Journal

Torshi Tareh

29th, Jun

Wash the rice and mix it with some salt and water. Put it on the hit so it cooks slowly. Wash and clean the vegetables too. After the vegetables are rinsed chop them completely.Sauté the mashed garlic and then sauté the chopped vegetables along with garlic. Add the mixture of the sauteed garlic and vegetables to the cooked rice. Chop the spinach bigger than the other vegetables and pour it into the stew.If the stew is too watery turn up the heat until it evaporates. Add the sour orange to the stew slowly and taste it to see whether the sourness is enough or not.In the end, sauté the rest of the mashed garlic with some turmeric and oil and pour it along with the eggs and some salt into the stew and stir nicely. After bubbling up a bit, turn off the heat.Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach: 1 kilo
• Vegetables (coriander, mint, parsley, and dill): 500 g
• Oil: Necessary amount
• Rice: 4 tbsps
• Eggs: 4
• Garlic: 1 – 2 bulbs
• Sauteed onion: 2 – 3 tbsps
• Sour Orange: Necessary amount
• Salt and black pepper: Necessary amount

Mirza Ghasemi

29th, Jun

First, you need to barbecue the eggplants (or you can put them in the oven instead). Then, peel the eggplants and separate their tops. And then chop them finely with a cleaver.Now it is the tomatoes’ turn. Put them in hot water and peel them and chop them finely. Crush the garlic and pour it into the oil that has been put on the heat before and sauté it a little.Then, add the prepared eggplants and tomatoes to the pan and sauté them along with the garlic. Continue until their water evaporates and until the ingredients release some oil.Now add a little bit of salt and pepper to it, set the mixture to one side of the pan and crack the eggs in the other side and stir till they are firm.Then mix the eggplants and the eggs (all of the ingredients inside the pan). Now, your Mirza Ghasemi is ready and you can serve it in a dish. Enjoy!Ingredients:

• Medium eggplants: 5
• Tomatoes: 2
• Garlic: 1 bulb
• Eggs: 3
• Oil, pepper, and salt: Necessary amount

https://youtu.be/Ty2zkFQLdg0

Shesh Andaz

28th, Jun

Peel the eggplants and slice in circles. Pour some salt on the eggplants, put them into a container and leave it for about 2 hours so that the probable bitterness is gone.It absorbs less oil while you are frying them too. Put a pan on the heat and pour some oil in it until it is heated up.Then saute the walnuts inside of it. Add the sauteed onions along with turmeric to the walnuts, saute them for a few minutes so that the raw smell of turmeric goes away.Pour pomegranate molasses along with 2 to 3 cups of lukewarm water into a pot and allow the stew to cook finely on a gentle heat. While the stew is cooking, add some salt and pepper to it. Wash the salted eggplants with cold water so that the extra salt is washed away.Rinse them and fry them with oil. Then add the fried eggplants to the stew so it becomes thick and let it cook slowly. You can serve this delicious stew with steamed rice and enjoy the meal.Ingredients:

• Thin seedless eggplants: 5
• Sauteed onion: 4 tablespoonsful
• Pomegranate Molasses: 2 tablespoonsful
• Minced walnut: 300 g
• Salt, pepper, turmeric, and oil: Necessary amount

How to Get an Iran Visa from the US

25th, Jun

How to Get an Iran Visa from the US

How to Obtain Iran Visa

Today, obtaining any type of visa from the embassy of any desirable country is a bit difficult. The process of applying and getting a visa may take a lot of time and energy. Hogo Travel Team tries to make this process easy for you by using its 14 years of experience in the tourism industry. Iranian visa can be issued to tourists who travel to Iran, their friends, and family. It can be issued for an individual or a group.

Types of Iran Visa:

Foreign visitors can get two types of visas based on their area of activity:

1. Tourist Visa

In order to get your Tourist Visa, you can refer to an embassy or consulate of Iran, or apply through the e-visa website of the Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs or seek the help of professionals by filling the Iran visa application form of Hogo Travel.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

You can collect your Visa on Arrival at one of the International airports of Iran regarding your place of arrival. To make sure you won’t face any inconvenience at the airport you can get an Iran Authorization Code by contacting us through our email.Notes:

• We recommend the latter especially during the high season and suggest that you make the necessary preparations in order to avoid facing any possible issues.
• Hogo Travel can also provide any sort of visa such as an Investment or Business visa for you.

 

 

Different Ways of Getting Your Iran Visa

 

1. Hogo Travel Visa Services

Hogo Travel tries to make the visa application process easier for its clients. You just need to fill the Iran visa application form and submit the required documents and pay the application fee. We will send your request to the Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and once your authorization code is ready, you will be directed to your desired destination with the required documents to collect your visa. Why should I apply through Hogo Travel?Hogo Travel experts minimize the chance of rejection and make the process of getting your Iran visa as fast as possible with a reasonable price. 

2. Iran's Electronic Visa or E-Visa Website

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran has created an E-Visa website, through which you can take the first steps in getting an Iranian visa. However, this does not shorten the process of obtaining a visa.Note: We strongly recommend not using this method in order to apply for a visa if you are a citizen of the US, UK, and Canada. Please check out the section of the Iran Visa page related to visa for the US, UK, and Canadian citizens.Step 1: Apply for a visa online Apply for your visa via Electronic Visa Service of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of I.R.Iran.Step 2: Choose the location you want to collect your visa There are two ways of collecting your Iran Visa Sticker:

1. Before arrival: at any of Iran's embassies or consulates listed on the E-Visa application form.
2. Upon arrival: at any of Iran’s international airports (citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are not eligible to get a Visa on Arrival).

 Step 3: Submit the required documentsForeign visitors should present the following documents to complete their online application form

• High-quality scanned image of your passport
• A digital passport-size photo
• Detailed Resume (only US, UK, and Canada)
• Complete travel itinerary (only US, UK, and Canada)

Step 4: Get your Visa Authorization CodeAs soon as your Visa Sticker (Authorization Code) is ready, the website will inform you by sending you an email.Step 5: Pay your visa feeYou should pay your visa fee when you want to collect your visa. You can pay it in two ways:

1. Before arrival: at any of Iran's embassies or consulates listed on the E-Visa application form.
2. Upon arrival: at any of Iran’s international airports (not for US, UK, and Canadian citizens)

Note: The options for payment vary according to your nationality and pick-up location.Step 6: Travel to IranCitizens of 13 countries that are not eligible for getting Iran Visa on Arrival, including the US, UK, and Canadian citizens.Step 7: Purchase Travel and Health Insurance at the AirportThe travel and health insurance fee is about 15 Euros. You can also get your insurance via Hogo travel’s travel and health insurance service.For further information and help refer to the VOA counter. Step 8: Submit all the required documentsAfter arriving at the immigration counter, you should submit the following documents:

• Passport
• Travel & health insurance
• Visa Sticker
• Hotel reservation (if any)
• Detailed resume (US, UK, and Canada Only)
• Complete travel itinerary (US, UK, and Canada Only)

Step 9: Enter IranAfter obtaining your Iran visa sticker on separate pieces of paper you can enter Iran.Note: 

1. Visitors from the US, UK, and Canada may be asked further questions regarding the purpose and length of their trip.
2. We have received many reports from travelers that their efforts to apply for Iran visa through the E-visa website have not been successful, as the status of their applications is "pending" all the time. So, if this occurs to you, you have two options:

1) Contact the embassies or consulates of Iran listed on your online application form, or2) Apply through an Iranian travel agency or through Hogo Travel. 

1. If you wish to enter Iran through one of its land border crossings, you need to apply for your visa and have your visa sticker beforehand. In order o get your visa before arriving at any of Iran’s border crossings, you can apply through any of Iran’s embassies or consulates. But note that before going through this stage, you need to get your authorization code. To get your authorization code, you can apply for a visa through the Iran E-visa Website or by contacting Hogo Travel.
2. Citizens of Afghanistan and Bangladesh must apply via embassy or consulate.

          3. Iran's Embassies and Consulates

This is the most traditional way of obtaining a visa through which the applicants refer to the country’s embassies or consulates in order to get their visa. However, this process takes a lot of time and effort and the person must visit the embassy or consulate several times in order to get his/her visa. Prior to referring to the embassy, you need to get your visa authorization code via your relatives, your host business partners, or via travel agencies in Iran or those who offer services related to Iran in their country.You can apply to get your authorization code via Hogo Travel visa services by contacting our email.If you tend to get your visa from an embassy or consulate you must take the following steps:Step 1: Refer to an embassy or consulate and make an appointment See the list of Iran's embassies or consulates throughout the world.Download the Visa application form from the desirable embassy or consulate.An appointment date will be set and you will be informed about the required documents you need to take to the embassy or consulate.Step 2: Get an Authorization CodeYou need to get an Iran Authorization Code via your relatives, your host business partners, or via travel agencies in Iran or those who offer services related to Iran in their country.Hogo Travel can provide this authorization code for you. You just need to contact our email.Step 3: Prepare all the documents neededTo apply for Iran Visa, you need to prepare the following documents:3.1. Documents for the online application form 

• A scanned copy of your passport
• A digital, passport-size photo

3.2. Documents for presenting to the embassy 

• Original Passport
• Two Passport size photos
• Two copies of your passport
• A completed Iran Visa Application form (provided by the embassy or consulate)
• Detailed Resume (Only US, UK, and Canada)
• Complete travel itinerary (only US, UK, and Canada)
• Authorization number from Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Hotel reservations (all of the information about the hotels' names, contacts, dates, addresses, and cities).
• Iran visa fee (paid inside the consulate and only in cash)

Note: The citizens of the US, UK, and Canada should apply for Iran visa through Iran's embassies or consulates.

• Visitors from the United States and Canada can apply for their visas via the Interest Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Washington, DC.
• Visitors from the United Kingdom can get their visas by referring to the embassy of Iran in London.

However, since personal applications are mostly subject to failure, we strongly recommend applying for a visa through Hogo Travel or any other reliable agencies in Iran. For more information about the terms and conditions pertaining to the US, UK, and Canadian citizens, please check out the Visa for Visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada section of our visa page.Step 4: Pay the visa feeAt this step, you need to attend your appointment (call the embassy or consulate in your country), submit all the required documents, and pay the visa fee in cash. Iran visa fee can differ based on your nationality and you should pay the stated amount at the embassy and consulate to which you submit your documents.Step 5: Collect your Iran visa stickerThe embassy or consulate will inform you when your visa is ready. Visas are often issued on the same day but in some cases, it may take more time.Step 6: Buy your Travel and Health Insurance We recommend purchasing your travel and health insurance before leaving your country. You can buy the insurance via a local insurance agency or Hogo Travel insurance services, otherwise, you can purchase the insurance when you arrive at one of Iran’s international airports.Step 7: Submit all the required documents and enter IranAfter arriving at the immigration counter, you should submit the following documents:

• Passport
• Travel and Health Insurance
• Visa Sticker
• Hotel Reservation (if any)
• Detailed resume (only US, UK, and Canada)
• Complete travel itinerary (only US, UK, and Canada)

Note: the US, UK, and Canadian citizens may be asked further questions regarding the purpose and length of their trip.After getting the appropriate entrance stamp, you are ready to enter Iran and start your journeyNote: Citizens of Bangladesh and Afghanistan who wish to visit Iran are required to refer to the embassy or consulate of Iran in their own country and complete the application form in person. 

The Validity of Iran Visa

Normally a Tourist Visa is valid for up to 3 months, though you can extend your visa for another 30 days during your stay in Iran. 

Iran Visa for US Citizens

The Iran visa issuance process is quite easy and simple. We are honored to provide you with a maximum 30-day Iran tourist visa that is also extendable in Iran. Iran visa fee changes based on your nationality as it will be cleared followingly.You can arrange with Hogo Travel Company in order to obtain an Iran. it usually takes a minimum of 14 working days to get the visa for most applicants including the Iran visa for tourists traveling from all countries except Israel.However, the application procedure for US citizens and also the UK and Canadian citizens will take a minimum of 60 working days. Furthermore, Iran Visa on Arrival will not be issued for the citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada; however, it is worth mentioning that the citizens of Colombia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Somalia also cannot acquire an Iran visa on arrival.In order to get an Iran visa on arrival you require certain documents including two-way tickets, a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months, a photo, and the visa fee for each traveler, and also you need to complete the related visa forms.So please apply 60-90 days before departure to obtain an Iran visa.You will probably need to provide additional information and documents when applying for your visa.For the US, UK, or Canadian citizens, whether you are traveling with a group or alone you must be accompanied by a licensed tourist guide. If you want to spend more time outside the duration of your tour, Hogo Travel Team is there to help.If you have decided to travel to Iran as a US citizen, you only need to send your information along with passport details so we could facilitate the process.It should be noted that if you are from other nationalities and you do not know whether you can travel to Iran from Australia and New Zealand, the best thing to do while preparing for your trip to Iran is to gather information related to your nationality. 

Steps an American Needs to Take to Get an Iran Visa

 

Step 1: Choose an Iranian Tour Operator or Travel Agency

The first step an American should take to get a visa is choosing an Iranian tour operator or travel agency. Booking Iran tours may be the only option. You have to book a tour for two reasons: First, you need a tour operator to apply for a travel authorization number. Getting the authorization number is a necessity in order to obtain a visa. Furthermore, you need to choose a specific tour and schedule the dates of your trip. Submitting the particular details of your trip is essential in the process of getting an Iran visa.Second, a tourist guide has to accompany you during your whole trip. It does not mean that you cannot go anywhere without the guide. But your guide needs to know where you are. 

Step 2: Send Your Documents to the Tour Operator or Travel Agency

In this step, you need to get an authorization code to be able to travel to Iran. You should send the required documents to the tour operator which you have chosen. Getting this code is a process that must be done in Iran. Note that it takes about 40 working days (approximately 2 months) to get your authorization code. So, you need to make sure that there is enough time for the process to finish. In other words, you should not plan to come to Iran a month before the departure date when you do not have an authorization number. Your tour operator or travel agency will get the code and then send It to you.The following requirements are needed for getting an authorization number/ visa grant:

1. Filled form your tour operator sends you
2. The scanned first page of your passport (high quality)
3. An official high-quality photo of you (you should be looking at the camera in the picture, and the background should have a single color)
4. A Word document containing your working career and educational resume during the last 10 years.

 

Step 3: Send Your Authorization Code to the Embassy

You are now able to apply to get a visa after receiving your authorization code. You should just post or take your application form and the authorization code to the embassy. As you may already know, Iran does not have an embassy in the United States. So, you need to send or take your documents to Iran’s interest section of the Pakistani embassy in Washington D.C. Here are the documents needed in this step:

1. Your authorization code
2. Your passport
3. Passport photo
4. 120 USD if you are posting the documents or 90 USD if you are taking the documents to the embassy
5. Return envelope

 

Step 4: Get Your Visa

It is the final step to get your visa. You should also know that the process of issuing your permit takes 2 to 3 weeks. Then, you can get your visa at your mailbox. After receiving your visa, you will only have 3 months to start your trip to Iran. In addition, you can only stay in Iran for 30 days, but you can extend your visa. Your visa extension will give you 30 more days to explore Iran. Note that, you can only extend your visa in Iran and only in Tehran.

Iran Visa Extension

 It is really cheap and quite easy to extend your Iran Visa. Visitors can stay in Iran for up to 30 days, even though an Iran tourist visa is valid for 3 months. However, you can extend your visa at most two times without difficulty. A 30-day visa plus two times extension gives you 90 days. You can apply for your Iran visa extension through any Police Office of Foreign Aliens in major cities.The documents required for extending your Iran Visa:In order to have your visa extended, you need to submit the following documents to the office:

• Your passport
• A copy of your passport
• Two passport-size photos (for women it should be with head-scarves)
• Your current visa or e-visa document
• Filled out visa extension form
• Visa extension payment receipt. The cost of renewing your visa is approximately 345,000 Rials which you must pay in cash at the Melli Bank.

The place where you can extend your visa:

You can extend your Iran visa at Police Offices of Foreign Aliens in major cities as follows:Tehran: You can extend your visa in Tehran at two immigration offices. One is placed in Dr. Fatemi Junction, towards Vali-e Asr Avenue and the other is located near Sepah Square. It is somehow difficult to extend your visa in Tehran and your extension will be partial rather than thirty days.  Tehran Police Office of Foreign Aliens Mashhad: The immigration office of Mashhad is located on Rahnamaee St. You can also apply for an Afghan visa in this city because it is easier to apply in Mashhad than in the capital. Mashahd Police Office of Foreign Aliens Shiraz: The best place to extend your visa is in Shiraz. Extending your visa is quite easy and quick in this city. The immigration office is located on Moddarres Blvd, near Vali-e Asr Square.Shiraz Police Office of Foreign Aliens Isfahan:  You can extend your Iranian visa in Isfahan from the immigration office near Azadi Sq, on Roudaki St.Isfahan Police Office of Foreign Aliens Yazd: The immigration office is located near Abouzar square, Kashani St. It may take more than a day for your extension to be ready. Tabriz: It is not the ideal place to extend your visa and we recommend not extending your visa in this city; since there have been many rejections reported in this city.Note: Workdays of the offices are from Saturday to Wednesday, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. As they are often crowded we recommended referring to the office early in the morning.

Tips for Visa Extension

1. Apply to extend your visa 1 to 3 days (not earlier) before the expiration of your current visa.
2. For Women, the photo must be with hijab (headscarf).
3. A few questions might be asked from you at the visa extension counter, such as:

• Why do you want to extend your visa?
• How many more days do you want to extend your visa?
• Where are you staying during your trip?
• Are you here for pleasure or work?
• What do you do?
• Do not mention that you're staying at a friend’s house. The authorities are very strict about it. Rather, tell them you are staying at a hotel. You can name the hotels you previously stayed in order to convince them completely.
• There is no need to worry if they do not know English at the Melli Bank. Simply say the word “Visa” and they will help you.

 

International Airports in Iran

• Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
• Isfahan International Airport (IFN)
• Kish International Airport (KIH)
• Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
• Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
• Bandar Abbas International Airport (BND)
• Tabriz International Airport (TBZ)
• Urmia (Uromieh) Airport (OMH)
• Dayrestan Airport (GSM)
• Kerman Airport (KER)

 

 

Countries Not Eligible for getting Iran Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the following 13 countries cannot get Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA), and should apply for visa by referring to any of Iran’s embassies or consulates before entering Iran:

Countries Not eligible for VOA
Afghanistan	Pakistan
Iraq	Bangladesh
Sri Lanka	Jordan
Yemen	Somalia
Nepal	Colombia
United States	United Kingdom
Canada

 

Visa for the Citizens of Israel/ Holders of Passports with an Israeli Stamp

Israeli citizens are not eligible to receive any Iranian visa and do not have permission to enter Iran. In addition, holders of passports or any other travel documents bearing a visa or stamp from Israel up to 12 months prior to their Iran visa application are not eligible for any type of Iran visa. However, those applicants who were only born in Israel and now have acquired the citizenship of another country may obtain a visa under special circumstances. 

Kish Island Regulations: Needs No Visa

All foreign visitors, except those from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Yemen, Colombia, Jordan; Nepal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada can enter and stay on Kish Island; for 14 days or less without submitting any visa.After arriving at Kish International Airport, foreign visitors do not need to submit a lot of documents except their valid passports. However, you may be questioned about the purpose of your travel. In order to avoid any misunderstandings and problems, make sure to bring all your verification documents, hotel reservations, etc. But after your photo and fingerprints are taken by the officials, your passport will be stamped and you will be free to explore the beauties of Kish Island for up to 14 days. 

No More Passport Stamp on Iran Visa

According to Mehr News the head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization announced that passports of foreign tourists who visit Iran will not need to be stamped.Since August 2018, the Iranian government has started to issue travel visa stickers on separate pieces of paper. In other words, the visa sticker is not attached to the travelers’ passports and the passports will not be stamped. The travelers are only required to carry the paper (Iran E-Visa paper or Visa Grant Notice) along with their passports during their stay in Iran. 

Visa for visitors from the United States and Canada

First, you need to send the required documents to the agency; so, the agency could apply for your visa and get your authorization code. The required documents are:

• A completed Iran visa application form (presented by the embassy or consulate)
• A high-quality scan/copy of your passport
• A digital photo or 2 physical photos
• Detailed Resume
• Complete travel itinerary

Then you need to post your "Visa Grant Notice" along with your passport and money order to the Interest Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Washington, DC. It is important to keep in mind that the Interest Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran does NOT accept prepaid return envelopes. So, you should add another 40 dollars for postage fee to the visa fee (Americans are required to pay 80 dollars and Canadians 65 dollars) before you obtain a money order. It usually takes about two weeks for your visa to be ready, but if you want to receive it quicker, you should pay an extra 60 dollars.  

How should I begin my trip?

15th, Jun

How to plan your trip to Iran?

It is easy and simple. Just follow the four-step instruction: How should I begin my trip

• Step One: Choose Your Destination

If you are ready to begin your trip to Iran, we are ready to help. It is really important to do some research and decide where do you want to go and what you want to do according to your age and interest. Our travel specialists are ready to provide you with the information you need to make your decision. A variety of catalogs of trips to different cities with destinations and purposes are also available on our website.

• Step Two: Send us a Request

Tour packages are presented in four main categories: cultural tours, eco-tours, adventure tours, and Event tours. These packages have various destinations, duration, and purposes to serve different interests. Just take an overall look at the travel packages and choose your tour. Remember that according to the standards of hotels and transportation the prices might change. If you couldn't find the package that interests you please contact and inform us about the cities that you are interested in, and the sites you want to visit (see tailor-made tours). We can make your dream trip come true.

• Step Three: Book Your Tour

After choosing your ideal package and specifying the number of travelers who come with you just set a date for it so that we can inform you of the required price of the package. Then we will send you a contract. Please print the contract, read it carefully, sign it, and send us an image of the signed contract and images of the passports and of the tour participants via e-mail. You will know the payment procedure at the time of booking.

• Step Four: Get a Visa

We have made this process easy for you. The agency will send an information form to you. Return the filled form with an image of your passport attached to it. Leave the rest to us. You can get your visa in 10 working days. Your visa fee is determined based on your nationality.For more information take a look at our Visa page

Do you conduct tailor-made tours?

15th, Jun

If your group wants to take some adventure; and go on a trip linked to the activities or destinations in which we operate; please do not hesitate to communicate with us and we will try to create exactly what you desire. In fact, We are keen to help you in this way, as we have done in the past, this has pushed us forward towards making permanent tours based on your interests.We are specialized in customized private tours, please get in touch with our experts and our experienced and professional team.These customized tours can be operated at any time.We are able to arrange tailor-made itineraries in all regions and cities of Iran and the itineraries are quite flexible. The options and choices are unlimited. Tell us where you want to visit and we will guide you to enjoy your trip to Iran and have a wonderful journey.However, What supplies and equipment do we need? Do you conduct tailor-made tours in Iran?

How are the quality and variety of foodstuff in Iran?

15th, Jun

Those who have been to Iran know about the quality and variety of Persian kebabs and stews. There are different types of restaurants. You can find new spices and herbs you haven't seen before, but Iranian dishes are not as spicy as Indian food. People add a moderate amount of them to the food just to make it more delicious. Because there are not genetically modified vegetables and fruits in Iran, the taste is rich and old. the quality of food in Iran The meat served in the restaurants is usually chicken, fish, lamb, and veal. Of course, you can find quail, turkey, and shrimp too, but no frog, pork, snake, dog, or other sorts. It is prohibited to eat them in Islam and this is observed everywhere. The vegetarians can find cooked or raw vegetables at hotels and in restaurants. However, it is better to inform your tour guide about this matter so he could arrange it for youFood in Iran is hygienic, healthy, and clean, and almost everywhere you can see that plastic gloves used to handle the food-making process. However, on very hot summer days, it is better to avoid eating minced meat, grilled liver, or any other food that looks in a way that may possibly have not been used for long. When choosing a place to eat, see if it looks clean and has more customers, and also that the vendor looks clean and neat.In general, the quality of food in Iran tends to be reasonable, clean, and healthy.the quality of food in Iran, Are there any specific requirements for US citizens traveling to Iran?

Do I need to book my hotels before getting an Iranian visa?

15th, Jun

Before traveling to any country, it is better to have a full plan of your requirements. Booking your hotels or other accommodations before the trip is a very important step to relieve you of your worries. The hotel booking process in Iran is somehow different from other countries.Most Iranian hotels are not registered on international booking platforms. Even if you can find some, they mostly do not accept payment by international credit cards for reservations as debit cards are completely different in Iran. Some hotels may not even have a website and if they do, the website may not be user-friendly or have an English language section. So, you may have limited options for booking online.The best way to book a hotel is via a local travel agency, so you can travel in effortlessly.Not for all nationalities, unless you are a US, UK, or Canadian citizen. Iranian visa for US, UK, or Canadian passport holders is subject to particular regulations. At present the Iranian Foreign Ministry will only issue visas for US, UK, or Canadian citizens to travel to Iran as part of a pre-booked, guided tour. That means these travelers cannot travel to Iran individually and they must be accompanied by a tourist guide or a relative who can take full responsibility.Before the trip, you must send the itinerary in advance and follow it exactly. Due to these requirements, we recommend that it is better to apply 10 weeks before the travel date. How should I begin my trip? Do I need to book my hotels before getting an Iranian visa?

Persian Pottery and Ceramics

14th, Jun

Persian Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery is one of the first and most important inventions of mankind. Through studying the potteries archaeologists elicit social and economic information about different historical periods. The potteries found in different countries provide us with comparative information about the lives, history, religions, social relations, and attitudes of people who have lived many centuries ago. Persian ceramics, Persian potteryThe history of Persian pottery goes back to 7,000 BC. Considering the special location of Iran which was the intersection of ancient civilizations and the passing way of important caravans, Persian potters have been responding to demands and changes brought by travelers, refining new forms, and blending them with their own culture. This innovative attitude has survived through time and influenced many other cultures around the world.Archeologists look for potteries all over this vast land but recent excavations show that there are four major pottery-producing zones in the plateau of Iran. The first one is Lorestan in the west of the Zagros Mountains. The second is the southern lands of the Caspian Sea which includes the Golestan and Mazandaran provinces. These two zones are the precursors of making pottery. The third is Azerbaijan which located in the northwest of Iran and the fourth is Sistan and Kerman region in the southwest of Iran. Desert areas where 8,000-year-old potteries have been discovered can also be added to these parts. Persian ceramics, Persian pottery

Persian Pottery Since 6000 BC

• Artifacts found in "Dareh Ganj" and also in "Kamarband" and "Hutu" caves prove that the history of pottery in this country dates back to at least 6000 BC.
• The manifestation of the furnace in 6000 BC shows a great change in pottery art.
• The pottery industry seems to be formed approximately in 4700 BC.
• The potter's wheel seems to increase the speed of pottery making and facilitate the process about 4000 BC.
• About 3000 years ago simple pottery furnaces are found which has an entrance and an exit for the air. There were places made in order to put the earthware inside of them. A place that looked like a hole in the ground.
• Among the characteristics, we can mention the distinctive designs about nature and pure imagination.
• From the first years of 1500 BC due to the spread of metalwork, it became less popular.
• But from the first years of 1000 BC, you can see the most amazing ceramics found in the city Susa. At this period you can also see the start of enameling on the pottery.

Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign tourists

31st, May

Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign tourists

the deputy tourism minister has declared that Iran has reopened its borders to international tourists on October 23^rd, 2021.As Ali-Asghar Shalbafian stated on Sunday, the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control approved to reopen the Iranian borders to international tourists, as the country is overcoming the pandemic after moving past the 5th wave and the vaccinations are increased, and by the tourism ministry’s request. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign touristsHe added that as a condition for entering the country, the headquarters has given instructions to all tourists and also the hosts to follow all health protocols needed to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.The official also added that as we are reaching the post-coronavirus era, important measures have been taken to keep the tourism industry alive. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign touristsHe is also hoping that issuing tourist visas could increase the number of tourists remarkably.

About issuing tourist visas

President Ebrahim Raisi ordered that issuing tourist visas and the travel of international tourists from air and land borders will be restarted from October 23 to November 21 after nineteen months of suspension, as Ezzatollah Zarghami the minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts stated on SeptemberMonths of extreme recession are now over. Many travel agencies, hotel owners, and tour operators have faced big problems such as unemployment, debts, bankruptcy, and the aspect of competing on the international level.Now they can hope for better conditions as Zarghami stated that Iran tends to lift visa restrictions to aid the severely damaged tourism industry. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign touristsIn addition, the number of people who have tested positive for Coronavirus has continued to decrease in this country, lowering the number of people infected by the virus during a stubborn fifth wave of the pandemic, that had a rather high mortality rate. As of September 22, the numbers dropped from 700 to below 300 as a great deal of work has been done to vaccinate citizens against this mysterious virus. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign touristsSome experts believe that Iran is still not known to many tourists because of the media war against Iran. The figures reported so far show a huge drop in the extent of the tourism-related losses because of the spread of the pandemic. Former minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, said that the number of international travelers to Iran was immensely dropped due to the pandemic. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign touristsMounesan stated that tourism of Iran was growing before the pandemic (Coronavirus), its revenues reached 11.7 billion dollars in the year 2019, which estimated to be 2.8% of GDP, close to the average share of the travel industry in the world GDP, which was 3.2 %. He also said that 8.7 million tourists from foreign countries visited this country during the Persian year of 1398. In addition, Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in the travel industry based on data accumulated by the World Tourism Organization. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign touristsIran will still remain a potentially booming destination for those seeking cultural attractions, wonderful sceneries, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Based on Iran’s 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, this country aims to expand the number of tourist arrivals which was 4.8 million in the year 2014 to 20 million in the year 2025. Iran has now reopened its borders to foreign tourists and international travelers.n 

Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran

1st, Nov

Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran

While the situation is improving in the post-coronavirus era in Iran and the number of vaccinations is increasing, Iran is taking new measures to revive the travel industry. After 19 months of suspension in issuing tourist visas at air and land borders, this country has once again reopened its doors to international tourists since the day October 23.Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that travel restrictions to this country have eventually been lifted for all foreign nationals and now travelers can apply for an Iran visa to enter this country. The decision was made following a considerable drop in the number of deaths caused by Coronavirus, due to the government's comprehensive vaccination plan. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.Iran's anti-Coronavirus taskforce committee also made clear that the regulations will not include travel from or to high-risk countries announced by the WHO (World Health Organization) directly or indirectly. Meanwhile, if the conditions change in the spread of coronavirus in the neighboring countries, the Ministry of Health of Iran will determine how to react by reinforcing the restrictions.Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development should make the required arrangements with the Ministry of Tourism to set up educational signs and banners to issue the required permits for the transport across the borders of all private and public vehicles based on the health protocols announced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.At the border checkpoints (the land border in particular), using masks and respecting the regulations related to the coronavirus in Iran is obligatory. In addition, the government facilitates the return of travelers who have become infected while they were in Iran if they cannot stay 14 days in quarantine.It is also the government's duty to inform tourists about the quarantine centers for tourists who enter through the air borders with airlines and tour operators. It also provides enough time for travelers and tourists who have symptoms at the land borders to schedule their return. There will also be places for temporary quarantine at the airports, as well as sending to equipped quarantine centers. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.

Applying for an Iran tourist visa

In case you have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, you can send your trip documents to Hogo Travel by email, including a scanned copy of your passport’s first page and a passport photo. You will be informed about other requirements if necessary. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.So, in case you are willing to apply for an Iran visa and explore the wonders of this country, but have no idea how to start, contact Hogo Travel to know more about the requirements, documents, and the administrative process.

Requirements for applying for an Iran tourist visa in the post-pandemic era

The first and foremost document to be submitted by the travelers would be the proof of receiving both doses of the Coronavirus vaccine, provided before boarding the flight, as well as proof of a hotel reservation. Tourists can also provide a PCR test stating that the result was negative. The test for individuals above 12 years of age must have been taken up to ninety-six hours before the flight. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.It is also obligatory for tourists to fill out a self-declaration medical form before their arrival in Iran. They also need to get travel insurance that covers all COVID-19 medical expenses.And last but not least, if a tourist's PCR test result turns out to be positive during their stay in Iran, they ought to quarantine themselves in special accommodations until their test is proven to be negative. The test for passengers over 12 years of age must have been taken up to ninety-six hours prior to their flight.

Documents needed for Iran tourist visa application

• Proof of receiving 2 doses vaccination, OR a PCR test showing the negative result taken within ninety-six hours before the trip
• Photo of Tourist’s Passport
• Travel health insurance which has covered coronavirus medical expenses
• Accommodation or hotel reservation during the stay in Iran
• Passport Photo

Can I travel to Iran if I am not vaccinated?

Yes, in this case, you must have proof of a PCR test with a negative result taken within ninety-six hours before the trip. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.

How can I receive an Iran tourist visa?

In case you have received the two doses of the coronavirus vaccine or have a PCR test with a negative result, taken within ninety-six hours before the trip, you can request an Iran tourist visa online. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran.To receive an Iran visa code, all you need to do is to contact Hogo Travel and send a request for a visa authorization code. It usually takes three to five days to get your visa authorization code. Covid-19 Protocols and Requirements for Traveling to Iran. 

Baghali Ghatogh (Baghela Ghatogh)

29th, May

Like Mirza Ghasemi and Morgh-e Torsh, Baghela Ghatogh is an original dish of the northern part of Iran that has many fans, and cooking it is not so complicated. To prepare this delicious Persian meal you need to pour some oil into a pan first and add garlic to it and sauté it on a gentle heat for a while.Do not sauté the garlic for too long, catching the sauteed smell of garlic is enough. Add the flageolet beans (Pache Baghela or Rashti Beans) to the ingredients and saute them with the garlic for about 2 to 3 minutes.Add turmeric and stir nicely until the ingredients are mixed completely. Then add the dried dill. You can also use fresh dill instead. After adding the dill pour one to one and a half glasses of boiling water along with some butter and put on the lid until the stew is cooked completely.When the beans are cooked and the water of the stew is evaporated, add some salt and pepper to the ingredients and then crack the eggs into the stew. Be careful not to stir the eggs in the stew after cracking. Breaking the egg yolks slowly is enough.Ingredients:

• Flageolet beans / Pache Baghela: 2 cups
• Eggs: 2
• Dill: 2 tbsps
• Grated garlic: 3 tsps
• Butter: 20 g
• Turmeric: 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper: Necessary amount

https://youtu.be/Ty2zkFQLdg0