Iranian Visas for British Citizens

@toadoftoadhall That's interesting to hear. Do you work in the travel industry? I agree that both of those are possible, but the guy at the consulate did seem pretty confident about what he said (I did rephrase the question a couple of times just to clarify things, and each time he told me that a tour wasn't necessary). He also said that I wouldn't need a visa authorisation code, if I knew some Iranians and was staying with them, but otherwise I would probably have to get the code via a travel agent.

I tried Touran Zamin, but they said that they weren't aware of the change. The guy at the consulate seemed to think that once I had the code, it would be relatively straightforward, but I am wondering if either the process of getting a code somehow requires the agents to put me on a tour, in order to get it. Either that or they are unaware of the change...or there is some truth in this 'conspiracy of travel agents' idea.

I know that a few months ago somebody listed an agency that was willing to give a code on its own, without you buying a tour. Does anyone remember the link?

@Gerard.Butler

I'm also planning on going to Turkmenistan afterwards, probably in September or October and slightly concerned about dates (I was hoping to maybe extend my stay once I got to Iran), but this would complicate booking a tour of Turkmenistan (not least because Iran is cash-only). I'd also need an Uzbek visa beforehand, in order to apply for the Turkmen one, I think.

I got my guide to ring the ministry in Tehran, the people who actually know, and they confirmed that Brits, Americans and Canadians still need to be witha guide or on a tour. The guy at the consulate may indeed be wiklling top give you a visa without guide or tour, but you won't get the authorisation code from the ministry.

Yeah I work in the travel industry.
Unfortunately it seems that so far there's only been one person saying the tour is no longer needed - so I think the odds are not in his favour. I'm pretty sure when they change this rule officially the travel press in the UK will be shouting about it.

Regarding booking a tour in Turkmenistan when in Iran - if you're planning to sort it out online start looking into VPNs to access the internet. Via a vpn you'll be able to use the internet as if you were at home including things like paypal...

We are booked on a Cox&Kings tour in October.

As the Iranian Consulate in London has now limited its opening times to only 3 afternoons a week, what is the experience like? Is there a long queue before opening time? Do they still offer a same-day service? If you leave your passports with them, how long does it take to get them back by post?

As we live a long way from London getting the visa has become a major problem for us.

I went there a couple of weeks ago, just to ask about the visa situation. I didn't ask if they did a same-day service or anything, unfortunately, nor did I ask how long it would be by post.

I went there in the late afternoon (about 20 minutes before it closed), there was a short queue, that moved fairly quickly to the desk, although most people were then given a receipt of some sort and ushered into the second room (I have no idea how long they waited in there).

One thing to bear in mind is that the consulate is not in the same building as the embassy, but a 15-20 minute walk away.

Sorry, that's not much help!

Hello everyone,
Did someone go recently to Iran please? My boyfriend is english and we are planning to visit Iran some time this year. We would like to know if he needs a guide or not? If so, is it a tour guide or an escort guide? how much does it cost approx?
I would appreciate your help.

Cheers louda

I'm afraid it hasn't changed. he needs a guide or must be in a group. The guide should theoretically accompany him everywhere, but they can be a little flexible. I doubt if the law is going to change over the next few months, there are elections coming up, and the itnernational situation has probably worsened as far as Iran is concerned. Including car, petrol, overnight stay and guide you must reckon with at least € 100 per day for a private guide. If could recommend someone if you drop me a private message.

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