Iran visa with British passport

Has any British passport holder recently managed to secure an Iranian visa and travel independently in the country? I travelled to Iran 9 years ago and used key2persia as an agent at the time to provide me with an authorisation number. I have recently been told that British passport holders cannot get an Iranian visa unless they are booking a tour. Is this correct? Does anyone have a different experience and if so which visa agent did they use. Many thanks

Peter

You can do a search on here...lots of posts on this topic recently.

The official line is that legally, you still need a "tour" (which could be an organised group, or just you plus a guide) .

Some (or one) people have claimed they were able to travel independently, ...If you search, you will find that poster's description of his trip....

Alongridehome, here's my trip report, and I'll send you our travel agents information.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/middle-east/iran/trip-report-how-to-guide-american-gay-couple-independent-trip-to-iran

Despite the one poster above who says it was no problem, considering the Iranian consulate in London isn't even open would suggest there's still significant mistrust. Even with the recent lifting of some sanctions, it is likely still going to take ages for the visa thing to sort itself out.

its a real shame its not yet officially possible to travel without a tour there

Hi Jchock, would you be able to send details my way too please?

Thanks

Hi Alongridehome,

Did you get anywhere with the Iranian visa advice? We are hoping to independently cycle tour through Iran, if I can get an LOI through a bribe or a very short tour in the middle. I'd be really grateful for any company recommendations if you have found any. Happy pass on any leads from my search too.

Best wishes,

Nida

Hi there. I have decided to not continue to Iran. I spent 2 months cycling there 8 years ago. As much as it is a great country to tour in, I have less desire to return seeming that the cost of a visa, visa approval and a boat there from UAE adds up quite a bit. Best of luck in securing a visa. I'm sure it's possible with a little perseverance. Most Iranians are very friendly people.

Hi NideyB,
Did you have any luck finding out more information regarding your trip to Iran? A couple of us were also planning a trip and to travel independently, but the plans seems to be up in the air at the moment due to all the conflicting advice re: visas for British nationals.

Hi JChock - would you mind sending me through details of your ravel agent? I would be extremely keen to chat to someone who has come recommended.

Thanks both

Hi NideyB and JChock,

Why don't you club together and try to arrange a tour with a guide? I am also planning to ride through Iran independently and have come to the conclusion that a guide is the only way to go. So it sounds like JChock has 2 people NideyB has 1 and I am solo so between 4 people it would be more cost effective. Not an ideal solution.

Just an idea.

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