Iran and visa exemption for Brazilians – 03/20/2024 – Robson Jesus
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As soon as I found out that as of February 5, 2024, Brazilians would no longer need a visa to enter Iran, it is obvious that, for administrative reasons, I immediately wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.
Most of the time, the bureaucracy in relation to these matters demands a long period of time, when there are no setbacks, so when the exemption occurs it is important to stay alert and take advantage. So, on 04/29/2024, there I was coming across a huge sign at Tehran international airport that asked people with iOS devices to register their belongings so they could be released.
Apple does not officially operate in the country, which is why this measure exists as a way to combat smuggling. Despite the surprise, I didn’t let that become my “first impression.” After all, assuming that “control” would happen right from the beginning would be prejudice on my part.
I reproduced the method I applied in other countries to find someone to show me a little about their daily lives, and the result was no different. An Iranian welcomed me in a surprisingly human way, providing accommodation and food, as well as accompanying me throughout the city without charging or asking for anything in return.
I easily managed to develop three good friendships: Mahdi, the man I mentioned. Tarannom, a young, curious and excited artist who wanted to practice some of her English. She showed interest in knowing more about what it was like to live in certain parts of Brazil, as well as showing genuine interest in listening to my impressions of Iran up to that point.
Look, I can say that, without a shadow of a doubt, I felt so comfortable with her that we had conversations that made us laugh. When I think about my journey over the last two years, I can see how much I have matured while visiting the 182 countries so far. People like Tarannom are the representation that women are far beyond the mistaken idea of ”being worth half” of a man, and often their integrity is much simpler to see. In this case, I let the world present itself to me, and my job was to just accept it and let people be their authentic selves.
In turn, Shadan, was another Iranian woman who indirectly clarified for me the value of the human being.
Tehran, the capital of Iran, is his home, and with enthusiasm Shadan was eager to show me every detail. His optimistic outlook and passion for gastronomy fascinated me, and given that, the concept of being discouraged in any sense had lost its meaning. Iranian cuisine? Of course I’m open to finding out more!
Possibly, there is some philosophy behind food, and I say this because there is something special that unites us as individuals in the act of sharing a meal.
Zereshk Polo was that homemade food at Mahdi’s house. Nuts, fruits and all the ingredients were impeccably fresh, and I believe I don’t even need to say the “flavor of hospitality” this dish had. However, it was at the Dizi Sara restaurant that my favorite dish in all of Central Asia was presented to me. “Dizi” is a traditional food made especially in a clay pot, cooking for a few hours on the fire and then put in the oven. So, maybe that idea that food made with love is tastier… it’s true, what a delicious thing!
However, it would be naive of me not to report the negative points of the region. For example, it is not possible to withdraw money from ATMs, nor to consume goods and services using cards. Certain sanctions from the United States made it impossible for Iran to access the International Financial System, causing this scenario. For this reason, it is suggested to bring euros or dollars in cash. However, I came across three stores that accepted credit cards. However, I was informed that the machines being handled had registrations in neighboring countries, and that they accessed the network via satellite, making the cost of operating them up to ten percent more expensive given the context.
During the time I was in the country, I became very close to the three people I mentioned. The image we have of each other, in terms of common sense related to our countries, impressed me. It is possible that the first images that come to our minds are related to political demonstrations, armed conflicts and riots.
Yes, government laws are the subject of often heated debates, bringing with them accusations of human rights violations. Just as it is also known that public displays of affection between couples should be avoided.
But my stay in one of Iran’s most cosmopolitan cities showed me what this really means in everyday life. On my walks I saw couples holding hands and hugging each other gently near bushes, as well as, not far away, women without hijabs or just covering their hair buns. I don’t know exactly how this is established in people’s routine, especially because all women are forced to wear the hijab in public, including foreigners, tourists, whether they are Muslim or not.
Perhaps there is a fine line that determines the limits, however, more adaptation to the culture is necessary to understand these subtleties. Otherwise, you will feel an even stronger sense of lack of freedom caused by the dictatorship, and an even greater fear of expressing yourself.
In fact, young people have a natural tendency to always go “against the system” in force and this is no different. Even with a strict system, young people manage to break the law, whether by drinking alcohol, dating, attending parties or using VPNs to access censored websites. Well, once again people’s daily lives prove that there is no reason to judge others based on their differences nor to boast about our common imperfections.
After all, I’m beginning to assume that diplomacy is an inherent characteristic of human beings and that through travel one can become more compassionate by seeing things with one’s own eyes.
List of countries that have benefited from the visa exemption for tourists resulting from the Iranian government’s initiative:
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Saudi Arabia
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Qatar
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United Arab Emirates
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Bahrain
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Kuwait
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Uzbekistan
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Kyrgyzstan
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Tunisia
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Tanzania
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Mauritania
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Zimbabwe
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Mauritius
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Seychelles
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Japan
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Indonesia
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Singapore
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Cuba
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Vietnam
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Cambodia
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Brunei
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Brazil
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Mexico
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Peru
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Croatia
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Serbia
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Belarus
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India
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