Flying to Iran

• There are no direct flights to Iran from North or South America, so most travelers choose to come through Europe, Asia or the Middle East. Some popular routes include KLM from Amsterdam, Air India from Delhi, Emirates from Dubai and British Airways from London.
  
  

Getting a Visa

• The Iranian Foreign Ministry does not issue visas to American passport holders for independent travel to Iran. Americans must therefore visit Iran with an organized tour and adhere to a predetermined itinerary. Israeli passport holders will be refused entry no matter what, and an Israeli stamp in any passport will also get you banned.
  
  

Major Airports

• Most foreign travelers will arrive and depart from Tehran, the country's capital city. There are two main airports in Tehran, however, most international flights will arrive at Imam Khomeini (IKA), named for the leader of the Iranian revolution. The airport is located about 20 miles from the city center and is not linked by public transportation.
  
  

Other Alternatives

• International connections can be made from Shiraz, a historic city in the south of Iran, thereby avoiding the need to backtrack to Tehran after touring the country. Flights departing from Shiraz connect to Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain.
  
  

Timing Your Trip

• Many travelers choose not to visit Iran during the Muslim fasting period known as Ramadan, as restaurants are closed every day between dawn and dusk. During Persian New Year celebrations at the end of March, flights and hotels are often fully booked.