Are you American? Then Read This!

Nuclear deal struck, Kerry and Iranian officials meeting in Vienna like, “Liking” each other’s Facebook pages! Aren’t these tell-tale signs screaming "Let's kiss and make up”? Now that Iran's relations with the world are gaining momentum towards flat-out normalization, it's probably safe to say that it’s the best time everto consider visiting Iran! But where to begin?The first step is to find an authorized travel agent. Obtaining an Iranian visa involves a great deal of paperwork. The travel agent can sponsor your stay and fill out the proper paper work on your behalf. For a reliable and fast agency, consider 1stQuest’s online Iran visa application; they’re fast, reliable, and all the process is online.

After applying for your visa, the agency will then give you an authorization code with which you can get your visa from any Iranian consulate, be it in Washington DC or Dubai; please note that you should choose and declare your desired consular mission before the reference number is issued. Also, remember that as an American, you can collect your visa from an Iranian international airport. The authority on answering any query is the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Therefore, you can ask questions regarding traveling to Iran from your agency or one of
their branches in the world.

What are the restrictions for Americans?

After Islamic Revolution of 1979 in Iran, a group of Iranian hardliners took over the former American Embassy and the resulting conflict turned into diplomatic, academic and cultural turbulences. Invasion of Iraq to Iran in the coming years was supported by the US government and began a sequence of clashes between the two governments. Despite passage of time, nearly about 40 years, things do not seem to be different, especially after the election of president Trump. Accordingly, both governments have implemented severe restrictions on the nationals of the other country when it comes to traveling, business or studying. Americans cannot travel in Iran independently; legally speaking, they must be accompanied by an Iranian certified tour guide throughout their stay. A few years ago, diplomatic relations between the governments of Iran and Britain and later on Canada deteriorated as well and the said restriction were extended to Canadian and British travelers as well.

In reality, however, people who do travel to Iran enjoy a great degree of freedom. They can easily choose the cities they want to visit and walk and talk with people. Nevertheless, those who do come to Iran are prohibited from engaging in any and all journalistic-related activities. They are required to observe the dress code and refrain from consumption of
alcoholic drinks.

As you might know, Iran, or Persia as it was known by for so long, has stood witness to some of world's most shaping events in the history of civilization. The remnants are all over the place. A distinct culture that's bound to surprise every newcomer. Amidst a troubled middle-east,Iran is a haven, safer than many other countries in the world, famous for its
warm welcoming atmosphere especially towards foreigners.

Everyone here’s learning English, everyone follows American TV shows and series; probably more seriously than the Americans themselves, at least in Tehran! And like many other countries in the orient, we love foreigners! And a strong line you can almost always boast about is that I once hosted or just merely interacted with some Americans. I myself am game for putting you up for a day!

Long story short, a lot of things are different here, from what you have in your fancy super-modern world, and much more importantly, from what you have probably seen or heard from the media; experience the great Persia first hand.

Does it really worth travelling to Iran?

“Does it really worth travelling to Iran?” One might ask after reading all this stuff about the restrictions and political conflicts. But the reality is that most people who travel to Iran, in spite of these somewhat repelling conditions, are those who are passionate about Iran and the old civilization that formed in the Iranian plateau. Most émigré Iranians prefer being called “Persian.” Persia was the former name of Iran and it is the name by which many people still know and refer to her. Whatever the name, those who have traveled in the Middle East stress that Iran is clearly different from the neighboring Arab countries. In fact, whenever Iranians talk about their nationality and culture, there is an undertone of pride in their voice or perhaps more overtly in their words. It would suffice to find an Iranian with whom you go to school or maybe work with and ask them about their culture. Finding one is not that difficult: there are a couple million Iranians living all over the world. Once they get finished with culture, they get to Iran’s natural beauties. Many American and British visitors are surprised by the way people treat them; most call Iranian as the friendliest people in the world. If you’re aware of all the conflicts, the bottom line is that: Iran is among the under explored destinations for travelers; It’s a great country with magnificent history and breathtaking landscape.