38 replies to this topic

[Christianlady]

Hello,

I was given the link to the following site: http://forums.redfla...g-iran-1226565/

After reading this, I am curious...

1. Is it dangerous for Canadians, Americans, and English people to visit Iran? If so, why?

2. I read this: http://www.voyage.gc...g.asp?id=132000
(I boldened some.)

"OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Iran.

On September 7, 2012, Canada closed its embassy in Iran.

Because of heightened regional tensions, Canadians travellers in Iran will be closely watched by Iranian authorities. Iranian irritation at the recent Embassy closure may heighten this scrutiny of Canadians. Seemingly innocuous behaviours, such as the use of cameras in public places, travel beyond well-established tourist attractions, or casual interactions with Iranian friends, may be misinterpreted and may lead to investigation and harassment. Canadian travellers may be arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained for a long period.

Canadians in Iran seeking routine consular and passport services should contact the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey or any other Canadian mission. Canadians in Iran who require urgent assistance may contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted), by email sos@international.gc.ca or by submitting an on-line form.

Dual citizenship

In the context of heightened regional tensions, Iranian-Canadian dual citizens may be particularly vulnerable to investigation and harassment by Iranian authorities. Canadians who have Iranian nationality are warned in particular that the Iranian regime does not recognize the principle of dual citizenship. By doing so, Iran makes it virtually impossible for Government of Canada officials to provide consular assistance to Iranian-Canadians in difficulty."

3. Has Iran always not recognized dual citizenship of Iranian-Canadians?


4. How does Iran make it "virtually impossible for Government of Canada officials to provide consular assistance to Iranian-Canadians in difficulty"?

It seems for Canadians to go to Iran, at least right now, the risk is so great that the Canadian government does not recommend it. It's already a well-known fact in the USA that Americans are not recommended to go to Iran. (The chants "Death to America" don't exactly bring many American tourists anyways.) I wonder if that is the same with the people of the UK?

Was Iran always like this, or is this a recent phenomenon?

Thanks. Peace and God bless

[Pedram]

hi there, well im iranian and i know of british people do go to iran.
one of my friend was in fact firends with a priest. this british priest went to iran (i believe with some other people), had a great time and brought back some nice souvenirs.

as for iran not recognizing dual citizenship, i dont think thats just for canadians, because i do know people from the UK who also have dual citizenship should enter iran with their iranian passport

as for how does iran make it imppossible for officials to provide assitance to those in difficulty, well any government can do such thing but not allowing the officials of the other country to have comunication and access with the one in detention. so for example if a canadian is in iran and in trouble, iran can refuse to allow canadian officials to have access and/or communication with those in detention

[1472Maryam]

I have travelled from the US numerous times to visit my husband's family and have never had a problem.  If you follow the laws and customs of the country, there should not be a problem.  If you do not want to do that then it is possible you may have a problem.

Many of us hold dual citizenship, and I would never expect the Iranian government to bail me or my family out if we did not follow the laws in the US, so why vice versa?

[Ali Huzaifa]

dont worry just book the tickets and jump on plane.

Edited by Ali Huzaifa, 10 September 2012 - 09:57 AM.

[Christianlady]

Pedram, on 10 September 2012 - 09:40 AM, said:

hi there, well im iranian and i know of british people do go to iran.
one of my friend was in fact firends with a priest. this british priest went to iran (i believe with some other people), had a great time and brought back some nice souvenirs.

Hello Pedram,

Thanks for your answer. That's really cool and good to know! Was that trip a recent one? The UK does not have an Iranian embassy, correct? If not and if you don't mind me asking, how did you come to live in the UK and how did the British priest go to Iran? Was it through the Pakistan embassy?

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as for iran not recognizing dual citizenship, i dont think thats just for canadians, because i do know people from the UK who also have dual citizenship should enter iran with their iranian passport

The USA for awhile did not allow dual citizenship but now if a person says they are, the USA isn't going to argue it, according to some people. My nephews and niece have dual citizenship - Canadian and American, which makes both sides of the family happy lol.

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as for how does iran make it imppossible for officials to provide assitance to those in difficulty, well any government can do such thing but not allowing the officials of the other country to have comunication and access with the one in detention. so for example if a canadian is in iran and in trouble, iran can refuse to allow canadian officials to have access and/or communication with those in detention

I suppose not having an embassy there hurts the situation even more, yes?

It really upsets me when the USA does not allow foreign officials to have access and communication with their own people. For example, that is one of the thousands of horrible injustices at Guantanamo Bay. Foreign officials having access to communicate with people from their country helps keep the country that is "detaining" them more responsible and hopefully prevents that country from torturing the detainees. It is really important for a country to protect the rights and human dignity of other people, no matter where they are from: native or foreign.

Thanks for answering! I am glad that the British priest you know went to Iran and had a wonderful time! Did he write about it? It would be cool to read a blog from a person from Canada or the UK who has gone to Iran recently.

Peace and God bless you

[HamzaTR]

You'll never know if you don't go,
You'll never shine if you don't glow..

[Christianlady]

1472Maryam, on 10 September 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

I have travelled from the US numerous times to visit my husband's family and have never had a problem.  If you follow the laws and customs of the country, there should not be a problem.  If you do not want to do that then it is possible you may have a problem.

Hello 1472Maryam,

That is cool. Yes that make sense... that is the same here... if one follows the laws of the USA and at least respects the diverse customs of people, there shouldn't be a problem.

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Many of us hold dual citizenship, and I would never expect the Iranian government to bail me or my family out if we did not follow the laws in the US, so why vice versa?

Good point. However, many Americans do feel that they are entitled to their country's protection even when they themselves are visiting or living in another country. I understand that... I have gone to countries in Latin America and never had a problem by God's grace. However, if I did ever have a problem, I would pray for God to help me and consider my country to potentially be a part of how God would do that if He so desired... (I have also, as far as I know, not broken any law in the Latin American countries I have had the honor to visit.)

Many American soldiers do not have a problem rescuing Americans who are detained or in danger in another country; they see it as part of their job. Basically, it's a part of the patriotism that unites many Americans and helps makes the USA a strong nation. However, I do see your point about not expecting it. American rescues depend on many factors and can also bring about serious ramifications to others.

Peace and God bless you

Edited by Christianlady, 10 September 2012 - 10:08 AM.

[siraatoaliyinhaqqun]

^^

Salam/peace/greetings

For most of the common Iranian man is no different than a common american. For them it is marg bar america; American dollar bismillah (death to america, but let the american dollar come). Death to america is commonly misunderstood by the West. Its not america or American people that most hate but it is american policies and policy makers who kill people around the world for their benefits. I am not saying it is just Americans who do that and even if the Iranians do it than marg (death) be upon such selfish and opportunistic people who do not value life.

The religion that most Iranians follow propogates that u cannot kill a disbeliever or a polytheist just because he believes differently from you and because even if the person is an evil son of an evil he might have saints among his future children's and only God has the right to cut such a corrupt person if He intends.

So coming to ur questions. Iranian layman is no different than u and me who are struggling to meet the means for the ends. What we are actually looking here is a difference in two policies which are dividing two humans. Canada or any other nation would have internal security on high priority.

I am from India who sometimes travels to western countries and even though I am from a friendly country I am racially profiled and i am targetted due to my religion at airports and other places.

I don't think it is bad to secure their own countries as I know I am a good person with no intention of being a threat to other people whereas there could be bad Muslims as well. And Iran is exercising their rights of protecting their country so people travelling from west are racially profiled but are not targeted based on religion.

I am telling u this because I have seen many Muslims coming from west to Iran had delayed visa processing and thourough check at airports and even a muslim taking around cameras near government offices will be suspected and questioned and the same holds true if anyone carries a camera and starts taking pictures near any government buildings in america and I wish that person is not a Muslim because american policies are bias towards certain groups and that policy has also been applied by Iran .

This is about policies, money, power, etc and its not about 'we'anymore. Hatred begets hatred and I can assure u one thing Iranians don't have a history of backstabbing friends and I hope so are Americans. What they both need is a hug and there u go love begets love.

So a free nation like america should rather extend love by not sanctioning Iran. It probably will affect welfare of poor Iranians and longterm hatred is what u can expect. Regarding the nuclear threat which hits headlines; there could be ways of diffusing such a plan if that is not a myth of america but the foremost thing would be to show sincerity in strengthening ties rather than breaking ties.

Peace

[Christianlady]

HamzaTR, on 10 September 2012 - 10:02 AM, said:

You'll never know if you don't go,
You'll never shine if you don't glow..

Hello HamzaTR,

Lol!!! True but I have a big mouth. I think I would get in trouble if I went to Iran. Also, my Dad forbids me to go to the Middle East (with the exception of Israel). I told him (when I heard about the 11 year old girl in Pakistan who was being charged with blasphemy) that my husband and I would like to go to Pakistan someday in order to help the Christians there. His answer was no way.

Dads like to protect their children, and my Dad does not feel like his protection stems to the Middle East. God can protect anywhere though, but respecting my Dad is important.

Peace and God bless you

[Marbles]

1) Travelling in Iran for Americans, Canadians, and for that matter, for all Westerners is very safe. In fact it is safer than in some East European countries and the rest of the Middle East.

2) Government travel advisory of any country tends to take the worst case scenario into account. They are highly biased and make you feel that you will be killed the minute you step out of the airport. These so called travel warnings should be discarded in light of first hand experience of travellers/tourists and your personal insight of the country.

You'd be writing the same thing I wrote above on your return from Iran trip. Trust me.

[Christianlady]

siraatoaliyinhaqqun, on 10 September 2012 - 10:10 AM, said:

^^

Salam/peace/greetings

Hello Siraatoallyinhaqqun,

Peace and greetings to you too

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For most of the common Iranian man is no different than a common american. For them it is marg bar america; American dollar bismillah (death to america, but let the american dollar come).

? Grrr

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Death to america is commonly misunderstood by the West.

How so? Death is something most Americans have seen due to loved ones dying of disease.
"To America" is where most Americans live. "Death to America" is not a complicated phrase. If Americans say "Death to ..." you better believe that that is what they mean... that they wish that to happen to ...  In the case of American military, they will strive to make that happen. Americans don't play around with that phrase (unless they are mocking their enemies.)

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Its not america or American people that most hate but it is american policies and policy makers who kill people around the world for their benefits.

I'm an American and I don't like all of the American policies, since the time European immigrants and early European-Americans killed Native Americans till nowadays when American policies kill thousands of innocent Afghanistan and Iraq men, women, and children. I hate that, but never in my wildest dreams would I wish death to my country or on any other country. Rather, I pray God changes my country so that it stops killing others and starts following Jesus' teachings to love! Wishing death on someone is the first step to killing someone. Mutually killing does not make the world a better place.

It does make me happy that my country is growing in understanding that all people are equal under God, that slavery is illegal now, and that segregation and inhumane of people of different ethnicities is also illegal.

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I am not saying it is just Americans who do that and even if the Iranians do it than marg (death) be upon such selfish and opportunistic people who do not value life.

Understood

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The religion that most Iranians follow propogates that u cannot kill a disbeliever or a polytheist just because he believes differently from you

That is cool. Jesus' teachings do not encourage killing a disbeliever.

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and because even if the person is an evil son of an evil he might have saints among his future children's and only God has the right to cut such a corrupt person if He intends.

Agreed

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So coming to ur questions. Iranian layman is no different than u and me who are struggling to meet the means for the ends. What we are actually looking here is a difference in two policies which are dividing two humans. Canada or any other nation would have internal security on high priority.

OK

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I am from India who sometimes travels to western countries and even though I am from a friendly country I am racially profiled and i am targetted due to my religion at airports and other places.

I am very sorry. By the way, the first Muslims I personally met are Indian Muslims who live in Chicago. They are awesome and wonderful people!!! I consider them good friends and respect them greatly, especially for their dedication to God in how they believe is true, their modesty, purity, and helping the poor.

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I don't think it is bad to secure their own countries as I know I am a good person with no intention of being a threat to other people whereas there could be bad Muslims as well.

Well, there could be Muslims who hate the USA and want to kill people here. That is the issue most Non-Muslim Westerners have against Muslims... they are suspicious that the Muslims hate them and want to kill them.

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And Iran is exercising their rights of protecting their country so people travelling from west are racially profiled but are not targeted based on religion.

I understand that Iran needs to protect her country. That is good. However, just like the USA as well needs to protect her country and Canada needs to protect her country, there is a right way and a wrong way for doing so, yes?

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I am telling u this because I have seen many Muslims coming from west to Iran had delayed visa processing and thourough check at airports and even a muslim taking around cameras near government offices will be suspected and questioned and the same holds true if anyone carries a camera and starts taking pictures near any government buildings in america and I wish that person is not a Muslim because american policies are bias towards certain groups and that policy has also been applied by Iran .

It is sad that there is such a hostile relationship between Iran and the USA.  The fault is with both countries I think, but it sure does rile up Americans if Iranians are rude and "Death to America" is considered incredibly rude. Most Americans don't tend to think about Iran all that much, but the hostile news we hear does make many people get ready to fight yet again another country.

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This is about policies, money, power, etc and its not about 'we'anymore. Hatred begets hatred and I can assure u one thing Iranians don't have a history of backstabbing friends and I hope so are Americans. What they both need is a hug and there u go love begets love.

You are so right. Hatred begets hatred unless one party is big enough to not stoop to hatred. That is hard to do, even for Christians who are commanded by Jesus to love their enemies. You are so right. Love begets love. Jesus knows what he is talking about, and it is true that Americans need to stop reacting with hatred to the hostility of Iranians against American policy. I wouldn't really say a hug is required, but rather mutual respect and the decision to not wish or implement death on each other, hmm?

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So a free nation like america should rather extend love by not sanctioning Iran.

I agree with you.

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It probably will affect welfare of poor Iranians and longterm hatred is what u can expect

True.

I don't think the sanctions that the USA has put on Cuba has helped Cuba any.

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Regarding the nuclear threat which hits headlines; there could be ways of diffusing such a plan if that is not a myth of america but the foremost thing would be to show sincerity in strengthening ties rather than breaking ties.

Peace

Very good points. Thanks for bringing those up. I hope by God's grace that Iran and the USA can become friends and help each other and the world, instead of bringing death to each other. One thing I am asking God for is that my country does not invade Iran or another country. I am a bit worried that this will happen, which is why I am asking God to prevent it from happening. I don't want Iran to hurt like Afghanistan and Iraq are hurting. I wish the USA did not invade either country.

I do believe God will judge the USA and all countries that hurt and kill people. I love my country because it is where I was born and where my family has been for generations since we can remember. It would make me so happy if my country followed Jesus' commands to love, even though I do have to admit that it is hard to react with love to when others are hostile and insulting. I am needing to grow in this area because it gets me so mad when people insult and are mean to others.

Peace and God bless you

Edited by Christianlady, 10 September 2012 - 10:50 AM.

[siraatoaliyinhaqqun]

Greetings christianlady

Death (marg() has to be understood according to the cultural and religious sensitivity of Iran.

Let's say: If an American kills an american in America and I sitting in Australia agrees with the killer and show my support to his act then I am considered a partner in his crime even though I did not know him but agreed with him. And it holds true in the case of anyone killed anywhere in the world.

This is as per Islamic teachings and we are ordered to hate the killers and the people who agree with the killers and/or his acts. And Iranians in general call upon death for such people even if they are their own and in cases where open declaration could result in personal indictment they disassociate with such people in their heart.

If most Americans do not agree with policies of their country which kills people around the world then they are not the recepients of such disassociation and prayer of death if they atleast express resentment in their heart.  

[Christianlady]

Marbles, on 10 September 2012 - 10:16 AM, said:

1) Travelling in Iran for Americans, Canadians, and for that matter, for all Westerners is very safe. In fact it is safer than in some East European countries and the rest of the Middle East.

2) Government travel advisory of any country tends to take the worst case scenario into account. They are highly biased and make you feel that you will be killed the minute you step out of the airport. These so called travel warnings should be discarded in light of first hand experience of travellers/tourists and your personal insight of the country.

You'd be writing the same thing I wrote above on your return from Iran trip. Trust me.

Hello Marbles,

1.) Could you please link me to any blogs of Westerners recently traveling in Iran? Thanks.

2.) Good point. The government does not want to be held responsible if something should happen in certain countries. However, there are valid reasons they give warnings. For example, Americans are warned about dangers in Colombia. My husband's Dad is Colombiano and says his country is a wonderful country but that it is true that in some areas, an American is in danger. Many Colombians are also in danger, sadly.

Maybe someday if God wills, my husband and I will go to Iran to visit. I do have to admit I'm getting curious, but first my husband and I would need the following:

1. Belief God wants us to go
2. My parents not having a huge problem with the idea
3. the USA not getting prepared to attack Iran
4. Financial ability to go
5. Better able to keep my emotions in check so I don't get in trouble
6. tourist visa for Iran... ?
7. Growth in love as Jesus commands so I can respond better to any insults I hear

Peace and God bless you

[DarthMalik]

Christianlady, on 10 September 2012 - 11:03 AM, said:

Maybe someday if God wills, my husband and I will go to Iran to visit. I do have to admit I'm getting curious, but first my husband and I would need the following:

1. Belief God wants us to go
2. My parents not having a huge problem with the idea
3. the USA not getting prepared to attack Iran
4. Financial ability to go
5. Better able to keep my emotions in check so I don't get in trouble
6. tourist visa for Iran... ?
7. Growth in love as Jesus commands so I can respond better to any insults I hear

Peace and God bless you

I'm kind of confused, do you expect to go there and have a mob of people just waiting to trash-talk and insult you?

I doubt that would happen. People won't put the time into such miserly efforts, they have lives. Plus a lot of people there know English.

As for the chador (head covering) it's like a cape with a hood. Many girls there wear it barely covering their hair. As an American (assuming you look like a "typical" American - white) you'll fit in fine, there are people of all colors there.

Plus, Iran is quite civilized. They have highways and lights and everything. It's like being in the US with NYC traffic and crowd all the time.

Besides, I don't think it would be any safer to go to Israel (besides the whole US-ally business). I hear they quite dislike Christians in certain parts lol

[Christianlady]

DarthMalik, on 10 September 2012 - 12:56 PM, said:

I'm kind of confused, do you expect to go there and have a mob of people just waiting to trash-talk and insult you?

Hello DarthMalik,

Lol. I honestly don't know what would happen if my husband and I go to visit Iran. It could be an amazing experience, or it could be a terrible one. I have no idea.

I have experienced on this forum people who do insult others, as well as people who don't. I suppose it would very much depend on many factors to actually leave my "comfort zone" and go to where I do not have any connections.

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I doubt that would happen. People won't put the time into such miserly efforts, they have lives. Plus a lot of people there know English.

Good to know

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As for the chador (head covering) it's like a cape with a hood. Many girls there wear it barely covering their hair. As an American (assuming you look like a "typical" American - white) you'll fit in fine, there are people of all colors there.

Do American women who go there wear chadors, or do most don't?

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Plus, Iran is quite civilized. They have highways and lights and everything. It's like being in the US with NYC traffic and crowd all the time.

Besides, I don't think it would be any safer to go to Israel (besides the whole US-ally business). I hear they quite dislike Christians in certain parts lol

My pastor and many brothers and sisters from my church just got back from Israel. They had a great time, but yes there are Jewish people who are not fond of Christians. The horrible persecution of Jewish people at the hands of "Christians"  (such as the inquisition, the Crusades, and the Holocaust where some "Christians" did nothing to help them) did not help Christian/Jewish relations. However, Jesus is Jewish and lived in Israel. He taught love to people, and so Christians are supposed to love even those who don't like them. Although many Jewish people both then and now don't accept Jesus as the Messiah, there are some Jewish people both then and now do.

Christian history is tied to Israel because Jesus, the Christ, is a descendant of Israel (Jacob) son of Isaac son of Abraham. That is one of the reasons why Christians love to travel there, to walk where Jesus walked. My husband and I do hope to do that someday, because that is very special to our hearts.

As for Iran, one thing that greatly impacts me in favor of Iran is the history of Persia and of King Cyrus. King Cyrus is even mentioned in the Bible as anointed of God!!! That's an extreme honor!!!

Isaiah 45 (I boldened some.)
http://www.biblegate...version=NIV1984

"“This is what the Lord says to his anointed,
to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him
and to strip kings of their armor,
to open doors before him
so that gates will not be shut:
² I will go before you
and will level the mountains^[a];
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron.
³ I will give you the treasures of darkness,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
⁴ For the sake of Jacob my servant,
of Israel my chosen,
I summon you by name
and bestow on you a title of honor,
though you do not acknowledge me.
⁵ I am the Lord, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,
⁶ so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
men may know there is none besides me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other.
⁷ I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster;
I, the Lord, do all these things."

It would also be cool to see Persian culture, which is truly renowned around the world as being rich and amazing, from the carpets to the food and I'm sure other areas which I would like to learn about.

Peace and God bless you

[repenter]

You'll be fine. My friends from Norway, and a couple i know from am america have traveled there plenty of times. Just don't break any laws and you will be fine, just like any other country.

[Aal-e-Imran]

Hi Christianlady. In the link that you provided (that leads to Canada's warning against travel to Iran), there is a link that leads to this page: Country Insight for Iran and it presents insight on Iran based on a Canadian perspective and as well as an Iranian perspective.

I was reading it yesterday and I felt that perhaps the Canadian government should re-read this page, or maybe they have forgotten to alter this page, since surprisingly it presents Iran in a rather decent light (in contrast to all the rhetoric we hear in the media). Let me quote a few sentences:

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Canadian Perspective:
Many Canadians believe that all Iranian women are repressed. The situation is not so simple. Iranian women are strong, talented, dynamic individuals working hard in their respective fields to move the country forward. Many are well-educated and they have the key responsibility for family relations, which in the Iranian context is very important. The power relations in families are also beginning to shift as more women are working and making a financial contribution to the family. Westerners tend to focus on women wearing the hejab, but it does not prevent them from pursuing their interests. The reality is that despite the appearance of greater repression through the symbol of the hejab, Iranian women are far ahead of many of their counterparts in the Gulf states and the Middle East in general, for example, they are educated, can work, drive, hold political office and vote.

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Canadian Perspective:
Gender: Women are entering into all walks of life including law, politics, medicine, engineering and business. During our time in Iran, the number of females entering university exceeded that of males for the first time in Iranian history. Iran, however, is ruled by Sharia law (Islamic law) and this is still discriminatory, in Western eyes, regarding women.

  

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Canadian Perspective:
An Iranian’s personal space is generally closer than that of a Canadian. Men are openly affectionate with each other often holding hands in public and frequently greeting each other with a hug and two or three kisses to the cheeks. Women are also very affectionate with each other in public.

I have been to Iran twice from Canada - I have never had any issues within Iran. In fact I received the shock of my life when I realized how distorted of a perspective we get of Iran and its people here.

In reference to the comments above about "Death to America" - I suggest watching this video (it's from a few years old), specifically watch between 18:30 to 20 minutes where he explains the context of it.



Rick Steves also created an hour long video on his experience as well that you can watch here.

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1. Belief God wants us to go
2. My parents not having a huge problem with the idea
3. the USA not getting prepared to attack Iran
4. Financial ability to go
5. Better able to keep my emotions in check so I don't get in trouble
6. tourist visa for Iran... ?
7. Growth in love as Jesus commands so I can respond better to any insults I hear

1. InshAllah
2. Perhaps you can try convincing them
3. It won't attack it any time soon - the USA is in no position to attack Iran
4. I will keep you in my prayers
5. Assuming that you are a white-lady, you will probably be treated better than I would have ever gotten treated (I am South Asian)
6. Not sure how it works from the USA, but I do know people who travel back and forth every year
7. Their culture doesn't promote insults or derogatory terms, especially hurled at women in public for no apparent reason - this should be the least of your worries

Wassalam

[HamzaTR]

Death to traffic.. Haha.. Aal-e Emran, you are awesome.. Thanks for both videos.

[Marbles]

Christianlady, on 10 September 2012 - 11:03 AM, said:

Hello Marbles,

1.) Could you please link me to any blogs of Westerners recently traveling in Iran? Thanks.

Hi,

The following are two largest and up-to-date travel sites/forums. Read travellers' first hand experiences about visiting Iran. Read thoroughly to get a good idea of the visa and safety issues, planning and other practicalities encountered by normal tourists. You will also see trip reports from mostly Western travellers who visited Iran and returned with positive views.

1) Lonely Planet Iran subforum

Read a thorough trip report by an Australian traveller: HERE

A paragprah from the report above:

Security.
To make things clear about this, you DO NOT have to worry about security in Iran! It is much safer than any western country and crime is very low. Once you get here you will laugh at the idea of Iran being preconceived as being so unsafe to the rest of the world. The worst thing that happened to me was some Baluchi lads hassling me a little too aggressively in a Shiraz museum, and they got taken away and locked up the security guards. The Iranians I spoke too told me that foreign guests are protected by the police and highly respected by the general population, so if anything untoward does occur, just tell the police and they will deal with it, as with my previous example.


Another report:

http://www.lonelypla...hreadID=2242835


2) Tripadvisor Iran forum



Do your required research about Iran or any country you intend to visit. Find out about the local culture, political climate and sensitive/explosive issues. Get to know local laws and don't break them. Avoid religious and political discussions for smooth experience. In short, just be a genuine traveller and you have nothing to worry.

Edited:

I will give you a good example of educating oneself about the culture and sensitive issues in a country of your intended travel, and the one which you can easily understand.

Here in my country some clothing brands are printing T-shirts with a picture of Hitler and a swastika. It's kind of popular with some youth who find it cool to wear those shirts. Most of them either don't know Hitler or don't know the role he played in world politics. Now if those youths happened to travel to Germany and wore the same shirt on German streets, they certainly would invite the displeasure of many locals (would be locked up in worst case scenario), and therefore have a rather bad experience of the free Germany.

So, be a savvy traveller and do your homework.

Edited by Marbles, 11 September 2012 - 07:41 AM.

[Pascal]

Travel warnings are often a bit more bleak than reality. They're bleak for a reason, to prepare you for the worst possible case scenario, in the unfortunate event it does occur. Outside of the countries you obviously should not go to (Afghanistan, Somila, South Sudan, etc), its just to prepare you for the rare worst case scenario.

If you are interested in these things though:

British Government - http://www.fco.gov.u...rth-africa/iran
Canadian Government - http://www.voyage.gc...g.asp?id=132000
Australian Government - http://www.smartrave...iew/Advice/Iran
American Government - http://travel.state....s/cis_1142.html
NZ Government - http://www.safetrave...ions/iran.shtml


In addition to what Marbles has mentioned, wikitravel is a great source to get you started (not to mention free): http://wikitravel.org/en/Iran

Their description of Ahsura is rather offensive though...i guess thats what you get for something written by the average user.

Marbles, on 11 September 2012 - 06:58 AM, said:

Here in my country some clothing brands are printing T-shirts with a picture of Hitler and a swastika.

...Asia?

I'm interested in where this is happening. I know it goes down a fair bit in Asia though. I've asked some of my friends who were born there or lived there for awhile and they say its a bit like Genghis Khan in the west.

Edited by Pascal, 11 September 2012 - 12:13 PM.

[Marbles]

Pascal, on 11 September 2012 - 12:08 PM, said:

...Asia?

I'm interested in where this is happening. I know it goes down a fair bit in Asia though. I've asked some of my friends who were born there or lived there for awhile and they say its a bit like Genghis Khan in the west.

Yes, Asia, Pakistan.

There is a sort of fascination among some people about the figure of Hitler. Most have no idea what he stood for. Hitler denotes discipline, commitment and strictness in whatever you are trying to achieve. It also denotes uninhibited bravery come what may.

It is a distorted picture...perhaps quite like how Genghis Khan is in the West.

[Christianlady]

Aal-e-Imran, on 10 September 2012 - 06:14 PM, said:

Hi Christianlady. In the link that you provided (that leads to Canada's warning against travel to Iran), there is a link that leads to this page: Country Insight for Iran and it presents insight on Iran based on a Canadian perspective and as well as an Iranian perspective.

I was reading it yesterday and I felt that perhaps the Canadian government should re-read this page, or maybe they have forgotten to alter this page, since surprisingly it presents Iran in a rather decent light (in contrast to all the rhetoric we hear in the media). Let me quote a few sentences:







  


I have been to Iran twice from Canada - I have never had any issues within Iran. In fact I received the shock of my life when I realized how distorted of a perspective we get of Iran and its people here.

Hello Aal-e-Imran,

Visiting Iran right now is completely out of the question for me and most Americans. The wardrums are beating and it might be a while before they stop. Hopefully without any war!!!

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In reference to the comments above about "Death to America" - I suggest watching this video (it's from a few years old), specifically watch between 18:30 to 20 minutes where he explains the context of it.

OK, I will watch it, but people who say that kind of thing in Iran should understand the English mentality to "Death to America." If English-Americans say "Death to Iran", you better believe they're serious. It just helps cause the wardrums in English-American mindsets to get ready for war. Iranians who use that term lightly don't understand that it's like lighting a bomb. Just like the nonloving amateur film mocking Muhammad lighted a bomb in Egypt and Libya?, so chanting "Death to America" begins the process of Americans preparing to bring death to the chanters.

I am currently listening right now to Rick Steves and he needs to get to the point.

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Rick Steves also created an hour long video on his experience as well that you can watch here.

I will watch it. Thank you.

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1. InshAllah

Do you believe God wants war?

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2. Perhaps you can try convincing them

Out of question at the moment

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3. It won't attack it any time soon - the USA is in no position to attack Iran

Lol. The English colonists in 1776 were in "no position" to attack the British soldiers in America, but that didn't stop them. The saying, "Where there is the will, there's a way." is a motto for many Americans.

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4. I will keep you in my prayers

Thank you.

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5. Assuming that you are a white-lady, you will probably be treated better than I would have ever gotten treated (I am South Asian)

That's sad. I'm white but I should not get special treatment for the color of my skin. I hate it that some white people think they're better than other people. All people are equal in God's eyes and all people should treat everyone, regardless of their skin color, with respect and good treatment.

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6. Not sure how it works from the USA, but I do know people who travel back and forth every year
7. Their culture doesn't promote insults or derogatory terms, especially hurled at women in public for no apparent reason - this should be the least of your worries

That is good about their culture. I did not know that because I have experienced on this forum people insulting an Iranian-Canadian woman.   (I have no idea if the insulters though are Iranian.)

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Wassalam

Peace and God bless you

[Zulfiqar-e-Ali]

Christianlady, on 10 September 2012 - 10:14 AM, said:

Also, my Dad forbids me to go to the Middle East (with the exception of Israel)

Iran is safer than Israel.  You go to Iran, and you'll have a good time.  Just don't say anything stupid.  You go to Israel, and you might get killed by someone on either side of the battle.  Do you know how many bombs explode in Jerusalem on a regular basis?    I would much rather my daughter (if I had one) go to Iran than Israel.  But yes, I understand his concern.  The Middle East isn't exactly the safest place according to the American media.  Though I would feel much safer in the streets of the ME than the USA.  Here in the USA I could get robbed, killed, shot, abducted, etc.  In the ME, I could get looked down upon.  And that's it.  That's the worst that would happen as long as I kept my mouth shut about certain things ;D

Christianlady, on 10 September 2012 - 02:22 PM, said:

I have experienced on this forum people who do insult others, as well as people who don't.

This is online.  People are not at all nearly as bold in real life.  I can sit here and trash talk all of you suckers, and not even feel bad about it.  But in real life, if I were to say one bad thing against you or anyone else on this forum, I would feel bad and want to apologize.  That's the difference.  Online vs Real Life.

[Christianlady]

Zulfiqar-e-Ali, on 12 September 2012 - 02:49 PM, said:

Iran is safer than Israel.  You go to Iran, and you'll have a good time.  Just don't say anything stupid.  You go to Israel, and you might get killed by someone on either side of the battle.  Do you know how many bombs explode in Jerusalem on a regular basis?    I would much rather my daughter (if I had one) go to Iran than Israel.  But yes, I understand his concern.  The Middle East isn't exactly the safest place according to the American media.  Though I would feel much safer in the streets of the ME than the USA.  Here in the USA I could get robbed, killed, shot, abducted, etc.  In the ME, I could get looked down upon.  And that's it.  That's the worst that would happen as long as I kept my mouth shut about certain things ;D

Hello Zulfigar-e-Ali,

Thanks for your comment. Basically anywhere though a person can get robbed, killed, shot, abducted, and so on. As for me, I say what I think, so it is much more likely that I would be abducted or "harassed" by the Iranian government officials, and that's ok with me. I just won't go there. Problem solved... Iranian government officials don't have to worry about me not keeping my mouth shut in their country, and I don't have to worry about what they'd do to me if I didn't. Works beautifully!

By the way, I love living in the USA. It is the home of my ancestors since they moved here and has been my home ever since I was born. By God's grace, it is where I hope to live until I die. About Israel, the main reason my husband and I would love to go there is to see where Jesus walked. That is worth the risk of being killed there for us. It would be an honor for us to die where Jesus walked, as long as we weren't killing anybody.

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This is online.  People are not at all nearly as bold in real life.  I can sit here and trash talk all of you suckers, and not even feel bad about it.  But in real life, if I were to say one bad thing against you or anyone else on this forum, I would feel bad and want to apologize.  That's the difference.  Online vs Real Life.

That is something I don't understand, because what if someone found out who you are in real life? One person on this forum knows who I am in real life, as well as maybe some others. That is fine with me. I have nothing to hide. The only reason I don't use my real name is just in case there are haters who want to track me down to kill me (which is possible anywhere). The only reason I don't have my picture up is out of respect to the dominant religion on this forum, becuase I don't have my head covered in any picture.

Thanks for explaining though. Appreciate it.

Peace and God bless you

[ShiaBen]

Christian Lady I'm in Iran right now.

I was born and raised as an American national, but I can assure you, Iran is not a country that will murder you for being a Christian or anything of that nature.

There are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, all kinds of tourists, workers, foreigners, in this nation.

You're more likely to die from a bad driver lol than a terrorist attack, police, natural disaster, or whatever else you can possibly imagine lol!

Even if you're not interested Islamically, there's still plenty of places for tourists to visit. Even in the smaller cities.

It is a shame that your father believes Israel is the only acceptable place in the ME to visit. This is an ethnocentric and bigoted way of making decisions.

The user above is right, Israel is more likely to experience dangers than is Iran (think IDF soldiers beating up Christians, Palestinians blowing themselves up, hot weather, etc.)