Iran

Professional Visa Guidance for Iran Travel

Whether you're planning to explore Isfahan's stunning architecture, conduct business in Tehran's dynamic markets, or pursue academic opportunities at Iran's prestigious universities, understanding the visa requirements is your essential first step into this culturally rich nation.

Iran maintains a structured visa policy that requires advance planning for most international travelers. From tourist visas for heritage enthusiasts to business visas for commercial ventures, each category demands specific documentation and compliance with current regulations.

Comprehensive Immigration Framework

Our expert guidance transforms Iran's complex visa processes into clear, actionable pathways. Key traveler categories include:

• Tourism and cultural exploration
• Business and trade missions
• Academic and research programs
• Transit and diplomatic visits

Located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Iran offers unparalleled historical significance and modern opportunities. This comprehensive guide provides authoritative insights and practical strategies to navigate immigration requirements successfully, ensuring your journey to this fascinating destination begins smoothly.

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Iran. However, several countries enjoy visa-free access or visa-on-arrival privileges, making Iran more accessible than many assume.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries can enter Iran without a visa:

• Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia: 90 days
• Turkey, Syria, Lebanon: 90 days
• Georgia: 45 days
• China, Russia: 30 days (tourism only)
• Malaysia, Venezuela: 15 days

Visa on Arrival

Most European Union citizens, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at major Iranian airports. Other eligible countries include Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Canada.

Advance Visa Required

United States, United Kingdom, and Israeli passport holders must obtain visas in advance through Iranian consulates. US and UK citizens require guided tours throughout their stay.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages. Passports with Israeli stamps or visas are not accepted.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers staying under 24 hours in international transit areas typically don't need visas. However, verify current policies with your airline before travel.

Always confirm current requirements with Iranian diplomatic missions, as visa policies can change frequently based on diplomatic relations and security considerations.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Iran offers tourist visas for leisure travel with validity periods of 30 or 90 days. Visitors can choose between single-entry and multiple-entry options depending on their travel plans. The pilgrimage visa serves religious travelers visiting holy sites, while cultural exchange visas accommodate educational tourism.

Business Visa Types

Professional travelers require business visas for commercial activities, conferences, or trade meetings. Categories include:

• Commercial business visa for trade activities
• Investment visa for business establishment
• Conference and seminar attendance visa
• Technical cooperation visa for industrial projects

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas enable enrollment in Iranian educational institutions, typically issued for the academic year duration with extension possibilities. Research visas accommodate scholars conducting academic work, while language study visas serve short-term educational programs.

Employment Authorization

Work visas require employment authorization from Iranian authorities and sponsor company documentation. Processing times extend 4-6 weeks due to additional verification requirements. Professional categories include technical experts, medical professionals, and specialized consultants.

Transit and Multiple-Entry Options

Transit visas permit 72-hour airport layovers or brief overland passage. Multiple-entry visas accommodate frequent travelers with validity up to one year, requiring comprehensive documentation and higher fees.

Special Categories

Specialized visa types include diplomatic and official visas for government representatives, family reunion visas for Iranian nationals' relatives, and journalist visas requiring media accreditation. Each category involves specific application procedures and documentation standards.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist visas typically process within 5-7 business days through consulates, while visa on arrival takes 30-45 minutes at designated airports. Business visas require 7-10 business days with invitation letters. Work permits involve extended processing of 4-6 weeks through Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordination.

Cost Structure and Fees

Standard tourist visa fees range $50-75 USD depending on nationality. Business visas cost $85-120 USD. Visa on arrival charges €75-100 for most nationalities. Rush processing adds 50% surcharge to base fees. Payment accepted via bank transfer, money order, or cash at consulates.

Application Locations

• Online portal: evisa.mfa.ir for tourist applications
• Embassy locations: Available in 100+ countries worldwide
• Visa on arrival: Tehran IKA, Isfahan, Shiraz airports
• Processing centers: Authorized visa service companies in major cities

Peak Season Impact

March-May and September-November experience 40% longer processing times. Summer applications process faster with 3-5 day average. Nowruz period (March 20-April 2) causes significant delays.

Essential Documents

• Passport valid 6+ months
• Completed application form
• Recent passport photos
• Travel insurance coverage
• Hotel reservations or invitation letters

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose - tourist, business, transit, or other categories. Review duration requirements and entry conditions specific to your nationality through Iran's official visa portal or authorized agencies.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Essential documents include:

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed application form with accurate information
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting specifications
• Travel insurance covering Iran stay
• Hotel reservations or invitation letters

Ensure all documents are translated into Persian or English and properly legalized if required.

Step 3: Submit Application

Apply through Iran's e-visa system, authorized travel agencies, or Iranian diplomatic missions. Most applicants can utilize the convenient online platform for streamlined processing.

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay visa fees using accepted methods - typically online payment for e-visas or cash/card at diplomatic missions. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 5: Processing and Tracking

Monitor application status through provided reference numbers. Standard processing takes 5-10 business days, though complex cases may require additional time.

Step 6: Visa Collection

Receive your authorization code for airport pickup (e-visa) or collect physical visa from submission location. Verify all details immediately upon receipt.

Common mistakes to avoid: incomplete forms, insufficient passport validity, missing travel insurance, and inadequate supporting documentation. Double-check requirements before submission to prevent delays or rejections.