Iran Visa

Essential Guide to Tourist Visas for Visiting Iran

All tourists and visitors to the Islamic Republic of Iran, regardless of the purpose or duration of their stay, are required to obtain a Tourist Visa from an Iranian diplomatic mission unless they are from a visa-exempt country or qualify for a visa on arrival. Travelers can apply for an Iran visa through the MFA website or via authorized travel agencies.

Here’s a list of countries whose citizens can enter Iran without a visa for a specific duration ( 15 days ) :

Russia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, Singapore, Kamboj, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Kuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Belarus, India.

These durations are subject to change, so it’s always advisable to check with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorized travel agency before traveling.

Important Notes:

• Citizens from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Somalia, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan typically must obtain a visa in advance.
• Visa on Arrival is only available at certain international airports in Iran, such as Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz.
• For the latest information, it is recommended to consult the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a reliable travel agency, as eligibility and conditions may vary.

The Visa on Arrival fees for Iran vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and typically range from €40 to €150.

Some countries may incur higher or lower fees. Here’s a general breakdown:

Middle Eastern Countries: €40-€70

EU Citizens: Around €75-€100

Asian Countries: Typically €40-€60 (depending on the country)

Australia, New Zealand: Approximately €100

Latin American Countries: Around €70-€90

African Countries: €50-€100

The fees are payable upon arrival at designated Iranian international airports that offer VOA services. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, travelers should check with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorized travel agency, as rates can change based on diplomatic agreements or policy adjustments.

Obtaining the visa before departure requires an imprint at the embassy, which must be done in person. You must therefore come in person to register your fingerprints at the Embassy (Once registered, they remain valid for 5 years for all future visa applications). Then, you will then have the option of using an agency to obtain your visa. There are specialized travel agencies approved by the Iranian Embassy to process your visa application as an intermediary.

These agencies carry out your formalities with the Iranian authorities, to avoid any tedious process and any risk of visa refusal. They take care of checking your file, waiting and depositing at the counters, then collecting and verifying your visa before it is delivered. If you use an agency specializing in obtaining visas remotely who can make your job easier. In this case, you will have to add a supplement for the administrative procedures carried out on your behalf.

The process for obtaining an Iranian visa generally involves two main steps:

• Authorization Code Issuance: First, an authorization code for your visa is issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). This code is essential for proceeding with the visa application. Depending on your nationality, the authorization process typically takes between 3 and 7 days, although it may take longer for Canadian, UK, and US citizens.

• Visa Collection at an Embassy: Once you have the authorization code, you must visit an Iranian Embassy to obtain the visa in your passport. At the embassy, you’ll need to submit your passport, visa fees, two passport-sized photos, and an insurance policy. Some consulates may have unique requirements, so it’s advisable to confirm specifics beforehand.

For the location of your nearest Iranian Embassy, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Note that the nearest embassy may be outside your home country.

Additionally, the terms “Authorization Code,” “Visa Approval Number,” and “Iran Invite Number” all refer to the same document, though they may appear under different names on various forms. A letter of authorization is also now required when submitting your visa application form at an embassy.

Travelers with U.S., Canadian, and British passports face specific requirements and restrictions when applying for an Iranian visa. Here are the key policies:

1. Mandatory Guided Tours:
   • U.S., Canadian, and British citizens must travel on organized tours with a licensed Iranian tour guide at all times. Independent travel is not permitted for these nationalities.
   • An itinerary must be pre-arranged and approved by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
2. Authorization Code Requirement:
   • The visa application process begins with obtaining an authorization code from the Iranian MFA, typically arranged by a licensed Iranian travel agency. This process can take 30 to 60 days for these nationalities, longer than the standard timeframe.
3. Limited Embassy Access:
   • Citizens of these countries must apply in person at designated Iranian embassies. The nearest embassy may be outside of their home country due to limited diplomatic presence.
   • When applying, they need to provide a valid passport, two passport photos, a visa fee, proof of travel insurance, and a letter of authorization from an approved tour provider.
4. Restricted Entry Ports:
   • Visa on Arrival is not available for U.S., Canadian, and British citizens. Entry into Iran must occur through specific international airports or entry points authorized for visa issuance.
5. Additional Background Checks:
   • Due to security protocols, additional background checks are conducted, which can extend processing times. For this reason, early planning (2-3 months in advance) is recommended.

These restrictions are due to Iran’s diplomatic and security policies, so travelers are encouraged to stay updated on potential policy changes through the Iranian MFA or a trusted travel agency.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our department.We are here to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.