Iran and Single Women
 

Hi everybody,

Been a long time since I last posted but I have a quick question, my girlfriend and I are currently in Bulgaria, about to enter Turkey where we will attempt to get our visas for Iran and Pakistan but I have a quick question do you think my girlfriend will be able to get a visa as a single woman? Oh and what is the situation on taking alcohol into the country as a foreigner?

Thanks again :-)

Christopher

The Wonderful Wander To Oz

visa: probably yes, but takes time.
alcohol: definately no. fine or punishment will be applied if cought.

Hey Christopher

I just asked my girlfriend whose Iranian, and she said no problem for single women getting a visa into Iran unless theyre American!

And forget all about taking booze into Iran with you :nono: and it dosnt matter if youre a foreigner or not!!

Regards
Mads

I met quite a few indepentant women travellers when I was in Iran, I don't think you will have any problems. Iran was one of the most friendly countries I've been to and people will offer you help wherever you go.

Re achohol, you'll just have to get used to the taste of Iranian beer which is non-alchoholic and doesn't really taste that great. If you're going on to Pakistan, it's the same there though I did manage to find the sectret booze store in Lahore (under the Holiday Inn).

Thanks guys, looks like it could be a bit of a wait getting the visas then but it also seems that there is a bit of alcohol to get through too so not all bad!:clap:

Off to try and find the Iranian embassy now then.

Christopher

Mads,
Just to clarify, "...no problem for single women...unless they're American." The challenge for Americans getting a visa into Iran isn't about whether the American is a (single) woman or man; it's that ALL Americans (of either sex, and regardless of marital status) require special Iranian visa review/ procedures, including a pre-booked/ paid/ approved itinerary with a guide from an gov't approved Iranian travel agency.

And all Iranian visa applications--regardless of nationality--are subject to apparent arbitrary review; you may have no problems, or inexplicable delays, or complications.

+1 'bout importing booze. The booze 'trick' in Iran is to befriend the right locals, who may--or not--invite you home for an (illegal) drink. Just don't get caught! :thumbup1:

Visa for single women
 

I got a visa in Istanbul as single woman without any trouble at all. When it came to any relationship questions in Iran then for ease we said we were married.

I regularly used to go walkabout wihout my fella and never had any trouble

Enjoy