Is a guide needed for Canadians in Iran?

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I came across this page mentioning that Canadian citizens need to be accompanied by a guide when visiting, but then goes on to say it may not be necessary.

Iran visa for Americans, British and Canadians
Since February 2014, the rules for Americans have been extended to include British and Canadian passport holders. Canadians, British and Americans need to be accompanied be a guide while they are in Iran. [...]

It seems that at least for the embassy in Tblisi, Canadians do not need a guide anymore.

The problem is that Canada and Iran don't have diplomatic relations since 2012, so I can't have a reference from an Iranian mission in Canada about this, and I couldn't find anything on the Iranian MFA's website. The Canadian travel advisory doesn't mention that requirement, WikiVoyage mentions the requirement only for US citizens.

What's the official rule, do Canadians need an itinerary and guide when visiting Iran ?

Update: I was speaking to someone and it seems possible to get an independent visa if you know someone there that's prepared to sponsor it, even a regular citizen, in their case it was a friend. Would having a private sponsor satisfy that requirement and if so what are the formalities for that ?



Best Answer

I cannot for the life of me find this information online. There is no representation of Iranian interests in Canada. You could try calling the embassy of Canada in Ankara for information, as they are the Canadian representation for those in Iran. Alternatively, you could contact the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the authorative source), or the Iranian diplomatic mission where you intend to obtain the required visa. Good luck!




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Can you travel Iran without a guide?

UK, US, and Canadian citizens cannot travel to Iran without a guide. Due to recent changes in Iran's travel policy, travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada can't travel to Iran independently. Citizens from these countries have to be on a tour to travel to Iran.

Can I enter Iran with Canadian passport?

Holders of American, British, and Canadian passports can also visit Iran with an Iran tourism visa. The visa procedure for these nationalities takes around eight weeks. They also have to plan and book their trip with a certified local travel agency in Iran.

Can Canadians get Iran visa?

Canadians are still free to apply for a visa to Iran in most other embassies of Iran around the world. For most, the easiest way will surely be to apply, even by mail, at the Iranian Affairs Sections of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC, USA.

What is something you should avoid doing in public in Iran?

13 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Iran, Ever
  • Don't talk politics. ...
  • Don't show public displays of affection. ...
  • Don't bring or drink alcohol. ...
  • Don't ever say \u201cArabian Gulf\u201d or \u201cthe Gulf\u201d ...
  • Don't throw toilet paper in the toilet. ...
  • Don't shake hands with members of the opposite sex in public. ...
  • Don't wear shoes indoors.




Iranian visa for Americans, British and Canadians




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