Iran has overhauled its visa rules starting this month, requiring foreign tourists to enter only through organized tours booked with registered agencies, the Travel and Tour World website reported Saturday.
"This change effectively bans independent travel, requiring tourists to submit additional documentation, including a detailed resume, tour operator contract, and confirmed hotel bookings," the online magazine said.
Under the new rules cited by the outlet, tourists are also required to travel with licensed guides for their entire stay. Payments are only made once the visa is approved, and applications take two to three weeks to process.
Iran’s foreign and tourism ministries have not confirmed the report or announced any changes to the country’s visa regulations.
Though framed as a means to ensure structured and secure tourism, these newly reported regulations are being introduced just a couple of months after Iran arrested thousands including foreign visitors following the 12-day conflict with Israel in June.
The Islamic Republic has a longstanding record of detaining visiting academics, dual nationals, and other foreigners—often accused of espionage in cases widely perceived abroad as political leverage or hostage diplomacy.
In June, a European national was arrested in northwestern Iran for allegedly attempting to spy on sensitive areas. In another case, two foreign nationals were detained in Karaj, west of Tehran, for allegedly working as Mossad agents.
The rising number of detentions triggered concern across Europe and the United States. A US State Department cable cited unconfirmed reports of Americans being detained and noted that many US nationals faced delays and harassment while trying to leave Iran.
“This measure is intended to give authorities a deeper understanding of the applicant’s background and to evaluate any potential security risks,” the report by the Travel and Tour World website said.
According to the report, Iranian authorities now require applicants to provide a signed contract with an officially registered tour operator. This contract must include a detailed itinerary specifying travel dates, routes, and destinations, as well as confirmed hotel reservations arranged directly through the tour agency.
Independent accommodation—such as staying with private individuals or using platforms like Couchsurfing—will also be strictly prohibited, the report said.
If true, the new visa regulations would make it more difficult for foreign travelers to visit Iran on their own.
The country, historically known for its rich cultural and historical heritage as well as its natural beauty, has struggled to attract foreign tourists in recent years. Despite its allure, the country faced challenges such as strict dress codes for women and restrictions on alcohol and nightlife.
