Vacationing in Iran has become notably more accessible for Indonesian citizens, as on Thursday, 14th December 2023, the Iranian government officially lifted visa requirements for 33 countries, including Indonesia. This progressive policy aims to boost tourist influx into the country formerly known as Persia.
According to the Tehran Times, Iran’s Minister of Tourism, Ezzatollah Zarghami, highlighted that this visa-free initiative seeks to dispel negative perceptions and ‘Iranophobia‘. Additionally, the Iranian government plans to enhance supporting facilities for tourists, further attracting a larger number of visitors in 2024.
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Indonesian citizens intending to visit Iran no longer require a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran. Besides Indonesians, 32 other countries also benefit from this visa-free access to Iran, including:
- Asia: Indonesia, India, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam.
- Africa: Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles
- Americas: Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela
- Europe: Russia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Belarus
As of the end of 2023, the Iranian Ministry of Tourism recorded 4.4 million foreign tourist visits within the first eight months of the year, marking a 48.5% increase compared to 2022.
Despite this surge, numerous Indonesians are unaware of Iran’s fascinating and distinctive tourist destinations. Iran boasts 27 UNESCO-recognized world heritage historical sites, representing the oldest civilizations globally, all open for exploration and visitation.
Places To Visit In Iran You Just Can’t Miss!
Iran offers diverse natural beauty and cities that rival other globally renowned destinations. Here are some must-visit tourist destinations:
Persepolis
Persepolis stands as a must-visit destination accessible during Iran’s visa-free entry. This archaeological marvel has endured since 515 BC, serving as a testament to the Achaemenid empire’s grandeur, encompassing an area of 125,000 square meters. To this day, Persepolis remains an enthralling destination teeming with history, mystery, and unique splendour within its magnificent structures.
Flower Garden in Tehran
Tehran boasts numerous stunning flower gardens and a must-visit is the Iranian Garden or Mellat Park. Dubbed the ‘City of a Thousand Gardens,’ Tehran lives up to its nickname by offering a plethora of beautifully maintained gardens showcasing diverse and vibrant flower varieties.
Golestan Palace
The Golestan Palace, once home to the Qajar Dynasty in Tehran, stands as the city’s oldest monument, holding world heritage status. Spanning 5.3 hectares, this palace showcases opulent and classic Middle Eastern architecture. Every corner exudes beauty, worthy of being immortalized through the lens of a camera.
