Iran
Facts & Figures
Official language: Persian
Capital: Teheran
Government: Islamic Republic
Area: ca. 1.650.000 km²
Population: ca. 80 Mio
Population density: 48,5 Einwohner pro km²
Currency: 1 Rial (IRR) = 100 Dinars / 10 Rial = 1 Toman
Time difference: +2:30 CET
Phone code: +98
Religion: 90-95% Shia Muslims, 5-10% Sunni and Sufi Muslims, 0,6% Bahai, Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians
Visa: required
Iran is bordered by seven states: Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia to the west and northwest, Turkmenistan to the northeast and east, and Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east and southeast.
General
About two thirds of the territory of Iran are characterized by the highlands of Iran. The highlands are bounded on the west, southwest and south by the mountain ranges Zagros and Kuhrud. These huge mountain ranges consist of several mountains running side by side in northwest-southeastern direction, between which are very steep valleys. Its highest peaks are the Zard Kuh (4.571 m) and the Cow-e-Dinar (4.432 m). The north of Iran is characterized by mountains as well. In the northwest dominates the Armenian-Azerbaijani mountain knot with the great basin of Lake Urmia. This is followed by the Elburs-Kopet-Dag system, which extends 1200 km from the Talysch Mountains to the Turkmen border. Here one can find the highest mountain of the Middle East, the dormant, glacier-covered volcano Damavand (5.670m), as well as the 4.800 m high Alam-Kuh. There are only a few lowlands in Iran. On the southern shore of the Caspian Sea is a 600 km long, but only a few kilometers wide stretch of coastal lowland. On its eastern side, the Turkmen steppe joins in, in the west the Mugan steppe. In the southwest, a small part of the Mesopotamian lowlands belongs to Iran, from there runs a narrow, shallow, but barren coastal border along the Persian Gulf.
Damavand is the highest mountain of Iran. Photo: Michael Knitl / Shutterstock
Best travel time and weather
The best time to travel to Iran depends heavily on what kind of travel you are planning and where you are intending to go. In general, the months from late October to early May are among the best months for traveling. For trekkers and mountaineers the summer months, June to August, could be more suitable. If you plan to climb Damavand, you should come in the snow-free months, June to August.

Entry and visa
To enter Iran EU-Citizens and many other nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, as well as a visa. Attention: If you have a stamp of Israel in your passport, we recommend you get a new passport issued, as the visa will be refused in this case. If you book a trip with us, we will help you to obtain the visa. Our partner in Iran sends us a reference number with which you have two options.
1. You can get a visa-on-arrival upon arrival at the Iranian airport for about 75 EUR, which is then valid for 30 days. But since it can take up to several hours waiting at the airport, we advise you rather off. For the application you need: 2 passport photos, the reference number, the proof of a foreign health insurance, an invitation or booking confirmation of your trip / your hotel
2. You get your visa in advance from the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in your home country.
Health & Vaccinations
As with all long-distance travel, many diseases can be avoided by simple precautious measures. The tap water should not be drunk, instead water from bottled water and/or boiled water and fruits and vegetables should be eaten only washed or peeled.

Food and drinks
The Persian cuisine is a real treat. It is very similar to Indian cuisine in many ways, but not so spicy. In addition, it is extremely healthy and rich in vitamins. The most important ingredients of Iranian dishes are rice, bread, fresh herbs, sheep, beef, chicken and a wide range of spices. In Iran you eat with a spoon and a fork, a knife is not used.
Who can resist that? Photo: Velveteye, Shutterstock
All statements without guarantee. Subject to change.