I've been doing some research and was wondering what's the best way for an American to visit Iran. I've heard, yes I need to be on a guided tour, and no I don't need to be on a guided tour.

What is the best way to get into the country? Can I start the visa process outside my home country? Thanks for the information.

When I was in Turkey, two years ago, they turned an American away, and he was MARRIED to an Iranian woman. Relations between Iran and the USA hasn't improved since then. But, if you must do so, apply from the USA.

Heres the latest from a visa agency

Getting Tourist Visa to Iran has a simple procedure. Approved Iranian travel agents can apply and get visa for all foreign nationals (except Israeli passport holders)
At present the Iranian Foreign Ministry does not allow American passport holders to travel to Iran independently. Americans are required to travel on escorted tours; either as part of a tour group, or a tailor made individual tour. An exact itinerary, to which you must adhere, is compulsory.

http://www.irantour.org/iranvisa.html

Now, that's not saying you can't to go a travel agency, sign up for a tour, and never show up. Then you can hope the Iranian police don't start tracking you and arrest you for spying.

Hello yanks,

I'm a US citizen and got my tourist visa from the Iran Interest Section in DC. I arrive in Iran on Dec 1.

Yes, it is mandatory for US citizens to go on a guided tour. You can travel around in Iran by yourself, but you just need a guide to escort you at all times. I signed up with a tour agent in Shiraz, they sent the visa application to the MFA, and the MFA sent the authorization to the Interest Section in DC, and then I sent to DC my passport. It took me 11 weeks to get my authorization when I applied in August, and the DC section took 1 week to return my passport.

Were you able to apply? There were a lot of rejections of all nationalities, but they say things are better now. Maybe better and faster for Americans now. Yes, you can apply outside the US but you need to tell them exactly which consulate you want the authorization to go.


Brendan Choi