A visit to Iran could compliacte future trips to the US - but it's such a stunning destination, it might worth the trouble. Photo / Getty Images
Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
I really want to travel to Iran to do a group tour. I travel a lot for work and sometimes have to go to the US. Does Iranian immigration stamp your passport on entry and exit? And, if so, would getting
an Iran stamp in my passport cause problems entering the US in future?
Matt
New Zealand is a member of the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows tourist or business stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Generally, all travellers need to do is apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) prior to travel.
Travellers are screened at their port of entry into the United States, and are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security's US-VISIT programme.
If you travel to Iran, you'll no longer be eligible for this easy entry - and from what I've read, your passport will be stamped. This applies to anyone from a VWP country who has travelled to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and/or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011. This doesn't mean you won't be allowed to enter, but you'll need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate before your trip and be interviewed.
There are some case-by-case exceptions for a waiver - say if you travelled as a journalist, for business purposes, or as part of an international organisation.
