Iranian Visas for British Citizens

That is good news - let's hope that they're correct!

I would maybe try emailing a few companies. Maybe start with ones based in the UK - that way they may have a better understanding of what the situation is for UK passport holders (Magic Carpet Travel, Key2Persia, Persian Voyages) and then try others based outside the UK.

Take heed of the advice from the FCO though: 'You should lodge your visa application well in advance of your date of travel. The application process for an Iranian visa can be long and unpredictable.' This definitely stands true - there is poor or no communication between agencies and a lot of poorly handled bureaucracy, especially when it comes to Brits. So whether or not the advice you were given is true will be very difficult to verify and the conversation will most likely end up going in a circle. That said, best of luck and do let us know if you're successful - I want to apply for my visa in London in June.

This is very interesting news indeed. When are you planning to travel? Would be great to hear from people (Brits) who've managed to get the visa and go to Iran and not have any issue.

This was the situation when I went to Iran in 2005 (fro a while there it changed). Back then, I got my authorisation code from key2persia. I paid them for it when I arrived in Shiraz, and also took their long half-day tour to Persepolis.

The latter was quite separate from the authorisation code: I went on their tour because it had been recommended on here. It costs very little more than doing it on your own. I'm not a tour person, but was not disappointed - and learned even more than I'd boned up on beforehand.
My friend who is currently doing the silk road route has just done their tour, on my recommendation and was very happy with it.

Really appreciate this information! :-)

Hi,

I am currently going through the same issue with trying to call the embassy, with no answer at all.

I am trying to get a visa for iran as i plan on traveling through to get to Turkmenistan.

I found a company that will give you a visa valid for 30 days for 45USD but it is only valid for 3mounths from the date of issue and i am going to be travelling in september. I am trying to get al my visas sorted in advance and have to get my Iran visa before i can get my Turkmenistan visa.

What kind of success have you had so far?

I am unable to get the the consulate in person my self atm so any other kind of information you have on this matter would be very appreciated.

It's not the company being difficult, 3 months is the standard validity of Iranian visas. Your only alternative is to arrange to pick up the visa en route, but at the moment, at least in Vienna, there seem to be long waiting times. Are you sure you need to get the Iranian visa first (you are travelling from Iran to Turkmenistan, aren't you?)? I can't find that requirement in any of the sources I've looked at.

The three months applies to entry. Provided you enter the country within three months of the visa issue date you can then stay for the length of the visa.

I applied to key2persia last week, and they insist the Iranian MFA rule about joining a tour/having a guide etc still stands.
Will try others and see what happens.

For what it's worth, I asked people I work with in Tehran, they hadn't heard of any changes to the organised trip rule but said they'd ask around. I could imagine that one of two things is happening here.
1. The person you spoke to at the embassy had no clue and is mistaken
2. The rule has changed but no one's been told - which is certainly possible, communication doesn't seem to be their forte.