Iran Visa

All you need to know about Iran Visa

How can you check your application status?

You can check the status of your application using the tracking code provided after your payment. Normally the process takes 3-7 business days (excluding Thursday & Friday), but during nationwide events, the process can take 7-10 business days.

Which nationalities should apply for an Iran visa in advance?

These nationalities should apply at least 2 months in advance:

• United States, United Kingdom, Canada

These nationalities have more complicated visa processes:

• Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Nepal, Somalia, Tajikistan, Yemen

What is an Authorization Code/Visa Approval?

Once your visa application has been approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you will receive your visa authorization code in the form of a PDF. You must present this PDF at the airport or one of Iran’s embassies/consulates.

Where are the Iran visa collection points?

You can collect your visa at the Tehran International Airport (IKA) or at any Iranian embassy, even if you are not a national of the physical location of the embassy.

Here is a list of other Iranian international airports:

• Tehran – Imam Khomeini International Airport
• Mashhad – Mashhad International Airport
• Isfahan – Isfahan International Airport
• Shiraz – Shiraz International Airport
• Kish Island – Kish International Airport
• Qeshm Island – Qeshm International Airport
• Tabriz – Tabriz International Airport
• Urmia – Urmia Airport
• Ahvaz – Ahvaz International Airport
• Kerman – Kerman Airport
• Lar – Larestan International Airport
• Bandar Abbas – Bandar Abbas International Airport
• Bushehr – Bushehr International Airport

Which passport dual nationals should use to travel to Iran?

If you are from the US, UK, or Canada, you can use the passport that is easier to get a visa first but it’s better that you inform us about your other nationalities. If your father is Iranian, you must apply for and receive an Iranian passport before your arrival. Most other dual nationals can apply with the passport that has the lowest visa fee.

Can I get an Iran visa if I visited Israel before?

Israeli passport holders and anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport (or exit stamps at relevant Jordanian or Egyptian border crossings that imply that you must have entered Israel) might face entry denial at the airports in Iran.

How to get an Iran Visa On Arrival (VOA)?

Visit the VOA counter at the international Iranian airport. Provide a copy of your passport, your travel insurance, and enough cash for your visa fee (50-150 USD in small bills: 5’s, 10’s, 20’s). The risk of rejection for the Iran Visa On Arrival has increased since the pandemic and also you need to make sure your airline lets you board without a visa approval. Instead, we recommend you complete your Iran Visa Application Online and only pick up your visa at the VOA counter.

Iran visa types

• Tourism (Leisure) Visa. For leisure travelers from all over the world. Visitors can apply for a maximum 30 days visa and explore the country. You can extend it up to 90 days, for more information read the visa extension article.
• Medical (Treatment) Visa. For medical and cosmetic patients. Visitors come for affordable prices, specialist availability, and standardized facilities. Facilities with IPD certifications provide world-class service to international patients. Iran nose jobs along with dental, vision, hair transplant, and skin treatments are some of the most common procedures done, with hundreds of specialists across the country.
• Student (Academic) Visa. For Students, researchers & scholars who intend to study for 1 or more semesters. Requires a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from the Iranian Ministry of Science, Ministry of Education, or an accredited academic institution. Sign up for Farsi Classes Online to get more familiar with Iranian culture.
• Transit (Transport) Visa. For those passing through the country, usually with their own car, motorcycle or bicycle. Must apply through an embassy, consulate or the e-visa website. Issued for 5-7 days. Must enter and exit via different countries. Must provide a ticket to an onward country. At the moment Iran issues Transit visa mostly for Transit truck drivers and even if you just want to cross the country you have to get a tourism visa.
• Work (Labor) Visa. For those who are working with or establishing an Iranian company for at least 1 year.
• Business (Entry) Visa. For businessmen, conference attendees or professional athletes. Must obtain an invitation letter from the company or organization you plan to visit.
• Pilgrimage (Ziarat) Visa. For Muslims who wish to visit Iranian holy sites. Religious pilgrimages to non-Islamic sites should get a regular tourist visa.
• Press (Media) Visa. For filmographers, directors, and producers or members of the televised, digital, or audio-based press, coming on official assignment
• Family Visa Iran. Unlike a standard tourist visa, the Family Visa Iran is designed for foreign nationals who have Iranian relatives and wish to visit them for an extended stay. This visa may have different requirements, including proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. Navigating the process can be complex, but TAP Persia can assist you in obtaining your Family Visa Iran smoothly and efficiently.

Iran entry visa

To enter Iran, most travelers must go through the Iran visa process and obtain a visa prior to arrival. A standard tourist visa allows for a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended twice, each time for an additional 30 days, for a total of up to 90 days. Applicants must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. It is important to note that citizens of certain countries, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Georgia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Ecuador, can enter Iran without a visa for varying durations. Additionally, travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada must be accompanied by an authorized tour guide during their visit. For the latest information and application procedures, it is recommended to consult the TAP Persia team via WhatsApp or online chat.

When should I apply for an Iran Visa?

If you are picking up your visa at the airport, you can apply up to 3 months in advance. If picking up at the embassy or consulate, up to 2 months. But we recommend applying at most 1 month before your arrival.

Can I get my Iran visa tourist for 2025 in advance?

Yes, with TAP Persia (ranked No. 1 in Iran on TripAdvisor), you can apply online for a 1-30 day Iran visa up to 3 months in advance. Once your visa is approved:

• Airport Pick-Up: After receiving your visa grant notice, you will have 90 days to enter Iran and collect your visa at the airport. You can arrive on the last day of this period and still enjoy the full validity of your visa.
• Embassy Pick-Up: After receiving your visa grant notice, you will have 60 days to collect your visa from the designated embassy. Once issued, you will then have 45 days to enter Iran and stay for the duration specified on your visa.

Apply for Your Iran Visa Today: Quick, Secure, and Affordable!

What’s the best time to apply for an Iranian visa? How Early?

The sooner we apply for a visa the better and not leaving it for the last minute.
Citizens of the US, UK, and Canada. Will need 2-3 months of processing. Must plan your trip on a private or group tour.

What are the requirements to apply for an Iran visa?

• General Requirements. These items must be submitted: Travel itinerary with all cities & accommodations listed for each day (can be altered later as your plans change); Printout of travel insurance with “Iran” in its coverage (full-coverage Iran Travel Insurance); Application fee in USD or EUR; Completed application with your personal information, travel plans and host information (if applicable). These are part of the Iran entry visa requirements that all applicants must meet.
• Passport Copy Requirements. Your passport copy must be: Sharp and in color (JPEG format, less than 500 KB); rectangular with height less than width (800 x 600 pixels).These conditions are essential under the Iran travel visa requirements for a successful application.
• Photo Requirements. Your photo must be: Sharp and in color (JPEG format, less than 240 KB); rectangular with height greater than width (600 x 400 pixels); Taken within the last 6 months, in daily clothing, in front of white background, directly facing the camera (face fully visible, no glasses).  Learn more about the photo requirements for Iran visa with our detailed guide.

Iran Visa Application

The Iran visa application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation to avoid delays. Travelers must apply through the Iranian MFA e-Visa portal or use TAP Persia for a smoother and faster experience. Required documents include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a passport-sized photo, a completed visa application form, and proof of travel insurance covering Iran.

Iran Visa Photo Size

When applying for an Iran visa, travelers must submit a passport-sized photo that meets specific requirements. The standard Iran visa photo size must be 600 x 400 pixels in JPEG format, with a file size of less than 240 KB. The photo should be sharp, in color, and taken against a white background, with the applicant facing directly forward and no glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons).

Should I have a travel insurance?

You will need travel insurance to enter the country. Global insurers rarely cover Iran and if they do, their coverage is often minimal and extremely slow in real emergencies. If you bring your own insurance, Iran must be specifically mentioned in its coverage.

How long is the duration of Iran visa?

Tourist visas are issued for an initial maximum of 30 days, and you can also extend it up to 90 days while here. Your duration will be issued based on the daily travel itinerary you submit with your application.

How to extend Iran visa?

Locate the Passport Immigration Police or the Police Department of Aliens Affairs (edareh gozarnameh) in the city you want to extend. You will need 2-3 passport photos, 2 copies of your passport, your current Visa Authorization Code, any previous extensions, 2 copies of your visa extension form, and about $10 in Iranian Rials for the extension and form/printing fees (Photocopiers can usually be found in each location). Extension processing could take 3-7 business days (excluding Thursday & Friday). Apply 2-3 days before your visa expiration.

Note: If you have a Iran tourist card, you can pay right at the extension office. If paying by cash, you will have to visit nearest Bank Melli (Saturday – Wednesday 8a-1p)

How to enter Iran without a visa? Visa-free zones: Kish and Qeshm

Visit Kish or Qeshm island for up to 14 days without a visa. Must obtain hotel reservations before your arrival. Americans, Canadians, and Brits are required to have a certified guide waiting for them upon their arrival. To ensure a speedy entry, contact TAP Persia at least 10 days before your arrival for all arrangements.

Iran Visa Free Countries (Iran Visa Waiver)

Iran allows visa-free entry for citizens of several nations, making travel more accessible. Under the Iran passport visa-free countries policy, nationals from Turkey (90 days), Georgia (45 days), China, Hong Kong, and Macao (21 days), Egypt (20 days), Azerbaijan, and Malaysia (15 days) can enter without a visa. However, the visa-free countries Iran policy may change, so travelers should always check the latest regulations before planning their visit. For more details, visit the blog Which Countries Can Travel to Iran Without a Visa.

Iran Visa for US Citizens

American travelers must apply for an Iran visa for American citizens at least two months before arrival. The process requires prior approval from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and applicants must book their trip through an authorized Iranian tour operator. A US citizen Iran visa allows travel only as part of a private or group tour, ensuring compliance with Iran’s entry regulations.
While standard visa processing takes time, express services are available at the embassy for an additional fee. However, US citizens can visit Kish and Qeshm Islands visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they notify Iranian authorities at least three days in advance.

Read more: Iran Tours for US, UK & Canadian Citizens

Iran Visa for British Citizens

Like US travelers, British passport holders applying for a visa for Iran from the UK must receive approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and join a guided tour. Expedited processing is available at the Iranian embassy in the UK for an additional cost. Alternatively, British citizens can visit Kish and Qeshm Islands visa-free for up to 14 days, with a three-day prior notice requirement.

Iran Visa for Canadian Citizens

Must complete your Iran visa application online at least 2 months before your arrival. Express services are available at the embassy, at an additional cost. Must come on a private or group tour. Nationals of these 3 countries can visit Kish & Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf for up to 14 days without a visa, given 3 days’ notice.

Can my Iran visa get rejected?

Yes. Your Iran visa rejection can be based on multiple factors including improper answers on your application, insufficient details in your itinerary and many others. Minimize your chance of rejection and complete your Iran visa application online.

Can I get a multi-entry Iran visa?

No. All Iran tourist visas are single-entry. The only multiple-entry visas are the business and student visas.

What is Iran e visa or Iran visa Online?

The Iran e-Visa is an online visa system for travelers applying through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). This electronic visa Iran (Online Iran visa) allows visitors to submit their Iran e-Visa application digitally. Still, approval is not guaranteed, and delays or rejections may occur due to incomplete documents. Applicants can track their Iran e-Visa status through the Iran e-Visa online check system or use the e-Visa Iran check status feature for real-time updates. For a smoother process and higher approval chances, using a reliable Iran Visa Service like TAP Persia is recommended.”

Iran e-Visa vs. Visa Reference Number

Many travelers mistakenly think that the Iran e-Visa and the Visa Reference Number are the same, but they actually serve different purposes. The Iran e-Visa is the online system where you apply for a visa, submitting your documents and travel details for approval. Once your application is processed and accepted, you’ll receive a Visa Reference Number, which you’ll need to collect your actual visa from an Iranian embassy, consulate, or on arrival (if you’re eligible for a Visa on Arrival). While the e-Visa system makes the application process digital, your visa still needs to be officially stamped in your passport before you can enter Iran.

Iran Visa Stamp: What You Need to Know

After your Iran visa is approved, you must get the Iran visa stamp in your passport at an Iranian embassy, consulate, or airport (for Visa on Arrival) before entering the country. Travelers applying through the Iran e-Visa system need to present their Visa Grant Notice or Visa Reference Number to receive the stamp. For those eligible for Visa on Arrival, the stamp is issued at major airports like Tehran (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad. Make sure to carry your passport, visa approval, and travel insurance to avoid delays.

Iran Visa Status (Iran Visa Check)

Travelers who have applied for an Iran visa can check their Iran visa status through the Iranian MFA e-Visa portal by entering their application details. If your status is pending or requires additional documents, you can contact TAP Persia for assistance in tracking and expediting your application.

Iran visa tracking

Travelers who have applied for an Iran visa can track their application status through the Iranian MFA e-Visa portal by entering their details. The Iran visa tracking system allows applicants to check for updates, see if additional documents are needed, or confirm approval. If there are delays or issues, you can contact TAP Persia for assistance in monitoring and expediting your application.

Duration, Extension, and Validity of Iranian Tourist Visa

The Iranian tourist visa is typically issued for 30 days, allowing visitors to stay in Iran within this period. However, travelers can apply for a visa extension twice, each time for an additional 30 days, giving a maximum stay of 90 days. Extensions must be requested at the Police Department of Alien Affairs in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad.

The validity of an Iranian tourist visa depends on your chosen pickup place and travelers should ensure they enter the country within this timeframe to avoid reapplying:

• If you choose to issue your visa at one of Iran’s international airports, then your visa approval is valid for 90 days and you should enter from the selected airport before it expires.
• But if you choose to pick up your visa from one of Iran’s embassies or consulates, then your visa approval is valid for 60 days and you have to go to the selected embassy/consulate and issue your visa. After your visa is issued, it is valid for 45 days and you have to enter the country before that.

Iran visa policy

Read about which documents you will need, different kinds of visas, policy by country, and information on visa on arrival.

Coming to Iran with a camper, car or bike

Complete your carnet de passage before you arrive. You can get it at the border too, but it’s costly. *check out this article for more information :Iran border crossings.

You have to tell us the general area you will camp for the night for each day that you stay. You should clarify if you are staying in your vehicle or tent.

WARNING: For diesel vehicles, you will have to ask truck drivers to give a portion of their diesel ration. For regular gasoline, you can ask pump attendants.

Land vs. Airport Entry

1. You can only get a Visa on arrival (VOA) at the airport. The fastest way to get your visa to Iran is through the airport VOA counter. You cannot get a VOA at Iran’s land bordering crossing.
2. Airports that issue a VOA (Updated 2021): The following international airports have VOA stands in their arrival terminal:
   • Tehran – Imam Khomeini International Airport
   • Mashhad – Mashhad International Airport
   • Isfahan – Isfahan International Airport
   • Shiraz – Shiraz International Airport
   • Kish Island – Kish International Airport
   • Qeshm Island – Qeshm International Airport
   • Tabriz – Tabriz International Airport
   • Urmia – Urmia Airport
   • Ahvaz – Ahvaz International Airport
   • Kerman – Kerman Airport
   • Lar – Larestan International Airport
   • Bandar Abbas – Bandar Abbas International Airport
3. Must have Iran visa authorization code for land borders. If you plan to pick up your Visa Sticker at any of the global embassies or consulates before your arrival, you MUST have your Iran visa authorization code. These are the most popular embassies and consulates in neighboring countries:

• Turkey: Ankara, Erzerum, Istanbul, Trabzon
• Armenia: Yerevan, Kapan
• Georgia: Tbilisi
• Iraq: Baghdad, Basrah, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah
• Pakistan: Islam Abad, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi