tomstoneham
Rookie
- Location
- York, UK
Hi José
Yes, I did get in with a UK passport. Getting a visa was tiresome (get there at 8 a.m., wait all day, then come back in a week to collect) but there was no suspicion - however, I did have an invitation from the University of Tehran which might have helped.
When you are there, the big cities are very relaxed. I almost always had a local with me but the one time I was on my own on the Tehran metro, I found myself sharing a joke with someone and his girlfriend even though we did not speak each other's languages.
Taking photos was also easy. I didn't take an SLR because I am obviously western in appearance (red hair and pale skin!) and did not want to look like a journalist. But lots of locals use DSLRs - especially women - and I was never challenged taking photos on the street or in the bazaars. However, I am told it is very different in the small towns. My overall impression on this first visit was of a beautiful and deeply civilised nation with a chequered history of good and bad rulers and a frankness about the current situation.
More images here: Zenfolio | Tom Stoneham | Iran 2010
Best,
Tom
Yes, I did get in with a UK passport. Getting a visa was tiresome (get there at 8 a.m., wait all day, then come back in a week to collect) but there was no suspicion - however, I did have an invitation from the University of Tehran which might have helped.
When you are there, the big cities are very relaxed. I almost always had a local with me but the one time I was on my own on the Tehran metro, I found myself sharing a joke with someone and his girlfriend even though we did not speak each other's languages.
Taking photos was also easy. I didn't take an SLR because I am obviously western in appearance (red hair and pale skin!) and did not want to look like a journalist. But lots of locals use DSLRs - especially women - and I was never challenged taking photos on the street or in the bazaars. However, I am told it is very different in the small towns. My overall impression on this first visit was of a beautiful and deeply civilised nation with a chequered history of good and bad rulers and a frankness about the current situation.
More images here: Zenfolio | Tom Stoneham | Iran 2010
Best,
Tom