Iran Travel Update August 6 2025 – After the brief Iran-Israel war in June, Iran has quietly announced new restrictions on tourism that affects most nationalities. Below is the most important updates you need to know before traveling to Iran.

Independent Travel Ban

Independent travel to Iran is now banned for all foreign nationals and you will need to join a group tour or private tour with a guide. The following restrictions are now imposed:

1. Mandatory Tour Packages
   • Independent travel is discontinued. All visas require booking through a certified Iranian Tour Operator / travel agency with a pre-arranged itinerary.
2. Fixed Itinerary Submission
   • Applicants must submit a detailed travel plan, including:
     • Exact entry/exit dates and border crossings.
     • A day-by-day route with approved destinations.
3. Agency-Arranged Accommodation Only
   • Staying with locals or via platforms like Couchsurfing is prohibited.
   • All lodging must be booked through licensed agencies at registered hotels/guesthouses.
4. Licensed Guide Requirement
   • Travelers must be accompanied by either:
     • A full-time escort guide, or
     • Local guides at each destination.
5. Overland Travel Restrictions
   • Entering Iran with private vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles) is still allowed but requires:
     • A licensed guide for the entire journey.
     • Pre-booked stays at approved accommodations.
6. Strict Visa Extensions
   • Extensions must be requested in advance through your travel agency.
7. New Documentation Requirements
   • Applicants must submit a resume file including:
     • Travel history.
     • Educational/professional background.
     • Active social media profile links.

Processing Time:

The processing time is 1 month for non-American, British and Canadian nationals who would like to travel to Iran. 

American British and Canadian Citizens:

Restrictions on American, British and Canadian travelers still apply. It is best to apply 3 months before your intended commencement date to ensure there is enough time to submit the visa code and apply for your visa at your local Iranian (or Pakistani) embassy. 

You need to email a copy of your CV; an example CV will be emailed to you to fill out. We also require your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter). If your account is private, you will need to switch to public until your visa is finalised.

Once your visa code is ready, Canadians and US nationals will need to send their passport to the Pakistani Embassy’s Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington DC along with a money order to have your visa processed and your passport returned to you. A detailed email with instructions will be sent to you to step you through this process once your visa is ready.

Once the visa code is ready for UK nationals, you can either post your passport or visit the Iranian embassy in London to pay and collect your visa. A detailed email with instructions will be sent to you to step you through this process once your visa is ready.

It’s very important to state the “arrival date” and “departure date” accurately, as your Iran visa will be only issued based on your travel date. The visa code will grant you a visa that is valid for the duration of the tour. If you plan to arrive some days before the tour or leave some days after the tour, this can be arranged, but please tell us during your booking of the tour.

We ask that Canadians, UK, and US nationals do not travel or leave their home country within 30 days of the Iran tour commencing to ensure you are able to submit and receive your passport back in time from the embassy.

Finally – For US, British and Canadians, your visa isn’t 100% guaranteed although we do have a very high success rate (95%). The Iranian MFA’s background check is quite thorough and includes your social media posts. Any posts related to travel to Israel should be removed from your social media accounts. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you do not book flight tickets or make any other non-refundable arrangement before you get your visa finalized. If your visa is rejected, YPT will refund you the tour cost according to our terms and conditions.

About Post Author

Caitlin Graham

Caitlin Graham is a pioneer for all things Middle East having spent her final year of her Global Studies degree within the region. Her goal is to showcase the human side which is often misrepresented in media.

See author's posts