iran visit visa requirements

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory January 11, 2024

Iran - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens . Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions .  

Country Summary: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran have been kidnapped, arrested, and detained on spurious charges.

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.  

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Iran.

If you are currently in Iran:   

• Consider the risks involved in possessing dual  U.S. Iranian nationality .
• Review your personal security plan and visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
• Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

Yes, except for Kish Island

No proof of vaccination is required

Over €10,000

Over €5,000

Embassies and Consulates

Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section

Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5 th) Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue Tehran, Iran Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273 Emergency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333 Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432 Email:   [email protected] Website: www.eda.admin.ch/tehranfi Virtual Embassy Tehran

All consular services require prior appointments which can be made by phone. The Foreign Interests Section can be reached by phone Sunday through Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Foreign Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The Foreign Interests Section provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens in Tehran including:

• Registering U.S. citizens;
• Responding to inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;
• Rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
• Providing U.S. citizens with passport and Social Security card applications and other citizenship forms for processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;
• Performing notarial services;
• Taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens; and
• Providing Social Security Administration assistance to retired U.S. citizens residing in Iran.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Iran for information on U.S.-Iran relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Iran, please consider the current Travel Advisory .

The Travel Advisory for Iran is Level 4, Do Not Travel. The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. 

Iranian authorities continue to wrongfully detain and imprison U.S. citizens, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities have also prevented the departure of U.S. citizens from Iran. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities routinely deny dual nationals access to the Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran because they consider dual nationals to be solely Iranian citizens.

U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on Iranian passports. As indicated above, the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. Iranian authorities may consider some U.S. citizens – even those without Iranian passports who do not consider themselves to be Iranian – to be Iranian nationals.  

U.S. government employees, including contractors, are strictly prohibited from traveling to Iran without prior authorization from the Department of State.

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals should obtain, in their Iranian passports, the necessary visas for the countries they will transit on their return trip to the United States so that if the U.S. passports are confiscated in Iran, they may depart Iran with their Iranian passports. These individuals can then apply for new U.S. passports in the country they are transiting.  

U.S. citizens residing in Iran on permanent resident visas must obtain an exit permit each time they depart Iran, regardless of the period of stay. All Iranian passport holders are required to pay an exit tax. More specific information on Iranian passport and exit permit requirements may be obtained from the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

The Iranian civil code states that women who marry Iranian men acquire Iranian nationality. If the marriage takes place in Iran, the woman’s U.S. passport may be confiscated by Iranian authorities. A woman must have the consent of her husband to leave Iran or, in his absence, consent from another suitable authority. The Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran can provide only limited assistance if a U.S. citizen woman married to an Iranian man encounters difficulty in leaving Iran. In addition, if marriage to an Iranian citizen is not officially recognized by the Iranian government, the couple will be committing the crime of adultery if they travel together, the maximum penalty for which is death.

Please contact the Swiss Embassy or appropriate Iranian authorities for special circumstances cases involving divorce and custody rights in Iran.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Iran. If you intend to reside in Iran, you must submit to a blood test, which may include an HIV test, in order to apply for a residency permit. Permits will be refused if the HIV test is positive.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

As noted in the Travel Advisory for Iran, U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran face a significant threat of kidnapping or arrest and detention on spurious charges.

U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite the Travel Advisory should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where foreigners have been victims of criminal gangs. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas within 100 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, near the Iraq border, and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistani border.

Terrorism: In Iran, there is potential for death or injury because of terrorist attacks. Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders. Additionally, Iran is a designated state-sponsor of terrorism.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Foreigners occasionally become victims of petty street crime, including robberies and bag-snatchings, in Iran. There have been reports of robberies by police impersonators, usually in civilian clothing. Insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. Travelers should take the following precautions:

• Do not surrender any documents or cash;
• Make a copy of your U.S. passport (biographical data page and the page with your Iranian visa) and keep it separate from your original passport;
• Do not carry large amounts of hard currency while on the streets;
• Keep important documents such as passports and valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations;
• Take pre-booked taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street;
• Check with your hotel or tour guide for information on local scams; and
• Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also violate local law.

Demonstrations occur sporadically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Past demonstrations have turned violent.

• As demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, computers, fax machines, and other electronics may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. The Iranian authorities may also confiscate cell phones, computers, and other devices. U.S. citizens should consider not taking electronic devices to Iran or deleting personal information from them beforehand.

Disaster Preparedness: Iran is prone to earthquakes, many of them severe. To learn more about the seismic regions of Iran, including the most recent earthquakes, please visit the U.S. Geological Survey website .

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 110 and contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section at (98) (21) 2254-2178. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Iran is: 115 for ambulance service, 125 for fire, and 110 for police. English speakers, however, are generally unavailable.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department of State, through the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section, can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport;
• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States; and 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section for assistance. U.S. citizens should note that the Foreign Interests Section may be able to provide limited assistance only and that Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Long prison terms and solitary confinement are common as are punishments including execution, amputation, flogging, blinding, stoning, and fines. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Examples of local laws that you may be unfamiliar with include:

• 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 are illegal. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iran are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Iran executes many people each year on drug-related charges. Penalties for the possession, use, or smuggling of alcoholic beverages may include fines, jail time, or flogging;
• Men and women must adhere to the government-sanctioned dress code; this includes covered hair, arms, and legs for women. The government considers the failure to adhere to its dress code and public displays of affection to be crimes;
• Relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, as are adultery and sex outside of marriage, which are punishable by the death penalty;
• Data storage devices (e.g. DVDs, SD cards) depicting sexual relations and magazines showing unveiled women are forbidden;
• Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited and could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty;
• Importation of pork products is banned; and
• Insulting the government or Muslim faith is strictly forbidden, including on social media. Such violations of Iranian law may result in imprisonment.

Carry a copy of your U.S. passport (biodata page and page with Iranian visa) and some other form of identification with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.

If you are arrested while in Iran, request that the police and prison officials notify the Foreign Interests Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran immediately to ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances. Under Iranian law, detainees may also request legal representation, although the authorities sometimes fail to allow timely access to attorneys. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal: 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 has allegedly been targeting award-holders who travel to Iran. Some former claimants have reported being questioned by Iranian authorities upon their entry into Iran as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. The Iranian government has also reportedly threatened to prevent U.S. claimants who visit Iran from departing the country until they repay their award.

Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who also possess Iranian citizenship are subject to laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Iran, such as military service or taxes. Iranian-citizen males aged 18-34 are required to perform military service, unless exempt. Young men who have turned 17 years of age will not be allowed to leave Iran without completing their military service.

Money: Non-Iranian credit cards and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. You will not be able to access U.S. or foreign bank accounts using ATMs in Iran. You can exchange U.S. dollars for rials, either at banks or with certified money changers. There is no Western Union or similar institution, and bank transfers are not possible. Due to economic sanctions on Iran, U.S. financial institutions have been known to block or freeze accounts accessed via the Internet from Iran.

Communication: Pre-paid overseas calling cards are available at most newsagents. The Internet is widely used in Iran. There are Internet cafes in most hotels; however, usage may be monitored. The Iranian government blocks access to many social media sites.

Sanctions: U.S. government economic sanctions prohibit most economic activity between U.S. citizens and Iran. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has posted to its website frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide guidance on U.S. sanctions related to Iran. For further information, consult OFAC’s Iran sanctions resource page or contact OFAC’s Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490 or obtain information via fax at 202-622-0077.

For information concerning licensing of imports or exports, contact OFAC’s Licensing Division at by phone at 202-622-2480 or fax at 202-622-1657.

Faith-Based Travelers: Freedom of religion, belief, or non-belief is not protected in Iran. See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships in Iran are criminalized and are punishable by death, flogging, or a lesser punishment. LGBTQI+ individuals are often subject to violence and the law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics or recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, or families.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Iran prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and access to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Women in Iran lack certain basic rights such as the freedom to choose their style of dress and restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. Gender-based violence is more common in Iran than the U.S., especially in rural areas, and reports of this violence in recent years have steadily increased. “Honor killings” or other harmful practices involving mostly women killed by their male relatives in the name of preserving the family’s “honor” are known to occur. There are also reports of fathers or relatives forcing their female family members to enter a marriage against their will. Domestic violence remains a taboo subject in Iran, and Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence. Hijab enforcement in Iran is becoming stricter. The Government has deployed Hijab enforcers in public to ensure compliance. Hijab defiance has led to assault, arrest and even death. 

For emergency services in Iran, dial 115.

Ambulance services are

• Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards;
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and 
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Iran.

Basic medical care and medicine are available in the principal cities but may not be available in rural areas in Iran. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and sometimes lack medicine and supplies.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy 

• Companies offering surrogacy services, an unregulated industry, are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens at risk.
• If you are considering traveling to Iran to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad webpage . Carefully consider the length of time needed to obtain a newborn’s required civil documents to avoid any unintended overstay of your visa.

Air Quality

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Iran particularly in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Zabol. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes; and
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Water Scarcity: Iran has a water scarcity issue throughout the country, largely impacting rural communities. Iran is prone to significant droughts in the hot summer months. In cities outside of Tehran, water may be harder to obtain given the availability in those regions and larger water reserves servicing the capital. Tap water in Iran is relatively safe, however it is recommended to consume bottled water, which is regularly available. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   While in Iran, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Travelers in possession of International Driver’s Permits may drive in Iran, though the Foreign Interests Section in Iran does not recommend that tourists do so. Iran has a very high rate of traffic accidents, the second highest cause of mortality in the country. Drivers throughout Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs, and lane markers. Urban streets are not well lit; it is therefore particularly dangerous to drive at night. Sidewalks in urban areas exist only on main roads and are usually obstructed by parked cars. In residential areas, few sidewalks exist. Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene; wait until the police arrive to file a report.

Traffic Laws: Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks, both in cities and on highways, often manned by young, inexperienced officers who are suspicious of foreigners. Carry identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Iran, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iran should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Iranian ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Iran. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Iran should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iran . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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How to get a visa for Iran – Ultimate guide 2024

By Joan Torres 84 Comments Last updated on April 1, 2024

Important update: The visa on arrival for Iran has always been – and still is – available but, since summer 2022, some airlines (only some) have denied access onboard to passengers without a valid visa. This means that you should try to get your visa in advance.

Getting an Iran tourist visa might sound a bit complicated and overwhelming to some travelers, as there are many variables and a couple of exceptions to take into account.

However, the Government is also trying to make the Iran visa policy easier and facilitate the process for many nationalities.

This is the ultimate guide to getting a visa for Iran, where you will find all the latest updated information.

In this Iranian visa guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Who is eligible for a free visa

Iran visa on arrival (VOA)

• When to apply in advance
• How to apply for a visa in advance
• Visa duration
• Visa extension
• Visa for American, UK and Canadians
• More Information

How to book hotels, flights and tours in Iran

Because of the sanctions, foreign cards or popular sites such as booking.com can’t be used in Iran, but now you can thanks to 1stQuest .

1stQuest is a local company that offers services such as visa LOI, hotel booking, tours, domestic flights, and travel insurance for Iran.

5% discount on ALL bookings with voucher code:

Who can apply for a free Iran tourist visa?

Most likely, you can’t enter Iran on a free visa because only 8 countries are eligible for that. These lucky countries are:

Armenia, Azerbaijan , Bolivia, Georgia , Malaysia, Syria , Turkey, Venezuela

If you don’t hold a passport from any of the above countries, you must pay for your visa.

If you enter via Kish Island, all nationalities who are eligible for a VOA, can get a 14-day free Iran tourist visa if they remain in Kish. You may think: who the hell wants to travel to Iran to just remain in Kish? Well, the truth is that many European expats living in Dubai or Doha fly out to Kish to spend the weekend there.

VERY IMPORTANT – UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2022

While getting a visa on arrival at the airport in Tehran is still possible, new travel reports (2022) have suggested that some airlines might require it so, otherwise, they won’t let you on board. This has come as a really big surprise for many travelers, especially because technically, you can still purchase your visa upon arrival in Iran. My recommendation: Do get your visa in advance. Keep reading to learn more.

Except for citizens of:

Canada, UK, US, Afghanistan , Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Iraq , Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan , Somalia and Sri Lanka

Everybody can get an Iran visa on arrival at several international airports in Iran, as long as your airline allows you to get on board.

Important! Of course, citizens of Israel can’t enter Iran.

According to MFA, if there is any evidence on your passport, your visa will be granted as long your last visit to Israel was more than six months ago.

However, I would not rely 100% on it so, if you have any evidence, I would recommend renewing your passport. 

For more information, read: Avoid Israeli passport stamps – FAQ

Update – Iran isn’t stamping passports anymore. Instead, they give you a separate piece of paper. However, remember that, if you decide to do an Iran visa extension, you will get a full-page stamp. 

Which airports are eligible for an Iran tourist visa on arrival?

Tehran , Shiraz , Esfahan, Qeshm & Kish Island, Mashhad, and Tabriz

Iran travel visa requirements – VOA

Hotel reservation – You need to bring your hotel reservation printed out for your first night in Iran at least. If you are staying with a friend, make sure to have their contact details.

Your host contact –  Have in hand your host contact details, whether it is a hotel or a friend. If they can’t contact them, you may have to wait at the airport for a very long time. 

Cash, preferably in € – You must pay your visa in cash.

Travel Insurance – All travelers must have valid travel insurance for Iran. If you do have it, you should bring any documents which prove it.

If you don’t, they will make you buy it at the airport and these are the approximate prices:

• 1 to 31 days: 14€
• 32 to 45 days: 23€
• 46 to 62 days: 28€
• 63 to 92 days: 34€

However, the insurance you buy at the airport has very limited coverage, so coming with proper insurance is a must.

Iranian visa fee

It depends on your nationality but, typically, all passports pay around 75€.

Australians pay 140€

In Iran, many websites are blocked, so you will need a VPN to access them. Read how to find the right VPN for Iran

When you need to apply for an Iran tourist visa in advance

If you can get a visa on arrival, why should you get it in advance?

There are some exceptions:

1 – You enter Iran overland 

If are coming from Afghanistan, Iraq , Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan , Pakistan or Turkey, you must apply for your visa in advance.

Apparently, a VOA is available at the Armenian border but there are some reports of people who tried to cross there recently, who failed to get a visa, so don’t rely 100% on it.

2 – You don’t want to wait at the airport for several hours

If you already have your visa, you can enter the country immediately. However, the VOA process takes around 2 or 3 hours and, in some cases, me for example, it may take up to 6 hours.

Reasons for waiting hours vary but, in my case, it was because I didn’t have a return flight ticket, said that I planned to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan afterward and had a brand-new passport. They found me a bit suspicious.

3 – To secure your visa 

There are some reports from travelers who claimed that their VOA was not granted because they didn’t have a return flight ticket or because the authorities could not contact their host or any other excuse.

The percentage of people in this situation is very low but still, there might be some small risk.

If you want to make sure, get your visa in advance.

4 – You are an American, British or Canadian citizen

Like I said before, these three nationalities are not eligible for a VOA, so you will have to arrange your visa via a tour company.

How to apply for an Iran tourist visa in advance

It’s mandatory to have travel insurance to get your visa on arrival in Iran. Because of the sanctions, most insurance companies don’t provide coverage for Iran, but IATI Insurance does. Get your exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link .

In order to get your Iran visit visa in advance, you will have to first get a code which, basically, is a letter of invitation from a tour operator.

Once you have this code, you will be able to collect your visa at any embassy or at any airport. 

How to get your Iran visa code?

As you may imagine, there are quite a few companies that can provide this code.

I strongly recommend  1stQuest . Why?

Basically, because they offer the lowest rate, their system is easy, fast and they are very responsive. 

A few things you should know regarding the Iran visa code:

• The code is valid for one month –  Which means that you need to collect your visa within a month.
• Iran visa code cost – It costs 29€. 
• Timing –  Since very recently, it only takes 1 to 3 working days.
• You are planning to enter Iran overland – You will have to pick up your visa at the embassy and you will have to mention which embassy at the application, as 1stQuest will send the code to them.
• You are flying in Iran – You need to tell which airport, so you will just have to collect, very quickly, your visa once you arrive at the airport.

Moreover, the readers of this blog can use my discount code to get an exclusive 5% discount which can be used for all the services of 1stQuest, not only for your visa but for travel insurance, hotel bookings, flights and tours.

My voucher code: ATC-QST

How to pick up your Iranian visa at the embassy

Only needed if you are entering Iran overland. Otherwise, you can collect directly at the airport and avoid all the waiting time.

Once you get the code, you can pick up your visa.

Since I was in Tajikistan, after traveling the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley , I decided to pick it up in Dushanbe. 

However, regardless of the embassy, your first step will be to verify that your code has arrived at the embassy.

For this, the agency will give you a tracking number which you need to show at the embassy. However, you could actually call them and there’s no need to go to the embassy.

I still went to the embassy but only because it was really close to my hostel. Either way, you will have to wait for one day until they check that the code has arrived.

Iran travel visa requirements – Needed documents to apply for your Iran visa at the embassy

• Passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Passport copy
• 2 passport photos
• Visa application form – To be collected and filled at the embassy

When you have all your documents, you can go to the embassy.

For EU nationalities, the price is 75€. An Australian friend paid 150€.

You will have to make the deposit at the Iranian bank and come back with your payslip. The bank is very close to the embassy and they guy will give you the address.

Once you show the payslip, you will have to leave your passport and come back on the next day (or the same afternoon) to collect your visa.

e-Visa for Iran

In 2017, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) launched a website where you can actually apply for your visa.

However, you need to know that this is not a regular e-visa portal but, in the unlikely case you managed to apply successfully, it just gives you the same code as 1stQuest does, which means that you still need to go to the embassy. 

The only advantage of the e-visa is that it is a bit cheaper but the application process takes ages, plus in most cases it doesn’t work. Most travelers report that the visa verification remains as pending for weeks.

Remember that with my voucher code, you can get an additional 5% discount. 

Duration of the Iranian visa

Normally, everybody traveling to Iran should be able to get a 30-day visa, regardless you enter via airport or overland.

Iran Visa Extensions

Extending your visa is very easy and feasible.

Typically, if you get a 1-month visa, you can extend it twice for 30 days. This means that you can travel in Iran for up to 90 days.

You can extend your visa at any Immigration Visa Office in any provincial capital. Yazd or Esfahan are very popular places to extend your visa among travelers.

I personally extended mine in Bandar Abbas, a southern city. Each office has its own rules but, in Bandar Abbas, they required a passport and visa copy and two passport photos. The one-month extension cost me 345,000IR and it took 24 hours to proceed.

Visa for Americans, UK and Canadian citizens

As you may know, the MFA requires Americans, British and Canadian nationals to make a tour from arrival to departure; essentially this means you need a guide at all times on a daily basis. 

Citizens of these countries need to have a confirmed itinerary, which should be requested from a valid tour company. For this, they should send a passport copy, as well as passport photos to the tour operator.

Typically, getting the invitation letter takes around 30 working days. 

It is highly recommended that these nationalities book their international flight ticket after receiving the LOI, as there have been several refusals.

More information for visiting Iran

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Don’t forget to check our travel guide to Iran .

As well as all our Iran articles:

• Iran itinerary
• Best Books about Iran
• Travel insurance for Iran
• VPN for Iran
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Qeshm Island Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Shiraz
• A trip to the desert of the Kaluts
• Trekking Guide to Zagros Mountains
• Meeting the Qashqai People
• Fars Province Travel Guide
• Darband Travel Guide
• Masouleh Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Golestan Province
• Iran-Iraq border crossing
• Is Iran Safe?
• Best Hotels in Tehran

84 comments

Joan, in your advice on “How to get your Iran visa code+” you say … ” The Iranian Ministry of Tourism has launched a website where you can actually apply for this code, saving you from getting a letter of invitation. However, the website is not working properly and, apparently, nobody has been able to get it, including myself.” –

A question; on this website it gives an e.mail address for contacting them & I am interested to know whether you DID contact them mentioning their ‘website’ not working ?

In any case as a British citizen, along with Americans & Canadians, in theory we have to have not only an official ‘letter of invitation/visa code but can not go as independent travellers without an official guide & itinerary which it is necessary to produce when applying for the Visa Reference Number. Unlike EU, Australian & New Zealand nationals, whom can also now get Visas On Arrival !!!

As of 2016, for my last visit, and now preparing my next for Spring 2018, this still seems to be the case, at least, for Brits. However there is no mention of this on the website you posted http://e_visa.mfa.ir/en/ , which may only be for French nationals & those others as mentioned with telephone numbers for enquiries ! ??? Perhaps that’s why the website didn’t work for you ?

Hi Soko, thanks for your message! This post is aimed at people who can get their visa on arrival. Perhaps, I should specify that at the beginning of the article. For you guys, the process is significantly different and I don’t really know the rules.

As per the website, I tried to apply for my code and the application didn’t go through. I checked in a few forums, including Caravanistan, and apparently, nobody has ever been successful in applying for it. I will keep an eye on this, to see if they can fix it soon and will update the post accordingly. I am going back to Iran in March, so I’ll check the website again because I may enter overland. Cheers,

Thanks for your response Joan, and probably a good idea to mention the differences … for those Brits, Americans & Canadians who might be following your English blog ! Also I notice this Iranian website is new-ish/2017, and what with the fluidity of relations between Iran & other countries, could also explain why it doesn’t actually work …. as yet !

I appreciate your work, this is really very useful for those who are going to visit Iran. Thanks for sharing this post.

WOW!! An Iran visa looks great in Arabic font and this is really very useful for those who want to travel around.

“Arabic font”?

This post is very informative for Iran tourist visa but how do we get a work visa for Iran?

Note sure! I provide leisure travel information so can’t help you, sorry!

very helpful post

Hey there, I tried to apply for my code on http://evisa.mfa.ir/en/ and it was rejected after 30 days (automatically). I called the embassy, asking them wtf. He told me to make application again and call him back in 2 days. After 2 days he told me, he sent it to Iran and I should call him back in 2 weeks. I checked the application in 5 days and it was accepted so I called him again and he confirmed it. The next day I went to embassy (in Vienna) and got my visa. Paid 50€ (for 21 days) + 27€ to get it in the same day. I am from Slovakia.

Hi Peter, thanks for the heads-up man! I will update it accordingly, as soon as I get home! Cheers!

Thanks for the info. Just let me mention that World nomads does not seem to insure Iran (at least being a Spanish citizen)

Thanks for letting me know. Yeah, that was a huge mistake!

Hello! Thanks for all the informations! Just one question: Is with e-visa required an exit flight ticket? Because I would like to exit overland in Azerbaijan. Thank you

no, it’s. I also left overland and there was no problem. Cheers!

I really appreciate the sharing of information as an Iranian. I appreciate your work, this is really very useful for those who are going to visit Iran

Hi. I’m traveling to Iran in two days and was planning on getting my VOA at IKA (Uruguayan passport) but I filled out the e-visa form as it said it would speed up the process and last night I got a “visa rejected, apply through sponsor” message. Does this mean I cannot get a VOA anymore? Will I always be rejected? Or am I stuck with paying an agency? I would very much appreciate any Information you may have! Thanks!!

Hi Alejandra. E-visa form from which website? The official Iranian website doesn’t work very well and visas get often rejected or the system doesn’t work. That’s why you need to do it through 1stQuest, like I say somewhere in the article. Cheers.

I am an Indian passport holder and citizen of India.. I plan to enter Iran overland border by my self driven own car while coming from Turkeministan. Do I need a paper visa? Do I need to be a part of tour group of a tour agency for crossing overland border? Is it not possible for me to enter Iran as a solo traveler? Even if I get LOI from a tour agency still is this possible that i may be refused visa by Iranian embassy here in India?

Hi, I don’t know if there are especial restrictions to Indian citizens but, in any case, assuming there aren’t, all your questions are answered in the post. You can enter overland alone with you car and all you need is to get the visa beforehand, which you can do through 1stQuest: https://1stquest.com/visa#a_aid=joan&a_cid=11111111 and then present their authorization code in the embassy in India. You’ll be fine

Hi guys.i have some qsts.I’ve been applyed for a 3 month visa through http://evisa.mfa.ir/en/ 22 days ago,and still there is written waiting for verification.i contact embassy in my city they said my visa is rejected,but i didnt got any official email regarding this and the status on website diddnt change yet.what shall i do in this case? Thanks

The e-visa system is very unreliable and that’s why in the article I recommend you get the authorization code from 1stQuest and then go to your embassy. It is seriously much quicker, more effective and easier.

They still can help even do in system mention waiting for verification?

What? Sorry, I don’t understand your question

I mean,on the system of http://evisa.mfa.ir/en/ written till now-“waiting for verification”.they can help in this case?

They have nothing to do with this system. They just provide with the authorization code which is needed to pick up the at the embassy, regardless of your visa status. You are not the first person has some trouble and gets the visa rejected with the official e-visa system. It sucks and it’s still very buggy, so waiting for something to happen is not very recommended.

Thank u.i will try to contact the 1st qst

hi, Hope to see other travelers in Iran. A nice and complete article about my Country.

hi, I want to travel to Iran with a personal car, is a carnet du passage , and if he can get at the border? Thank you !!

You can enter Iran with your personal car, yes

I have applied using the online process and like other people over 2 weeks later no verification. I’m Irish but based in London and have repeatedly rang the London consulate with no one answering. I’ve emailed and got no reply. I went to First Quest but they no longer provide the service detailed above. Any suggestions??!?!?!? I could officially get a visa on arrival, but I don’t want to risk this or spend hours in the airport after overnight travel.

You can try to find another agency which does or go to the Consulate in person

They solved the issue and you can now get your visa code again with 1stQuest

Hello everybody, 1stQuest had suspended their visas services temporarily but they just emailed me saying that their service is finally back.

You can already apply for your visa code 🙂

hi Joan, regardin visa in advance… while fillin up the application form it asks to provide address in iran. 1st quest gives the info? thanks

Hey, it refers to the address of your hotel during the first few days of your stay in Iran, or anywhere where you will be staying. It is not a big deal

hi, i have a question about application form for visa in advance. is it a trouble to say you are unemployed? (box where it asks for business address) would it mean i have to provide some sort of proof i have enough cash for travel? and another one where it asks to give all countries visited in the past 10 years.. i mean come on.. what if there are a 100 of them. list them all? thanks, Jana

Hi Jana, if you say you are unemployed or a student, you don’t need to prove you have cash. Moreover, just list a bunch of countries, like 10, nobody is going to check. You could also list the ones have stamps in your passport

hi. sorry for 2 messages. thought it did not get send

Hi I have an indian friend who is working in dubai now and wants to travel to iran for few days before going to india to visit his family. On May 4th he applied for evisa, but still its saying waiting for verification. Finally we lost our hope. Then he got tickets for india for the end of the month. Now after reading these comments i found out that visa ll be rejected because the system is not working properly. If he goes to consulate in dubai, can he get visa soon?

the best you can do is apply for the 1stQuest code. You’ll get it in a few days

I currently live in Canada but have an Irish passport and will be flying to Tehran from Canada. Will I be treated as an Irish citizen and be able to get a visa on arrival? You mention in your blog people flying FROM the countries, as opposed to citizens.

Also, is the visa on arrival just a passport stamp or do you get the ID sticker as in the images above? I assume you get this with the advanced visa.

Hi there, I don’t know how this will work for you. If I was you, I would contact the embassy The visa in arrival is today provided in a separate piece of paper

Do you have any info pertaining to pilgrimage visas for Iran? Are there agencies that would help with this?

Hi Tamara, sorry but I only know about tourist visas

Dear Joan, thanks for all the effort to keep this information up to date. The visa lasts for 30 days, however do this 30 days start counting when collecting the visa in the embassy or is it possible to set a start date? Let’s say one month after collecting the visa? Or would it just start counting once entering Iran? Thanks, Florian

Hi Florian, if I am not mistaken, the Iranian visa is valid for 1 month within a 3-month period starting from the day you got it.

Cool, thanks!

As a Canadian with an authorization code/ Visa Grant Notice already issued, I now have to send my passport together with photo and money order to the ‘Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran’ at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC. Does anybody have information on how long a process this is as I’m only three weeks from departure?

for visa on arrival, i need the reservation of my first night in a hotel? is also posible the reservation of a hostel/guesthouse?

yes, budget hostels should work. Bring a hostel phone contact

Hallo ik heb nodig visa van Iran ik kom uit Afghanistan

Hi there, We are planning to travel to Iran in the coming week. We will arrive at IKA airport and do the VOA with the authorisation code from 1stquest. We are kiwis and travelling on New Zealand passports. Question 1: is it ok to have a forward airport ticket instead of a return ticket? Question 2: we have a Jordan entrance stamp in our passports but no exit stamp. Will this be a problem? Greatly appreciate your advise. Cheers Blair

Hi Blair, my responses 1 – They will not ask for your return ticket flight 2 – I also had it and had no issues. I don’t know whether it was because they didn’t see it or because they applied the rule that, if the stamp is more than 6 months old, doesn’t count

Hello Joan, thanks a lot for the great information you provide. Is it possible to get a 3 months visa with 1stquest letter of invitation? Thank you.

Hi there, it is better if you contact 1stQuest directly for this matter

I live in Bilbao-spain .So first should i go to the Iran`s embassy in Madrid or apply through 1stQuest to get the code ? Which one is easier and faster way? then should i have to go to the Iran`s embassy with all my documents AGAIN ? Actually i dont know what is the easiest and fastest way for me since i dont live in Madrid.

Hello, are you flying in? Because if you are flying in you don’t need to go to the embassy. You just get the code and then you skip the line.

Hey Joan, I’m a paisano and admire your work here. I think I got a lot of help from your site when I thought about visiting Iran so thanks so much!

I wanted to ask, how the heck did you manage to get your Iran visa on your passport, as in the full page awesome sticker? I asked for it in Iran like 20 times they wouldn’t give it or mark anything on it… Was very sad… there’s no trace there.. how did you get it?

Hi Daniel, that’s because the second time I visited Iran I applied for the visa at the embassy, as I was entering the country overland

Aaahh ok, then I’ll ask at the embassy. It’s real pity because I want that mark on my passport. Iran is amazing and I definitely want to go back. The country is huge and has so much to explore that you’d need at least 3 months to see it all. It is know however since a couple years back that the authorities are not stamping or leaving trace on your passport of your visit to Iran, on purpose, because of the problems the people would then have to access Israel or US, so they refuse to stamp your passport or put a sticker visa on it. I went last year in June 2019. Thanks Joan! I’ll ask at the embassy and hope that they say yes 😉

Hello, Is it possible now to get a e-visa for Iran or the country is still closed for foreigners? Thank you

How easy it is to get multiple entry visa. I will enter and exit Azeri border several times within 4 months period as a tourist.

Theres no mention about people who only have UN travel documents or alien passports. Are they able to travel and what diifficulties they might experience in visa process? Many Afghan refugees living in Europe have families in Iran which they like to visit but they do not have Afghan or any other national passports, so how they can travel there? Do You know the answer?

Hi, this post refers to tourist visa for Iran

Could anyone let us know if there’s anyway to get Iran visa now days as tourist visa is still unavailable ?

Hi there, No, unfortunately, they are still not issuing visas.

Hi! I’m travelling to Kish Island in 2 months to meet an Iranian friend. I’m travelling from England but I am American. Do I still need a tour guide? Because my friend will be with my British friend and I the entire time I don’t see a reason I’ll need a guide. My friend there is getting the hotels for us and everything as well. I just want to know what to expect when we arrive! Thanks so much.

yes, and your British friend will also require a tour-guide. UK, US and Canadian passport holders all require this.

Hi Joan, On Saturday March 26th, my girlfriend and I were denied boarding at Barcelona airport before travelling to Teheran because we had no e-visa. It seems that right now it is not possible to get a visa on arrival without the reference code of the e-visa. Regards.

Very sorry to hear this Ruben, I am going to investigate it further.

I’m a USC hoping to travel to Iran as a tourist. Where do I find and how do I choose one of these tour operators of which you speak? Which are the least expensive? Best (and in what way)? Do you recommend any? Thanks!

Hi Thanks for the info. Just wanted to point out the list of countries that can enter Iran without visa has been updated. Now there are 11 countries, adding Egypt, China and Lebanon.

Will the airline let you board if you have the code from 1st Quest?

If your airlines require you to have your visa in advance, the code from 1stQuest isn’t enough, but it’s your first step for getting your visa

which airlines will not allow you to board without a visa?

I don’t know, it could be any, it could keep changing all the time

When applying for the e-visa, do they give a whole page sticker in your passport or is the printed visa the actual visa?

Hello, nowadays, they aren’t stamping passports anymore, your printed visa is the visa.

I would like to visit my boyfriend in Iran this summer. I’m an American so I know I need to have a tour guide with me the whole time I’m there. But I wondered if there is anyway to get around this rule and go without a tour? Do you know if they are very strict with it? Thanks!

Hi Linda, I don’t know how you can get around it and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you since that’d be illegal in my opinion

Hello Juan, very informative blog.

I’m looking to travel from UAE to Bandar Abbas by boat, travelling up through Iran with my dog up to Turkey and back to the UK.

I understand I’ll need a tour guide, but travelling with a dog, I may not be able to leave him anywhere.

Would you have any info on the ease of travelling with pets through Iran and any issues that you may face?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Scott, I have never traveled with a pet, so I can’t really know the restrictions when staying in hotels, entering restaurants and stuff. What I know, however, is that in traditional areas from Muslim countries they don’t really like dogs to be inside buildings.

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Iran Tourist Visa

• Table of contents

Traveling to Iran

Who needs an iran visa, iran tourist visa validity, a valid passport, passport copy, personal photograph, travel itinerary (if applicable), resume/curriculum vitae (cv), travel insurance, proof of payment of visa fees, iran visa application steps, iran tourist visa fees, where to apply, iran tourist visa processing time, iran tourist visa faq.

Iran is an ancient country that has been at the crossroads of many civilizations and events. Today, Iran is known for its fascinating culture, world-famous cuisine, and historic sites.

Nearly all foreign nationals are required to obtain an Iran tourist visa before traveling to the country. Foreign nationals from the following countries are required to apply for and obtain a tourist visa to enter Iran:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini,Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Sao, Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

An Iranian Tourist visa is available exclusively for travelers coming to Iran to engage in short-term tourism activities including sightseeing. The tourist visa is valid for three (3) months from the date of approval and has a duration of stay of 45 days. That means tourist visa holders have 90 days/three (3) months to enter the country and they can stay up to 45 days from the date of entry.

Iran Tourist Visa Requirements

All applicants for the Iranian tourist visa must submit some basic requirements. The following are mandatory for all tourist visa applicants: 

The applicant should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Copies must be clear JPGS measuring 800x600 pixels and occupying 500 kilobytes or less. Applicants should photocopy the first page of their passport (data page) containing their identification information and passport number.

Photos must be recent (within 6 months), in color, and measuring 400x600 pixels with 70-80% of the photo filled by the applicant’s face. Photos must be taken on a white background with a neutral facial expression. All files must be JPG and less than or equal to 500 kilobytes.

Applicants must present their intended travel plans if they are already made.

Applicants may be required to submit their recent education history and work experience with their visa application.

All applicants must have travel insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in Iran. The insurance must be issued by an accredited company that has an office in Iran.

The payment method for the visa fees is typically done by bank transfer or bank deposit to the account of the relevant Iranian embassy or consulate.

All applicants must provide translations of any official documents they submit into English or Irish. Both the original and translated documents must be sent with the other application materials.

Applicants can take the following steps to complete their visa application online and submit the required documents:

The tourist visa application can be completed online at the Islamic Republic of Iran Electronic Visa System .

Applicants should identify the appropriate embassy or consulate where they can submit their application materials.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email and a Tracking Code to the email given in their online application. This code can be used to check the status of the visa application while it is being processed.

Once the visa application is approved online, applicants can send a copy of their tracking number and all required documents to the embassy or consulate for processing. Required documents can be sent online or submitted in person depending on the embassy or consulate and the visa type.

Applicants can pay the visa fee by making a bank transfer or deposit to the account of the relevant embassy or consulate.

Approved visas will be received as either an electronic visa or sticker visa depending on the method used to submit the application materials.

Any applicant regardless of their nationality may be requested to attend a visa interview at their nearest embassy or consulate. Applicants can prepare for their interview by reviewing their travel itinerary and ensuring they have collected all the required materials for their application. 

Iran tourist visa fees will vary according to the applicant's nationality and the embassy or consulate where they submit their application.

Most foreign nationals will complete their visa application online through the official Islamic Republic of Iran Electronic Visa System portal.

After the visa application has been approved, they can either submit the required documents online or in person at the relevant embassy or consulate. Depending on the method of submission, applicants will either receive a sticker visa or an electronic visa.

The processing time for an Iran tourist visa will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the embassy or consulate where they submit their visa application, and the complexity of the case.

An Iran tourist visa is a travel document that may be issued either as an eVisa or a sticker visa depending on the applicant’s nationality. This document is valid for three (3) months and allows the tourist visa holder to visit the country for up to 45 days.

Most foreign nationals will complete their visa application online through the official Islamic Republic of Iran Electronic Visa System portal. After the visa application has been approved, they can either submit the required documents online or in person at the relevant embassy or consulate. Depending on the method of submission, applicants will either receive a sticker visa or an electronic visa.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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Get Iran Visa.com

Iran Visa Requirements 2020

Before applying for an Iranian visa, you have to make sure that your documents meet Iran visa requirements and consider all MFA standards for digital pictures that you will upload onto the e-visa website. Any incompatible uploaded file can lead to visa refusal.

• Tourist Visa Requirements
• E-VOA Requirements
• Other Visa Types Requirements
• Passport Scan Requirements
• Photo Scan Requirements

Iran Tourist Visa Requirements

If you intend to visit Iran you have to apply online for the Iran visa and receive the authorization code or Iran visa grant notice via email. To get this visa approval, you have to have a valid travel document, which has at least 6 months validity.

An acceptable travel document is: an ordinary passport, service passport, diplomatic passport, refugee passport, travel document, or laissez passer. Your passport information page should be scanned and uploaded alongside a digital recent photo of yourself.

You also need to declare your trip itinerary, purpose of trip, home address, telephone number, and a valid email address.

In summary, Iran tourist visa requirements are:

• A travel document valid for at least 6 months + digital picture (scan) of its information page.
• A recent personal digital picture (this picture will be printed on your Iran e-visa ).
• A valid email address to receive your Iran e-visa.
• Trip itinerary.
• Residence address and telephone number.
• For some nationalities like Afghanistan and Bangladesh there is one more requirement: Digital picture (scan) of their residence permit (if they are living in a country other than their home country).
• A valid travel insurance .
• Visa fee to be paid to an Iranian Embassy/Consulate.

Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA) Requirements

To get your Iran VOA , you have to apply online for the visa before your departure and have received your visa grant notice or at least your visa submission notice. Also, it is required to have valid travel insurance. Finally, you have to pay the visa fee in CASH in Euros .

In summary, Iran e-VOA requirements are:

• Iran visa grant notice.
• Valid travel insurance.
• Enough CASH in Euros to pay the visa fee.

In case you don’t have any visa approval or haven’t already applied online and plan to apply on site (at the international airport) for a visa, more documents will be required. Although the visa officer ultimately decides what documents should be submitted, it is recommended to bring all these documents:

• Confirmed returned air ticket.
• Hotel reservation.
• Telephone number of your host or contact person in Iran.
• Personal picture to be attached to your Iran visa application form.

Other Iran visa requirements

If you are applying for any visa type other than the Tourist (B) and Pilgrimage (C) visas, you may need to submit some more documents:

Iran Entry Visa (A) Requirements:

• A travel document valid for at least 6 months.
• Travel insurance valid in Iran.
• A valid invitation letter.
• Online visa application.

Iran Education Visa (E) Requirements:

• Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status from the Science Ministry, Education Ministry, or an accredited academic institution.

Iran Temporary Work Visa (F) Requirements:

• Obtaining the labor certificate from a sponsor employer in Iran, approved by the Labor Ministry.

Iran Transit Visa (G) Requirements:

• Declaring visa or eligibility to enter the destination.

Iran Media Visa (H) Requirements:

• Obtaining the permit from the Media & Public Diplomacy Center.

Iran Investment Visa (I) Requirements:

• Approval letter from the Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran.

Iran Marital Visa (M) Requirements:

• Father’s official permission regarding the children’s trip to Iran.

Iran Medical Visa (T) Requirements:

• Approval letter from one of the authorized Iranian medical centers.

When you are applying online for an Iran visa, please NOTE that all uploaded documents should meet the MFA standards. They are:

Iran Visa Passport Scan Requirements

The digital image of your passport or personal photo is a vital part of your Iran visa application. To learn more, review the information below from the MFA on how to provide a suitable digital image . The acceptance of your photo is at the discretion of the Iranian Embassy/Consulate where you apply to collect your Iranian visa.

The scan of your passport must be:

• in JPEG (.jpg) file format,
• equal to or less than 500 KB in file size (less than 10 KB is not accepted),
• only the first page (full-length images are not acceptable),
• horizontal in a rectangular aspect ratio (height must be less than width),
• at least 800 x 600 pixels in dimension,
• sharp without any visible pixels,
• properly exposed (too dark or light is not acceptable),
• in a right position,
• clear and all characters must be readable.

Please NOTE:

Photo taken by low quality cameras or mobile phone images are not acceptable. Please pay attention to the following examples:

Iran Visa Photo Requirements

Your personal photos must be:

• equal to or less than 240 KB in file size (less than 10 KB is not accepted),
• vertical in a rectangular aspect ratio (height must be greater than width),
• at least 600 x 400 pixels in dimensions, about 70-80% of the photo must be filled by the applicant’s face,
• taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance,
• the background should be plain white or off-white,
• taken in the full-face view directly facing the camera,
• with a natural facial expression and both eyes open,
• taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis.
• Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s).
• There must not be a glare on the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
• There must not be shadows or any refraction from the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
• Photos digitally scanned from driver’s licenses or other official documents are not acceptable. In addition, snapshots, magazine photos, low quality vending machine or mobile phone photos, and full-length photographs are not acceptable.

Change of Appearance

If your photo(s) or digital image does not reflect your current appearance, even if it is within 6 months, the Iranian Embassy/Consulate will request that you provide a new photo with your application.

Applicants will be requested to obtain a new photo if they have:

• undergone significant facial surgery or trauma,
• added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos,
• undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain,
• made a gender transition.

Generally, if you can still be identified from the photo in your visa application, you will not need to submit a new photo. For example, growing a beard or coloring your hair would not generally be considered a significant change of appearance.

If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal aging process, he or she will generally not have to provide a new photo. However, the acceptance of your photo or digital image is at the discretion of the Iranian Embassy/Consulate where you apply.

Taking photos of your baby or toddler

When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo, and your child should be looking at the camera with his or her eyes open.

Tip 1: Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet. This will ensure your baby’s head is supported and provide a plain background for the photo. Make certain there are no shadows on your baby’s face, especially if you take a picture from above with the baby lying down.

Tip 2: Cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and take a picture of your child in the car seat. This will also ensure your baby’s head is supported.

Photos taken by low quality cameras or mobile phone images are not acceptable. Please pay attention to the following examples:

What is Iran visa on arrival requirements?

To get your Iran e-visa on arrival, you have to have a travel document (passport) valid for at least 6 months. You have to apply online for the visa before your departure and have received your visa grant notice or at least your visa submission notice. It is obligatory to have valid Iran travel insurance as well. Finally, you have to pay the Iran visa fees in cash, in Euros.

How can I get Iran visa?

To get a visa for Iran you need to:

• Fill in our Iran visa application from online.
• Receive your Iran visa grant notice.
• Submit your passport to Iran Embassy/Consulate or international airports.
• Pay the visa fee.
• Collect your visa or e-visa for Iran.

How much is Iran visa fee?

Iran visa cost varies between 20 and 150 euros. Iran visa cost is dependent to your nationality, visa type and where you want to collect your visa. Iran visa on arrival is a bit more expensive than if you collect your visa before arrival from Iran embassies or consulates.

Iran tourist visa cost for most European nationals is 50 and 75 euros if they collect visa from embassy or on arrival respectively.

Ready to get your Iran visa

• You pick the destination, we have all the visa information ready

Iran is a country with rich history, culture, and so many wonders to see and enjoy in the Middle East. From the Achaemenid Empire to Islamic Period and their architecture, worldwide famous poets like Saadi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi , to natural wonders, it’s worth a visit. You just need an Iran visa to enjoy this amazing country.

Table of Contents

Do you need an Iran visa?

Whether you need an Iran visa or not is up to your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Like many other countries, Iran has provided a visa waiver program. A few countries are exempt from Iran short visa:

The nationals of the above countries can enter Iran with their passport and stay for a limited time. But they need a visa if they want to stay longer, study, or work in the country.

If your nationality is not on the above list, you need a visa to enter Iran and visit its tourist attractions.

The country also provides an arrival visa, but it has been stopped after the Covid-19 pandemic. It is unclear when will it be started.

If you want to work or study in Iran, you are likely to need a visa before moving to the country.

Iran visa requirements

The list of requirements for an Iran visa is up to your country and the type of visa you apply for. Also, the officials could require further documents, and nothing is clear.

Also, it is up to the time you apply for an Iran visa as the rules might change with a new government. The two major political parties of the country are reformists and hardliners.

However, a general list of requirements is as follows:

• Cover letter
• Proof of accommodation
• Invitation letter
• Proof to have enough funds
• Proof of relationship
• Marriage certificate

The above list is not complete. There is a requirement for each visa type, and the embassy could require further documents.

Iran visa application process

The application process for an Iran visa is up to the visa you apply for and the country you reside in.

Step 1. Find the visa type that is appropriate for you

There are different types of Iran visas. You need to find out which one is appropriate for you. If you apply for the wrong visa, you are likely to get rejected.

So do research and find out what the visa is for your visit. You can find a list of them in the below section. Also, you can learn more about them by going through the left sidebar.

Step 2. Are you eligible to apply for it?

Each Iran visa has its eligibility principles. You need to fulfill them to apply and receive your visa. If you are not, you need to work on your conditions and achieve the factors.

Iranian officials are a bit strict with foreign visitors. You would better work on your eligibility principles and improve them to increase the chance of receiving your visa.

Step 3. Gather the requirements

Each Iran visa has a list of requirements or supporting documents. You need to gather all of them and submit them to the embassy.

You can find a common list of Iran visa requirements below. But each visa type has its own requirements. You need to know and prepare them according to the details.

Step 4. Apply to the Iranian embassy or consulate

Now you need to schedule a meeting with the Iranian embassy and get there to submit the requirements. Do not forget anything and pick every piece of the document plus a copy.

There is a fee with the visa application you need to pay. Also, an interview with questions about the purpose of your visit. Give true and honest answers.

The embassy will guide you on the following steps to make.

Iran visa types

The types of Iran visas are as follows:

Iran e-Visa

Iran has provided an electronic visa or e-Visa to foreign visitors. You can apply for it online through the MFA website and receive your visa through the Iranian embassy in your home country.

You need to submit the scanned form of your documents and visit the embassy in person to get your visa. The application process for an e-Visa is fast, and you can get much quicker than other visitor visas. So you would better try this one if you are in a hurry and want to visit Iran’s attractions.

Iran visa on arrival

One Iran visa type is an arrival visa. You can move to the country and ask the authorities to enter the country. Visitors have permission to visit the attractions or stay with a friend for about a month.

The nationals of Canada, the US, and the UK would better apply for an e-Visa or a tourist visa. It could be unlikely that get an e-Visa without the definite purpose of the visit.

After the covid-19 pandemic, the issuance of an arrival visa was stopped. It is unclear where will it start.

Iran tourist visa

If your e-Visa application gets rejected or you are unable to apply for it, you need to apply for an Iran tourist visa .

Applicants need to complete the application form and visit the embassy to receive their visas. It permits you to stay in the country for about a month, and you can extend it.

In case you have a relative or friend in Iran, ask them to write you an invitation letter.

Iran student visa

The quality of education service in Iran is good, and some of the country’s universities have good rankings. Tehran and Sharif University of Technology are popular among Asian and Middle East countries.

Foreign nationals need an Iran student visa to study in the country. First, they need to receive admission from an Iranian university and then apply for a student visa to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via an embassy or consulate.

Iran pilgrimage visa

Iran is an Islamic country, and there are a few holy cities for Muslims. Thousands of tourists travel to Iran to visit these holy places, and they can apply for an Iran pilgrimage visa for this purpose. It allows tourists to stay in the country for 30 and extend it.

Applicants need to provide a few documents and proof of the genuine purpose of the trip. Otherwise, they need to apply for a tourist visa.

Iran work visa

Foreign nationals who want to work in Iran need a work visa to work legally in the country. However, the following groups do not need a work visa;

• Employed by the Ministries
• United Nations staff
• News agencies staff

If you do not come in the above groups, then you need a work visa to work in Iran. The first step is to get a job offer from an Iranian employer who is willing to hire you. Also, applicants need to be eligible. Farsi or Persian language proficiency is one of them. There should not be an Iranian person who can do the work.

Iran investment visa

Iran provides residents through investment which gets called an Iran investment visa. You can move to the country, live, and stay for five years if invest $250.000 in the country.

You can purchase real estate, deposit the money in the bank or invest in other sections.

The good point is that you can sell your real estate or withdraw the money whenever you want.

Iran medical visa

Iran is often called the Medical Hub of Asia. The quality of medical services is great in the region, and many foreign people prefer to get services. Iranian doctors are among the best in the world, and Majid Samii is an example.

He has been the president of the International Society for Neurosurgery, also elected as the founding president of MASCIN.

If people want to get medical services in Iran, they need a medical visa . They need to apply to the Iranian embassy or consulate. The first step is to gather the supporting documents that the patient is going to receive medical services in Iran.

Iran marriage visa

When you marry an Iranian woman and want to move to the country, you need to apply for an Iran marriage visa.

Iran is an Islamic country whose rules and regulations apply in the country. The marriage must be registered in the Islamic system and recognized by the officials. If not, the applicants need to provide proof of relationship. The applicant can apply for a visitor visa, and the marriage can occur inside the country.

Bear in mind that same-sex partnership is forbidden and is not recognized inside the country.

Let’s sum up…

This article guides Iran visa types, requirements, and the application process. You can find the appropriate visa for your visit. Then you can find out more about it from the link in the left sidebar.

If you have questions regarding Iran visas, write them down in the comment section.

Go through the top menu to find out about other counties’ visa types.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO  advises against all travel to Iran

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

If you’re a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention in Iran. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to question you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years in prison.

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel .

Risks to British nationals in Iran 

Consular support is extremely limited in Iran. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy in Tehran . 

FCDO  advises against all travel to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention in Iran. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to question you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years in prison. 

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel

Dual nationals 

The Iranian authorities do not recognise dual nationality. If you are a British-Iranian dual national and you are detained in Iran, the authorities will not tell FCDO  or grant FCDO access to see you. If you are detained, your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who have shown a pattern of hostility towards the UK and British citizens.

Before you travel 

FCDO  advises against all travel to Iran.

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes: 

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks 
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

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How To Get Iran Tourist Visa? (Iran Visa)

• Time to read: 7 mins
• Published date: Mar 15 ,2022

Apply for Visa

If you like to get Iran Visa, apply now and fill out our Iran visa application form.

So, there is some required information for every traveler going to visit Iran. Things like what are Iran visa requirements, how much is Iran visa fee and travel insurance for Iran visa, what are the conditions for Iran visa on arrival and else. Here, in IranAmaze Iran travel agency, we listed important Iran visa information you would need. Following these important steps will guarantee your success in line with Iran visa policies.

Ready for your next adventure?

Who Needs Iran Visit Visa?

Recently, the authorities are trying to facilitate getting an Iranian visa. So more nationalities are exempt from Iran visit visas. Also, more zones are eligible for visa-free traveling. Here is the list:

Which Countries Do Not Need Visa For Iran?

1. Citizens of 11 countries can travel to Iran without a visa. These Iran visa-free countries are (the 2019 update):

2. Citizens of all countries (except Israel) can enter all free zones with a 14-day free Iran visa on arrival (VOA). They are:

• Kish Island
• Qeshm Island
• Bandar Anzali

3. Iranian who didn’t renounce their Iranian citizenship (they have an Iranian passport) can enter Iran without a visa.

What are Iran visa types?

Likely, you can’t enter Iran without a visa. So you need Iran visit visa. Iran visa types are:

• Business visa
• Transit visa
• Tourist visa
• Visa on arrival
• Pilgrimage visa
• Education visa
• Temporary Work visa
• Investment visa
• Marital visa
• Medical visa

If you are going to visit Iran, the best option is Iran tourist visa. But how you can get Iran visit visa? Now you have two different ways:

Two Methods of Getting Tourist Visa

1. Get a visa in advance:  You can go to Iran consulate in your city and ask Iran tourist visa.

2. Get on arrival visa (VOA):  You can acquire your visa at Iran international airports. (except 11 countries

Both types have their pros and cons. We’ll get into the necessary details about these types. Notice that Iran tourist visa validity is 30 days and can be extended another 30 days.

How to Get Iran Travel Visa in Advance?

In this type, a traveler must apply for a visa before traveling to Iran. They have to go to Iran consular office or embassy in his/her country. A tourist can apply for a visa in person or through a travel agency. Here we discuss the details.

Less risk:  It’s less likely that your visa application gets denied. There are several reports from travelers who applied in person that their visa was rejected.

More time saving:  If you get already your visa, at the airport you can enter the country immediately. In some cases, the VOA process takes several hours.

How to get Iran in advance visa through a host or travel agency?

To get in advance visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a travel agency or tour operator . Firstly, you need to choose a travel agency to start this process. Our agency, IranAmaze, has prepared Iran visa service for you. So you can fill out our  Iran visa application form.  You should answer all questions accurately and completely. You need to have several things prepared before starting the process. These are the necessary items:

A digital image of the first page of your passport. This copy is required to be:

• In JPEG or PDF format
• Less than 500 KB
• Clear and readable
• In a rectangular aspect ratio

It’s needless to say, having a passport with at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages are necessary.

A personal digital photo. This photo is required to be:

• In JPEG or  JPG format
• Taken within last month
• Taken in front of a white background
• The photo must be full-face, with open eyes, without eyeglasses or a hat

2. Visa service fee : you should pay this charge to the agency that applies visa for you. Iran visa service fee for travelers who take  Iran tours  with IranAmaze is free. However, you can get a visa without taking tours. If you don’t want a tour, the Iran visa service fee is 19-30 euros depending on trip duration.

3. Iran visa authorization code : Iran visa code that is also known as “reference code” or “Iran visa grant notice”, is a necessary code for getting the visa. It takes about 2-10 working days. For US, UK, and CA citizens, it takes about two months.

4. Collect visa : once you received the Iran visa authorization code, you can choose to pick up your visa at Iran embassies or consulates or airports. You can collect it in any country of your choice. Just mention it in your form.

You can collect your visa at:

• Iran embassy/consulate. If there is an  Iran embassy in your country , you can choose it. It’s not necessary to collect the visa in person. You can post your documents and wait for the result.
• Iran international airports. If your country isn’t on the above list, likely, Iran doesn’t have an embassy/consulate over there. So you can collect your visa at Iran airports. But notice citizens of some countries cannot collect their visa at Iran airports. More information is in the “getting VOA” topic. Here, you have to choose Iran embassy/consulate in nearby countries.

Collecting visa at Iran airports: You can collect your visa at these airports:

• Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)
• Tehran Mehrabad Airport (THE)
• Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
• Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
• Tabriz International Airport (TBZ)

Necessary documents for collecting visa:

whether you collect your visa at Iran airports or an embassy, these documents are needed:

• Iran visa authorization code
• A passport with at least 6 months validity
• A copy of your passport
• Iran travel insurance: Without Iran travel insurance, you can’t collect your visa from Iran embassy/consulate or visa office at the airport. Pay attention that Iran is clearly mentioned in the insurance. Some companies mention “Asia” or “Middle East”, but it’s not enough for the officer. In other words, just “Iran” is acceptable. Travel insurance fee depends on your nationality and how many days you want to stay in Iran. It’s about 10-15 Euros.
• Iran visa fee: it depends on your nationality. You should pay something between 30 to 145 euros.

Either you pick up your visa at the embassy or airport, all ORIGINAL documents are needed.

How long does it take to get my visa after collecting my documents? It takes 2-3 days, but in some cases, it took 2-3 weeks.

How to get Iran in advance visa in person?

It’s very similar to getting Iran tourist visa through an agency. But there are some important differences:

• The process is the same, but you fill out the  Iran visa application form from MFA website  in person. You should wait for the Iran visa code.
• It takes at least 2-3 weeks to get the code. But through a travel agency, it was about 2-10 days.
• Recently, there are several reports from travelers who applied in person, and they are refused. Authorities told to choose a travel agency in Iran for applying for the visa and getting the code.
• If you choose to get your visa in person, expect at least 6 weeks as the wait time to get your visa.
• The only benefit is a free visa service fee. It’s about 20 euros that you don’t pay to Iran travel agency. In conclusion, it’s a high-risk choice, and we don’t suggest it.

How to Get Iran Travel Visa on Arrival ?

Diplomatic ties between different countries have a substantial impact on visa application conditions. In the last topic, we discussed getting visa in advance. But many nationalities can get their visa at airports. This visa is called an Iran travel visa on arrival or VOA. This type of visa is attractive because you can get your visa without the usual hassles of booking visa appointment. Also, this type is suitable for travelers who decide to visit Iran suddenly. The validity of an Iran travel visa on arrival is 14-30 days, and you can extend it for 14 days.

1. You can’t rely on it 100%. Maybe you would be rejected at Iran airport so you will lose your flight money.

2.Waiting at airports can be another good reason to apply for the visa in advance.

Which airports are qualified for an Iran travel visa on arrival?

We recommend choosing Imam Khomeini Airport for getting VOA.

Which countries cannot get Iran travel visa on arrival?

• Afghanistan

Iraqis can get VOA only at Mashhad airport.

What are the Iran visa requirements for Iran travel visa on arrival?

If you didn’t apply beforehand and you don’t have an Iran visa authorization code, you need:

• Your passport with at least 6 months validity
• A personal photo. It’s attached to the visa form application .
• Return flight ticket within the next 30 days
• Hotel or hostel reservation voucher. Take care to have your hotel/hostel contact. Consulate officers may call the hotel.
• Iran travel insurance: Iran must be mentioned clearly in the insurance. “Asia” or even “Middle East” is not acceptable. If you don’t have Iran travel insurance, you can purchase it at the airport. It costs about 15 euros.
• Iran visa fee: you have to pay it at the airport. It depends on your country, and it’s 30-145 euros.
• Travel itinerary: it’s better to have a printout of your travel itinerary. The officer can check the detailed plan and your destinations. So it can reduce the risk of rejection.

How Can You Extend Your Iran Visa?

Generally, Iran tourist visa validity is 30 days and can be extended another 30 days. But, if you have VOA, the validity is 14-30 days, and you can extend it for 14 days. For this, you should start a couple of days before your visa expiration. All Immigration offices in the main cities are ready to submit your visa extension request. You must explain the reason for this extension and fill some forms. Then, attach copies of your passport and your passport-sized photos to the forms.

How Much Is Iran Visa Fee?

You pay the fee to the Iran embassy. It depends on your nationality, but it would range from 30-145 euros. In this table, we listed the details:

If you want to get in advance visa through an Iranian travel agency, you need to pay the “visa service fee” to the agency. It is about 20 euros. The charge of Iran visa for US citizens, UK citizens, and Canadian citizens is about 100 euros.

As we told, if you take IranAmaze Iran tour packages, Iran visa service fee is free.

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Iran Visa Requirements: Best Guide 2023

Table of Contents

Iran is a country known for its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes. It is a popular travel destination for people from all over the world. However, before you can pack your bags and head off to explore the country, you need to know the Iran visa requirements. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about getting a visa for Iran.

Iran has strict visa requirements, and it’s important to make sure you have the correct visa before you arrive in the country. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or other purposes, you need to have the right visa. In this article, we will answer all the common questions about Iran visa requirements, including how to apply, and what documents you need.

Documents Required for an Iran Visa

To obtain an Iran visa, certain documents are mandatory, and you must make sure that you have all the necessary documents before applying. The following documents are required:

A scanned copy of the first page of your passport: 

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Iran. You will need to upload a scanned copy of the first page of your passport when applying for the authorization code.

A passport-sized personal photo: 

You will need to submit a passport-sized photo with your visa application. Make sure the photo meets the required standards.

Copy of valid accident and health insurance during your stay in Iran: It is mandatory to have valid accident and health insurance coverage during your stay in Iran. You will need to provide a copy of the insurance certificate with your visa application.

Iran Visa fees: 

The visa fee will vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. You can find out the current visa fees on the Iranian embassy or consulate website, it varies from 10 to 150 EUR depending on your nationality.

If you apply for your Iran visa through an Iranian visa agency, there is a service pay you should pay. This payment is to cover your Iran visa handling costs.

For US, UK, and Canada passport holders only :

All Iran visa applications must be accompanied by a detailed resume (CV): This is an additional Iran visa requirement for U.S., Canada, and British passport holders . The resume must detail your work history, education, and travel experience. You can download a sample resume from To Iran Tour or the Iranian embassy or consulate website. This group of passport holders should join an Iran tour provided by a certified tour operator. They can not apply for an Iran visa independently.

Make sure to have all these documents ready before applying for an Iran visa. Failing to provide any of these documents may result in your application being rejected or delayed.

Iran Visa Fee vs. Iran Visa Service Fee

Personal Photo Specifications for an Iran Visa

When applying for an Iranian visa, one of the most important requirements is the passport-size photo. The photo must meet specific standards set by the Iranian government, and failure to comply with these standards may result in visa application rejection. Here are the photo specifications that must be met:

Format: The photo should be in JPEG (.jpg) file format.

Size: The photo should not be larger than 240 KB and should be equal to or less than this size. Also, the photo should have a rectangular aspect ratio, with a height that is greater than its width, and it must be 600×400 pixels in dimension.

Color: The photo should be in color and taken within the last six months to reflect the applicant’s current appearance.

Background: The photo should be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background.

Facial Expression : The applicant should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and should not wear headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items in the photo.

Clothing: The applicant should wear clothing that they would normally wear on a daily basis. Uniforms should not be worn, except for religious clothing that is worn daily.

Head Coverings: If the applicant wears a hat or head covering daily for a religious purpose, they may wear it in their photo. However, it should not obscure their hair or hairline, and the full face must be visible without any shadows.

Eyeglasses: Generally, eyeglasses are not allowed in visa photos. However, if the applicant cannot remove their eyeglasses for medical reasons, a medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner must be provided. The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s), there must not be a glare on the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s), and there must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that obscure the eye(s).

Change of Appearance: If the applicant’s appearance has changed significantly due to facial surgery or trauma, weight loss or gain, or gender transition, they must submit a new photo with their application.

Child Personal Photos

If applying for a visa for a child under the age of 16, the same standards apply. The child should be looking at the camera with their eyes open, and no other person should be in the photo.

When taking a photo of a baby or toddler, they should be laid on their back on a plain white or off-white sheet or placed in a car seat covered with a plain white or off-white sheet. The baby’s head should be supported, and there should be no shadows on their face.

It’s crucial to note that low-quality vending machine or mobile phone images are not acceptable and could lead to a visa application rejection. Hence, it’s essential to adhere to the Iranian government’s photo specifications for a successful visa application.

Passport Photo Specifications for Iran Visa

When applying for a passport, it’s important to provide a digital image of your passport that meets certain specifications. The digital image of your passport must be in color and in JPEG (.jpg) file format. It should also be equal to or less than 500 kB (kilobytes) in file size, and only the first page should be included. Full-length images are not acceptable.

The image should be in a rectangular aspect ratio, with the height being less than the width. It should have a dimension of 900×613 pixels, and it must be sharp without any visible pixels. Additionally, the image must be properly exposed, as images that are too dark or light are not acceptable. The passport should be in the right position, with all characters readable and clear.

It’s important to note that when submitting a digital image of your passport, it must be a clear, unobstructed image of the passport. Any shadows, reflections, or obstructions can cause the image to be rejected, which can delay the passport application process. Make sure to provide a high-quality digital image that meets all of the above specifications to ensure a smooth and efficient passport application process.

Iran Visa Application Form – A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

How to apply for an Iranian visa

To apply for an Iranian visa, you will need to follow these steps:

• 1. Determine which type of Iran visa you need based on the purpose of your visit.
• 2. Obtain a visa application form from an Iranian embassy or consulate in your home country or fill out the Iran visa application form here at ToIranTour website.
• 3. Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Make sure to provide all necessary information and documentation, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and a letter of invitation if required.
• 4. Submit the application form and supporting documents.
• 5. Wait for your visa to be processed. The Iran visa processing time can take anywhere from 3 to 7 business days, so it is important to apply for an Iran visa in advance of your planned travel dates.
• 6. Obtaining an Iran visa authorization code is the next step towards getting an Iran visa. When you fill out the application form through an Iranian tour operator or travel agency, they will send your information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then, they will process your application and issue the authorization code. The visa agency will send you the authorization code for the following steps.
• 6. Once your visa has been approved, you will need to collect it from the Iranian embassy or consulate in your home country. Also, you can collect it at the airport when you arrive in Iran. It all depends on the collection point you have chosen in your application form. You should provide the officer with your visa authorization code to collect your printed visa.

How to Choose the Best Iran Visa Agency

FAQs about Iran Visa Requirements

Q1: do i need a visa to visit iran.

A1: Yes, most visitors to Iran are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. However, there are some exceptions that can travel to Iran visa-free , including the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Georgia, Armenia, Venezuela, Egypt, Malaysia and China.

Q2: How long does it take to process an Iranian visa?

A1: The Iran visa processing time can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of visa you are applying for, your country of origin, and the time of year. In general, it can take 3 to 7 business days.

Q3: Do I need a letter of invitation to apply for an Iranian visa?

A3: It depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Visitors who plan to travel to Iran for tourism purposes typically do not need a letter of invitation, but those who are traveling for business, work, or journalism may be required to provide one.

Q4: Can I extend my Iranian visa?

A4: Yes, most types of Iranian visas can be extended if needed. However, you will need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires, and you may be required to provide additional documentation and pay a fee.

Q5: What are the documents required for an Iran visa?

A5: For the majority of nationalities, Iran visa documents include: a filled Iran visa form, a copy of your recent personal photo, and a copy of your passport (validity of at least 6 months). However, for UK, US, and Canada citizens, their CV and tour itinerary is also compulsory.

Q6: Who is eligible for Iran visa?

A6: Everyone can travel to Iran and a visa is simply granted; However, it may be a little more time-consuming and complicated for specific nationalities including the US, the UK, and Canada.

Q7: Can UK citizens travel to Iran?

A7: Of course! UK citizens among 2 other countries (USA, Canada) can travel to Iran with an arranged tour.

Q8: Can US citizens get Iran visa?

A8: Yes. US citizens among 2 other countries (Canada and UK) can obtain their visa and only travel to Iran on an arranged tour. More information about Iran visa for US citizens

Ensuring a Hassle-Free Iran Visa Application

Now that you’re all set and excited to explore the beauty of Iran, remember that understanding its visa rules is just as important. As you’re getting ready for this amazing adventure, let us be there for you in the visa process. We know how to make things easy, allowing you to focus on enjoying Iran’s incredible sights. Don’t worry about visa complications – we’re here to help. Apply for your Iran visa with our support and get ready to experience the magic of this special place.

To start your adventure, the first step is getting an Iran visa

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Iran eVisa Online

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Iran Tourist Visa Information

The government of Iran introduced the eVisa for Iran, an electronic tourist visa , in 2018, with the aim of facilitating entry to the country to foreign citizens for tourism purposes. The simplified online application removes the need to wait for long visa on arrival queues or visit an Iranian embassy to apply for a visa.

An approved online tourist visa for Iran is valid for a single entry to the country and allows the holder an initial stay of 30 days . However, it may also be extended twice once the visitor is in Iran, for a total stay of 90 days.

To apply for a tourist eVisa, applicants can complete the online Iran visa application form in just a few minutes with basic personal, passport, and travel information. They are also required to supply a current email address and pay the Iran eVisa fee in order to submit the application.

Once approved, a copy of the online Iran travel visa is sent to the traveler’s email inbox . They can then present this document alongside their passport to gain entry to Iran at select border checkpoints in the country.

To obtain a visa for purposes other than tourism , such as an Iran business visa or work visa, the traveler will be required to apply for a visa from an Iranian consulate or embassy .

Valid passport

Copy of the passport biographical page

Photo of the traveler

Email address

Debit/credit card

Iran eVisa Requirements

To submit an Iran eVisa application, it is first necessary to meet the online Iran visa requirements.

The online Iran tourist visa requirements state that the applicant must have:

• A valid passport
• Digital image of the passport information page
• Recent digital photograph of the applicant, passport-style
• A valid credit or debit card to pay the Iran eVisa fee
• A current email address at which to receive the approved eVisa for Iran.

It may also be necessary to provide some details of the applicant’s travel itinerary when applying for the Iran visa online if they have already made arrangements for their trip. Furthermore, it is necessary to have valid travel insurance to cover the stay in Iran before an eVisa may be approved.

The traveler receives their approved electronic visa for Iran by email. They can then print a copy of the eVisa to present alongside their passport on arrival at an approved immigration checkpoint in the country.

Please note that it is necessary to travel to Iran with the same passport used to complete the online visa application.

Countries Eligible for Iran

• Afghanistan
• Aland Islands
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei Darussalam
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Isle of Man
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palestinian Territory
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Pitcairn Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Cyprus
• Russian Federation
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Switzerland
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• United States Virgin Islands
• Vatican City
• Wallis and Futuna

Visa requirements checker

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Iran Visa FAQ

eVisa Information

eVisa Application

eVisa Questions

What is the Iran eVisa?

The Iran eVisa is an electronic visa implemented by the Iranian government in 2018 to expedite entry to the country for foreign tourists. It is available through a simplified online application protocol.

How long can I stay in Iran with the eVisa?

The Iranian visa policy states that an approved tourist eVisa allows travelers a stay of 30 days in Iran. However, it may be extended twice once the holder is in the country, for a total stay of up to 90 days.

Is the eVisa for Iran valid for multiple entries?

No, the tourist eVisa for Iran is valid for a single entry to the country.

Where can I apply for an Iran visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa for Iran online through the simple Iranian government visa application portal .

What do I need to submit an application for the Iran electronic visa?

To submit an Iran visa application online, the traveler is required to have:

• A recent digital photograph of the applicant, passport-style
• A digital image of the passport biographical page
• A current email address
• A valid debit or credit card
• Valid travel insurance to cover the stay in Iran.

How long will my Iran eVisa take to process?

The online Iran visa processing time may be up to 10 business days. Travelers are advised to submit their eVisa application at least 2 weeks before their intended arrival date to allow for sufficient processing time.

Do I need to print a copy of the Iran eVisa?

Yes, it is necessary to print a copy of the approved online tourist visa for Iran to present upon arrival at a border checkpoint in the country.

Why was my eVisa for Iran application denied?

The most common reason for the denial of an Iran eVisa application is that the information provided on the online form contained small errors. Therefore, it is important to check that all of the data supplied is correct before submitting an eVisa form.

How can I check my Iran eVisa visa status?

Applicants can check their Iran eVisa status online using the Iranian government status check tool .

Can I extend my eVisa visa while in Iran?

Yes, it is possible to obtain two 30-day extensions for the eVisa once in Iran, for a total maximum stay of 90 days.

What ports of entry can I use with the tourist eVisa?

An approved tourist eVisa for Iran can be used to enter the country at any of the following ports of entry:

• Bandar Abbas International Airport
• Isfahan International Airport
• Kish International Airport (Kish Island)
• Mashhad International Airport (Mashad)
• Qeshm International Airport
• Shiraz International Airport
• Tabriz International Airport
• Imam Khomeini International Airport
• Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran
• Urmia Airport
• Ahvaz International Airport
• Kerman Airport
• Larestan International Airport in Lar
• Shahid Rajaee Seaport

Additionally, eVisas are also expected to be accepted for entry at Shahid Sadooghi Airport in the near future.

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Disclaimer Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Iran travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – removed information for Canadians in the Middle East

Last updated: April 14, 2024 13:29 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, iran - avoid all travel.

You should consider leaving by commercial means if you can do so safely. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is severely limited.

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There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

Canadians in Iran may be closely watched by Iranian authorities. Seemingly innocuous behaviours, such as the use of cameras in public places, travel beyond well-established tourist attractions or casual interactions with Iranian friends, may be misinterpreted and may lead to investigation.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and gatherings may occur.

Large-scale and violent protests took place across Iran in the Fall of 2022 following the strict enforcement of the hijab law by the Iranian authorities. Security forces strongly repressed demonstrators resulting in numerous arrests, injuries and casualties. In some cases, arrested individuals were sentenced to death for charges arising from their participation in the demonstrations.

The situation remains highly volatile and could escalate without notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Security forces could use excessive and lethal force to disperse crowds. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Disruptions to telecommunications services, including mobile internet access, may occur during large-scale demonstrations.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Monitor local and international media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Border areas

Pakistan and afghanistan.

Bandits in border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan are usually involved in drug trafficking and use kidnapping to secure the release of group members from prison.

Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan, is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts and is also a known route for smugglers. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Terrorist attacks may also occur in this province.

If you decide to travel overland to Pakistan and Afghanistan despite this warning:

• travel only on main roads
• travel in organized groups
• avoid travel after dark

The province of Khuzestan borders Iraq. It is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Border with Iraq is usually closed. It can be opened on a case-by-case basis to allow the passage of certain foreigners or to give refugees access to containment camps located on the Iranian side of the border.

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan

The borders with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are open only to citizens of those countries.

Foreigners travelling in the vicinity of these sensitive borders often attract the attention of local security forces, which can result in short periods of detention.

There is an increased threat of attacks against Western interests and of terrorist attacks in general. The security situation could worsen rapidly and with little warning.

Attacks have targeted:

• foreign interests
• Iranian military and government establishments
• tourist attractions and popular public places
• nightclubs and entertainment venues
• public transportation

Further attacks may occur, and terrorists may also target:

• crowded places
• places with high pedestrian traffic where foreigners may gather
• commercial establishments
• local government offices
• public transit stations
• busy streets
• places of worship

Exercise a high degree of caution at all times.

Kidnapping for ransom can occur, especially in Baluchistan and in the border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Foreign nationals have also been the target of kidnapping.

Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Violent crime affects both Iranians and foreigners.

Thieves often target four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Plainclothes individuals may pose as police officers and ask to see foreign currency and passports. If you are approached, you should politely decline to cooperate but offer to go to the nearest police station.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery
• Ensure personal belongings, including your passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page at all times and leave a photocopy with a relative
• Don’t surrender any documents or cash
• Stay in touch with family and friends, especially if you’re travelling alone
• Avoid walking after dark

Women's safety

Women may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is common in Iran.

Some Canadian and Canadian-Iranian women have been stranded in Iran or mistreated by an Iranian husband or a male relative. Local authorities consider domestic violence to be a private matter and rarely discuss it in public.

Women and children require the permission of the husband, or an Iranian male head of household, to obtain a passport or travel document. They also require permission to leave the country.

The dress code is strictly enforced in Iran. Women must wear a headscarf and a long jacket that covers the arms and upper legs while in public.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, and city streets are poorly lit. The highway system is relatively well developed.

Trucks run mostly at night, often without headlights. Motorists are reckless and don’t respect traffic laws. They almost never give way to pedestrians at designated crossing points. Parked cars may obstruct sidewalks on main roads in urban areas. Sidewalks are rare in residential areas.

Expect roadblocks and checkpoints.

• Avoid travelling at night
• Consider hiring a personal driver who’s familiar with local conditions
• If you are involved in an accident, remain at the scene until authorities arrive

Public transportation

Most taxis don’t have meters. Drivers often overcharge foreigners.

• Only hire official taxis from agencies or hotel-based companies
• Take pre-booked official taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street
• Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter
• Never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers
• Note the licence plate number and name of the driver when you travel
• Immediately communicate this information to family or friends

Railway transport

Trains are comfortable and punctual, but service is limited and slow.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over the islands in the Gulf and the military patrols the waters. Foreigners navigating Iranian waters have been arrested and detained. In September 2019, Iranian authorities specifically called for the seizure of Canadian assets and vessels.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunb.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Iranian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Canadians can verify this information with the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

• Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Iran.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Pilgrimage visa: required Press visa: required Transit visa: required

Overstaying your visa period may lead to detention, imprisonment and fines. You will be required to remain in Iran until the situation has been resolved.

• E-Visa Portal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Iran

Transit pass

If you enter Iran with a transit pass issued by an Iranian embassy or consulate abroad, you may have to obtain an Iranian passport to exit the country.

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Iran because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Cases of locally-acquired   Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS) have been reported in this country.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Some people infected with MERS-CoV experience no symptoms, while others may experience mild flu-like or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms. About one-third of reported cases have result ed in death.

Eat and drink safely ,   and   avoid close contact with animals, especially camels. If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you practise good hygiene and  wash your hands  before and after contact with animals.

There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against MERS.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Air quality

Air pollution can be severe in major cities. It may affect people suffering from respiratory ailments. 

During periods of high pollution:

• consult your doctor before traveling to see if the situation could affect you
• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Iran is under international and Canadian sanctions . While these sanctions don’t prohibit travel to Iran, they could be relevant to your travel.

Legal system

The Iranian legal system differs from the one in Canada.

You may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials if you are suspected of or witness to offences.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs and alcohol are severe. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Iran is an Islamic theocratic republic. A conservative interpretation of Islamic practices and beliefs is closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations.

Islamic law is strictly enforced. Breach of public morality, non-compliance with dress-code and making disparaging remarks about Islam, the clergy and religious symbols, including on social networks, are considered serious offences. They are punished severely.

Former Muslims who have converted to other religions have been subject to arrest and prosecution.

• Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times
• Be aware of your actions and behaviour

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Dress and behaviour

Iranian customs, laws and regulations reflect the conservative interpretation of traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs adhered to by the Iranian authorities.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women.

Women should carry a headscarf to cover their head at all times while travelling in Iran.

There are reports indicating that the police are using surveillance cameras to identify and monitor women who don’t wear the hijab in public places, as required by Iranian law. Employers and owners of businesses such as stores, restaurants, cafés and shopping malls face closure and prosecution if they don’t enforce the hijab law.

If you promote unveiling while you are in Iran, you could face criminal charges.

Women who fail to comply with the law may face:

• arrest and detention
• jail sentences
• restricted access to public institutions such as hospitals, schools, airports and other social services .
• restricted access to mobile phones and Internet

Intimate and extramarital relations

Public displays of affection between two people of the opposite sex, especially between a non-Muslim man and a Muslim woman, is not well socially accepted.

If you engage in extramarital relationships, you may be subject to severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Canadian women who register their marriage with the Iranian authorities automatically become Iranian citizens. They are treated as such by Iranian law.

Marriage between an Iranian and a foreigner is subject to the rules of conduct and Islamic laws. As such, an Iranian husband may prevent his wife and children from leaving Iran, even if they are of foreign nationality.

Marriage Overseas

Iranian and Canadian family law systems are significantly different.

Iran doesn’t automatically recognize the orders of Canadian courts in matters of family law.

A Canadian divorce certificate is not automatically recognized in Iran.

You must get the Canadian divorce certificate authenticated by a Canadian Embassy prior to have it sanctioned by an Iranian Court for it to be recognized under Iranian law.

If an Iranian court doesn’t sanction your divorce, and you return to Iran as a woman, your ex-husband may request the Iranian authorities to confiscate your passport. As a husband, authorities may not allow you to leave Iran if you have not paid the dowry to your wife after divorce.

Children custody

Iran isn’t a signatory to The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Children of a male Iranian national, including Canadian-Iranian citizens, are in the sole custody of their father. They require their father’s permission to leave Iran.

To avoid any difficulties in Iran, consult a Canadian and an Iranian lawyer before travelling. If you're involved in local legal proceedings such as divorce or custody, seek legal advice regarding your rights and responsibilities.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Iran.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Iran by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Iran to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Iranian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

If you are convicted, you could face corporal punishment, imprisonment or the death penalty.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Iran doesn’t legally recognize dual citizenship.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Iran, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you're a Canadian-Iranian citizen, you must enter and exit Iran using your Iranian passport. You may also not be able to leave Iran unless you meet certain conditions.

Canadians, particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of:

• being arbitrarily questioned, arrested or detained
• having their passport confiscated

Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service

Military service is mandatory for male Iranian citizens aged 18 to 34, unless exempt. This also applies to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, even those born in Canada.

If you are a Canadian-Iranian citizen older than 17 years, and planning to visit Iran, check your military service obligation prior to your travel. You may not be allowed to leave Iran without first having completed your military service.

Communications and political activities

Communications are closely scrutinized by local authorities. You may face severe consequences if you discuss, share or publish information on the political situation or criticize the regime in place, including on social media.

Photography

It is prohibited to photograph (including with drones);

• government buildings
• security forces, military and police installations and vehicles
• public buildings, including airports, ports, bridges, embassies and power plants

Such sites are not always well identified. In doubt, seek permission, or refrain from taking the photo.

Always ask permission before taking photographs of local residents.

All luggage may be subject to search upon arrival and departure.

Customs officials may screen your electronic device.

Prohibited items

Possession of prohibited items is forbidden and may result in detention and or imprisonment. Such items include:

• Magazines and DVDs with sexual or explicit content
• Satellite dishes
• Western CDs and film

Pork Products

It’s prohibited to import and consume pork-based products.

The workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Iran is the Iranian rial (IRR).

The economy is exclusively cash-based. Credit cards aren’t accepted in Iran. ATMs exist only for local banking, for the use of Iranians. Due to international sanctions, it’s not possible to transfer funds to Iran using commercial banking system or money transfer company.

• Bring sufficient cash, preferably in U.S. dollars or euros
• Note that U.S. banknotes used must be in crisp condition

Seismic activity

Iran is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur.

Severe weather

Dust storms.

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October. Dust storms and sand storms may occur during the summer months.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal in some individuals.

If a dust storm is occurring:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March. During the rainy season, flooding, including flash flooding, can occur.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable, due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings and infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 115
• firefighters: 125 / 123

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Iran. The Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara has consular responsibility for Iran.

Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Consular Affairs Address, working hours and Holiday
• Legalization Legalization

Announcement

The Visa section opening hours:

Monday - Tuesday and Wednesday : from 09:00- 12:00

Applicants must register their visa application in the  http://evisa.mfa.ir , and enter the required information, including the address and telephone number of their place of residence in UK and Iran, and after receiving confirmation by e-mail via Foreign Ministry, Can submit their application to Consulate with following documents:

Applicants  must have:

A COVID- 19 Vaccination certificate in English showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival; Or   A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure.

• Completed application form
• Two recently taken photos
• Valid passport with minimum six months validity
• Business visa applicants can obtain their authorization code via host companies
• Fees must be paid with clear reference to following account and receipt enclosed with documents

Account Holder Name: Iran Embassy in London

Account Number: 31154573

Sort code:  50-30-10

At the present time contact is only by email

[email protected]

Visa & Legalization Section

Tel: +44 (20) 722-53000

50 Kensington Court

United Kingdom

020-49027000 / 020-25550000

[email protected].

• Visa Requirements

Iran Tourist Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees

Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for a Iran Tourist visa can find the necessary visa information on this page. In the following, you can find Iran Tourist visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of Iran Tourist visa documents are mentioned on the page. For further visa consultation, you can contact BTW Visa Executives.

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa

Following is the list of documents required for Iran Tourist visa for Indians.

A passport is a document that is required at the time of international travels. It is issued by the government of the country to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate.

The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below

• It must be original and genuine.
• It must be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of stay.
• It must have minimun two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.

One cannot cross international boundries without the passport. It is considered a criminal offense otherwise.

The photo is provided to the authority so that you can be identified based on the same.

The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications

• It must cover face 80% of the frame.
• It must be of proper size with dimensions of 35x45 mm (length - 45mm, breadth - 35mm).
• Two copies to be submitted with general photo guidelines.
• It must be clicked on an all white background.
• It must have a matte finish.
• It must be a recent photograph.
• The expressions on the face must be neutral, there must not be any kind of smiling of frowning in the photograph.
• Any kind of glasses must not be worn in the photograph.
• The hair must be tied back so that the face is clearly visible.
• The ears must be visible clearly.
• It must not have any headgear worn apart from religious reasons.
• It is to be taken care that your teeth do not show in the photograph.

Recent pictures are mandatory as old pictures can cause the authorities to reject your application.

An air ticket is a ticket or pass that is possessed by the traveller who is taking a flight for travelling from one location to another.

It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason

• The air ticket has to be booked for the complete round trip.
• It must be confirmed for the complete round trip.

An air ticket shows your course of travel and confirms your return to the native country.

An old passport is a passport that has expired or is completely stamped. In the visa processing, it is required to track the travel history of the applicant.

If available, the old passport must also be provided meeting the given criteria

• If any of the traveler has old passport, it must be submitted along with latest passport.
• It must be original and in a good condition to access the required information.

Without the old passport, you cannot get the visa stamp. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Medical reports are the documents that convey the health condition of the candidate.

The medical documents must be genuine and should match the criteria mentioned in the following

• They must be original and issued from a legitimate medical organisation.
• It must be original and issued from an authorized medical organization.

If the medical reports do not approve of your health to travel, you may not be able to get the visa. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Bank statement is a document that issued from the bank. This is obtained for the savings bank account to show ratify if you will be able to support your stay in the country.

The Bank statement is a mandatory document and it should meet the following criteria

• It must be provided with authentic seal and signature from the bank.
• It must be original and obtained from the savings bank account.
• It must be of your saving bank account for last 6 months.
• It must be printed on an A4-size paper.
• It must be evident of healthy balance amount in the account.
• It must be original and should have the bank's stamp and signature on every page.

If the Bank Statement doesn't show enough funds or shows irrelevant expenditure, it could lead to visa rejection on financial means. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

For detailed information, Please go through Iran Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

Eligibility for getting Iran Tourist Visa:

In order to be eligible to travel to the country on a visa, you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria.

Be a genuine traveller- You must have a valid and good intention behind travelling to the country.

Eligible to bear all expenses - You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.

Reasons to return - You must have strong ties in your home country that will ensure that you will return after your stay.

Be of good character - You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.

Be in good health - You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.

• You must be a genuine travelling enthusiast wanting to explore the country.
• You must already have the necessary travel arrangements made to prove your intention to visit.

Visa Fees for Iran Tourist Visa:

*Important Note:

Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents or personal appearance for an interview in special cases. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted, so It's recommonded to get the professional visa consultation. Submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a special visa interview may result in the rejection of your visa application .

Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care. However, regulations and requirements are subject to change.

To know all details like process, eligibility, fees etc. Please refer Iran Tourist Visa for Indian

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Here's Every Destination Americans Can Travel To Without A Visa In 2024

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

Americans are back to traveling in droves now that the travel landscape is back to normal, excluding, of course, the state of conflict in some countries and the unpredictable realm of geopolitics, which keeps changing unpredictably by the minute.

Lucky for the average U.S. passport holder looking to escape the daily humdrum, there are very few limits as to where they can go.

Most countries now welcome them with open arms and are easing visa rules further, but that does not apply to all .

In fact, Americans need visas or electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) to travel to a number of popular destinations, including Australia, where an ETA is required, and Egypt, where a visa must be purchased on arrival, and that's only two examples.

The days of travel restrictions may be in the past, but that does not mean international travel is always completely seamless.

So, if you are wondering where Americans can travel to without any pre-existing requirements simply by holding a valid passport, this list may prove useful to you :

Let's start with the most restrictive continent for travelers: though Africa is widely known among Americans for transformative journeys, a wild undisturbed nature, and unmatched ethnic diversity, it is perhaps the hardest region to travel .

A majority of African countries still require Americans to obtain visas or eVisas in advance, an arduous process that may involve accessing outdated websites that are not fully functional, traveling to the nearest Consulate, paying expensive fees (as high as $200), and stressful border crossings.

There are only 15 destinations U.S. citizens can access completely visa-free, and interestingly enough, the continent's leading attraction is not one of them: arriving in Egypt, Americans must purchase a physical single or multiple-entry visa at the airport, with prices starting from $25.

Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, a bucket list African landmark, and the UNESCO-listed Zanzibar island, Tanzania, too, requires Americans to pay a visa fee for entering, at an even higher rate of $50; even global safari capital Kenya has eVisa arrangements in place.

Fortunately, not all African countries make it harder and more bureaucratic for U.S. citizens to enter, with subtropical Morocco, an Arab country straddling both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the cultural hotspot that is South Africa allowing them to enter without visas.

The full list can be found below:

• Central African Republic
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa

Traveling Africa may prove challenging for most Americans, unless they a bunch of pre-obtained visas in hand, and plenty of blank passport pages to use up, but if it's any consolation, exploring their own continent couldn't be easier.

There is only one country in the whole of the mainland Americas where they cannot enter unless holding a valid tourist visa, and that is Venezuela , which in recent years has not exactly had friendly relations with the United States or most of its Southern neighbors, for that matter.

As for every other destination in the New World, Americans may come and go as they please, seeing they are not bound by restrictive entry rules and visa requirements, be in the form of entry authorizations or Consulate-issued permits.

From sunny Mexico down to tropical Colombia, they are eligible for hassle-free entry provided they carry a U.S. passport, and in these two countries in particular, their permitted length of stay can be as long as six months , sure to make slow travelers and digital nomads happy.

With that being said, Brazil, the largest South American country is now mulling over introducing a tourist visa for Americans, that would in theory make it impossible for them to visit unless holding a pre-obtained authorization, though that is not yet being enforced .

For 2024, these are all the North and South American countries U.S. nationals can visit without visa restrictions:

• El Salvador

Asia is the perfect spot for Americans looking to immerse themselves in an entirely different culture and escape their mundane Western worries, but unfortunately for blue passport holders, unlike Africa, the list of visa-free countries in the continent of friendly smiles is not as limited.

The most obvious odd one out is China, which requires U.S. nationals to apply for a physical visa in order to enter, a bureaucratic process that typically involves a visit to a Consulate, where applicants must present documentation and be interviewed unless they are merely transiting through.

Fortunately, a majority of destinations across Asia are open to hosting Americans bureaucracy-free , and though there may be an entry form or an eVisa to be filled out here and there, these can be easily obtained online by paying a fee and with minimal hassle.

One such example is Vietnam, where U.S. travelers are not allowed to enter unless holding a valid eVisa.

On the brightside, the maximum length of stay for visa applicants traveling to the Southeast Asian gem in 2024 has been extended from 30 days to 3 months.

Exercising sovereignty over Bali, a popular wellness retreat and paradisaical island, Indonesia also requires Americans to purchase a visa, either online in advance or upon arrival at the airport, as does Cambodia and Laos; thus, they do not qualify for the list.

• Philippines
• South Korea

The Caribbean

Going abroad, there is truly nowhere most Americans would rather be than the tropical Caribbean, a turquoise-blue ocean littered with paradisaical islands, some of which are countries in their own right and others that are autonomous territories of larger states.

With the exception of Cuba , they are free to roam around the territory freely, usually by presenting a valid passport. In the communist state, however, they are officially discouraged from visiting by U.S. authorities, and those who do must purchase a ‘Tourist Card'.

Similarly to a visa, a Cuban Tourist Card can be obtained at a Cuban embassy or consular mission, or at the airport prior to departure, though the latter option is not advised as not all airlines and service providers are licensed to issue the document.

In some cases, the travel agency you book your Cuba trip with could be the one applying for the card.

As you might suspect, this requirement makes Fidel Castro's homeland the hardest country for U.S. tourists to enter in the Caribbean.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• French West Indies
• Puerto Rico*
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands*

Out of all the continents, Europe is easily where Americans will find it easier to travel around, with all but three countries granting them visa-free entry: in fact, a majority of Europen states is a member of the European Union, one of the United States' most trusted partners.

Whether they're off to Italy to chase Mediterranean sunsets and rugged drives as they eat gelato, or they're ticking off fairytale German castles off the list, U.S. passport holders do not have to worry about obtaining entry permits in advance ( at least for now ).

In the future, the EU will require them to apply for a travel authorization before flying, and that's still not a visa – it's an online form that needs to be filled coupled with a small, symbolic fee that actually exempts them from a regular visa – but as of this year, travel is still completely bureaucracy-free.

As for the exceptions, perhaps it's not a surprise that Russia and Belarus would bar entry to American travelers unless they've been pre-screened at a Consulate and have obtained a visa in advance, and it's not like there are many travelers going to these war-raging countries these days, anyway.

The third European – or marginally European – country that is not listed under the visa-free agreements is Azerbaijan , the southernmost of the Caucasus states, a region between Eastern Europe and Western Asia: in order to enter, Americans must apply for an eVisa valid for only 30 days .

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

Middle East

The Westernmost part of Asia, the Middle East is often treated as its own subcontinent, and similarly to the wider continent, it can be trickier to navigate if you're an American, not only due to complex visa rules, but also conflicts or anti-American sentiment.

Visiting Iraq, Jordan or Kuwait, you will be required to apply for a visa on arrival, with prices and passport requirements varying between countries, and even some of the visa-free destinations, like Lebanon and disputed Palestine, carry their own significant risks.

The war between Israel and Hamas has made the Jewish state equally high-risk for Americans to travel, especially now that Iran is weighing in .

We would definitely not encourage you to visit Iran, where Americans have been known to be arbitrarily arrested and accused of crimes despite being innocent and being aware of the multiple kidnapping cases, and only cross the Yemeni border at your own risk.

That being said, there are plenty more Middle Eastern countries that are risk-free .

These include visa-free Turkiye , home to the fascinating cross-continental city of Istanbul and the coastal resort of Antalya, the United Arab Emirates , with its futuristic Dubai, and the increasingly trendy Saudi Arabia: they are all formally neutral in the conflict, and they all warmly welcome American tourists.

• Saudi Arabia
• Turkiye (formerly spelled Turkey)
• United Arab Emirates

Yet another subcontinent – not formally a continent, but rather a geopolitical concept – Oceania is arguably the most peaceful territory on Earth in 2024, with no wars , low levels of crime, and limited travel restrictions imposed.

Americans can travel visa-free to most sovereign Oceanic states and self-governing, non-independent islands, including French Polynesia and New Caledonia, which are part of France, and the Cook Islands, which belong to New Zealand.

They even enjoy freedom of movement across State-Governed collectivities.

The two ‘big' countries in Oceania, Australia and New Zealand, do not grant unrestricted entry to Americans on the basis of holding a U.S. passport alone: applicants must have an Electronic Travel Authorization before boarding.

This is an easy requirement to fulfill, however, as it is easily obtained online, and it does not equal a visa. As for the rest of the Oceanic destinations, bar three – Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Nauru – presenting an American passport at the border is generally all the documentation you need.

• American Samoa*
• Australia**
• Cook Islands (New Zealand)**
• Eastern Island (Chile)
• French Polynesia (France)
• New Caledonia (France)
• New Zealand**
• Marshall Islands*
• Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom)

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post Here’s Every Destination Americans Can Travel To Without A Visa In 2024 appeared first on Travel Off Path .