Iran is one of the countries on my list of places I would love to visit but have been refused visas for.
So the nearest I have got so far (other than peeking over the border from Turkmenistan), was opposite a Homebase DIY superstore in West London, enjoying a taste of Iran on our world tour of London’s foods. Here is my short video.
If you would like to join us at a future meal keep an eye out for announcements here.
The island of Kish does not require visas, and you can probably get a visa at the Turkish border in order to cross Iran into Pakistan, and then once in Iran, renew for a week
For Brits it’s sadly not that simple. Even with an official invitation through a visa agent (which takes some weeks), Iran’s Embassies sometimes still refuse to issue visas, and even if you have the visa in your passport you may still be turned away at the border. During periods of political unrest and big holidays like Norooz it becomes more difficult again.
Most Western passport holders face similar chances of rejection. U.S. citizens are forbidden from independent travel to Iran entirely, and must book a government-approved tour with a permanent government-approved tour guide!
I was refused the visa for 1 out of 4 visits. But the three visits I did make were absolutely worth the time and effort to get into the country!
Those kabobs look stupendous…
Jon the club, I landed at IKA and was refused entry on my Irish passport. The ordinary Persians are OK but the ones that work for the government are goons.
Sadly, I can’t give you tips for getting your hands on a Visa but if there is value in persisting, then persist. I spent 17 days there last year and will be returning soon (Visa depending naturally). Never before have I so much wanted to get back to a country to learn, be dazzled, smile with the Iranians, buy warm morning bread, heck even fix my headscarf.