(Last updated: 2 Jul 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders wanting to visit Iran on business can usually obtain a visa within one to three weeks. Support from your Iranian partner or from Austrade Tehran is required for a visa reference number. The following documents are required to apply for a visa through Austrade Tehran:

• A scanned copy of the information page of your passport
• Provide details of your father’s name
• A scanned copy of your passport photo
• A scanned copy of the Visa Application Form

Applicants can download an Iranian Visa Application Form from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The completed application form will need to be lodged with their passport at the Iranian Embassy in Canberra. Keep a copy of the application. There are no Iranian diplomatic missions in other locations in Australia.

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran 25 Culgoa Circuit
O’Malley, ACT 2606
Australia
Tel: +61 2 6290 2427
Fax: +61 2 6290 2431
Web: www.iranembassy.org.au

Austrade Tehran will apply to the Iranian Foreign Ministry for the visa. On approval, they will provide us with an approval number and this will be emailed back to the applicant. The applicant will then present this Approval Number to the Iranian Embassy in Canberra, and they will confirm that they have received the approval direct from their Foreign Ministry in Tehran and issue the visa.

Climate

Tehran has distinct seasons. Hot and dry in summer, around 30°C-40°C; and cold, dry in winter, 0°C-15°C. Snow is infrequent though it can be a feature of winter in Tehran given the close proximity to the mountains.

For weather details in Iran, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Ground transport

At both of Tehran's international airports and most regional airports there are airport taxi services that operate at a very reasonable rate. Avoid the informal taxi drivers hanging around the exit of the airport building and preferably make use of the taxi booking counters in the airport which are usually well sign posted. Taxis do not have meters so you need to agree on a tariff before you start your journey.

Also, Austrade Tehran provides a visa/transportation/accommodation booking package which includes official transportation for airport pickup and transfer to hotel for company representatives using Austrade in-market services. The charge is A$380.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Iran. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Inform Austrade that you are visiting Iran in case of any problems with security. Do not carry large sums of cash with you when travelling around the city. There have been repeated instances where bogus security officials have searched and robbed visiting business officials.

Health

There are no vaccinations required before travelling to Iran, but it is advisable to check with the Department of Health in Australia. The most common ailments are stomach problems in summer or sinus infections and colds in winter. Due to Tehran’s altitude of 1400 metres and heavy pollution, visitors can suffer from headaches and slight respiratory problems.

It is advisable to bring all the medication that you require (eg. Panadol and Imodium). Normal travel precautions for travellers should be observed.

Time zones and time differences

Iran is seven-and-a-half hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time in winter (September 22-March 20) and five-and-a-half hours in summer (March 21-September 21).

To find out the current time in Tehran, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Iran's country code is 98.

For calls to Iran from Australia dial: 00 + 98 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Iran to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Public holidays

March 20-21 – Iranian New Year (Nowrooz)
April 1 – 13 of Nowrooz (Nature Day)
June 3 – Demise of Imam Khomeini
July 5 – Birthday of Hazrat-e-Ghaem
August 19 – Eyd-e-Fetr (last day of Ramadan)
November 25 – Ashorra

Currency

Official exchange rates for a range of international currencies against the Iranian Rial can be found at the Central Bank of Iran.

No international credit cards or travellers cheques can be used in Iran and no ATM machines (including Cirrus or Visa Plus) exist. The Iranian Rial is not a convertible currency outside of Iran and for foreigners the Euro is the only acceptable and convenient form of payment of hotel bills or higher value purchases. Please ensure you carry or have access to sufficient amounts of cash to meet your needs.

Electricity and water

Iran’s power supply is 220 volts at 60 cycles. The most common plug is the twin-pin European style.