Travel to Iran in Coronavirus Era

September 27, 2021 Update: Travel to Iran is Back!

On February 19th 2020, Iran reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 found in the city of Qom that later spread through the country. However, the first days of the outbreak in Iran were tough, the Iranian government along with people could manage the crisis far better than countries like the USA, the UK and some European states by taking the necessary actions.

Following WHO’s recommendations, shortly after the outbreak (in late February) the government closed many public places such as schools, universities, shopping centres, mosques and even holy shrines. Public events like cultural, sports and religious gatherings were also cancelled. The lockdown got even more severe in the following days that coincided with Nowruz Holidays (The Iranian New Year, starting on March 21st), the travelling season in Iran and a time when Iranian families get together to celebrate the New Year. Yet unlike previous years, this Nowruz, due to the Coronavirus conditions, most of Iranians stayed home for around two weeks. 

These 14 days of staying home, helped decrease the number of infections, controlled the spread of the virus and paved the way for some gradual easing of lockdown measurements* (with taking certain precautions) in the following days like:

• The reopening of a few companies and businesses such as banks, government offices and some private sector companies on April 3rd.
• The reopening of restaurants and cafes on May 17th only for delivery and takeaway orders.
• The reopening of open-air recreational centres and natural landscapes on May 20th.
• The resumption of accommodating and serving tourists in hotels and restaurants from May 24th. 
• The reopening of Museums and historical sites to admit visitors from May 24th.

And finally, on May 26th, the Iranian government declared that all businesses are now allowed to work only under the condition that they meet the essential health guidelines. 

It took the governments and people several months to get a clearer perspective of living and its resumption since the outbreak of the virus in the world. Now that we know this uninvited virus will be staying with us for more than what we had expected, it is time for returning to life and serve our living at the moment.

Now that all tourist and recreation centres are open, “TasteIran” as a pioneering platform which focuses on experiences and stories of the country and gives the best travel services is ready to continue providing travellers with its unique experiences and tours to Iran as before, considering all the necessary health precautions to assure tourists with a safe trip. It includes: accommodating visitors in local and traditional hotels and hostels that have acquired the essential licenses from related organizations such as the Iranian Health Ministry, transporting tourists with appropriate sanitized vehicles and working only with certified tour guides.

Furthermore, it should be noted that due to the coronavirus conditions, now all hotels and hostels admit a limited number of guests and observe hygiene regulations in terms of hosting, preparing food, etc. Public transportations such as buses, trains and aeroplanes have also made changes accordingly, like offering sanitary packages and decreasing the number of passengers on each boarding. 

However, all tourist service providers in Iran are now required to observe the defined health protocols, “TasteIran” recommends you to personally follow some safety tips as well. Here is a list of health advice to take if you are willing to travel to Iran or elsewhere during the Coronavirus:

• If you are over 60 years old, or you have any chronic diseases or underlying health conditions you are at higher risk from Coronavirus, thus it would be prudent for you to avoid travelling to affected areas or at least postpone your trip.
• Before travelling, check the spread rate of Coronavirus in the country of destination.
• Keep at least 6 feet away (2 meters) from people, specifically those showing symptoms such as coughing.
• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands (at least six times a day), and preferably carry a hand sanitizer with you.
• Protect your face (most importantly, your mouth and nose) by wearing masks.
• Do not touch, kiss or shake hand with anyone.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Do not touch any part of your face.
• Before entering any public venue (restaurants, hotels, etc.) make sure the necessary hygiene precautions such as social distancing and regular disinfection of the surfaces are observed and sanitizing equipment is available.
• Preferably choose bigger restaurants with open-air spaces for dining out.
• While eating out, preferably order warm meals and avoid eating cold foods.
• If it is possible, carry a travel cutlery kit with you for eating out.

And finally, if you have any questions about travelling to Iran and coronavirus conditions, you can contact us at info@tasteiran.net.

This report is going to be updated.

September 27, 2021 Update: Travel to Iran is Back!

By Nazanin Moayed