Does anyone know if it is yet possible, or likely to be possible in the near future, for UK passport-holders to travel independently in Iran? The guidance on the visa section of the Iranian consulate in London says that all citizens other than those from USA and UK can travel independently in the country with possession of the correct visa, but those coming from USA or UK can only enter as part of a tour group or with an Iranian sponsor in some form or other. I would hope that with recent lessening of tensions and renewal of normal diplomatic relations these restrictions might be lifted. Is there any information out there as to when, or whether, this is likely to happen?
mistercee
mistercee
1
lucapal
They might be lifted i guess,but as yet it is exactly as you have read.
To enter Iran legally you need to be on a tour..either as part of a group,or alone but with an official registered guide.
2
fluffy_bunny
The consulate in London is open again? Their website says differently.
There were 3 years (2011-2014) of no diplomatic ties between the countries. It's been about 2 years the UK and Iran agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties, but it took 1.5 years until embassy was actually reopened. It will likely take a while longer for the consulate to be in full swing and offer non-tour visas to Brits. With that said, stranger things have happened and it could all change tomorrow. Who knows?
3
mistercee
Thank you Fluffy Bunny. I'm aware of the lack of action at the London consulate - I have telephoned and emailed several times with no response. However, in theory it should be possible to apply for a visa from any Iranian consulate, a fully-functioning one preferably, in which case the question remains: Will it be possible for UK passport-holders to obtain visas for independent travel? It makes no sense to me. Why would a British citizen be any more of an unwelcome visitor than anyone else? (Well, apart from Israelis, of course - but they aren't allowed in under any circumstances.) If French or Germans or Swedes can be allowed to move freely around the country, then why not us Brits? It's not as if I want to go sniffing around uranium enrichment sites; I just want to be able to wander down to the railway station in Tehran and get on a train to Shiraz.
4
fluffy_bunny
Visas are often different for different applicant countries. The UK is/was very vocal about it's dislike for Iranian policies. The UK has its own set of sanctions. You are/were not liked by the Iranians, so they imposed difficult visa regulations. There is a distrust between your countries (hence the embassy being closed for so long and the consulate still not issuing visas) If you don't like it, write your local MP. It's all politics.
5
MJWiggham
I intend to visit Iran in 2016 and I know a few people there already. Will I be approved a visa if they would be prepared to act as a sponsor for me? I hope they change their rules very soon!
6
mistercee
Let me know how you get on with your visa application. I suspect that at the moment they will be applying the rules fairly rigorously. But ... here's hoping!
mistercee
7
Thorn Tree
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