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"in most cases Americans cannot do business in Iran or with Iranian nationals. Travel is a different matter -- there's no travel ban a la Cuba here". From http://www.ustreas.gov/ofac/t11iran.pdf viz :

"All transactions ordinarily incident to travel to or from Iran, including the importation of accompanied baggage for strictly personal use, payment of mainte-nance and living expenses and acquisition of goods or services for personal use are permitted".

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The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Iran. Iranian President Khatami has called for a
"dialogue of civilizations" and an increase of private exchanges between Iranians and Americans; some limited exchanges have
taken place. There is, however, evidence that hostility to the United States remains in some segments of the Iranian population
and some elements of the Iranian government. In July 1999, violent anti-government demonstrations took place in Tehran and
other cities around the country. There were accusations that the U.S. was behind these demonstrations. Prior to and since that
time, some groups of American travelers have encountered harassment by vigilante groups.

The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore
cannot provide protection or routine consular services to American citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its
embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. The Iranian government does not recognize dual
citizenship and generally does not permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American citizens who are also Iranian
nationals. In addition, U.S. citizens of Iranian origin who are considered by Iran to be Iranian citizens have been detained and
harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage
Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all
individuals who filed claims against Iran, and who received awards, at the Iran-U.S. claims tribunal at The Hague pursuant to
the 1981 Algerian Accords. There are restrictions on both the import and the export of goods between Iran and the United
States. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the United States are issued in Tehran.

SAFETY/SECURITY: U.S. citizens should exercise caution throughout the country. In July 1999, foreigners were taken
hostage in Kerman and Bam. Travelers should avoid travel to areas bordering Afghanistan and Iraq.

Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may
be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be
perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions
that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Iran is provided for general reference
only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Drivers all over Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs and lane markers. Urban streets are not well lit. Therefore, it is very
dangerous to drive around, especially at night. Sidewalks in urban areas only exist on main roads and are usually obstructed by
parked cars. In the residential areas, hardly any sidewalks exist. Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Iranian authorities may permit travelers to bring in or to take certain goods out of Iran.
However, U.S. travelers should refer to the section of this Consular Information Sheet regarding U.S. Government economic
sanctions and the importation and exportation of restricted items in order to avoid any violation of the Iranian transactions
regulations.

All luggage is searched upon traveling into and departing from Iran. Tourists can bring in and take out the following
non-commercial goods, if they are recorded on the tourist's goods slip upon arrival at customs: personal jewelry, one camera,
an amateur video camera, one pair of binoculars, a portable tape recorder, a personal portable computer, first aid box, and a
camping tent with its equipment. Iranian authorities allow the departing passenger to take an unlimited amount of Iranian goods
and foreign goods up to $160 (US), and their personal non-commercial equipment. Air passengers may also take one carpet up
to 6 square meters. However, the U.S. government only allows the importation of up to $100 worth of Iranian-origin goods.
Iranian authorities prohibit the export of antique carpets and carpets portraying women not wearing the proper Islamic covering,
antiques, original works of art, calligraphic pieces, miniature paintings, different kinds of coins, and precious stones. They
likewise prohibit the export and import of alcoholic beverages, weapons, ammunitions, swords and sheaths, military devices,
drugs and illegal goods.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under
U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Iranian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Fines, public floggings, and long prison terms are
common. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are
subject to arrest and possible execution. Drinking, possession of alcoholic beverages and drugs, as well as flirting or having
sexual contact as an unmarried couple is considered to be crimes. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in
Iran are strict. Iran executes scores of persons each year on drug-related charges.

U.S. citizens in Iran who violate Iranian laws, including laws which are unfamiliar to Westerners (such as laws regarding the
proper wearing of apparel), may face severe penalties. The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who
filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords. In addition, the
Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program
administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government is allegedly targeting award-holders who
travel to Iran. It is reported that upon some claimants' entry into Iran, Iranian authorities question them as to the status of
payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. It is also reported that the Iranian government
has threatened to prevent U.S. claimants visiting Iran from departing the country until they make arrangements to pay part or all
of their award money to that government.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In addition to the U.S. government economic sanctions on trade and investment restrictions,
travelers should be aware that most hotels and restaurants do not accept credit cards. Cash-dollars (not traveler checks) are
accepted as payment. In general, hotel rooms have to be paid with cash-dollars. ATM machines are not available. Foreign
currency has to be declared at Customs upon entry into the country, and the amount is entered in the passport. This amount can
then be changed at the bank.

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