How to Visit Iran as an American: Essential Tips!

Are you thinking about visiting Iran as an American? The contemporary history of relations between Iran and the US is certainly tumultuous, but legally there is nothing that restricts an American from visiting Iran and it certainly is possible and it could become one of the best trips you’ve ever had.

We’ll try to help you have a better understanding of this subject and tell you about how you can visit Iran as an American and have a great trip. Before jumping in, make sure you are informed about the latest official advice regarding your trip to Iran provided by the State Department and other sources.

If you intend to visit Iran as an American, there are certain things to pay attention to, due to the complex relationship between these two countries. As an American you have to be more careful and have more information on the visa process, the rules, and current news. In this article, we’ll go through all you need to know!

Can an American Citizen go to Iran?

One of the first questions people ask regarding this subject is “Can Americans visit Iran?” Well, yes. It is legal for US citizens to visit Iran if they can get a visa. We’ll talk about visa requirements in the next section.

Before deciding to travel to Iran you should consider the latest advisory of the US State Department regarding visiting Iran as an American citizen. As of right now, the official advice is “Do Not Travel to Iran” and Iran is categorized as a Level 4 destination because of political tensions.

There are limitations when you visit Iran as an American which are as follows:

The main limitation of your visit to Iran is that you cannot be on your own and you have to go with a registered Iranian tour guide at all times. You also need to get your itinerary approved.
People with dual Iranian-American citizenship should not travel to Iran with their American passports and should use their Iranian passports. This is because the Iranian government does not approve of dual citizenship. Also, if you are a woman married to an Iranian man, you may be considered an Iranian citizen by the government!
If your current passport is stamped with an Israeli visa, you might not be able to get an Iranian visa.

How US Citizens Can Travel to Iran?

Now that we talked about everything regarding “Can US Citizens visit Iran”, let’s talk about how to do so. You need to be prepared for your travel way beforehand, mainly because the visa process could take a relatively long time, weeks, or months.

Visa Process

Unlike other nationalities that can get a visa upon arrival, US citizens need to submit a visa application. To get a visa you will need to follow these steps:

Apply for a visa through the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington D.C.
Get a confirmed itinerary from an authorized Iranian travel agency.
Working with an authorized Iranian travel agency and a registered tour guide who will accompany you is a must!
Submit a completed visa form, a valid passport, photos, and details of your pre-planned and approved tour
Minors need to provide a written letter from their parent to get a visa
For detailed information on getting Visas, we have dedicated an article

Note 1: If you are a dual Iranian-American citizen, you may face additional complications as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, you may need to use your Iranian passport solely. Women married to Iranian men could be considered Iranian citizens.

Note 2: If you have your passport stamped by an Israeli visa currently, you may want to get a new passport because it may make getting a visa harder for you.

Staying Informed

Make sure you know about the rules, customs, and lifestyle of the people of Iran. Attain information about the best time to visit your desired cities and destinations and other subjects beforehand. When you visit Iran as an American, you also need to bring cash (US dollars are completely fine).

Having information about current events and any changes is a must. You should always read the official travel advisories and guides for American citizens to avoid risks and have an enjoyable stay in this beautiful country.

Is Iran Safe for American Tourists?

Now that we’ve talked about how to visit Iran as an American, let’s talk about safety. Many people have this question which is a pretty fair one to ask given the complex history of the two countries. “Is it safe for Americans to visit Iran?”

At the time that this article is being written, the advice of the US State Department for traveling to Iran is “Do Not Travel”. This is due to the political tensions and risk of civil unrest. However, in terms of crime, Iran is generally a safe country, especially for tourists.

Iran is a lot safer than a lot of other countries in terms of other countries. The most that may happen is petty crimes like pickpocketing, but this is the most that can happen to tourists and even that is rare.

Here are some tips for staying safe in Iran:

When coming to Iran always read the official travel advisory for American citizens given out by the State Department.
To avoid any unwanted trouble, follow all the rules and regulations of the government and social norms, especially regarding dress codes and the illegality of alcohol consumption.
Always be accompanied by your registered tour guide.
Avoid high-risk areas such as in the border areas.
The US does not have an embassy. In cases where you need official assistance, you need to go to the Swiss embassy in Tehran.

Legal Situation in Iran for American Tourists

Due to the complex political situation between these two countries, when going to Iran as an American, you need to pay attention to the legal issues and prepare yourself. This is how you can do so. If your concern is “Are Americans allowed to visit Iran?” Yes, they can but here is some advice you need to follow due to the complex legal situation.

Always update yourself on the news about the country.
Follow official advisory provided by the US government. Current advice is “Do Not Travel”. This may change at any time. Follow official sources and keep yourself updated.
If you are a dual American-Iranian citizen, you need to know about the rules concerning this issue. Iran’s government does not recognize dual citizenship and you may be treated as an Iranian citizen. Seek more official information about this subject.
If you need consular assistance, you need to act through the Swiss embassy which provides consular services to American citizens, although these services are limited.
US citizens need to be accompanied by a registered tour guide at all times and they need to follow local rules.
When you visit Iran as an American, do not take pictures from government buildings or military areas!

Additional Tips for Traveling to Iran as an American

Knowing “How to visit Iran as an American” can enhance the quality of your trip and ensure that you will have an amazing journey. Here are some additional tips:

Spend some time learning about Iranian culture and customs and the differences between different cities.
Knowing about the history of Iran as well as the current situation can help you a lot.
Bring cash with you as credit card usage may be limited and you may need a specialized currency exchange center to use your credit card. Using cash is always recommended. Dollars are completely fine.
Start early for your visa process and be patient.
Monitor travel advisories and get information from official sources.
Follow local dress codes, cultural norms, and regulations.
Make sure to get vaccinations if necessary.
Learn some basic Farsi phrases. It will come in handy.
This can’t be stressed enough. Make sure you are always accompanied by your tour guide. This is both for legal issues and for your safety.
Avoid sensitive conversations like politics and religion.
Inform yourself about related rules and information if you are a dual citizen.

FAQ

Can Americans travel to Iran without a tour?

No, American citizens cannot travel to Iran without a tour. They need to travel via a registered tour in Iran. They need to select a registered tour during the visa process to get a visa.

Does Iran have an embassy in the US?

Iran does not have an embassy in the US. For any diplomatic matters regarding Iran, US citizens need to visit the Pakistani Embassy in Washington D.C. which houses the Iranian Interests section.

How long is the visa procedure for US citizens traveling to Iran?

The visa procedure for US citizens traveling to Iran typically takes several weeks to a few months.

Are there any travel restrictions for Americans in Iran?

Yes, there are several travel restrictions for Americans in Iran. The most important one is that they are required to be accompanied by a licensed Iranian tour guide at all times and follow a pre-approved itinerary.