There is much more to Iran than what is visible on the front page, despite the fact that it may make headlines in the media. It is a pleasant country with a rich history and incredible cultural resources, and its people are justifiably proud of their lengthy history.

So, it comes as no surprise that a large number of visitors from all over the world come to this great nation to experience its historical and cultural attractions firsthand.
Are you a citizen of Germany and do you intend to visit Iran? Traveling without incident requires that you be aware of the Iran visa requirements. You will learn all you need to know about acquiring an Iranian tourist visa from our detailed guide.

Overview of Iran Visa for German Citizens

Every year, a large number of German citizens travel to Iran for its rich cultural experience. German passport holders require a tourist visa in order to experience Iran’s natural beauty. Obtaining a Visa Authorization Code and then collecting the visa itself are the two key parts of the procedure.

Importance of Authorization Code/Visa Grant Notice

Anyone who plans to visit Iran must have the Visa Authorization Code, commonly referred to as the Visa Grant Notice since it is a crucial document and step in the procedure. This document, which was issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is needed in order to get a visa for Iran. For both tourist and medical visas, it is necessary and functions as a pre-approval.

Two-Step Process for Iranian Visas for German Citizens

The issuing of visas for German citizens is quite easy and will not make you go through the hassle like the old days. Iranian visas for German citizens are issued in a two-step process which is explained below:

Step 1: Getting an Authorization Code from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (MFA) or a travel agency

The first step in acquiring an Iranian tourist visa is to obtain a visa authorization code or visa approval. It is mandatory for all German citizens to know this code. Although you can visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and request your visa code there, it is not recommended.

This is because the process may take weeks and you will probably get rejected anyway. Based on our experience, it is best to request your visa code from an authorized agency such as TAP Persia. The advantage of this method is that it may only take 2 to 5 days with 24/7 support and there’s a high chance that your visa may be approved.

Step 2: Obtaining Visa through an Iranian Embassy or at Iran’s International Airports

There are two options to collect your visa: at one of the Iranian embassies or consulate or at one of Iran’s international airports. After the Covid pandemic, the option of Visa on Arrival (VOA) is not given most of the time and is heavily advised against it, since travelers will be rejected or even airlines will not allow tourists to travel without visa approval.

Note: There is a Visa on Arrival rule but it is not recommended at all, since you may be deported or airlines will prevent you from traveling.

Requirements for Visa Authorization Code for German Citizens

If you are a German citizen and want to get your very own Visa Authorization Code, then you need to know the visa requirements beforehand. Here are the visa requirements for getting the Visa Authorization Code:

1. Filling out the Online Visa Application form

You need to visit the TAP Persia website and fill out the online application form. Fortunately, you don’t need to go through the hassle and TAP Persia will be responsible for doing everything for you. If you have a host in Iran who you want to meet and stay with him/her throughout your trip, he/she needs to provide an invitation letter to TAP Persia and keep us informed.

2. Passport Scan and Photo Requirements

German passport holders are required to provide a scanned copy of their document along with a current color photograph. The validity of the passport must be at least 6 months more than the intended period of stay in Iran. Specific specifications, such as a white backdrop and the right proportions, must be met by the photograph.

3. Approval Period and Fees

If you choose to apply through the MFA website, the processing time may extend to a few weeks, potentially leading to rejection. Conversely, when applying through a travel agency such as TAP Persia, you can typically expect a quicker turnaround of 3-5 working days, excluding Thursdays and Fridays (the Iranian weekend) and public holidays.

You are required to pay 28 Euros as “visa processing fee”. For the “visa fee”, you need to pay in cash at the embassy/consulate or one of the international airports in Iran (if you have chosen to receive your visa at the airport). Check out Iran visa costs and fees for more information.

Some Helpful Hints for Getting an Iran Visa Authorization Code for German Citizens

Here are some useful tips that you should know if you want to obtain an Iran Visa Authorization code as a German citizen:

1. Validity and Expiry Date

Your visa code has an expiry date when you request it and you are required to go to the embassy/consulate or one of Iran’s international airports and receive your visa before that date. You usually have 3 months to enter Iran after you receive your visa from the embassy/consulate.

2. Selecting the Proper Place of Lodgment

It’s crucial to choose the appropriate location to collect your visa. Understanding the procedure and requirements for each choice, whether choosing to apply through an Iranian Embassy or at one of Iran’s international airports, helps ensure a positive experience.

If you find yourself short on time before your flight or if there is no consulate or embassy conveniently located in your city, and you prefer not to make the trip to the embassy/consulate to obtain your visa, we recommend selecting Iran International Airport as your visa issuance location.

Below is a list of diplomatic offices in Germany:

• The Iranian Embassy is situated in Berlin.
• Additionally, there are three Iranian consulates in Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg.
• If you are a global traveler and you happen to be outside of Germany, you can opt to visit an Iranian embassy or consulate in any country to obtain your visa.

Important Note: If you are traveling by land, you are not able to select the visa issuance location at the airport or obtain your visa at the border. Instead, you must obtain your visa from one of the Iranian embassies or consulates in Germany or other countries before crossing the border.

3. Possibility of Rejection

Many people may not meet the requirements or request their visa through the MFA website which will probably lead to rejection or it will take so much time that you might cancel the process. It’s best to request your visa through an authorized travel agency like TAP Persia because the process will become much easier with 24/7 online support and all the responsibility is given to the travel agency to do all the work.

4. Types of Visas Applied Through Official Agencies

For people who intend to go to Iran for leisure and tourism purposes, such as sightseeing or visiting historical places, the tourist visa is the sort of Iranian visa that you require. If your intention is to consult with a doctor and undergo a medical procedure or surgery, it’s essential to acquire a medical visa. Failing to do so may put you at risk because your insurance coverage may not support your trip. TAP Persia provides tourist and medical visas depending on the purpose of your trip.

Enhance your visa application success by avoiding common pitfalls. Read our detailed guide on “Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Iran Visa” here.

Tourist E-Visa for German Citizens

The Iran E-Visa, also known as an electronic visa, is a digital visa approval document that can be acquired through the MFA website or an authorized travel agency like TAP Persia. It is only allowed for single-entry travel at the moment and entitles you to a 1 to 90-day stay in Iran. It is important to have a travel plan that is in accordance with the number of days you are willing to stay in Iran.

Electronic Visa Application Process

Although you can obtain an E-visa through the MFA website, it is not recommended. Make sure to do this through an authorized travel agency such as TAP Persia which will reduce any rejection or hassle with 24/7 online support.

Visa Processing Fee vs Visa Fee and Exemptions

The visa processing fee, amounting to 28 Euros, is paid to TAP Persia in recognition of the support and paperwork management provided by the travel agency to streamline your visa application process. However, it’s important to note that the visa fee itself, which goes directly to the government, must be paid in cash at the embassy/consulate or international airport.

The visa processing fee can vary based on the duration of your stay and whether you have a host, as obtaining a visa with a host may involve additional effort.

Important Instructions and Extensions

Extending your visa cannot be facilitated through the MFA website or via a travel agency. To do so, you must personally visit an Immigration police office in one of Iran’s major cities, adhering to specific guidelines for a successful extension.

Complying with these recommendations is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable stay in Iran. For detailed information on extending your tourist visa in Iran, please refer to our article titled “How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in Iran?“

Because the extension process can be time-consuming and carries the possibility of refusal, we strongly advise you to plan your visa request well in advance, considering a timeframe of 1 to 90 days before your intended stay.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to apply for an Iran visa through TAP Persia and collect your visa approval from the embassy or one of Iran’s international airports. It is not recommended to apply though the MFA website because there’s a high chance of rejection.

Opting for the airport as your visa issuance location is often a more convenient choice compared to the embassy option. When applying at an embassy, you might need to invest considerable time and effort, as they may ask you to return on another day if they are busy, or you may not have a nearby embassy or consulate. While the visa fee at the airport option may be slightly higher, it’s generally considered worthwhile, as explained earlier. Check out Iran visa costs and fees for more information.

If you are traveling by land, you are not able to select the visa issuance location at the airport or obtain your visa at the border. Instead, you must obtain your visa from one of the Iranian embassies or consulates in Germany or other countries before crossing the border.

In general, German citizens may easily get an Iranian visa by adhering to the instructions provided in this article and can take pleasure in their vacation to Iran with no hassles.
Contact TAP Persia through online chat or WhatsApp if you want any more help or have any questions regarding your Iran visa.

What is the Iran Visa Grant Notice?

A pre-approval is given by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the form of the Iran Visa Grant Notice, also known as the Visa Authorization Code. You can obtain this authorization code either through the MFA website or from an authorized travel agency like TAP Persia.

Is a Visa Authorization Code Necessary to Obtain an E-Visa?

Yes, the Visa Authorization Code is crucial to the e-visa procedure. It serves as a type of pre-approval and needs to be received before submitting an application for an electronic visa.

What is the validity of the Visa Grant Notice?

The Visa Grant Notice comes with a specified validity period, which is clearly indicated on the document. It is imperative to use this notice within the stated timeframe to obtain your Iranian visa either from the embassy/consulate or at an Iranian international airport.

How Do You Receive a Visa Grant Notice?

The Visa Grant Notice can be obtained either through the official e-Visa portal (MFA) or from authorized travel agencies. We strongly recommend applying through a travel agency, as it can significantly lower the likelihood of your application being rejected.

How Much Time Do You Have to Obtain an Iran Visa?

The length of time varies on the kind of Iran visa and the process used to apply. Usually, it takes 2 to 5 working days to get an authorization code, excluding Thursdays and Fridays (the Iranian weekend) and public holidays and the visa application procedure might take longer.

Can I go to Iran with a German passport?

Certainly, Iran is open to travelers holding German passports; however, they are required to obtain a visa beforehand.

Do German Passport Holders Require a Visa to Enter Iran?

Yes, German citizens must pay attention to visa requirements and obtain a visa in order to travel or conduct business within Iran.