Iran

Iranian waterside Iranian street trader Iranian Dessert Rugs Freedom Square

An Introduction to Iran

You have to be careful as a traveller in Iran: the authorities can be a little touchy about foreigners, you need to be sharply aware of local laws and traditions on religious observance, and there are areas where there is a significant threat of terrorism. It can also be very difficult to get a visa – particularly since the massive protests in 2009-10 against what the opposition said was the rigging of the 2009 presidential election by the government.

But it is possible to travel in Iran – and it can be an amazing experience. There are extraordinary sights from centuries of culture and fantastic opportunities for climbing, ski-ing and trekking. It's easiest and safest to do an organised tour, but independent travel is possible at a pinch.

Map of Iran

Gap Facts - Iran

Gap Facts - Iran Featured Image

Iran’s Mau­soleum of Maus­sol­los was iden­ti­fied as one of the Seven Won­ders of the Ancient World.

Gap Facts - Iran

Iran is one of the world’s old­est con­tin­u­ous major civ­i­liza­tions, with his­tor­i­cal and urban set­tle­ments dat­ing back to 4,000 BC.