Fajr International Festival Iran 2026; The Fajr International Festivals are among the most important cultural events in Iran, held every year around February to celebrate art, creativity and cultural identity. For travelers visiting Iran, these festivals offer a rare opportunity to experience authentic modern Iranian culture beyond history and heritage. This guide explains everything international visitors need to know about the Film, Theater and Music Fajr Festivals in 2026. What Are the Fajr Festivals in Iran? The Fajr International Festivals were established after the Islamic Revolution to celebrate cultural excellence in cinema, performing arts and music. Today, they are recognized as Iran’s biggest artistic celebrations, bringing together Iranian and international artists, critics, industry professionals and cultural travelers. Fajr International Film Festival The Fajr International Film Festival is the most famous cultural event in Iran. It features national and international film screenings, premieres, award competitions and special cinematic programs. It is a key event for filmmakers, cinema lovers and cultural travelers who want to understand Iran’s modern storytelling, social perspectives and artistic language. Screening of Iranian and international films Industry meetings and cinematic discussions Opportunities to experience Iranian cinema culture For travelers interested in culture and heritage experiences in Iran, you can explore our cultural journeys here: Iran Cultural and Adventure Tours. Fajr International Theater Festival The Fajr Theater Festival showcases diverse theatrical performances from across Iran and around the world. From contemporary plays to traditional Iranian theatrical styles, this festival reflects social narratives, historical storytelling and artistic creativity. It is an ideal experience for travelers interested in performing arts and cultural interpretation. Performances in major theaters across Tehran Traditional and modern productions Strong cultural and emotional expression Fajr International Music Festival The Fajr Music Festival is a powerful celebration of sound, rhythm and artistic diversity. It includes traditional Persian music,
Fajr International Festival Iran 2026; The Fajr International Festivals are among the most important cultural events in Iran, held every year around February to celebrate art, creativity and cultural identity. For travelers visiting Iran, these festivals offer a rare opportunity to experience authentic modern Iranian culture beyond history and heritage. This guide explains everything international
If you’re traveling to Iran, bring major hard currency (USD/EUR) and plan to use cash international credit and debit cards are mostly unusable inside Iran. Exchange at licensed bureaux (sarrafi) in cities for best rates and avoid exchanging large sums at airports. Read on for practical, up-to-date steps and a pre-travel checklist. Fast facts: Rial, Toman & the 2026 redenomination Currency name: Iranian rial (IRR). Locally people commonly use toman (1 toman = 10 rials). Redenomination (2026): A phased plan to remove zeros is in progress expect dual pricing and transitional confusion. Confirm the unit (rial vs toman) before paying. Volatile exchange rates: Rates can move quickly; check live rates on travel day and compare licensed bureaux. Cash vs Card, what actually works Cash is king. Bring USD or EUR (newer-series banknotes in good condition). Many vendors, clinics and hotels prefer hard currency or local-currency cash. International cards: Most foreign Visa/Mastercard do not work inside Iran due to banking isolation. Tourist-specific local debit cards exist via some travel services set these up before travel if you want card access. ATMs: ATMs generally require local bank cards. Do not rely on foreign cards for cash withdrawal. Where to exchange money (safe & practical) Airport Exchange a small emergency amount at arrival (e.g., the equivalent of 30–100 USD). Airport rates are usually worse use only for immediate needs like taxis. Licensed exchange offices (Sarrafi) City sarrafis (licensed bureaux) offer the best balance of safety and competitive rates. Compare 2–3 bureaux before exchanging large sums larger cities (Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad) have many options. Avoid unofficial dealers for big amounts Street exchangers may offer attractive rates but carry counterfeit and legal risks. For substantial exchanges, use a licensed sarrafi, a bank branch, or a managed exchange service through a travel operator. Black-market vs
If you’re traveling to Iran, bring major hard currency (USD/EUR) and plan to use cash international credit and debit cards are mostly unusable inside Iran. Exchange at licensed bureaux (sarrafi) in cities for best rates and avoid exchanging large sums at airports. Read on for practical, up-to-date steps and a pre-travel checklist. Fast facts: Rial,
Iran Visa Policy Update A Return to Accessible Travel for 2025 We have important and positive news to share with everyone dreaming of visiting Iran. The temporary visa restrictions that were briefly implemented have been officially lifted, and Iran's visa policy has returned to its well-established and accessible framework. This means the door to Iran's incredible cultural treasures and warm hospitality is once again wide open for independent explorers and guided tour lovers alike. What Has Changed? A Return to Normalcy In October 2025, the Iranian visa process reverted to its previous system, removing the short-lived requirements that made independent travel more complex. Here’s what you need to know for planning your trip in 2025 and beyond: ✅ Independent Travel is Permitted: You are no longer required to book a pre-arranged tour package through a licensed agency to obtain a tourist visa. ✅ No Mandatory Guide Required: The rule requiring a licensed guide to accompany travelers throughout their journey has been lifted. ✅ Flexible Accommodations: Travelers are free to choose their own accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and traditional guesthouses. What is the Current, Standard Iran Visa Process? The process has returned to the system that has successfully welcomed millions of travelers over the years: Determine Your Eligibility: Most nationalities can apply for a tourist visa. Citizens of the USA, UK, and Canada are still required to be accompanied by a licensed guide or tour operator for the duration of their trip. Apply for an Authorization Code: The easiest method is to apply through a licensed Iranian tour operator. Receive Your Visa: Once you have the Authorization Code, you can collect your actual visa from an Iranian embassy or consulate of your choice, or upon arrival at major international airports (like Tehran IKA). Your Travel Options
Iran Visa Policy Update A Return to Accessible Travel for 2025 We have important and positive news to share with everyone dreaming of visiting Iran. The temporary visa restrictions that were briefly implemented have been officially lifted, and Iran’s visa policy has returned to its well-established and accessible framework. This means the door
A Guide to Iranian Currency and Exchange Rates The Iranian Currency and Exchange Rates guide will help tourists and travelers to have a better idea of Iranian currency complexity and solve their problems with dealing with Iranian Rials. The Iranian currency, the Iranian Rial (IRR), has been a topic of significant interest and concern, both domestically and internationally, due to its volatile exchange rate and the economic challenges facing Iran. As of 2025, the exchange rate of the Rial continues to be influenced by a complex interplay of domestic policies, international sanctions, and global economic conditions. If you’re planning a trip to Iran, understanding the local currency and exchange rates is essential. Iran has a unique dual exchange rate system, which can be confusing for travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about Iranian currency, where to exchange money, and how to get the best rates. The Iranian Rial: A Brief Overview The Rial has been Iran's official currency since 1932, replacing the Qiran. However, due to high inflation and the devaluation of the Rial over the years, Iranians often use the term "Toman" in daily transactions. This dual usage can sometimes cause confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with the local context. Iranian Currency: Rial vs. Toman The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR), but locals commonly use the Toman in daily transactions. The difference is simple: • 1 Toman = 10 Rials • If someone says “100,000 Tomans”, they mean “1,000,000 Rials.” Always confirm whether prices are in Rials or Tomans to avoid confusion. Iran’s Dual Exchange Rate System Iran has two exchange rates: 1. Official Government Rate – This is set by the Central Bank of Iran and is mainly used for official transactions. It is much lower than the free market
A Guide to Iranian Currency and Exchange Rates The Iranian Currency and Exchange Rates guide will help tourists and travelers to have a better idea of Iranian currency complexity and solve their problems with dealing with Iranian Rials. The Iranian currency, the Iranian Rial (IRR), has been a topic of significant interest and concern, both
The Most Beautiful Mosques in Iran A Journey Through Persian Architecture Iran is home to some of the most breathtaking mosques in the world, showcasing the finest elements of Persian architecture, intricate tilework, and mesmerizing mirror decorations. These mosques are not only religious centers but also historical and cultural treasures that attract travelers, photographers, and architecture enthusiasts from around the globe. In this post, we explore some of the most beautiful mosques in Iran that you should visit on your Iran tour. The majority of these mosques are located in Iran Main Tourist Cities along the famous Classic Iran Travel Route, making them ideal destinations for those interested in history and architecture. At Adventure Iran, we have included Iran’s most beautiful mosques in our Best Iran Tour Packages, including our Fixed Departure Group Tour of Iran’s Best Classic Tour. If you search the internet for the world’s most beautiful mosques, you will find at least one of the mosques listed below featured in various articles and blog posts. For photography enthusiasts, some of these mosques have been recognized among the world’s most stunning mosques on renowned sites such as The Telegraph, The Culture Trip, and Rough Guides. 1. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque – The Pink Mosque (Shiraz) One of the most famous and photogenic mosques in Iran, Nasir al-Mulk, also known as the Pink Mosque, is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows. When the morning sunlight passes through, it creates a mesmerizing display of colorful patterns on the floor and walls. Built in the late 19th century during the Qajar era, this mosque is a masterpiece of Persian craftsmanship and a must-visit spot in Shiraz. 2. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (Isfahan) Located on the eastern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is a unique architectural gem of the
The Most Beautiful Mosques in Iran A Journey Through Persian Architecture Iran is home to some of the most breathtaking mosques in the world, showcasing the finest elements of Persian architecture, intricate tilework, and mesmerizing mirror decorations. These mosques are not only religious centers but also historical and cultural treasures that attract travelers, photographers, and
The distances between Iran's tourist cities and travel time The distances between the tourist cities of Iran which have good number of the country UNESCO sites are very important to know when travellers are making plans to visit the country. As Iran is a vast land with a lot of tourist destinations, it’s vital to have a good idea about travel distances and the time it takes to go from one remarkable destination to another. These days, nearly everyone has a smartphone with many applications as well as a Google app. You can check travelling time for any destination. But with this useful article, you could save time and have an overall idea about the time you have to spend on the road during your travel in Iran. In this post we provide all the distances between Iran’s most famous tourist cities, which are located on the famous Classic Iran Route. These main tourist destinations are Tehran capital, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz. In addition, you can also find the distances between the airports in those cities to the city centre. These distances could help you to have the Best Iran Tour in order to save time and have an efficient travel itinerary. Find the distances between all tourist cities of Iran on Google Maps below: Note and Advice: Please bear in mind that the travelling time and the distances we mentioned in this article are based on the downtown location of each city. Your travel time might be longer if you travel during the rush hour of the day or night. You have to consider the traffic depending on the place where you are staying. This is crucial for reaching the airport in time if you have a domestic or international flight. Additional time must be added so as
The distances between Iran’s tourist cities and travel time The distances between the tourist cities of Iran which have good number of the country UNESCO sites are very important to know when travellers are making plans to visit the country. As Iran is a vast land with a lot of tourist destinations, it’s vital to
A guide for Photography in Iran Photography in Iran is one of the subjects that is rarely talked about in a specialized way. Most of the articles and posts related to photography in Iran introduce Iran's best places for photography on Instagram or other social media. The audiences of these articles are mostly people who travel to Iran for sightseeing and take photographs with mobile cameras. While for photographers or travelers who are specialists in photography, this information is not practical. In this photography guide to Iran, we will review the different types of photography that are possible in the country, and we also introduce the best locations and times for each category. In addition, you will find more useful information regarding this purpose in the Photography Section of our blog. Our specialized Iran Photography Tours are designed for photographers who are looking for technical photography travel in different locations of the vast country of Iran. Portrait Photography If you are a portrait photographer and inserted in traveling to an unusual destination with varied people, Iran should be on your travel photography list. With a wide diversity of various ethnicities, Iran offers perfect pictures for your people photography portfolio. This diversity brings a lot of variety with itself such as many subcultures with their own lifestyle, clothes, racial backgrounds, and beliefs. One of the best subjects for this type are nomads who have kept their way of life intact in the modern days. Tribes like the Kurds (Iranian Kurdistan), Turkmens, the Balooch, Afghans, Bakhtiari nomads, Azaris, Arabs, Taleshis, and Qashqais are the most noticeable ones. They are living in different corners and provinces of Iran which are mostly located around Iran's borders with the neighboring countries. You could also see these ethnic groups with similar customs in the countries of
A guide for Photography in Iran Photography in Iran is one of the subjects that is rarely talked about in a specialized way. Most of the articles and posts related to photography in Iran introduce Iran’s best places for photography on Instagram or other social media. The audiences of these articles are mostly people who
Cycling in Iran : Questions & Answers Iran is a perfect and unknown destination for cycling for a variety of reasons. Iran is a vast country, located in a special geographical region between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, with a diverse climate and four seasons of weather which made a special climatic condition in the country. In addition, the two long mountain ranges of Alborz and Zagros with numerous high mountains above 4000 meters have created a specific mountain route for cyclists. Embracing plenty of national parks and protected areas alongside the mountain regions with rich wildlife and flora and fauna has increased the attractions of Iran for nature-loving cyclists. In addition, the deserts of Iran are well known among desert lovers and travelers who are the world's desert fam. The Dasht-e Kavir and Kavir-e Lut are the two famous Iran vast deserts that are amazing destinations for cycling. Passing through the rural regions, the villages, historical regions, and caravanserais that used to be on the route of the ancient Silk Road make an authentic journey for cycling in Iran. Iran is absolutely one of the most popular destinations for cycling in West Asia and the Middle East. All the mentioned attractions, along with the culture, history, and civilization, with 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have made Iran an amazing destination for cycling activities in tourism. Yet, there are common questions about cycling in Iran for most cyclists and travelers who wish to travel to Iran. There are some important points that all cyclists would like to know about cycling in Iran. They are the main Iran attractions, Iran classic Route, all Iran's UNESCO Sites, the most popular Iran UNESCO sites, the best cycling routes in Iran, the best time of cycling in Iran, the rules
Cycling in Iran : Questions & Answers Iran is a perfect and unknown destination for cycling for a variety of reasons. Iran is a vast country, located in a special geographical region between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, with a diverse climate and four seasons of weather which made a special climatic
How to Create a Successful Travel Itinerary for Iran? One of the main questions for many tourists, travel agencies, or tour operators is : How to make an efficient travel itinerary to cover the most important Iran attractions on a short trip? Please continue reading this very useful article if you would like to have the Best Iran Tour during your holiday. Most travelers don’t have much information about the huge size of the country. The distance between main touristic cities, the number of UNESCO heritage sites, the diversity of Climate and Weather in Iran, or the types of activities they could have in Iran have variations too. Persian arts, type of transport, the best time for traveling in Iran for different regions, Persian cuisines and Iranian home foods, and off the beaten track destinations of Iran are important in this list too. Especially for those who are first-timers in Iran, having this information could be beneficial in creating a perfect travel holiday for Iran. Instead of proposing a couple of template travel itineraries to answer the above question, we try to explain a few essential topics to help you in finding the answer. 1. Huge Size of the Country and the Distances Iran is a very vast country that is much larger than most European counties. To have a better image of the country, Iran is around the size of Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, and Slovenia together. We give you another example for you to understand this better. There is a famous route from northwestern Iran to Southeastern Iran called the One-Month Classic Overland Route of Iran, which starts from the Turkish border and finishes at the Pakistani border in the southeast of the country. The direct distance of that route from
How to Create a Successful Travel Itinerary for Iran? One of the main questions for many tourists, travel agencies, or tour operators is : How to make an efficient travel itinerary to cover the most important Iran attractions on a short trip? Please continue reading this very useful article if you would like to have
Ten Useful Tips for Traveling to Iran As one of the ancient cradles of civilization, Iran is a vast country embracing various climatic conditions, ethnic groups, and cultures. The variety in attractions, number of UNESCO Sites, landscapes, traditions, customs, and activities is so amazing that may make you bewildered. If you wish to travel to Iran for the first time or you are a tour operator thinking about adding Iran as a destination to your tour list, there might be a long list of different topics that you have to know before preparing your travel itinerary to Iran. There may also be many questions in your mind, and sometimes it is hard to find the right answer or source of information altogether. So, you had better know about some useful tips before traveling to Iran. Questions about how to get an Iran visa, when is the best time for traveling to Iran, what to visit in Iran, how to wear as a female traveler in Iran, and how and where to exchange currency in Iran are some of the questions that come first to the first-time travelers’ minds. In this travel advice and post, we create the most popular topics that you have to know to lead you through a good path for preparing your package for this authentic traveling destination. Here read about the ten essential tips for traveling to Iran: 1. Visa Information 2. Covid Latest Information and Travel Requirements 3. Iran Weather and Climate for Traveling 4. Iran Best Tourist Destinations 5. Iran’s Most Famous UNESCO Sites for Visit 6. Classic Iran – Famous Traveling Route for First Visitors: 7. Best Time to Visit Iran 8. Best Traveling Time for Different Activities 9. Dress Code 10. Iran Currency (Iranian Rials)
Ten Useful Tips for Traveling to Iran As one of the ancient cradles of civilization, Iran is a vast country embracing various climatic conditions, ethnic groups, and cultures. The variety in attractions, number of UNESCO Sites, landscapes, traditions, customs, and activities is so amazing that may make you bewildered. If you wish to travel to
