Expect to be stopped every few minutes by people wanting to chat! Make sure you’re mentally prepared when you go out around town to have a million friendly conversations.

You shouldn’t just do this in Iran, you should do this everywhere you travel, but it’s important to keep in mind.

In some countries, there are tourist prices and local prices. To be honest, we almost never felt ripped off here, but it did happen occasionally.

Before you buy anything, whether it’s a souvenir, a meal, a pot of tea, a tour, a taxi ride or whatever, ask to see the menu or how much it will cost to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Get out of the tourist squares too. Chances are if you walk a couple of blocks outside of those popular areas, the prices will drop dramatically.

When buying survivors, ask the price at a few places, get the vibe from the person/place and then buy. Try your bartering skills, but don’t be offensive.

We always try to settle in the middle so both parties are happy. This is their business and they need the money more than you do.

Man Going Through His Carpets At The Market

If you are flying domestic, book through an agent or your local guesthouse in the country. All the local airline pages are in Persian, and these are where the best deals are.

Online booking agencies like Skyscanner and Momondo will not bring up these flights. We were in the west near the Iraqi border and wanted to fly to Tehran. Our local guesthouse helped us out and we booked it for $50 USD including snack and bags.

They were charging $200 USD on one of those online booking agencies above. We never were questioned at the airport about the local price and everything went smoothly.

If you’re not travelling in a group of four, ask at your guesthouse or talk to other travellers to see if you can share the cost of a driver with them.

Sometimes hiring a driver between towns as private transport would work out to be the same price as 4 bus tickets. You get there faster and can stop when you like along the way.

This will save you money and you might even make some awesome friends out of it.

Iranians are very punctual. If you plan to leave for a tour at 8am be in reception at 7:45am, and the driver will most likely already be there.

Buses and trains also won’t wait for you if you aren’t there. The last thing you want to do is miss your tour because you slept in or hadn’t packed yet.

If you’re heading to the airport, bus or train station make sure you leave plenty of time in case of bad traffic.

When we say horrible, we’re being polite. The traffic in Iran is actually insane.

If you’re exploring Tehran don’t be surprised if you have plenty of “Holy s**t!” moments as you go to cross the street or you get around in taxi.

It’s not that Iranians are bad drivers…they just don’t have a concept of space when driving around. In one way it’s almost as entertaining as it is scary.

No one is actively trying to run pedestrians down, but if you do try to run the gauntlet of crossing a busy road it’s best to wait for a local to join them on their hell-bent journey to the other side.

Some social media platforms are banned in Iran and you cannot access them without a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

You cannot access Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest. You can access Instagram , but the rest only with a VPN.

We used ExpressVPN and had no issues. Here is a link to get your first 30 days for free .

Make sure you download your VPN before you arrive in Iran, because a lot of the VPN sites are blocked by the government.

If you can, we also recommend having access to a few different VPNs, because every now and then one might be blocked in Iran.

ExpressVPN worked for us during our trip, but some people have reported that it didn’t work during their own trip. Last we heard it’s back up and running properly now though.

Most of the guesthouses we stayed at had free wifi, but don’t expect it to be fast.

Some hotels had wifi available in the rooms, while others were only in the reception area or dining rooms. It all depends on how upmarket your place is. In popular cities, tea and coffee houses had wifi also.

One thing to keep in mind though is that just because there is wifi at your hotel, be respectful on how much you use it.

There are no unlimited data plans in Iran, so the hotels have to pre-purchase data in small packets.

Please don’t be that person that streams Netflix or tries to download the new season of Game of Thrones, because all that will happen is you’ll end up using all the net for everybody else in the hotel, and cost the owner more money.

Yep, we met a guy that did just that in Varzaneh, and because it was a weekend it meant nobody in the hostel could get internet until Monday. Thanks, mate.

Despite what you may have been told, you can buy a local sim card in Iran as a foreigner, and it’s a great idea to do so.

This way you can call hotels to make bookings use WhatsApp and Snap (more on that below) on the go, and keep in touch with friends and family back home.

We bought up a sim card with the telecommunications company IranCel through our hostel in Tehran, however, they marked the price up by double.

We found out later that you can buy sim cards at the airport or at any store, so our suggestion is to do this yourself.

When going into the phone store bring your phrasebook or a local friend. You will not need to show any ID, just pay in cash, but it helps to have your passport with you just in case.

You can top up at little general stores that display the IranCel sign. They will do it all on your phone and charge a small fee for their time. Please don’t argue with that, it’s maybe 25c USD.

We were getting 5GB of data for about $10 USD.

There is an app in Iran called Snapp, and it is similar to Uber. It’s a rideshare app where drivers register and customers can order cars to get around town.

This was a lifesaver for us!

What makes Snapp so great is that a price is determined by the app and you pay in cash once you get to your destination. There’s no metre, so the driver will take the most direct way possible.

When you book it you’ll get the driver’s name, their car model and their registration number, so you know you’re getting in the right vehicle.

Yo drop a pin on a map for where you want to go, so there’s no need to try and explain it to the driver in case he doesn’t speak English (or your pronunciation is crap).

The other added benefit is you can rate the drivers afterwards, so they are more likely to be honest rather than a taxi driver.

The only thing is you cannot easily download it onto an iPhone, as Apple is an American company and does not support Iran. It doesn’t show up in the App Store.

If you go to the Snapp website you can download it to your Apple phone through a special link there. Downloading it on an Android phone is easy with no issues.

This one was a big surprise to us, but you can drink the tap water just about everywhere in Iran.

It’s totally safe to drink, even if you’re new to the country, so don’t worry about buying plastic water bottles everywhere you go.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead and simply fill up as you go.

Don’t drink river water tough if you are out hiking.

Iran is a nation of tea drinkers, so it’s no surprise that you’ll get delicious fresh tea for cheap (or free) just about everywhere.

But what about us coffee drinkers??

The bad news is that getting good coffee is very hard in Iran. Despite their close proximity to places like Turkey, the coffee culture phased out years ago and so now the best you’ll find is usually those horrible instant packets.

There is a silver lining though, and some entrepreneurial locals have discovered that coffee is basically the second greatest thing on earth (after a delicious IPA, which you also can’t get in Iran), and some Western-style coffee shops are popping up in major towns.

They’re not cheap, but when you need that caffeine hit in the morning it’s totally worth it.

When you catch the metro around Tehran or Esfahan, there are carriages designated just for women, which is great if you’re a solo female traveller.

These are basically sections that males aren’t allowed in to stop accidental touching of non-related mixed genders, but it also adds a sense of security for women taking public transport.

Occasionally if the mixed carriages are full you’ll see one or two men in the female ones, but they tend to stand next to the door away from everyone.

[box] Those were just some of the things you need to know before you visit Iran. Has the article helped you? Do you have anything else to add? Leave a comment below and let us know![/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Travel Advisory August 14, 2024

Iran - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens and wrongful detentions .

Country Summary: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason.

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iran.

If you are currently in Iran:

Consider the risks involved in possessing dual U.S. Iranian nationality .
Review your personal security plan and visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X .
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section

Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5 th) Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue Tehran, Iran Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273 Emergency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333 Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432 Email: [email protected] Website: www.eda.admin.ch/tehranfi Virtual Embassy Tehran

All consular services require prior appointments which can be made by phone. The Foreign Interests Section can be reached by phone Sunday through Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Foreign Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The Foreign Interests Section provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens in Tehran including:

Registering U.S. citizens;
Responding to inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;
Rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
Providing U.S. citizens with passport and Social Security card applications and other citizenship forms for processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;
Performing notarial services;
Taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens; and
Providing Social Security Administration assistance to retired U.S. citizens residing in Iran.

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See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Iran for information on U.S.-Iran relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Iran, please consider the current Travel Advisory .

The Travel Advisory for Iran is Level 4, Do Not Travel. The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.

Iranian authorities continue to wrongfully detain and imprison U.S. citizens, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities have also prevented the departure of U.S. citizens from Iran. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities routinely deny dual nationals access to the Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran because they consider dual nationals to be solely Iranian citizens.

U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on Iranian passports. As indicated above, the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. Iranian authorities may consider some U.S. citizens – even those without Iranian passports who do not consider themselves to be Iranian – to be Iranian nationals.

U.S. government employees, including contractors, are strictly prohibited from traveling to Iran without prior authorization from the Department of State.

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals should obtain, in their Iranian passports, the necessary visas for the countries they will transit on their return trip to the United States so that if the U.S. passports are confiscated in Iran, they may depart Iran with their Iranian passports. These individuals can then apply for new U.S. passports in the country they are transiting.

U.S. citizens residing in Iran on permanent resident visas must obtain an exit permit each time they depart Iran, regardless of the period of stay. All Iranian passport holders are required to pay an exit tax. More specific information on Iranian passport and exit permit requirements may be obtained from the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

The Iranian civil code states that women who marry Iranian men acquire Iranian nationality. If the marriage takes place in Iran, the woman’s U.S. passport may be confiscated by Iranian authorities. A woman must have the consent of her husband to leave Iran or, in his absence, consent from another suitable authority. The Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran can provide only limited assistance if a U.S. citizen woman married to an Iranian man encounters difficulty in leaving Iran. In addition, if marriage to an Iranian citizen is not officially recognized by the Iranian government, the couple will be committing the crime of adultery if they travel together, the maximum penalty for which is death.

Please contact the Swiss Embassy or appropriate Iranian authorities for special circumstances cases involving divorce and custody rights in Iran.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Iran. If you intend to reside in Iran, you must submit to a blood test, which may include an HIV test, in order to apply for a residency permit. Permits will be refused if the HIV test is positive.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

As noted in the Travel Advisory for Iran, U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran face a significant threat of kidnapping or arrest and detention on spurious charges.

U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite the Travel Advisory should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where foreigners have been victims of criminal gangs. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas within 100 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, near the Iraq border, and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistani border.

Terrorism: In Iran, there is potential for death or injury because of terrorist attacks. Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders. Additionally, Iran is a designated state-sponsor of terrorism.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Foreigners occasionally become victims of petty street crime, including robberies and bag-snatchings, in Iran. There have been reports of robberies by police impersonators, usually in civilian clothing. Insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. Travelers should take the following precautions:

Do not surrender any documents or cash;
Make a copy of your U.S. passport (biographical data page and the page with your Iranian visa) and keep it separate from your original passport;
Do not carry large amounts of hard currency while on the streets;
Keep important documents such as passports and valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations;
Take pre-booked taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street;
Check with your hotel or tour guide for information on local scams; and
Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also violate local law.

Demonstrations occur sporadically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Past demonstrations have turned violent.

As demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, computers, fax machines, and other electronics may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. The Iranian authorities may also confiscate cell phones, computers, and other devices. U.S. citizens should consider not taking electronic devices to Iran or deleting personal information from them beforehand.

Disaster Preparedness: Iran is prone to earthquakes, many of them severe. To learn more about the seismic regions of Iran, including the most recent earthquakes, please visit the U.S. Geological Survey website .

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 110 and contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section at (98) (21) 2254-2178. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Iran is: 115 for ambulance service, 125 for fire, and 110 for police. English speakers, however, are generally unavailable.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department of State, through the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section, can:

Replace a stolen or lost passport;
Help you find appropriate medical care;
Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
Provide a list of local attorneys;
Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States; and
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section for assistance. U.S. citizens should note that the Foreign Interests Section may be able to provide limited assistance only and that Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Long prison terms and solitary confinement are common as are punishments including execution, amputation, flogging, blinding, stoning, and fines. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Examples of local laws that you may be unfamiliar with include:

Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution;
Drinking, possession of alcoholic beverages, and drugs are illegal. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iran are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Iran executes many people each year on drug-related charges. Penalties for the possession, use, or smuggling of alcoholic beverages may include fines, jail time, or flogging;
Men and women must adhere to the government-sanctioned dress code; this includes covered hair, arms, and legs for women. The government considers the failure to adhere to its dress code and public displays of affection to be crimes;
Relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, as are adultery and sex outside of marriage, which are punishable by the death penalty;
Data storage devices (e.g. DVDs, SD cards) depicting sexual relations and magazines showing unveiled women are forbidden;
Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited and could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty;
Importation of pork products is banned; and
Insulting the government or Muslim faith is strictly forbidden, including on social media. Such violations of Iranian law may result in imprisonment.

Carry a copy of your U.S. passport (biodata page and page with Iranian visa) and some other form of identification with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.

If you are arrested while in Iran, request that the police and prison officials notify the Foreign Interests Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran immediately to ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances. Under Iranian law, detainees may also request legal representation, although the authorities sometimes fail to allow timely access to attorneys.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal: The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government has allegedly been targeting award-holders who travel to Iran. Some former claimants have reported being questioned by Iranian authorities upon their entry into Iran as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. The Iranian government has also reportedly threatened to prevent U.S. claimants who visit Iran from departing the country until they repay their award.

Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who also possess Iranian citizenship are subject to laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Iran, such as military service or taxes. Iranian-citizen males aged 18-34 are required to perform military service, unless exempt. Young men who have turned 17 years of age will not be allowed to leave Iran without completing their military service.

Money: Non-Iranian credit cards and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. You will not be able to access U.S. or foreign bank accounts using ATMs in Iran. You can exchange U.S. dollars for rials, either at banks or with certified money changers. There is no Western Union or similar institution, and bank transfers are not possible. Due to economic sanctions on Iran, U.S. financial institutions have been known to block or freeze accounts accessed via the Internet from Iran.

Communication: Pre-paid overseas calling cards are available at most newsagents. The Internet is widely used in Iran. There are Internet cafes in most hotels; however, usage may be monitored. The Iranian government blocks access to many social media sites.

Sanctions: U.S. government economic sanctions prohibit most economic activity between U.S. citizens and Iran. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has posted to its website frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide guidance on U.S. sanctions related to Iran. For further information, consult OFAC’s Iran sanctions resource page or contact OFAC’s Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490 or obtain information via fax at 202-622-0077.

For information concerning licensing of imports or exports, contact OFAC’s Licensing Division at by phone at 202-622-2480 or fax at 202-622-1657.

Faith-Based Travelers: Freedom of religion, belief, or non-belief is not protected in Iran. See the following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships in Iran are criminalized and are punishable by death, flogging, or a lesser punishment. LGBTQI+ individuals are often subject to violence and the law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics or recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, or families.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Iran prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and access to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Women in Iran lack certain basic rights such as the freedom to choose their style of dress and restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. Gender-based violence is more common in Iran than the U.S., especially in rural areas, and reports of this violence in recent years have steadily increased. “Honor killings” or other harmful practices involving mostly women killed by their male relatives in the name of preserving the family’s “honor” are known to occur. There are also reports of fathers or relatives forcing their female family members to enter a marriage against their will. Domestic violence remains a taboo subject in Iran, and Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence. Hijab enforcement in Iran is becoming stricter. The Government has deployed Hijab enforcers in public to ensure compliance. Hijab defiance has led to assault, arrest and even death.

For emergency services in Iran, dial 115.

Ambulance services are

Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards;
Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and
Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Iran.

Basic medical care and medicine are available in the principal cities but may not be available in rural areas in Iran. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and sometimes lack medicine and supplies.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

Companies offering surrogacy services, an unregulated industry, are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens at risk.
If you are considering traveling to Iran to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad webpage . Carefully consider the length of time needed to obtain a newborn’s required civil documents to avoid any unintended overstay of your visa.

Air Quality

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Iran particularly in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Zabol. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
Infants, children, and teens;
People over 65 years of age;
People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
People with heart disease or diabetes; and
People who work or are active outdoors.

Water Scarcity: Iran has a water scarcity issue throughout the country, largely impacting rural communities. Iran is prone to significant droughts in the hot summer months. In cities outside of Tehran, water may be harder to obtain given the availability in those regions and larger water reserves servicing the capital. Tap water in Iran is relatively safe, however it is recommended to consume bottled water, which is regularly available.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Iran, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Travelers in possession of International Driver’s Permits may drive in Iran, though the Foreign Interests Section in Iran does not recommend that tourists do so. Iran has a very high rate of traffic accidents, the second highest cause of mortality in the country. Drivers throughout Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs, and lane markers. Urban streets are not well lit; it is therefore particularly dangerous to drive at night. Sidewalks in urban areas exist only on main roads and are usually obstructed by parked cars. In residential areas, few sidewalks exist. Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene; wait until the police arrive to file a report.

Traffic Laws: Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks, both in cities and on highways, often manned by young, inexperienced officers who are suspicious of foreigners. Carry identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Iran, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iran should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Iranian ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Iran. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Iran should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iran . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Travel to Iran from Canada | Visiting Iran as a Canadian Citizens | Iran Visa Canada

No matter where you come from, iran leaves a light on.

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Many people from Canada may face this question, “ Can I travel to Iran from Canada? ”. Well, the answer is yes, indeed; but how? The process of getting an Iran visa for Canadian citizens , as well as the British and Americans, is different from other nationalities. In this blog, we have tried to answer the question you may face with. Also, we have tried to clarify the process of traveling to Iran from Canada for you.

1 Travel to Iran from Canada – Iran Visa for Canadian Citizens
2 Notes about Iranian Visa for Canadian Travelers

Travel to Iran from Canada – Iran Visa for Canadian Citizens

The process of getting an Iranian visa for Canadian is simple. If you are interested in visiting Iran, there are some visa application suggestions to clarify the process for you.

Second Nationality: First of all, if you have more than one nationality the problem is solved! Then you just need to apply for an Iranian visa with a different nationality. Unless your other nationality is American, English, or Israelian.
Marital Visa: If your mother or wife is from Iran, you can simply apply for an Iranian Marital Visa.
Relative-Entry Visa: If you have a first-grade family member (a son, a daughter, etc.) who is a citizen is Iran, your visa is there waiting for you!
Iranian Tours : One of the best ways to get an Iran visa for Canadian citizens is booking a tour in Iran .

111111111111 1 - Travel to Iran from Canada | Visiting Iran as a Canadian Citizens | Iran Visa Canada

Notes about Iranian Visa for Canadian Travelers

keep in mind that you need to apply for an Iran tourist visa in advance. Getting the final result from the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is a lengthy process that can take up to 90 days. After all, you can finally get an Iran visa in any country you like from Iranian embassies around the world. Also, you can read more about Iranian Tours for US, UK, and Canada Citizens , in this blog.

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Canada announces support for Iranian temporary residents

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Canada is committed to protecting Iranians already in Canada, and to helping Iranian families stay together. In light of the gross and systematic human rights violations being committed by the Iranian regime during its brutal crackdown on protestors, some may wish to prolong their stay in Canada rather than return home at this time.

February 23, 2023—Vancouver — Canada is committed to protecting Iranians already in Canada, and to helping Iranian families stay together. In light of the gross and systematic human rights violations being committed by the Iranian regime during its brutal crackdown on protestors, some may wish to prolong their stay in Canada rather than return home at this time.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new measures to support Iranian temporary residents in Canada.

Effective March 1, 2023, these measures will make it easier for Iranians who wish to extend their temporary status in Canada and to move between temporary streams, allowing Iranians to continue studying, working or visiting family by applying for a new permit from inside Canada. An open work permit pathway will be made available for Iranians already in Canada as well. Applications from Iranians in Canada will also be processed on a priority basis.

In addition, the Government of Canada is waiving certain processing fees for Iranians who wish to extend their stay in Canada, and will also waive passport and permanent resident travel document fees for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Iran who wish to leave.

Canada continues to explore changes to other programs, like the Human Rights Defenders stream, 1 of the few programs in the world with a dedicated, permanent immigration program for those who protect and promote human rights.

These measures build on our previous actions against the Iranian regime’s flagrant suppression of Iranian people’s freedoms and human rights.

We are closely monitoring the ongoing needs of Iranians and will adapt our response as needed.

“Canada will not stand idly by in the face of these aggressions as the Iranian regime continues its ongoing human rights violations. Our government is continuing to stand up for the people of Iran by making it easier for Iranians who wish to extend their stay here in Canada to be with their families, and allowing them to continue to work and study in safety. We will continue to work closely with the Iranian-Canadian community who is resolved to shed light on the repressive actions of the Iranian regime.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“No matter why you are here, during this time of great uncertainty for the Iranian people, Canada remains committed to supporting the Iranian Canadian community. With these new measures, we hope to ease the hardship they’re currently facing by making it easier for them to stay longer in a place where it is safe to live and work. And perhaps, one day, call home.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

Quick facts

On October 7, 2022, the Government of Canada announced measures that included designating the Iranian regime as one that engages in gross or systematic human rights violations and terrorism, rendering senior officials of that regime inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act .

These new facilitative measures are in effect and individuals can apply as of March 1, and until February 28, 2024.

More information about how to apply for these new measures will be available on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website as of March 1, 2023.

Canada offers 3 resettlement streams for refugees who are outside their home country and who cannot return: the Government-Assisted Refugees Program , the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program .

Associated links

Temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents
Canada imposes new sanctions against Iranian regime
Sanctions – Gross and systematic human rights violations in Iran
Canadian sanctions related to Iran

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

Page details

(+98) 910 300 48 75

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The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining an Iran Visa for Canadian Citizens

Iran is a country with four distinct seasons, a rich history and culture, and real souvenirs. This is a fact that can be deduced from the observations of tourists who have been awed by Iran’s breathtaking features. In recent years, travel to Iran has grown significantly easier. The process of obtaining an Iranian visa is short, allowing visitors from many nations to take pleasure in their time in this historic nation.

Even most travelers are able to obtain visas upon arrival. A few outliers do exist, though. Iran visas for Canadians are one of the exclusions. Neither Canada nor Iran has embassies in the other country. For citizens of Canada, a visa cannot be acquired upon arrival. Also, they should always have a guide with them when visiting Iran; they cannot do it alone. In the information that we have provided below, we will walk you through the process of obtaining an Iran visa for Canadian citizens.

Types of Iran Visa Available for Canadian Citizens

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According to the official tourism rules and regulations, only single-entry Tourist and Business visa applications may be submitted through MFA-designated Iran e-visa companies. If you want a different form of Iran visa, you must apply directly through the MFA website for an e-visa or request that the Iranian organization that is hosting you provide you with an authorization code for your Iran visa.

A passport as well as other supporting documentation is necessary for retrieving an Iran visa for Canadian citizen. Three different papers are needed in total:

On the day of travel, the travel document or original passport must be from Canada, have at least 6 months of remaining validity, and have at least 2 visa pages free of any marks.

A round-trip airline ticket to Iran when applying for a visa or if you wish to visit a nation without booking a return trip, an onward ticket, which is a flight reservation issued by a legitimate travel agent, may be useful. For visa reasons, get verifiable round-trip, one-way and multi-city flight reservations.

Bookings are also important when talking about obtaining an Iran visa for Canadian citizens. During the duration of your visit, make hotel reservations in Iran. The embassy advises against booking any tickets prior to the visa’s approval. Get fake tickets instead of putting your money, time, and effort in danger. Hotel arrangements may be made instantly for visa purposes anywhere in the world.

If all the paperwork and information are submitted precisely, applying for an Iran visa for Canadian citizens online is a quick and simple process for Canadian nationals.

Canadian nationals may guarantee a quick and easy procedure when applying for an Iran travel visa by following these 7 steps. Applying for the Iran visa for Canadian citizens far in advance of the planned trip date is suggested in order to allow enough time for processing and to avoid any unanticipated issues. For a number of reasons, such as giving false information, failing to satisfy the standards, or having a criminal past, the Iranian government has the right to deny applications. The applicant will have to submit a new application and pay the visa cost in such circumstances.

The passport and any other supporting documents have to be gathered together with the other requirements for an Iran visa for Canadian citizens as tourists.

Ensure that at least six months will pass following the date of your entry in Iran for your Canadian passport to be valid. If not, fill out an application for a new Canadian passport.

Visit the webpage for the Iran tourist visa and fill out the online application with your passport information and personal information.

Submit a scanned copy of each of the necessary papers after completing the form.

Wait for the completion of your visa application after purchasing the e-visa fee online with a debit or credit card that is accepted on the website.

An immigration official will examine the passport and any other supporting documents after your Iran visa for Canadian citizen application has been submitted.

An electronic visa is delivered to the applicant through email if their application for a visa to Iran is granted. Kindly print out a copy of this email and any further documents for getting the Iran visa for Canadian citizens.

When you are trying to apply for an Iran visa through us, there are some things to consider. So, if you are a Canadian citizen who wants to travel to the beautiful and historical country of Iran, the following must be considered regarding the process time and fees for this matter:

Fill out the online visa application form provided by TAP Persia and upload your passport scan, a current resume, and your resume. During two months, you ought to have access to your authorization code. Complete the application form on paper that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has supplied. Send your completed application form, a physical passport (valid for at least six months), two passport images, an authorization code, and a money order for $75 USD to the Iranian Interests Department of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC.

You can either retrieve it yourself at the embassy after approximately a week or obtain your visa and passport in the mail in about a month. The following is a list of the costs involved in applying for an Iran visa for Canadian citizens: Processing fee: 75 USD Expedited processing: 58 USD Mailing fee: 40 USD

There are some tips for making the Iran visa for Canadian citizens much smoother:
Any Canadians wishing to visit Iran must do so on a tour that has been meticulously planned. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would deny your request for a visa if you do not have a confirmed reservation for an entire tour from a local travel agency (MFA). Tourists are permitted entry to Kish Island for a total of fourteen days without a visa.
Ensure that your Canadian passport will still be valid for at least six months or not after the date you want to go to Iran.
Keep your Canadian passport, visa, and all other appropriate travel documents with you at all times while you are in Iran.
Confirm Iran’s entrance and exit regulations, including any COVID-19 limitations or quarantine procedures.
Be sure to prepare for your travel to Iran by having adequate money, and be prepared to provide documentation of your financial stability upon request.
Spend money on travel insurance that covers Iranian medical expenses, accidents, and trip interruptions or cancellations.
Reserve lodging in advance to prevent the trouble of trying to locate a place to stay after you get to Iran.
Before leaving for Iran, do some research on the local weather and bring the right clothes and equipment.
While interacting with Iranian street sellers or cab drivers, in particular, be on the lookout for fraud and tourist traps.
To maintain connectivity throughout your journey in Iran, think about utilizing a prepaid SIM card or an e-SIM.
Respect the local customs and culture by wearing appropriate when going to visit Iranian temples or other sacred locations.
While eating Iranian street cuisine or visiting busy locations, pay great attention to your health and cleanliness.

Traveling to Iran is the best opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the country’s intriguing culture and history. Iran is still not thought of as a very popular tourist destination, but the number of visitors could surprise you. Iran welcomes more than 6 million tourists annually, most of whom come from its neighbors but also a sizable proportion of whom are from Canada. For Canadians who are interested in traveling to this stunning nation, we have provided crucial information concerning the visa application procedure for getting an Iran visa for Canadian citizens.

Despite what you may hear in the media, Iran is a fairly safe place to visit. The inhabitants are kind and inviting. Like with visiting any other nation, you will not have any problems as long as you abide by the rules.

For entry into Iran for tourism, business, or other purposes, as well as many other nations, foreign nationals must have a visa. Everyone must follow a separate procedure to get their Iran tourist visa, but Americans, Brits, and Canadians must follow a different one.

If you want your travel to Iran to be safe and memorable, make sure to seek a genuine travel agency that obtains tourist visas and can provide safe travel for you without any worries.

TAP Editorial Team

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Iran tour for canadians.

Welcome to Tours Of Iran. In this article, we discuss Iran Tours for Canadians in 2024.

Table of Contents

Is Travel to Iran Possible with a Canadian Passport?

Certainly! However, there are certain conditions to keep in mind. As a Canadian traveler, you can visit Iran, but you’ll need to follow specific regulations. It’s mandatory to have an organized trip and be accompanied by a licensed tour guide during your time in Iran. This requirement ensures a safe and enriching experience. But don’t worry; this doesn’t mean your journey is rigid or lacking personal time. Tours of Iran offers options for private and small group tours from Canada to Iran . We’re here to assist you every step of the way, making your tour to Iran from Canada a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Step-by-step Guide to Iran Tours and Visa for Canadians

If you’re looking for tours of Iran from Canada, there are a few straightforward steps to follow:

1. Selecting Your Travel Agency in Iran

For Canadian citizens eager to explore Iran, Choosing a good Iranian tour company is the initial and essential step in planning the trip. This choice holds significant importance, as the tour company can request an Iran visa on your behalf. This simplifies the process, guaranteeing a seamless journey for you.

2. Submitting Iran Visa Documents

Sorting out an Iranian visa constitutes a significant aspect of your travel arrangements. After confirming the intricate details of your travel itinerary with your chosen Iranian travel agency, you will need to provide specific documents:

A scanned copy of your passport
Official photograph
Detailed travel itinerary
Completed visa application form
Professional resume

Leave the intricacies of the paperwork to your dedicated travel agency, which will expertly handle the submission process. This procedure typically takes around 45 working days.

3. Receiving Your Iran Visa

After the request goes through, the tour company will get an “Authorization Code” from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Obtaining a visa authorization code generally requires approximately two months.) Upon receiving this code, you have two options for obtaining your visa:

Option 1 : If you’re currently in Washington, DC, you can visit the “Iranian Interests Section” of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC, to collect your visa. After submitting your passport, the visa processing took around four days, and they returned it to you. You can collect it from the same office where you dropped it off.

Option 2 : If visiting the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, DC, is impractical, you can mail the necessary documents to the interest section. (As Iran lacks an embassy in Canada, Canadians are required to send their visa application and passport by mail to the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC)

These documents include:

Visa application form
Visa authorization code
Copy of your passport
Original passport
$120 (comprising visa fee and return mailing fee)
Self-addressed return envelope

Within three weeks , your visa will arrive at your designated mailing address.

Important note : If circumstances prevent you from securing your visa in Canada or the US, your travel agency can facilitate obtaining your visa from the Iranian embassy in another country you plan to visit.

Tips for a Seamless Iran Tour and Visa Process for Canadians

As you prepare for Iran tours for Canadians in 2024, consider these insightful tips:

Embrace Iranian Hospitality : Iranians are renowned for their warm and welcoming nature. Expect heartwarming interactions with locals who may even extend invitations for tea and engaging conversations.

Dress Code Etiquette : A loosely worn scarf to cover the hair is customary for female travelers. Long-sleeved tops and bottoms, including trousers or skirts, are appropriate. Sandals are generally acceptable. Male travelers should avoid shorts but can comfortably wear T-shirts.

Iran Tour for Canadians 2024

Navigating Alcohol Restrictions : Consumption and sale of alcohol are strictly prohibited in Iran. Tourists caught with alcohol may face deportation. Instead, embrace traditional beverages like Dough (yogurt-based), Sherbat (sweet drink), non-alcoholic beer, tea, and coffee. Pork-based dishes are unavailable due to Islamic dietary rules.
Capturing Memories : Most tourist sites permit photography but exercise discretion within museums and mosques. Avoid photographing military installations and power plants. Always seek permission before capturing images of individuals.

Financial Preparedness : International credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Iran. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash during your trip. The necessary amount depends on the duration of your stay and the destinations you plan to visit. Your travel agency can guide you on the minimum required funds . Alternatively, consider an Iranian debit card for convenience. For more information please contact us .

FAQs of Iran Tour & Visa for Canadians 2024

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Is Solo Travel Possible for Canadians in Iran?

Duration of stay for canadians in iran, driving in iran with a canadian license, is traveling to iran permitted for unmarried couples, is alcohol and pork consumption allowed in iran, when is the ideal time to visit iran, is iran safe in 2024, is iran safe for female travellers, about the author.

Mohammad Hesani

A professional tour guide from Yazd, a world heritage site famed for its architecture. With a master's in Tourism Marketing, he has diverse experience in hotels, teaching, and travel agencies. Since 2016, Mo has dedicated himself to guiding tours, driven by his passion for history and culture. He loves meeting people and sharing his country's rich heritage

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Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada - not both. Some people may only need their valid passport. Answer a few questions to see what's right for you.

See all entry requirements by country/territory

Sample passport information page highlighting three letter country code

You can find the country code on your passport. Be careful when you select your country. Some countries have multiple options and codes are quite similar.

Answer yes if you’re a citizen of Canada and another country.

Look on the front cover of your passport for the symbol of a rectangle with a circle in the middle. If you see this symbol, you have an electronic passport.

Answer: You should already have a valid visitor visa

We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first study or work permit.

If you leave and return to Canada, you must travel with

your valid study or work permit
If you don’t have a valid visa when you check-in for a flight, it may result in travel delays (or a missed flight).
your valid passport

Exception : If you return directly from a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon only, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

If your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry to Canada

You need to apply for a new visitor visa (opens in a new tab) or an eTA .

A visitor visa

costs CAN$100
is valid for up to 10 years
can be used at any port of entry
costs CAN$7
is valid for up to 5 years
is electronically linked to your passport
is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

Answer: You need a visitor visa

For visits of up to 6 months for most purposes. Cost: CAN $100

Get details about visitor visa Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For visits of up to 6 months or to transit via a Canadian airport. Cost: CAN $7

Get details about eTA Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need a valid Canadian passport

You need a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada by air (board your flight).

Exception: If you’re an American-Canadian dual citizen with a valid U.S. passport, you don’t need a Canadian passport to fly to Canada. However, you still need to carry proper identification Opens in a new tab and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada Opens in a new tab .

Get details about travelling as a dual Canadian citizen Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need a valid passport or travel document to travel to Canada by car, train, bus or boat

If you decide to fly to a Canadian airport instead, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Learn about documents you may need Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need official proof of status in the U.S.

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

Answer: You need a transit visa

To connect between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours. Cost: Free

Note: If you have more than 48 hours between international flights OR if you decide to visit Canada, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Get details about transit visa Opens in a new tab

Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months

The super visa is for visits of 5 years at a time .
a letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada.
More information on approved insurance providers outside of Canada will be available in the coming months.
be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada
provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada.
Cost: CAN $100

Note : If you don't meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Get details about super visa Opens in a new tab

Note : If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). An eTA allows for visits of up to 6 months.

Note : If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you can visit Canada for up to 6 months with a valid identity document. Bring identification such as a valid passport. Or, if a member of an official program such as Nexus, you may present your valid membership card.

If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you can visit Canada for up to 6 months with

a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document Opens in a new tab ) and
official proof of lawful permanent resident status in the U.S., such as a green card

Answer: You need a valid identity document

Bring identification such as a valid passport. Or, if a member of an official program such as Nexus, you may present your valid membership card.

Learn about the documents you may need Opens in a new tab

Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa

You don’t need to submit a separate application for a visitor visa.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages

Learn about studying in Canada Opens in a new tab

We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first study or work permit.

You need to apply for a new visa (opens in a new tab) .

A visa costs CAN$100.
It’s valid for up to 10 years.

If your study or work permit will expire soon, you must extend it before you can apply for a new visitor visa.

You need a visitor visa to leave and return to Canada. Apply for your visa before you leave.

You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:

you’re already in Canada
you hold a valid study or work permit
you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
your existing visitor visa Opens in a new tab is expired or was valid for only one entry

Exception : If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

Processing times vary by country. You may need to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing times don’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa Opens in a new tab

You need a visitor visa to travel to Canada.

A visitor visa:

is a sticker we put in your passport

Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a study permit Opens in a new tab

Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa for you

letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one

Learn about working in Canada Opens in a new tab

We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first work permit.

Answer: You should already have a valid eTA

We automatically issued an eTA (electronic travel authorization) to you when we approved your first study or work permit.

the passport you used to apply for your eTA

If you don’t have a valid eTA

You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only .

Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

Apply for an eTA (opens in a new tab)

If your travel plans change

You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.

Apply for a visitor visa (opens in a new tab)

Answer: You need to apply for a visitor visa

We automatically issued you an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when we approved your first study or work permit. However, an eTA can only be used to travel to Canada by air .

To come to Canada by car, bus, train or boat

You need to apply for a visitor visa if you plan to come to Canada by car, bus, train or boat.

is an official document we stick in your passport

You may need to give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) with your visitor visa application. Processing times don’t include the time needed for requesting and giving biometrics. Processing times vary by country.

If your eTA is no longer valid and you decide to fly to Canada, you’ll need to answer the questions again to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. Processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab

Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA)

You don’t need to submit a separate application for an eTA.

If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.

Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada

Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

You must have:

the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
your valid study permit
costs CAN $7

If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.

Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

a valid passport and

Answer: If you fly to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA

Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you drive or arrive by train, bus or boat

You just need a valid passport or travel document Opens in a new tab to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat.

Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for you

valid passport that you used to apply for your work permit

Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

your valid work permit

If you received your current work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

your valid work or study permit

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit

When you travel to Canada, you must bring your:

letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

If you’re driving or arriving by train, bus, or boat.

You just need to bring the right travel documents Opens in a new tab .

If you fly to or transit through a Canadian airport

You just need to travel with your valid U.S. passport if you fly or transit through a Canadian airport.

valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit
valid work or study permit

Answer: Your permit is not an eTA or a visa

When you extend your study permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:

the passport that’s linked to your valid eTA and
a valid visitor and

Apply for visitor visa Opens in a new tab

When you extend your work permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:

a valid visitor visa and

Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA

If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit and
official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: You need valid proof of lawful permanent resident status of the U.S. to leave and return to Canada

valid study permit,
valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit, and
valid passport or travel document and
valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit and
valid work permit
valid work permit,

If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa , you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If you transit through Canada to or from the United States

You may be able to transit through Canada without a visa or eTA if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])
valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Important note:

This tool provides information only. It was created to assist you as you decide what travel document you may need to travel to Canada. This tool may not provide information on all travel documents or your particular situation. If you choose to apply, we will assess your application in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its related Regulations. Read our complete terms and conditions (opens in a new tab) .

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Canada’s response to the islamic republic of iran, on this page, political situation, human rights violations, what canada is doing, measures in response to iran’s support of terrorism, nuclear program monitoring.

Countering Iran’s region influence in the Red Sea Region

Export controls and trade

Flight ps752, related links.

Canada and Iran
@Canada and Iran
کانادا در ایران

The Islamic Republic of Iran has a long-standing history of abhorrent conduct, both domestically and internationally. For years, the Iranian government has denied its citizens their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and it has undertaken actions that seriously threaten global peace and security.

Within Iran, the human rights situation remains dire. The Iranian government has imposed a system of extensive and systematic repression aimed at containing the legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people, including women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, and journalists.

Iran’s violent enforcement of its mandatory veiling laws led to the tragic death of Jina Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman, on September 16, 2022, which sparked global protests under the banner “Women, Life, Freedom.” In response to mass-protests, Iran engaged in a violent crackdown with brutal force, arrests, and in some cases, executions. In addition, the Islamic Republic of Iran has increased its imposition and carrying out of the death penalty in recent years. The Iranian government shows no signs of easing these repressive and deeply concerning practices or undertaking credible investigations into allegations of human rights violations.

Canada is also concerned by Iran’s actions threatening international peace and security. Iran contributes to regional destabilization through the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a network of aligned armed groups including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, Hizballah, and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and Syria. Iran’s support for these groups includes funding, arms provision, and training. This network of armed groups is a core part of Iran’s forward defence strategy, as it provides a security buffer between Iran and its adversary states, especially Israel. Iran’s development of missile capabilities and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has also contributed to global destabilization; Iran is a significant supplier of UAVs to Russia in support of its unlawful war on Ukraine. Iran’s support for the Houthis has enabled them to target international shipping, causing major trade disruptions worldwide.

Canada is deeply concerned by the Iranian government’s repressive policies, human rights violations and escalatory behavior, both domestically and abroad. Recent reporting by United Nations (UN) experts, including the UN Secretary-General and the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, detail worsening trends for the human rights of women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, freedoms of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly, as well as concern for the government’s use of the death penalty, arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture, among other issues. The Iranian government’s violent enforcement of discriminatory veiling laws aimed at further subjugating Iranian women and girls led to largescale protests that began on September 16, 2022.

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran released its report in March 2024, affirming that Iranian authorities had committed egregious human rights violations, including unlawful deaths, extra-judicial executions, disproportionate force, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and ill-treatment, rape and sexual violence, enforced disappearances and gender persecution.

Canada is an unwavering advocate for human rights in Iran and has led the UN General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 2002. This resolution was most recently adopted in December 2023 with 50 cosponsors. This resolution is a key component of international efforts to maintain pressure on the Government of Iran and underscore solidarity with the Iranian people as they demand gender equality, truth, justice, and full respect for their human rights. Canada also supports human rights initiatives related to Iran at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), such as the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran to monitor and document the situation of human rights in Iran, and the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran. In March 2024 at the 55th session, Canada worked with member states of the HRC to extend the mandates of both of these human rights mechanisms for another year.

In response to the global call to action by Iranian women and girls, Canada also voted with members of the UN Economic and Social Council in December 2022 to successfully remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women for the remainder of its 2024-2026 term.

Canada will continue to explore opportunities to hold the Government of Iran accountable for its human rights violations. We stand with the people of Iran as they demand full respect for their human rights.

Canada has undertaken extensive measures to hold the government of Iran to account for its abhorrent conduct.

In 2012, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a State Supporter of Terrorism under the State Immunity Act , and has maintained the Islamic Republic of Iran on the list through every biannual review cycle since 2012 . In concert with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act , this listing allows victims to bring a cause of action (e.g. civil litigation) against perpetrators of terrorism and their supporters for loss or damage from an act of terrorism committed anywhere in the world.

In 2022, Canada designated the leadership of the Iranian government , including senior officials of the government, security and intelligence agencies as inadmissible to Canada for their engagement in terrorism and systemic and gross human rights violations. This designation is pursued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) . It is a broadly applied mechanism aimed at ensuring that senior government officials who served from November 15, 2019, onward do not benefit from access to Canada. Members of the IRGC are also inadmissible to Canada under an additional provision of the IRPA. Under the designation, visas have been cancelled, investigations launched, and admissibility hearings completed .

Additionally, Canada has taken domestic legislative action to criminalize support to terrorist entities, including those who are supported by Iran:

In 2024, Canada listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code , in response to its terrorist acts both, on its own and in knowing association with listed terrorist entities, such as Hizballah and Hamas. Canada remains gravely concerned by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s actions and condemns their efforts to further destabilize peace and security across the Middle East. The Criminal Code terrorist listing regime is an important tool for countering terrorism in Canada and globally, and listing the IRGC reflects the government's commitment to keep people in Canada safe.

In 2012 Canada listed the IRGC’s Qods Force as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code . The Qods Force is responsible for Iran’s extraterritorial operations, which include orchestrating, facilitating or supporting numerous terrorist acts in the region.

Canada has also listed a number of terrorist entities who have benefited from the Qods Force’s provision of arms, funding and paramilitary training, including Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Taliban, as well as three groups supported by Iran. These groups are the Al-Ashtar Brigades, the Fatemiyoun Division, and the Harakat al-Sabireen. Listed entities are considered “terrorist groups” under the Criminal Code and financial institutions are required to immediately freeze their property in Canada under the Criminal Code.

There are severe penalties under the Criminal Code for any person in Canada, as well as every Canadian abroad, who knowingly deals with the property of a terrorist group. In addition, Canada’s Criminal Code prohibits a person from providing property, or financial or other related services, knowing it will benefit or be used by a terrorist group, which includes a listed entity.

Canada created the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (the Iran Regulations), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) in July 2010 in response to Iran’s grave breach of international peace and security that resulted or was likely to result in a serious international crisis, in particular related to Iran’s nuclear program. Canada established these new Regulations in coordination with the European Union, the United States and other like-minded partners. Canada amended the Iran Regulations in response to the rapid deterioration of human rights in Iran that started in September 2022. To date, Canada has listed a total of 450 Iranian individuals and entities under the Iran Regulations. On December 7, 2023, Canada also listed two Iranian individuals under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations in relation to the torture and killing of Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi in Iran in 2003. Sanctions were also enacted under the United Nations Act (UNA) in response to Iran's nuclear and weapons of mass destruction programs, implementing United Nations Security Council Resolutions related to Iran.

Canada reviews its sanctions on an ongoing basis and takes action as needed. Canada has sanctioned the IRGC and specific multiple branches of the IRGC, including the IRGC Air Force, IRGC Logistics and Procurement, IRGC Missile Command, IRGC Navy, and the IRGC Cyber Command, as well as the members of the IRGC senior leadership. Canada continues to coordinate with its allies and partners on sanctions measures.

The sanctions implemented under the SEMA, the UNA and the JVCFOA prohibit all persons in Canada and Canadians outside of Canada from dealing with all designated individuals and entities, effectively freezing any of their assets held in Canada. Sanctions under the SEMA and the UNA also impose a range of measures including an arms embargo, export and import restrictions, financial prohibitions, and technical assistance prohibitions.

On October 18, 2023, Canada rolled over expiring provisions and sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 pertaining to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs into Canada’s autonomous sanctions legislation.

All individuals who are the subject of Canadian sanctions are inadmissible to Canada. Aligning the grounds for inadmissibility with the grounds for sanctions is another concrete step Canada has taken, though Bill S-8, which came into force in June 2023.

At the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Canada consistently calls on Iran to fulfill its commitments and legal obligations, including at IAEA Board of Governors meetings. Canada is a leading contributor to the IAEA’s monitoring and verification of Iran’s nuclear program, having contributed $21 million since 2014.

Countering Iran’s influence in the Red Sea region

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are supporting multinational efforts to protect commercial shipping lanes in light of heightened aggression and attack from the Houthis in Yemen, who are supported and armed by Iran. Canada supports the US-led Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN -- the new security initiative launched in December 2023 to address security challenges in the Red Sea and the Western Gulf of Aden.

Respect for human rights is enshrined in Canada’s export controls legislation and is a cornerstone of its export controls regime. Canada’s export controls regime is designed to control the exports of military, dual-use and strategic goods and technology in a lawful manner and consistent with Canada’s foreign and defence policies, security interests and international obligations. All permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s robust risk assessment framework, including against the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) criteria which are enshrined in Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA). Under Canadian legislation, controlled goods and technology will not be exported from Canada where there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit or to facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, or serious acts of gender-based violence or violence against women and children, amongst other criteria. Additionally, Canada does not promote trade with Iran and Global Affairs Canada officials routinely discourage Canadian businesses from entering the Iranian market by outlining legal, reputational and security risks. Overall, Canadian trade with Iran amounts to less than $300 million annually and is mainly in the market of agricultural goods.

The downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, 2020, which caused the deaths of 176 passengers and crew, including 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents, and many others with ties to Canada, and Iran’s unwillingness to take full legal responsibility for its actions continues to be an overarching irritant between Canada and Iran. Obtaining transparency, justice and accountability for the downing of Flight PS752 continues to be a top foreign policy priority for Canada. Canada, with its Coordination Group (CG) partners (the UK, Ukraine, and Sweden), work together to hold Iran accountable for its downing of Flight PS752.

Canada and its CG partners have recently taken their dispute with Iran to international adjudicating bodies. On July 4, 2023, the group jointly filed an application instituting proceedings against Iran before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning its violations of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (1971 Montreal Convention). On January 8, 2024, Canada and its CG partners also jointly initiated proceedings against Iran before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding violations of Article 3 bis of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

These cases are anticipated to progress according to the timelines set by the respective international bodies and will likely take several years before a resolution is reached. Canada and its partners continue to call on Iran to take full responsibility for its actions, including making reparations for the harm caused because of the downing.

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Iranian-Canadians feel like '2nd-class citizens' as many continue to be stopped while travelling to the U.S.

'am i not canadian enough' says man turned away at border.

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Amir Abolhassani sold his house in Saskatoon when his U.S.-based employer asked him to relocate to North Carolina. But at the Calgary airport this January, his family was not allowed to cross the border.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer told Abolhassani, who is a Canadian citizen, that it was because of time he spent as a conscript in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) more than a decade ago. The family was subjected to a secondary screening involving a long interview and an extensive search of their belongings, cellphones and social media.

"It's like we are not Canadians and our lives, our suffering is not important to anyone," Abolhassani said.

"Am I not Canadian enough? The stress to be linked to a terrorist organization is the worst thing."

The Trump administration labelled the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019. Abolhassani said all men in Iran above the age of 18 have to do mandatory service with one of the arms of the military.

"One in every three Iranians will be assigned to IRGC because it is one of the biggest branches of the military."

Abolhassani said refusing conscription would prevent a man from getting a passport or accessing civic amenities, and can sometimes lead to further punishment.

"I know around 500 cases, almost 150 are Iranian-Canadians and others are Iranians that are facing the same situation."

CBC News spoke with 15 Iranian-Canadians, all of them Canadian citizens, who continue to be stopped and detained while crossing into other countries due to their names being flagged as people who have helped a terrorist organization. All say they feel they are treated as second-class citizens.

"The officer said my wife can't go to the U.S. either because she may have received military training from me. It's disastrous," Abolhassani said. "In two months of training, I held a weapon for three days. I have just fired four bullets in my life. A typical American teenager may have fired more."

The families of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FormerIRGCconscripts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FormerIRGCconscripts</a> are still separated and suffering. <a href="https://twitter.com/USEnvoyIran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USEnvoyIran</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JarrettBlanc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JarrettBlanc</a>, please <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopConscriptsTravelBan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopConscriptsTravelBan</a> — @AbolhassaniAmir

'We're not real Canadians yet'

Worried about losing his job, the 41-year-old applied for a visa to the U.S., but he is worried because he knows some people have been waiting for U.S. visas since 2019.

"We're not real Canadians yet. Once you are flagged at the U.S. border, your name enters a list that when you are travelling to or from Canada and any other ally of the U.S., you will be flagged," he said.

Maryam Ghasemi, a research assistant professor at the University of Waterloo, was supposed to begin a new research position at Augusta University in Georgia on Aug. 1. When Ghasemi went to the Rainbow Bridge border office in Niagara Falls, Ont., in May to apply for a TN Visa , she was denied.

Ghasemi said officers from Homeland Security searched through her family's social media then escorted them to their car without giving any reasons.

"A CBP officer told me having a passport of the country doesn't give me the nationality. She said my background is something else and that I'm not Canadian. That was really rude," she said.

The family was given a letter of inadmissibility to the U.S. with no further explanation and was asked to consult the consulate in Toronto to get approved. An officer later told her it was because her husband had served in the IRGC.

"The university has decided to postpone my position until next semester. But if the visa process doesn't work out, I will lose the position. The future is not clear to us."

Canada offloading responsibility to the U.S.

Ghasemi, like many others, contacted members of Parliament and the Prime Minister's Office, only to be told that it is not Canada's responsibility.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) told CBC News in an email statement that though it is aware of instances of Iranian-Canadians being denied entry to the U.S. and other countries, there is not an internal mechanism for tracking them.

"The CBSA does not possess any power or authority to intervene in the immigration decisions made by other nations," the statement said.

Global Affairs Canada shared a similar response.

"As a sovereign state, the U.S. retains the prerogative to determine the admissibility and the screening procedures for the entry of foreign nationals," a spokesperson said.

But Iranian-Canadians like Abolhassani and Ghasemi say it is very much a Canadian problem.

"We feel we are second-class citizens. I thought Canada would support us, but we are not very important. This is shameful," Ghasemi said.

"We want the government to stand up for us because they can solve it if they want to as they did with the Muslim ban. No one is taking action."

CBC News reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CBP for a comment, but did not receive a response before publication.

4S on boarding pass

Iranian-Canadians with past conscription with IRGC often receive a "4S" designation, which stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, on their boarding passes.

Javad Mokhtarzadeh, a business owner in Montreal, said that on a recent trip to Europe his family was screened upon arrival and when they returned to Canada, their boarding passes had 4S on them.

"Officers talk to us as if we aren't Canadian citizens. You granted me citizenship [and] my daughter was born here. I told my five-year-old daughter, it's part of the game when passing airports," Mokhtarzadeh said.

"It was so frustrating and infuriating they asked my little girl to raise hands for body inspection and remove her shoes. In my own country, I'm treated this way and asked whether I have something to hide."

Calgary resident Kamran Farzamfar said the problem affects even Canadian-Iranians, those born in Canada but of Iranian descent.

Farzamfar's family of four visited the U.S. multiple times before 2019, for both leisure and work. But when they went to the airport for their first vacation since the pandemic this past February, they were denied entry.

"I tried to ask the officer if they can let my sons go for holiday at least, but [they] refused us entry that day," Farzamfar said.

A few days later, the family tried again to have their sons allowed in for the trip.

"My son, who was born here, was denied entry. This issue is not only affecting Iranian-Canadians but also Canadian-Iranians," he said.

On another occasion, when coming back from Frankfurt, a friend accompanying Farzamfar was also given a 4S designation, as they were on the same booking reference.

'Zero rights as a Canadian'

Toronto resident Samin Kalhor tried to drive into the U.S. with his girlfriend, who had newly obtained Canadian citizenship, her mother and two little dogs. They were planning on celebrating Thanksgiving with family.

All three were stopped at the Buffalo border.

"They took my phone, credit cards, searched the car thoroughly and even the dogs. For five hours, they collected biometrics, fingerprints, retina scans and copied all the data from my phone including social media," he said.

"My girlfriend, who I'd known for two months, was also denied entry."

The couple met the same fate when travelling to Mexico for the new year holiday.

Kalhor said he was interrogated for seven hours in Cancun, in a room with glass walls with other "bad guys."

"All the passengers passing by could see me sitting there as if I did something wrong. They asked questions about my religion, sexuality, and everything you can imagine," he said. "It was probably one of the worst days of my life. I'm a very self-confident person but it crushed me."

Some Canadians suddenly blocked from U.S. even though targeting of Iranian-born travellers was 'corrected'
'I'm not a terrorist': Iranian Canadian who lost wife in Iran plane crash denied entry to U.S.
Immigration lawyers report Canadian Muslims being denied entry to U.S.

Kalhor said he came to Canada to make a better life for himself, but feels stuck. He said the issue will affect more Iranian-Canadians as travel picks up.

"If I want to plan my honeymoon, where should I go? Wherever I'll go, I'll get flagged. This is forever," Kalhor said.

"I have zero rights as a Canadian. If other countries put IRGC on their lists, we're doomed."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pratyush Dayal covers climate change, immigration and race and gender issues among general news for CBC News in Saskatchewan. He has previously written for the Globe and Mail, the Vancouver Sun, and the Tyee. He holds a master's degree in journalism from UBC and can be reached at [email protected]

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