Iran: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
The visa requirement for Iran depends on the traveler's passport: some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa through authorized airports, while citizens of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada must hire an authorized guide and obtain a pre-approved visa before the trip. Because of current international sanctions, Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Iran generally don't work in the country, so it's recommended to carry cash in dollars or euros to exchange.
The currency is the Iranian rial (IRR), and it's worth checking with your home country's foreign ministry for current recommendations before traveling, since the regional situation can generate occasional alerts. The emergency numbers are 110 (police), 115 (medical emergencies), and 125 (fire department); 112 also usually works.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa; some can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa at authorized airports, while others (for example the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada) must travel with an authorized guide and a pre-approved visa.
Health & travel insurance: Private hospitals in Tehran are of good quality, but international sanctions limit the use of foreign cards; it's recommended to carry cash and confirm your insurance's payment mechanism before traveling.
Visa and entry requirements
Check in advance whether your nationality can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa, since the list of countries exempt from the mandatory-guide requirement changes over time. Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada must travel accompanied by an authorized guide throughout their stay.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure date.
- Pre-approved visa or e-visa, depending on nationality.
- Cash in dollars or euros, since international cards don't work due to current sanctions.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Tehran has good-quality private hospitals for urgent care, but payment is usually required upfront in cash due to international banking restrictions, with subsequent reimbursement from the insurer.
Assist-365 offers 24-hour medical assistance and hospitalization in most of its destinations, but given the international restrictions that can affect payment processing in Iran, it's worth confirming the exact reimbursement mechanism directly with the insurer before purchasing; code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the Iranian rial (IRR), with high inflation and official and free-market exchange rates that can differ significantly; it's worth checking the current exchange rate before exchanging money. Public transportation and trains between major cities are affordable and reliable.
When to travel
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran. Summer is very hot in the desert areas of central and southern Iran.
Travel checklist for Iran
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Iran.
- Check the visa requirement for Iran based on your passport: Most nationalities need a visa; some can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa at authorized airports, while others (for example the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada) must travel with an authorized guide and a pre-approved visa.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Private hospitals in Tehran are of good quality, but international sanctions limit the use of foreign cards; it's recommended to carry cash and confirm your insurance's payment mechanism before traveling.
- Save Iran's emergency number: 110 (police) / 115 (medical emergencies) / 125 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Iranian Rial (IRR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all travelers need a visa to enter Iran?
Almost all, although the process varies: some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa, while others need an authorized guide and a pre-approved visa.
What is the emergency number in Iran?
110 for police, 115 for medical emergencies, and 125 for fire department; 112 also connects to emergency services.
Do international credit cards work in Iran?
No, due to current international sanctions; it's recommended to carry cash in dollars or euros to exchange in the country.
What currency should I use in Iran?
The Iranian rial (IRR); it's worth checking the current exchange rate before exchanging money, given market volatility.
