After announcing its intention to exempt 68 countries from visa requirements 2 months ago, Iran has specified a first salvo in the visa exemption for visitors from 33 countries.
This decision aims to boost tourism and strengthen cultural exchanges between Iran and these nations. This new strategy underscores the country's desire to open up to the world and combat preconceived ideas about this little-known tourist destination.
The 33 countries covered by the visa waiver
Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghamiconfirmed at a press conference the unilateral introduction of visa-free travel for nationals of 33 new countries. These nations include : Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
This measure has been taken to encourage tourist and cultural exchanges between Iran and these countries.
Iran's desire to open up to the world
Beyond this decision, Ezzatollah Zarghami said that Iran wanted to open up more to the world by making it easier to welcome international tourists. The country hopes to change the negative perception some travelers have of it, by offering them a unique and authentic experience.
The visa waiver will enable visitors from these 33 countries to discover Iran's rich cultural and historical heritage, while enjoying a warm welcome and infrastructure tailored to their needs.
Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami has said the Iranian Cabinet has decided to unilaterally cancel visa requirements for visitors from 33 more countries. pic.twitter.com/nf7Q43gxd2
- Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) December 13, 2023
According to the Minister of Tourism, tourist numbers in Iran have risen significantly in recent years. Indeed, the number of foreign visitors reached 4.4 million in the first eight months of the current Iranian yearThis represents an increase of 50% over the same period last year.
Formalities for travelling to Iran from Europe
Tourists from many countries, including those in Europe, can obtain a visa on arrival. This simplified procedure does, however, require advance preparation: travelers must register on the official e-Visa portal of the Iranian governmentat least 48 hours before departure. Once in Iran, they must present confirmation of their pre-registration to the visa office at the airport.
The cost of a visa on arrival for European citizens is set at 75 US dollars (69 €). Travelers also have the option of obtaining a visa from an Iranian embassy before departure. The Iranian consular authorities then collect the applicant's fingerprints.
The French government don't recommend currently travel to Iran having issued an alert Urgence Attentat : Vigilance renforcée pour les ressortissants français à l'étranger + Risques d'arrestation, de détention arbitraire et de jugement inéquitableeven for dual nationals.
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