If you’re planning your first trip to Iran, you’re likely unfamiliar with the country’s travel rules and regulations and Iran Visa Requirements maybe confusing. Like most destinations, you’ll need a visa to enter, and selecting the correct visa type is crucial. Choosing the wrong one could result in your application being denied.

 

This article will provide a brief overview of the different types of Iranian tourist visas and their general requirements. Keep in mind that other visa categories may require extra documents and information, so it’s best to reach out to our support team at “Tours of Iran” with any specific questions. Additionally, Tours of Iran ensures tourist visa processing within approximately three to five business days.

It’s important to note that certain countries, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, are exempt from the visa process, as the Iranian government does not require citizens of these nations to obtain a visa. Additionally, there are specific rules for issuing visas to travelers from the UK, US, and Canada, which will be briefly covered later in this article.

How simple is obtaining an Iran visa?

Contrary to common beliefs, Iran is a country you can easily travel to. You have the option to apply through Iran’s E-visa website or go through a travel agency, which is highly recommended. This is due to the strict regulations implemented by the Iranian government after the pandemic, leading to an increased number of rejected visa applications.

Therefore, it’s important to conduct thorough research and apply for the appropriate Iran visa based on your circumstances and nationality, ideally with the assistance of a travel agency.

Does the visa application process change for different countries?

Because of the diplomatic relations between Iran and countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, citizens from these nations do not need to apply for a visa. You simply need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.

Conversely, travelers from all other countries must complete the visa application process to enter Iran. Typically, applicants can choose from several types of Iranian visas, with the tourist visa being the most frequently requested.

• Tourist Visa
• Entry Visa
• Medical
• Visa
• Investment Visa
• Transit Visa
• Press Visa
• Temporary Work Visa
• Work Visa
• Student Visa
• Diplomatic Visa

Visa on Arrival – It’s important to note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available for travelers following the pandemic. Therefore, travelers must apply for other types of visas before entering Iran; otherwise, they will be denied entry.

If you’re having trouble finding the right visa for your situation, feel free to ask your questions on our website, Tours of Iran. You can also fill out the visa form there, and our support team will assist you with the visa process.

Overview of the Iran Visa Application Process and Requirements

Typically, applicants can follow these steps to obtain an Iran visa. First, they should:

• complete the online visa form on the Iran E-Visa website or the Tours of Iran visa application form.
• upload a clear image of their passport (recommended size: 800×600 pixels), ensuring that the entire first page is fully visible.
• upload a passport-sized photo of themselves (recommended size: 400×600 pixels). Women have the option to wear a hijab in the photo.

If you’re applying through Tours of Iran, you’ll need to pay a visa processing fee starting at €20, which can be paid using your Visa or MasterCard.

To minimize the chances of rejection, it’s important to answer specific questions in the visa application form carefully. Here are the key questions to consider:

Email: If requested, provide a generic email address—avoid using any .gov accounts.

Occupation/Employment Details: Be sure to provide detailed information in this section, as it is crucial for your visa approval.

If you select “Student,” please include your major, current term year, and the name of your university.

If you select “Employed,” please provide your current job title, the name of your company, and the duration of your employment.

If you select “Self-employed/Own my company,” please provide the name of your business and a brief description of your activities.

If you select “Retired,” please provide your last job title, the name of your previous company, and the duration of your employment there.

If you select “World explorer/Currently have no job,” please share your previous job title, the name of your former company, the type of work you did, and how you currently support yourself.

If you select “Freelancer,” please specify the type of work you do and the organizations or clients you work with.

If you select “Blogger/YouTuber/Vlogger,” please provide your account ID and the link to your business page.

If you select “Other,” please describe your occupation and how you earn a living, including your position and the name of your company.

What is the cost of obtaining a visa?

The link below provides a list of Iran visa costs for various countries. Please note that this fee can be paid at the embassy or at the airport if you’re applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Additionally, you will need to pay a fee to the travel agency for processing your visa application, starting at €20 for Tours of Iran.

Essential Documents Required for an Iran Visa

Along with the steps and documents mentioned above, you should prepare your travel plans, including a day-by-day itinerary and your accommodation details. If you are staying with a friend in Iran, you will need to obtain an invitation letter from your host, along with any related documents to present to the embassy or travel agency as required.

Life After the Coronavirus Pandemic (No Longer Relevant)

The coronavirus pandemic has unfortunately impacted many lives globally, including changes to travel rules and regulations.

According to the Ministry of Health, all travelers must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Alternatively, a negative PCR test can be provided instead. It is not necessary to present both documents at the same time.

Additional Iran Visa Requirements

The final two requirements for an Iran visa are travel insurance and hotel reservation documents. Your insurance must clearly state “Iran” in the Terms & Conditions under the countries covered. To save time and effort, consider getting Tours of Iran’s travel insurance before your arrival. For hotel reservations, include the hotel’s contact information in case customs officials wish to confirm your booking. Our agency, Tours of Iran, can assist you with hotel bookings. However, if you are being hosted by someone in Iran, you do not need to make a hotel reservation.

What to Expect After the Application Process?

If you apply on your own, there’s a significant chance your application may be rejected or remain “pending” for weeks. That’s why we recommend using a travel agency to help expedite the process.

What Are the Visa Requirements for American, Canadian, and British Citizens?

We haven’t discussed the visa requirements for the UK, US, and Canada, as the process for these countries differs significantly. Visa applications for these nationals typically take two to three months. Additionally, there are two ways to enter Iran:

traveling to the islands of Kish and Qeshm for up to 14 days, provided you have a tour guide and a detailed day-by-day itinerary. You’ll also need to present your employment records, contact information (telephone number and email), and any media IDs related to your work. These requirements apply to both options.

You can purchase Iran tour packages from a certified travel agency based in Iran. Fortunately, our support team at Tours of Iran consists of experienced professionals who have successfully handled visa applications for Americans, Canadians, and British citizens.

Please be aware that the visa acquisition process for American, Canadian, and British citizens usually requires 5 to 8 weeks.

Does the Iranian Government Provide Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Travelers?

The answer is NO; this option is no longer available. However, for your convenience and future reference, we will include the requirements for this visa type if you need them.

This visa was only available for travelers arriving by plane. They could apply for a visa on arrival at specific airports, provided they had a passport valid for six months or more.

In other words, if you are traveling by your own vehicle or other means of transport, you cannot simply visit these airports to apply for a visa on arrival. You must obtain your visa in advance from one of Iran’s embassies or consulates before crossing the border. The international airports where this visa was available include:

Airport Name

Region/City

Imam Khomeini International Airport

Tehran

Kish International Airport

Kish

Qeshm Dayrestan International Airport

Qeshm

Bushehr Airport

Bushehr

Shiraz International Airport

Shiraz

Tabriz International Airport

Tabriz

Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport

Mashhad

Bandar Abbas International Airport

Bandar Abbas

Kerman

Kerman International Airport

The following are essential requirements for a visa on arrival (VOA):

Hotel Booking – Having a hotel reservation is an official way to assure the immigration officer that you have accommodation during your stay. Be aware that the officer may contact the hotel to verify your booking. Therefore, make sure to gather all your documents before traveling to Iran.

Obtaining compulsory travel insurance is mandatory—you must purchase insurance as soon as you apply for a visa on arrival. The cost for this insurance ranges from €25 to €45 and is valid for up to 45 days. With this insurance, you’ll have access to services provided by Iranian hospitals.

Tours of Iran provides this essential service for all travelers at a cost of €25 to €45. The insurance covers medical and dental expenses, lost baggage, lost documents, and legal assistance during your travels.

Important Note: It’s crucial to understand that application fees and visa fees are distinct. You will pay the Application Fee (between €25 to €45) and the Visa Processing Fee (€20) to the agency, depending on their policy. After receiving your visa approval, you must pay the Visa Fee at the airport or embassy. Unfortunately, international debit and credit cards cannot be used for transactions in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to carry cash in euros or dollars and exchange it for Iranian rials for daily expenses. For currency exchange, you can visit local exchange offices, but be sure to check the rates beforehand.

Never Visit Iran Immediately After Traveling to Israel – If you’ve recently visited Israel, it’s best to avoid traveling to Iran. Doing so may lead to harassment from Iran’s intelligence services. Your visa on arrival is likely to be denied, and there is a significant risk of being detained and questioned. To minimize this risk, ensure that at least six months have passed between your visits to Israel and Iran.

Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Return Ticket – Every traveler should secure a return ticket to their home country, typically booked for 30 to 45 days after arriving in Iran. Depending on the length of your stay and whether you plan to extend your visit, it’s advisable to consult your travel agency for the necessary information to avoid any issues.

If you successfully enter Iran, it’s important to follow the dress code for women. Make sure to wear clothes that cover your hair, body, and backside. You can look up women’s clothing styles in Iran online to find appropriate options.