Foreign Tourists in Iran to Receive Special SIM Cards to Access Unblocked Internet

Iranian authorities have approved a plan to provide special SIM cards to foreign tourists that will enable them to access the internet without restrictions – something Iranian citizens cannot do.

Ali Asghar Shalbafian, a top official at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, said that a list of "approved" travel agencies will be provided with the SIM cards.

In addition to foreign tourists, hotel staff and tour guides will also receive such SIM cards.

The internet in the country is heavily restricted, with thousands of websites and all major global messaging and social media platforms being blocked.

The restrictions were ramped up after anti-government protests erupted across the country in September last year.