For all of us off-the-beaten-path travellers it has been common knowledge that travel to Iran independently was only off limits to US, UK and Canadian citizens. The rest of us were allowed to wander freely through the Tehran Souq, the windy streets of Yazd or the streets of Shiraz all by ourselves, this time for now, has sadly ended. From now on, everyone that requires a visa to visit Iran, will also be required to be accompanied by a local guide, in short that means, no more indpendent travel in Iran.
Why the change?
Well, if for you didn’t hear the region has been considered pretty hot recently and not because it’s now summer. Iran and Israel had been trading volley after volley of missiles and drones at each other with the US even getting involved with some quite large bucker buster bombs in the end. Even though the conflict has now simmered, and the media cycle moved on, this conflict will probably be the reason behind the increased restrictions imposed by the government.
What does this mean?
This all basically just means no more travel without a guide. You will have to be escorted around the country with a local Iranian guide just like people from the UK, Canada and US had been previously. To be able to visit Iran you will have to come on a group tour (preferably with Saiga).
Does this affect the visa process?
The visa process is not affected, however it just means you will have to be accompanied by a guide from when you arrive at the international airport till when you depart. You will still have to get the LOI, do the application and then get the insurance and visa at the airport.
How can I travel to Iran?
Well, from now on you will have to join a group tour with a local guide approved by the Ministry of Tourism. For more information on this or how to travel there solo with a guide send us an email to [email protected]
What if I don’t join a group tour?
If you don’t want to join a group tour, you will still be able to travel solo, however you will have to be accompanied by a guide. This will be very relaxed though as the guides don’t work for the government so they aren’t really “minders”. They will be very informed on the places you go and the quality is usually great so you will be getting something out of them, different to the tourist police minder you get in Libya.
How does this affect our group tours?
Our group tours were designed to accommodate UK, US and Canadians who couldn’t travel solo so it doesn’t affect them at all. We don’t like the idea of people being forced to take a tour, so we have designed ours in a way that will feel very relaxed and without many obligations!
When is best to go to Iran?
We think the best time is during the spring or the autumn, and it just so happens that we have two tours scheduled for that time in 2026. We can’t wait to go back to what is easily one of our favourite countries! With food that good and people that awesome an fun you too will find it impossible not to love Iran!
For more information on our Iran group tours, then check out our Iran group tours for 2026 or contact us at [email protected] to ask us anything about individual tours. For more general information on travel to Iran, check out our Iran destination guide on our website here.
