Today, US President Donald Trump announced today the US is withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump threatened nations supporting Iran with sanctions and put the largest sanctions possible on Iran. Trump also said the United States stands with the people of Iran. The people of Iran, Iranian tour operators, and travel agents are eager to welcome American tourists to the Islamic Republic. Hospitality is important, and the Iranian hosts have seen us as welcoming and are going out of their way to make US travelers feel welcome. This is not supposed to change.

Government relations between the two countries, however, are entering into an all-time low after today’s announcements and those booked to Iran may want to give it a wait and see approach.

Currently, the travel and tourism industry is functioning, and travel for Americans to Iran is legal and encouraged by the Iranian authorities for tourism purposes. Tourism is a people-to-people business and a business of peace. It’s hoped by insiders this will not change after today and the announcement by the US president.

Visa on arrival, available for many citizens, is not available to American Citizens. US Citizens have to obtain a visa from the Iranian Interest Sections at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC.

Americans can travel to Iran freely but they do need to know a few things about tours and visas before planning their trip. The relationship with Iran is strained due to many political and economic reasons, but it is perfectly legal to travel to Iran as an American citizen.

Iran is a cash-only society. Owing to international sanctions, they can’t have associations with foreign banks and credit companies. So as a foreigner, you cannot access your personal funds from within Iran.