Everything You Need to Know About Obtaining a Tourist Visa for Iran

Yes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has an online e-visa application system available for foreign travelers. However, due to political considerations, e-visas may not be issued to citizens of certain countries. If you’re from one of these countries, you should contact an Iranian diplomatic mission for further instructions.

Important Note for Applicants:

Since COVID-19 (post-2021), many individual e-visa applications submitted through the Foreign Ministry’s website have been rejected based on travelers’ experiences and unwritten policies. However, over 80% of visa applications submitted through Iranian travel agencies are approved.

Note: For a higher chance of approval, we strongly recommend applying through a registered Iranian travel agency.

Need Help with Your Iran Visa Application? Ask your questions via WhatsApp / Email

According to the most recent telephone meeting with the visa approval officer, individuals who have previously traveled to Israel are still eligible to travel to Iran.

It is strongly advised that applicants do not conceal any past travel to Israel from either the travel agency or the visa-issuing authority. Transparency in this matter is essential.

The officer further emphasized that all documents and the applicant’s history will be carefully reviewed during the visa process.

Once the visa has been approved, visitors will not face any problems in Iran and may proceed with their journey in complete safety.

As of May 1, 2025, the following changes apply to Iranian tourist visas:

• Visa validity reduced: The entry window for all applicants has been shortened from 90 days to 45
• This means you must enter Iran within 45 days of visa issuance.
• Stay duration calculated upon entry: Your permitted stay period (typically 30 days, extendable) now begins from the date you arrive in Iran, not the visa issue date.

Citizens of the following jurisdictions do not require a visa for entry to Iran for stays up to the duration listed below for tourism or business purposes (unless otherwise noted):

• 90 days: Oman, Syria, Turkey.
• 90 days within any 180 days: Armenia.
• 45 days: Georgia.
• 30 days: Bolivia, Lebanon, Iraq, Tajikistan.
• 21 days: China, Hong Kong, Macao.
• 20 days: Egypt.
• 15 days: Malaysia, Venezuela.
• 15 days within any 6 months (For tourism purposes only): Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.
• 14 days: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan.

Notices:

• Citizens of Russia travelling in a tour group together with a representative of the tour group operator may also enter Iran without a visa, for a maximum stay of 90 days.
• Syria, Tajikistan, India: Must enter Iran by air to qualify for visa exemption.
• All tourists, may stay on Kish Island or Qeshm Island for up to 14 days without obtaining any visa.
• Citizens of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are only required to have a certified escort guide waiting for them upon their arrival. The guide has to have the hotel-reservation letters of the passenger with them and let the immigration office of the airport know about the arrival of the passenger.

Standard Processing Time:

✅ 7–14 working days (most common)

✅ Possible variations:

• Fast-track: As quick as 5 working days (if applying through an authorized agency)
• Delays: Up to 30 working days (during peak seasons or for complex cases)

Important Notes:

• Working Days in Iran: Saturday to Wednesday (Thursday/Friday are weekends).
• Islamic Calendar Holidays: Additional delays may occur due to religious holidays (e.g., Eid, Anniversaries or etc.).
• Agency vs. Individual Applications:
  • Local travel agencies often get faster approvals (5–10 days).
  • Solo applicants may face longer waits (10–30 days).

Recommended Timeline:

✅ Best Window: 4–8 weeks before arrival (optimal balance between processing time and visa validity)
✅ Earliest Possible: Up to 3 months in advance (but approvals may take longer)
✅ Last-Minute Risk: Avoid applying <2 weeks before travel (delays are common)

Key Factors Affecting Timing:

• Peak Seasons (Nowruz, May, October, November, Christmas, Chinese New Year holiday) → Apply 6+ weeks early.
• Agency vs. Solo Application → Agencies process 30–50% faster.
• Nationality Differences → Some countries face extra scrutiny (add 1–2 weeks).

Essential Documents for All Applicants:

✅ Passport

• Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
• Dimensions: 800*600-pixel – Maximum file size: 500 KB (We can reduce the size)
• Scan of the bio page (clear, color copy, no reflection, not stretched)

✅ Passport-Sized Photo

• Recent (max 6 months old).
• Dimensions: 400*600-pixel – Maximum file size: 500 KB (We can reduce the size)
• White background, clear, color copy, no reflection, not stretched (Read more in the image specifications section.)

✅ Completed Visa Application Form

• Fill the form here: Iran Visa Application Form

✅ Travel Itinerary

• An itinerary, either approved by the travel agency or based on your intended plan, including entry and exit dates for each city and the hotel of stay, must be submitted at the time of the visa application.
• Flight reservations (not mandatory to purchase before visa approval).
• Hotel bookings or host/sponsor details in Iran (if staying with friends/family).

✅ CV/Resume

• in Some case and for the U.S., U.K, and Canadian citizens a brief summary of education, work history, and skills (especially for business visas).

✅ Host’s Documents (If any)

 

Additional Documents (Case-Specific):

• For business visas: Invitation letter from an Iranian company.
• For journalists/media: Special permit from Iran’s Ministry of Culture.
• For US/UK/Canadian citizens: Itinerary must be pre-approved by an Iranian travel agency.

If you have a host in Iran, you may stay at their residence. However, when applying for a visa, the host’s details must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Intelligence.

This host may be an Iranian national (such as relatives, in-laws, or friends), in which case you may travel to Iran to visit them and also accompany them on trips to other cities.

Alternatively, your host may be a non-Iranian national who resides in Iran for study or work. In this case as well, their information must be provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the time of the visa application.

Required information and documents for introducing the host when applying for a visa:

Information & Documents of Iranian Host:

• Host full name
• Father’s name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (Country-City)
• National id number
• National id card scan
• Cell phone
• Job/occupation – position
• Work Address and phone number
• Residential address and phone number

Information & Documents of Iranian Host:

• Host full name
• Father’s name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (Country-City)
• Passport Scan
• Residence card / Iran residence permit number
• Residence card / Iran residence permit scan
• Cell phone
• Job/occupation – position
• Work Address and phone number
• Residential address and phone number

Obtaining an Iranian visa involves variable costs depending on multiple factors. Below is a detailed guide to help you estimate expenses:

1. Official Visa Fees (Paid to Iranian Authorities)

The final fee is determined only after application submission and depends on:

• Nationality (passport country)
• Visa type (tourist, business, etc.)
• Collecting place (airport/embassy)
• Entry point (airport/land border)
• Duration of stay (1 week to 90 days)

Examples (as of 2025):

Nationality	Issuing Location	Duration	Fee
Malaysian	Tajikistan Embassy (land entry)	1 month	€5
Austrian	Isfahan Airport (air entry)	1 week	€75
US/UK/Canadian	Any embassy/airport	30 days	€75–100

Note: Fees can range from €5 to €150+ based on reciprocity agreements.

2. Our Agency Service Fees (For Visa Authorization Letter)

• Standard fee (most nationalities): €60 (paid to the Iranian tour agency).
• Higher fee (US/UK/Canada): €75–100 (due to extra processing).
• Free visa: If booking a full tour package (discounted to €50 for US/UK/CA).

Payment Methods:

Ask from your travel agent.

Notes:

✔ No fixed price – Wait for the e-visa portal/embassy to display your fee.

✔ US/UK/Canada pay more due to political reciprocity.

✔ Agencies simplify the process but charge service fees.

✔ Book a tour? Visa fees may be waived (check terms).

✔ Always confirm fees with your applying embassy/agency before submission.

 

See some examples:

1. Contact an Iranian Travel Agency

• Reach out to a registered Iranian agency to start your visa process.
• Specify your travel dates and purpose (tourism/business).

2. Prepare Documents & Complete the Visa Form:

• Fill out the application form provided by the agency. Iran Visa Application Form
• Gather required documents (as mentioned above):
  • Passport copy (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Travel itinerary (flight/hotel bookings)
  • Resume (for business visas)

3. Submit Documents to the Agency

• Send scanned copies to the agency for review. (upload during the filling form)

4. Agency Submits Your Application

• The agency:
  • Verifies your documents.
  • Registers your application on Iran’s Foreign Ministry website.

5. Receive Your Visa Approval/Rejection

• If approved:
  • You’ll get a visa authorization code (via email).
• If rejected:
  • The agency will notify you maybe with reasons.

6. Collect Your Visa

Option 1: At an Iranian Embassy

• Visit the embassy in your home country (or a third country if specified).
• Pay the visa fee in cash (no electronic payments).
• Submit:
  • Printed visa authorization.
  • Passport.
  • Travel insurance (if not purchased earlier).

Option 2: On Arrival (Airport Visa)

• Go directly to the visa counter at an Iranian airport. (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Qeshm, Tabriz, etc.)
• Pay the fee in cash (EUR/USD).
• Show:
  • Printed visa authorization.
  • Passport.
  • Proof of travel insurance (can be purchased on-site).

✔ Cash Only: Visa fees must be paid in cash (USD/EUR) at embassies/airports. Some embassies may require bank transfers.

✔ Travel Insurance: In some case is Mandatory—buy in advance or at the embassy/airport.

✔ Print Your Documents: Carry hard copies of your visa approval and insurance.

✔ Interview Risk: Rare, but embassies may request one (especially for US/UK/CA citizens).

1. Visa Validity Period

• Your Iran visa will show two critical dates:
  • Entry Deadline: The last day you can enter Iran (e.g., “Must enter by [date]”).
  • Duration of Stay: How long you’re allowed to stay after entry (e.g., “30 days”).

2. What Happens If You Don’t Use the Visa?

• Visa expires automatically if you don’t enter Iran by the deadline.
• No extensions or reactivations—you must reapply and pay fees again.

3. Example Scenarios

✅ Valid Use:

• Visa issued: July 1, 2025
• Entry deadline: August 15, 2025
• You enter on August 10 → Can stay 30 days (until September 9).

❌ Invalid Use:

• You don’t enter by August 15 → Visa becomes void.

4. Pro Tips

✔ Check dates immediately after receiving your visa.

✔ Plan travel within the validity window to avoid reapplying.

1. Extension Rules

✅ Maximum Extensions: 2 times (each up to 30 days).

✅ Total Stay: Original visa duration + 60 days max (if both extensions approved).

✅ When to Apply: Before your current visa expires.

2. Where to Apply?

• Visit the Immigration Police Office (دریافت ویزا/پلیس اتباع خارجی) in:
  • Provincial capitals (e.g., Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan).
  • Major cities with tourism offices to get help (e.g., Yazd, Tabriz).

3. Required Documents

• Original passport + visa (paper/label).
• Completed extension form (ask the officer).
• Valid reason (e.g., medical treatment, unfinished travel plans).
• Proof of financial means (cash or bank statements).
• Local host/agency contact and documents (if applicable).

4. Process & Fees
5. Submit request in person.
6. Same-day approval/denial (typically).
7. Pay fee (~$30–80, varies by duration).
8. Receive stamp in passport or on visa paper.
9. Key Notes

⚠ No Online Option: Must visit immigration office.

⚠ Rejections Possible: If overstayed previously or lacking justification.

⚠ Travel Agencies Can Help: Faster processing for a small fee.

⚠ Start the process 5+ days before expiry to avoid penalties!

Short Answer: No.

Key Details:

• If you entered Iran without a visa (under visa-waiver rules), your stay cannot be extended.
• You must leave by the expiration date (e.g., before15/30/90 days, depending on nationality).
• Overstaying may result in fines, entry bans, or legal issues.

What If You Need More Time?

1. Exit and Re-Enter:
   • After your visa-free stay ends, you can leave Iran (e.g., to Dubai or Armenia) and return after 6 months (for another visa-free period, if eligible).
2. Apply for a Visa Next Time:
   • If you plan a longer stay, get a tourist visa (allows extensions).

Exceptions?

• Medical emergencies or force majeure (e.g., natural disasters): Contact Iran’s Immigration Police for special permission.

1. Financial Penalties

• Daily Fine: 2,000,000 IRR (~$4 USD*) per day of overstay.
• Example: 10-day overstay ≈ 20,000,000 IRR (~$40 USD).
• Payment: Must be settled in cash (RIALS) at the border/airport before departure.

2. Legal Consequences

• Entry Ban:
  • Temporary (months to years) or permanent, depending on severity.
• Detention Risk:
  • Possible interrogation if overstay is prolonged (e.g., weeks).

3. “Grace Period” (Unofficial)

• <24-hour overstay: Often no fine if due to flight delays, but:
  • Depends on the immigration officer’s discretion.
  • Always explain your reason (e.g., missed flight, illness).

4. Visa-Free Overstayers

• Same rules apply (daily fines + entry bans).
• No extensions allowed—must exit before the permitted stay ends.

 

What to Do If You Overstay?

1. Prepare an Explanation (e.g., medical emergency, flight cancellation).
2. Pay the Fine at the border (cash in RIALS only).
3. Keep receipts to prove payment.

 

Pro Tip: Exchange extra USD→RIALS before heading to the airport/border to cover unexpected fines.

Special Restrictions Apply:

Due to government regulations, travelers from the US, UK, and Canada must follow strict procedures:

1. Mandatory Requirements

✅ Approved Travel Agency:

• Your visa application must be processed through an Iranian tour agency authorized by Iran’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Intelligence.
• No independent travel—you must book a guided tour (even if private).

✅ Government-Approved Guide:

• You must be accompanied at all times (except in the private rooms) by a licensed Iranian guide assigned by your agency.

• You can choose Alireza Damadzadeh for your tour as he is licensed Iranian guide authorized by Iran’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Intelligence.

✅ Extended Documentation:

• Standard visa documents plus:
  • Fill the Iran visa application form for the U.S., U.K. & Canadians
  • 10-year travel history (passport scans of all visits to other countries is helpful – if accessible).
  • Employment records (past 10 years).
  • Social media profiles (list of active accounts).

✅ Strict Timeline:

• Apply 60–90 days before travel (processing can take up to 60 days).
• No last-minute applications.

2. Step-by-Step Process

1️⃣ Choose an Authorized Agency

2️⃣ Submit Documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date).
• Detailed itinerary (hotels, sites, guide contacts).
• Background documents (travel history, employment proof).

3️⃣ Agency Submits to Iranian Government (includes security checks).

4️⃣ Receive Visa Authorization (typically 4–8 weeks later).

5️⃣ Collect Visa: At an Iranian embassy (or airport, if pre-approved).

• U.S. citizens must collect their visa in the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C. They are not eligible to collect the visa upon arrival at Iranian airports.

3. Key Limitations

⚠ No Solo Travel: You cannot explore without your guide.

⚠ Higher Costs:

• Agency fees: $75–200 (vs. $60 for other nationalities).
• Government visa fee: €75–150 (varies by embassy).

⚠ Social Media Scrutiny: Avoid political posts about Iran.

4. Pro Tips

✔ Start early—delays are common for background checks.

✔ Use a reputable agency (ask for past client references).

Need agency recommendations? Contact us for vetted options. WhatsApp / Email

Note: Rules may change suddenly. Confirm with your agency before applying.

Mandatory for All Visa Holders

• Every traveler to Iran must have valid Iranian travel insurance (accident + health coverage) for their entire stay.
• Foreign insurance is NOT accepted due to lack of coordination with Iranian providers.

How to Get It

1️⃣ Automatic Issuance:

• Your insurance is electronically generated during the e-visa process via Iran’s visa portal.

2️⃣ Delivery:

• Sent to the email used in your visa application (check Spam/Junk folders).

3️⃣ Print or Save Digitally:

• Carry a printed copy or PDF on your phone for border checks.

Key Notes

✔ Cost Included: Insurance fee is not part of your visa payment (You may purchase separately).

✔ Validity: Matches your visa’s approved stay duration.

✔ Airport Option: If missed, buy at Iranian airports for ~$20–50 (cash in EUR/USD).

Pro Tip: Verify your insurance before departure to avoid entry issues!

 

Recent Updates:

According to the experience of some tourists who traveled to Iran in the spring and summer of 2025, insurance is not mandatory. However, depending on the discretion of the visa officer at the airport or the Iranian embassy, you may be required to purchase insurance. This regulation mostly depends on the traveler’s age and the conditions of their home country.

The following information will help you prepare a suitable and acceptable scanned photo. However, the final acceptance of your passport photo is at the discretion of the Iranian diplomatic mission where you apply for your visa.

To prepare a scanned passport photo according to the required standards, it is recommended to use professional photo editing software. Please note that digitally enhancing or altering facial features in any way is strictly prohibited.

Key Points:

• Photo must meet Iran’s official standards
• No digital enhancements or alterations allowed
• Final approval determined by Iranian authorities

Your passport photo scan must meet the following requirements:

The information below can help you prepare a proper and acceptable scanned photo. However, the acceptance of your passport photo scan remains at the discretion of the diplomatic mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran where you apply for your visa.

To prepare a passport photo scan according to required standards, it is recommended to use professional photo editing software. Please remember that enhancing quality or digitally altering facial features in any way is strictly unacceptable. Your passport photo scan must:

• Be in color (black and white or monochrome photos will be rejected)
• Be in JPG or JPEG format
• Have a file size between 10 KB and 500 KB
• Be in vertical orientation (height greater than width)
• Have a resolution of at least 400 (width) × 600 (height) pixels
• White Background, Colorful, Clear, Flicker-Free, Not Stretched

Additional requirements:

• Taken within the last 6 months and match your current appearance
• Have a completely plain, light-colored background
• Show your face directly facing the camera
• Show a neutral facial expression with eyes open
• Feature your everyday clothing
• Not include uniforms (except for daily religious attire)
• Not include hats – your full face must be visible and head coverings (like scarves) must not cover any part of your face or cast shadows
• Not include headphones, wireless devices or similar items
• Not include glasses except for medical reasons (if medically required: frames must not cover eyes, lenses must not obscure eyes, and no glare/reflections are permitted)
• Unacceptable photos:
• Scans of passport/driver’s license photos
• Low-quality photos taken with mobile phones or similar devices

Final verification of the photo’s compliance with standards will be conducted. (Check your Photo here)

• One of the most important parts of the visa application process is uploading a scan of your passport’s first page. The following information can help you prepare a proper and acceptable scan. While the final acceptance of your passport scan remains at the discretion of the diplomatic mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran where you apply for your visa, the system will automatically reject scans that fail to meet the following requirements:
• To prepare a proper scan of your passport’s first page according to required standards, it is recommended to use professional photo editing software. The passport first page scan must:
• Be in color (black and white or monochrome scans may be rejected)
• Be in JPG or JPEG format
• Have a file size between 10 KB and 500 KB
• Include only the first page (no additional pages)
• Be in horizontal orientation (width greater than height)
• Have a resolution of at least 800 (width) × 600 (height) pixels

Additional requirements:

• Be high quality (clear and sharp)
• Not too dark or too bright (properly exposed)
• Perfectly aligned (parallel to the edges of the screen)
• Have fully legible text (any smudges or blurring that obscures text may lead to rejection)
• (Check your Photo here)

✔ No Extensions: Visa-free stays cannot be extended—you must leave before expiration.

✔ Tourism Only: Visa exemptions do not permit work, study, or long-term stays.

✔ Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.

✔ Before Travel: Verify with the Iranian embassy, as policies may change.

✔ Apply at least 1 month before travel to avoid last-minute issues.

✔ Check Iranian embassy holiday schedules for your country.

✔ If urgent, use a registered Iranian travel agency for expedited processing.

✔ Visa Validity Starts Early: If approved too soon, your 45-day entry window may expire before travel.

✔ Check Embassy Holidays (e.g., Islamic events) → Add buffer days.

✔ Flight Bookings? Wait until visa approval if your nationality has high rejection rates.

✔ Always verify entry rules shortly before departure—policies can change.

✔ E-Visa System Block: Applications with <6-month passport validity is automatically rejected.

✔ Nationality Differences: Some countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Pakistan) may require extra documents.