Where to transit in Iran? Important notes for transit

IMPORTANT WARNING – READ CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING

Iran, the "ancient Persian land" with a 5,000-year heritage, is the land of the legendary Persepolis, the "half of the world" Isfahan, and profound Islamic culture. However,due to complex geopolitical situations and international sanctions, traveling to Iran requires extremely thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the risks.

Current situation to note:

• Iran is under severe international sanctions from the US, EU, and many countries.
• International credit cards are completely unusable (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
• Islamic law is strictly applied– violations may be heavily fined
• Regional security situation can change rapidly.
• Consequences for US visa: Those who have visited Iran after 2011 cannot use ESTA.

Recommendation:

• Check the latest travel advisoriesfrom the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Carefully consider risk appetite
• Only travel if you have a deep understanding of Iranian culture and law

Overview of Iran's aviation system

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)Tehran is the main gateway, 50km from the capital.Mehrabad Airport (THR)primarily serves domestic flights. Other international airports:Shiraz (SYZ), Mashhad (MHD), Main airlines:.

Main Airlines:

• : Flag carrier, restricted from purchasing new aircraft due to sanctions: Flag carrier, restricted from purchasing new aircraft due to sanctions
• : Subject to US sanctions, limited international flights: Sanctioned by the US, restricted international flights
• Foreign airlines, transit is mandatory.

There are no direct flights from Vietnam, transit is mandatory.

Most popular transit points

Middle East (Main and optimal choice)

Istanbul (IST), Turkey:

• Hanoi Istanbul Ammanhas daily flights to Tehran IKA (2.5 hours)
• Advantages: Most popular choice, competitive prices, good connections from Vietnam
• Disadvantages: May be affected by Turkey-Iran relations
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by has daily flights to Tehran IKA (1.5 hours)
• Advantages: Premium service, modern Hamad airport, good Qatar-Iran relations
• Disadvantages: Prices may be higher
• Transit Visa: No visa needed if transiting airside

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• Emirates, flydubaihas flights to Tehran IKA (1.5 hours)
• Advantages: Excellent airport, many flights from Asia
• Note: UAE-Iran relations can be tense at times
• Transit Visa: No visa needed if transiting airside

Muscat (MCT), Oman:

• Oman Airhas flights to Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad
• Advantages: Often good prices, less politically affected
• Disadvantages: Less connectivity from Asia

Europe (Limited due to sanctions)

Vienna (VIE), Austria:

• Austrian Airlinesstill maintain some flights
• Advantages: Austria has a relatively neutral diplomatic relationship
• Disadvantages: Very few flights, high prices

Note: Most European airlines have stopped flying to Iran due to sanctions.

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via Istanbul (Most Optimal)

Vietnam Istanbul IST Tehran IKA

• Hãng : Turkish Airlines
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $800-1.500$USD
• Advantages: Most stable, good service, reasonable price

Option 2: Via Doha

Vietnam Doha DOH Tehran IKA

• Hãng : Qatar Airways
• Time: 14-18 hours + waiting
• Cost: $900-1.600$USD
• Advantages: Premium service, good Qatar-Iran relations

Option 3: Via Dubai

Vietnam Dubai DXB Tehran IKA

• Hãng : Emirates, flydubai
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $700-1.400$USD
• Note: Monitor the UAE-Iran relations situation

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Middle East (IST/DOH/DXB/MCT): Minimum $2-3$ hours
• Châu Âu: Minimum $2.5-3$ hours

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Istanbul: Minimum $4-5$ hours
• Doha/Dubai: Minimum $3-4$ hours
• Special contingency: Additional$2-3$hours due to the possibility of sudden changes

Important note: Avoid separating tickets between different airports (DXB↔DWC, IST↔SAW).

Iran Visa – Complex and Important Procedure

Authorization Code – First mandatory step:

All travelers must have an Authorization Code before applying for a visa or VOA

• How to apply: Through licensed Iranian travel agencies or the website evisa.mfa.ir
• Time: 2-4 weeks
• Cost: $50-80$ USD via agency
• Important: It is not possible to apply for a visa without this code

Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Risky:

• Cost: $75$ USD (only EUR/USD cash accepted)
• Conditions: Must have Authorization Code
• Time: 30 days, extendable
• Risk: May be denied if documents are insufficient

Visa at Consulate (Highly Recommended):

• Where to apply: Iran Consulate in Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur
• Cost: $50-75$USD
• Time: 1-2 weeks after obtaining the Authorization Code
• Advantages: More certain, avoid the risk of rejection at the airport

Required documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, absolutely no Israeli stamps
• Authorization Code (hard copy)
• 2 4x6cm photos with white background (women must wear a headscarf in the photo)
• Round-trip air ticket
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Travel insurance: Must be purchased in Iran ($16$ USD/30 days)

Currency and finance – MOST IMPORTANT

Serious payment issues:

• International credit cards are completely unusable (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
• No international ATMs, PayPal, Western Union
• Must bring cashfor the entire trip

Currency and exchange:

• Official: Iranian Rial (IRR)
• Reality: Locals useToman (1 Toman = 10 Rial)
• Exchange rate: $1USD\approx 42.000ToToman$ (strong fluctuations)
• Important: Always confirm the unit when transacting

How to carry and exchange money:

• Bring: USD or EUR, new bills, not torn, not folded
• Quantity: Minimum $100-150$USD/day
• Currency Exchange: At gold shops (sarafi) with better exchange rates than banks
• Declaration: If carrying$10.000$USD

Local travel cards:

Some companies offerprepaid cards (MahCard, Daric Pay) – cash load and use as domestic debit card.

Estimated Cost:

• Mid-range hotels: $40-80$USD/night
• Food: $10-25$USD/day
• Transportation: $20-40$USD/day
• Sightseeing: $5-15$ USD/location
• Total: $80-150$USD/day

Health and insurance

Vaccinations:

No mandatory vaccination requirements from Vietnam to Iran.

Recommendation:

• Hepatitis A, B: For all travelers
• Typhoid feverHygiene
• Tetanus : Booster update
• Seasonal fluespecially in winter

Health insurance:

• MandatoryBuy travel insurance in Iran ($16$ USD/30 days)
• Additional recommendationsInternational insurance including emergency evacuation
• NoteMany insurance companies exclude Iran due to sanctions

Strict safety and social regulations

Dress code requirements:

Women:

• Hijab is mandatoryimmediately upon disembarking the plane
• Long pants, long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes that cover the body
• Hair, wrists, and ankles must not be exposed

Men:

• Long pants required (no shorts)
• T-shirts (no tank tops)

Prohibited behaviors:

• Drinking alcohol: Completely illegal, heavy penalties may apply
• Public displays of affection: Holding hands, hugging, kissing in public are prohibited
• Photography: Do not photograph Iranian women, military or government facilities
• Politics: Avoid discussing sensitive political issues

Internet and communication:

• Blocked: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp
• VPN: Necessary but with legal risks: Necessary but with legal risks
• Hotel Wi-Fi: Available at hotels but slow and restricted: Allowed and popular
• WiFi: Available at hotels but slow and restricted

Personal Safety:

• Crime: Low, but beware of pickpockets
• Protests: Avoid large gatherings
• Border Areas: Avoid near Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan

Best time

Spring (March-May) – Ideal:

• Weather: $15-25°C$, most pleasant
• Advantages: Flowers bloom, Nowruz (Persian New Year) in March
• Disadvantages: Peak season, higher prices

Autumn (September-November) – Good:

• Weather: $20-30°C$, dry
• Advantages: Little rain, suitable for sightseeing
• Disadvantages: May still be hot in southern Iran

Winter (December-February):

• Weather: $5-15°C$, cold, snowy in Tehran/Isfahan
• Advantages: Few tourists, low prices
• Disadvantages: Cold, some mountain passes have snow

Summer (June-August) – Avoid:

• Weather: $35-50°C$, extremely hot
• Not recommended: Except for the northern mountainous regions

Culture and Language

Languages:

• Official: Persian (Farsi)
• English: Limited, only in high-end hotels and by young people
• Arabic: Some know due to religion

Special Culture:

• Ta’arof: System of complex politeness – often refuse 2-3 times before accepting
• Hospitality: Iranians are extremely hospitable to tourists
• Religion: 95% Shia Islam, 4% Sunni, Christian minorities, Jewish, Zoroastrian

Detailed preparation checklist

Mandatory documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months no Israeli stamps
• Authorization Code(hard copy)
• Iran Visa or VOA document
• Round-trip air ticket
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Notarized copies of important documents

Finance:

• USD/EUR Cash(new bills) for the entire trip
• Divide money into multiple places for security
• Do not bring credit cards(cannot be used)

Attire:

• Women: Headscarf (multiple items), long pants, discreet long-sleeved shirt
• Men: Long pants, sleeved shirts
• Material: Breathable for summer, warm for winter

Technology:

• VPN: Necessary but with legal risksPrepaid SIM card
• Type C/F Adapter(European standard)
• : Power bankPrimary communication app
• Hotel Wi-Fi: Available at hotels but slow and restricted: Google Maps offline
• Offline maps : Google Maps offline

Health:

• Personal medications with English prescription
• Basic digestive medicine
• SPF 50+ Sunscreen
• Travel insurance (purchase in Iran)

Final conclusions and recommendations

Iran is a country with a great cultural and historical potentialwith 24 UNESCO heritage sites and renowned hospitality. However, traveling to Iran is currently challenging and risky due to the complex geopolitical situation.: Most stable and convenient: High-class services, good relationshipsDubai (Emirates)

Optimal transit route:

• USD, competitive prices: Many options but need to monitor the situation
• USD, to both Nairobi and MombasaCash only
• - no credit cardsStrict adherence

Absolute preparations needed:

• Authorization Code – indispensable
• to dress and social regulations – no credit cards
• Only travel to Iran if:Have a deep understanding of Islamic culture and Iranian law
• VPN: Necessary but with legal risksPrepare thoroughly financially (all in cash)

You should only go to Iran if:

• You have a deep understanding of Islamic culture and Iranian law
• You are well-prepared financially (all cash)
• Ability to adapt to strict restrictions
• Acceptance of geopolitical risks
• Register with diplomatic authorities and have a contingency plan

Iran can offer a profound cultural experience, but risks must be carefully considered and thorough preparation is needed. Personal safety is always the top priority.

Warning: The situation in Iran changes rapidly. Always check the latest travel advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and official sources before deciding to travel. Carefully consider your own risk tolerance.