Travora
/ Iran
Ancient Persia: Persepolis, blue mosques and legendary deserts
Cradle of one of the world's oldest civilizations, Iran captivates with Persepolis, the turquoise mosques of Isfahan, the gardens of Shiraz and the mud-brick towns of Yazd. Persian hospitality is legendary. WARNING: in 2026 the geopolitical situation is highly unstable (tensions and risk of renewed hostilities) and most governments formally advise against travel. This guide is provided for information only; check official advisories carefully before any plans.
The visa, step by step
How to apply
Apply online at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal; you receive an authorization (visa grant notice) by email, then collect and pay for the visa at an Iranian consulate or on arrival at the airport.
Required documents
- passport valid 6 months
- scan of passport bio page
- passport-style photo
- travel itinerary
- hotel booking
- travel insurance valid in Iran (mandatory)
Good to know
- •Any travel to Iran makes you INELIGIBLE for the US ESTA — a regular US visa is then required.
- •Sanctions: foreign bank cards do not work in Iran — bring cash (euros/dollars).
- •Travel insurance valid in Iran is mandatory.
A one-week budget
Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé
540 000 FCFA–900 000 FCFANo direct flights from Cameroon. Routings: Douala/Yaoundé → Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) → Tehran, or via Dubai/Doha. Expect 14 to 22 hours of travel with one layover. Check actual flight availability: connections can be disrupted depending on the regional situation.
Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.
Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)
Budget simulator
What to do there
Persepolis, capital of the Persian Empire
Grand ruins of the royal city founded by Darius I, a UNESCO site near Shiraz. Monumental staircases, bas-reliefs and columns bear witness to the splendor of the Achaemenid empire.
Imam Square in Isfahan
One of the largest squares in the world, framed by the turquoise-domed Shah Mosque, the Ali Qapu palace and the grand bazaar. The absolute masterpiece of Persian architecture.
Wander through Shiraz, city of poets
City of roses and the poets Hafez and Saadi. Visit the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque) with its stained glass, and the Persian Eram Garden.
Yazd, the mud-brick desert city
A maze of clay alleys, wind towers (badgirs), a Zoroastrian fire temple and the Towers of Silence. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth.
Discover Tehran
Golestan Palace (UNESCO), the Grand Bazaar, the Crown Jewels Museum and the National Museum. The sprawling capital, gateway and contrast.
Experience Persian hospitality (ta'arof)
Iran's most memorable experience: spontaneous invitations, shared tea, the generosity of locals. The culture of ta'arof makes every encounter unforgettable.
One week, day by day
- D1
Arrive in Tehran, collect the visa, Grand Bazaar and Golestan Palace
- D2
Tehran museums, then overnight flight/bus to Shiraz
- D3
Shiraz: Pink Mosque, Hafez's mausoleum and Eram Garden
- D4
Day trip to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam
- D5
Drive to Yazd: wind towers and the old mud-brick town
- D6
Yazd-Isfahan: Imam Square and the illuminated bridges
- D7
Isfahan: bazaar, Chehel Sotoun palace and flight home via Tehran
Travel checklist
A printable list (or save as PDF) so you forget nothing.
Travel checklist — Iran
Before you leave
What to pack
Indicative data (June 2026), reliability moyenne. Visa rules, prices and timelines change: always confirm with official sources before booking.
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