October 2, 2023
Some updates good to know:
Informations on the health situation related to covid19 in Iran
Informations on entry visas to Iran

🔔 COVID-19
It’s good to know that since 25 July 2023, Iran has removed all COVID-19 related travel restrictions(1). This means that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are allowed to travel to Iran without the need to provide proof of vaccination. Additionally, the testing requirement for unvaccinated travelers has been abolished, eliminating the need for a COVID-19 test before traveling to Iran. And there is no longer a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival. Face masks are no longer mandatory. However, individuals who still prefer to wear masks in crowded indoor or outdoor areas are free to do so.

🔔 IRAN VISA
Before the pandemic, it was easier to apply for an Iranian visa, as many nationalities could apply for a visa on arrival in Iran at any international airport. Tourists had to comply with a few preconditions, such as purchasing a round-trip ticket and booking a hotel for the first few days.
After the health crisis and the reopening to tourism, things have changed somewhat. The Iranian government now requires all travelers to Iran to apply for a visa(2) before arrival. This is not necessarily the visa itself, but a simplified version.

Visa on arrival for Iran has always been – and still is – available for many nationalities(3) but since summer 2022, some airlines (only some) have refused on-board access to passengers without a valid visa. This means it’s better to get your visa in advance.
However, it is still possible to apply for a visa on arrival in Iran (14-day short-stay tourist visa). But it is necessary to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering Iran.
Visa exemption for a visits up to 14 days – The traveller must:
A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with two blank visa pages.
A passport without an Israeli stamp.
Have sufficient financial resources in cash, as Iran under sanctions prevents you from using any kind of international bank cards.
Have a copy of your hotel reservations and travel itineraries.
Confirmation of return flight or visa for the next destination.

There’s also the new rule on passport stamping
Since January 2019 Iranian customs no longer stamp passports and the visa is written on the attestation with the authorization number. The aim of this new procedure is to avoid an Iranian stamp in the passport, as people wishing to travel to the United States after a trip to Iran are obliged to apply for a specific visa from the American authorities.

(You can read the column of topics related to your trip to Iran, internal link of the blog)
https://iranpersiavoyage.wordpress.com/english/

(1)
-COVID travel restrictions have ended in Iran
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/487385/COVID-travel-restrictions-have-ended-in-Iran

(2)
-If you want to apply for a visa, please read the following points carefully to avoid any probable case of denial.
Islamic Republic of IRAN – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/

-Iran – Open for Tourism, here’s what you’ll need
https://www.ivisa.com/iran/e-visa

(3)
-🇮🇷 Iran Passport Dashboard | Passport Index 2023
Discover all visa requirements and real-time passport ranking of Iran.
https://www.passportindex.org/passport/iran/

-🇨🇭 Switzerland Destination Dashboard | Passport Index 2023
Discover all entry visa requirements and real-time welcoming ranking of Switzerland.
https://www.passportindex.org/country/switzerland/