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Visas & entry
Do not rely on old visa-on-arrival advice: obtain written visa authorization in advance through Iran’s official e-visa process and confirm issuance or pickup requirements directly with the relevant Iranian mission. UK, U.S. and Canadian travelers commonly face organized-tour, sponsor or guide requirements; U.S., UK and Australian government advice currently warns against travel to Iran. A passport with at least six months’ validity is the prudent minimum, and Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel can lead to refusal of entry; verify all rules immediately before booking.
Getting in
- Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport: The practical international gateway for most visitors. Continue to Isfahan or Kashan by domestic flight, train, bus or private road transfer; schedules and exit routes can change abruptly.
- Isfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport: The closest airport to Isfahan city, with domestic links and a small, changeable international schedule. It is useful when a confirmed flight works, but not a gateway on which to build a non-refundable long-haul itinerary.
- Tehran Mehrabad International Airport: Tehran’s principal domestic airport, useful if connecting onward to Isfahan after arriving internationally at IKA. Allow for an airport transfer and avoid tight self-made connections.
Getting around
Intercity buses are usually the most useful public transport on the Tehran–Kashan–Isfahan trunk route; rail is comfortable when its timetable happens to fit, but it does not solve the province’s worthwhile side trips. Use a private driver or guide for Abyaneh, Varzaneh, Maranjab, Na’in and especially Mesr—this is where weak connections turn sightseeing into logistics. Self-driving is a poor first-trip choice, and ordinary rentals do not belong on dunes, salt flats or unmarked desert tracks.
Money
The currency is the Iranian rial (IRR), but everyday prices are usually quoted in tomans: one toman is normally ten rials, so confirm the unit before paying. Foreign bank cards generally do not work because of sanctions; arrive with sufficient cash and use reputable exchange services. Tipping is modest rather than automatic, but small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.
- Treat current security, airspace and border information as operational rather than theoretical: flights, routes and insurance validity can change abruptly.
- Do not plan your Isfahan stay around a flowing Zayandeh Rud; the bridges remain worth seeing, but the river is often dry.
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum publicly in daytime is prohibited; restaurant service may be reduced or screened off.
- For desert trips, use a reputable local driver/guide, carry water and warm layers outside summer, and never drive independently off-road.
- Road safety is a serious issue. Avoid night driving where possible and do not assume village or desert roads are forgiving.
- Dress and public-conduct rules are conservative by many travelers’ standards; follow local norms, particularly at religious sites and in smaller towns.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.