Tip to the Trip

When Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona ex-midfielder, played his last soccer match in the Tehran’s Azadi sport complex against Iranian club Persepolis, Iranian officials didn’t want him leaving Iran without one or two Persian souvenirs. The maestro was, for the most part of his professional career at the sending end of a pass but this time. This time, however, he was at the receiving end of some unique Persian handicrafts. One of the greatest footballers of our generation received a handcrafted Persian vase decorated using the art of Minakari and a tapestry of an old Persian column.

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of prayer and detachment from worldly pleasures. Ramadan means thirty days of self-cleansing, good deeds, giving out more, and getting closer to God. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from the brink of the day (early sunrise) till late in the evening and the time of Iftar, when they break their fast. If you are traveling to Iran you need to precisely know when Ramadan starts in Iran because it complicates things for tourist and adventurers. During Ramadan in Iran, most of the restaurants are closed to help people who fast over the day and even drinking water in the streets is considered rude and unmindful. Although Ramadan may sound like a tough month for outsiders to travel to Iran, it definitely has its own benefits and in some ways help travelers.

1. Do you need a visa to travel to Iran?

Yes, you do need a visa to travel to Iran. If you are traveling to Iran from the U.S.A., U.K. or Canada, the visa process can be a bit time-consuming due to government regulations (but it shouldn’t deter you from traveling to Iran).

There are many factors at play when planning to apply for an Iranian visa. To visit Iran you must have a visa, and the application process can be a daunting one. Even though you do your best getting up to date information online and from travel agents about what documents are required, Iran visa fee, how long it takes and how to submit your application, your application can still be denied.