Ultimate Guide to Get Your Iran Visa

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Have you been thinking about visiting Iran but don’t know where to start?

As you know the first step to enter most countries around the world is the visa part, whether you travel by plane or through land borders. Getting an Iran visa for tourists and travelers somehow may sound a complicated process. Iranian visa is the permission of entry to Iran in a limited time, issued by embassies and consulates of the Islamic Republic of Iran abroad or at Iran international airports for foreign nationalities. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is trying to make it easier for travelers all around the world so that they can enjoy their journey in peace. Speaking of convenience, the good news is you can now ask the authorities to stamp your visa on a separate piece of paper in the process. This is particularly useful for people traveling to the USA. You can find everything you need to know about how to get Iran visa easily here. Or, you can just fill out the Iran visa form and leave the rest to Apochi.

How to Get a Visa for Iran – The Ultimate Guide

Obtaining an Iran visa requires specific documents and might be a time-consuming process due to the terms and visa policy of the Iran visa. In the following, you will find important information and the answer to any question that might occur to you during the process, leading you to the Iran e-visa Application Form. 

What you will find here:

  1. Iran Visa Types
  2. How can I Get an Iranian Visa?
  3. Why Do I Need an Authentication Code? 
  4. The Main Reasons Why You Should Get Your Authorization Code in Advance
  5. How Much Is The Iran Visa Fee?
  6. How Long Does It Take to Obtain Iran Visa?
  7. What Is The Best Time to Apply For Iran Visa? 
  8. No More Sticker on Your Passport!
  9. How Long Iran Visa Is Valid For? 
  10. How Can I Extend My Iran Visa?
  11. Which Countries Can NOT Get Visa on Arrival For Iran?
  12. Which Airports in Iran Issue VOA (Visa on Arrival)? 
  13. Iran Visa on Land Borders
  14. Which Countries Citizens Can Visit Iran Visa-free?
  15. What Are The Visa-Free Trade Zones in Iran? 
  16. Can Dual Passport Holders Get Iranian Visa?
  17. Visa For Iranians with Dual Nationality
  18. Iran Visa Requirements

• Iran Visa Types:

Generally, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iran visa can be sorted in 11 categories, with different requirements and suitable for different purposes which are mentioned here briefly. You can also get more details about each type in types of Iranian visa. 

  1. Tourist
  2. Business
  3. Pilgrimage
  4. Diplomatic
  5. Education
  6. Temporary Work
  7. Transit
  8. Media
  9. Investment
  10. Marital
  11. Medical

Contact our visa experts to arrange your travel services:

Watch how tourists got their Iran visa

• How Can I Get Iranian Visa?

The easiest way to get your Iran visa most properly is to proceed through a travel agency as trustworthy as Apochi. This travel agency has mastered Iran visa services during 16 years of experience, helping over 45000 travelers with more than 100 nationalities. If you are planning to visit Iran with tourist purposes, we can assist you in the process of obtaining your tourist visa. 

Now you might think why should you go through all this process when you can get your Iranian visa yourself? You can just send your documents to MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and get your Iran visa or just catch a plane, land in Iran and get your visa at the airport! It seems like a piece of cake, doesn’t it? Well, that’s not how it works. But how can you easily get your Iranian visa? The answer to that lies within years and years of experience in this field. Normally it is easier to let someone else do all the paper works rather than yourself, isn’t it?

• Why Do I Need an Authentication Code (Reference Number)?

The key to obtaining an Iranian visa is the visa authorization code also knows as visa grant notice. But what is visa grant notice? How does an authorization code help you? Well, having the authentication code is beneficial for many reasons. First, it improves the chances of receiving Iran Visa to the highest level. This way you just have to travel to Iran and pick up your visa at the airport just by presenting your authentication code. An authorization code (also known as visa grant number or reference number) if in hand is some kind of assurance which confirms that you as a foreigner, have permission to set foot in Iran. How? It simply starts with the Iran e-Visa Application Form. This code appears on your visa grant notice as the application ID which is a 16-characters code. You can also contact our experts at the Iran e-visa department via [email protected] for further questions at any time. In case you are planning to get Iran Visa on Arrival, receiving the authentication code is not mandatory. Yet, most tourists prefer to receive an MFA approval number (visa grant code) before they even start packing. 

Iran Visa Authentication Code

Application ID/Visa Grant Number/Authentication Code

• The Main Reasons Why You Should Get Your Authorization Code in Advance:

     • You can consider your Iranian tourist visa ready.

     • You can save your precious time by not spending hours at the airport, waiting in the queue just to obtain your visa on arrival. 

     • It lowers down the risk of getting rejected at the airport to almost 0 percent. In other words, you get to sit back at your home sipping coffee and wait for your Iran visa results rather than coming all the way here and get denied for some reason. 

     • You can apply for your Iran visa in all Iran embassies all around the world. 

 ♦ Please note that the visa processing fee is 55 €. This is for the authorization code and the procedure, and not for the visa stamp itself. It also should be mentioned that the visa processing fee for Canada, UK, and US citizens is about 110 €. You can get more information about How to Get an Iran Visa as A US, UK or Canadian Citizen. It also should be pointed out that the final decision regarding your qualifications for Iran visa will be announced by MFA. 

In the following, you can see a travelers’ visa, denied by the MFA, who applied for their visa without the help of a travel agency.

Visa-Rejection

• How Much Is the Iran Visa Fee?

Iran visa stamp fee is variable from 10 to 145 euros for all nationalities eligible to acquire an Iranian visa. The only exception relates to Australian citizens for whom the Iranian visa fee is about 145 euros. In the following, you can find a table based on the latest 2019 updates regarding Iran Visa Fee for different nationalities.         

♦ Please note that the visa fees might be a little unsteady and eventually the final accurate price will be declared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

• How Long Does It Take to Obtain Iran Visa?

Due to the paperwork and the official process, obtaining an Iran visa can be time-consuming. Depending on the type of visa that you are asking for, the procedure can take from 4 to 14 working days. Although there are some exceptions for citizens of Canada, the USA, and the UK (Up to 90 days). You can get more detailed information on How to Get an Iran Visa As a US, UK, Or a Canadian Citizen and different Types of Iran Visa.

• What Is The Best Time to Apply For Iran Visa? 

Obtaining an Iranian visa can take some time. Accordingly, we recommend you go for it at least one month ahead of your travel schedule. Although receiving the Visa Grant Notice or Authorization Code should not take more than 3 or 4 days if you apply through Apochi. You can start with Iran e-visa – Online Application.

• No more sticker on your passport!

Some people worry that an Iran visa stamp in their passport might cause problems for their future travels especially to the US. That being the case, in 2018 Iran tourism authorities announced that they no longer stamp Iran Visa on passports for travelers coming to Iran. Therefore, travelers should just have their authentication code along with other requirements documented, confirming that they have their visa and are eligible for entering Iran. The stamp would be put on this document rather than the passport. Note that you need to have your documents with you wherever you travel, in Iran.

• How Long Iran Visa Is Valid for? 

Generally, according to Iran visa policy, a single entry tourist visa is issued for 30 days which is the standard validation length unless you care for extending your visa. Although the validation length varies for nationalities who can visit Iran visa-free.

• How Can I Extend My Iran Visa?

All Tourists and travelers who are in Iran with business agendas or other reasons should see the Foreign National Police personally along with their passport and Iran visa to extend their visa. It should be pointed out that the final decision regarding whether travelers are eligible for extending their visa or not is up to MFA. To make the most out of your Iran journey it’s best to apply for an extension 1-3 days before the visa expires.

• Which Countries Can NOT Get Visa on Arrival For Iran?

Overall, everyone from any nationalities can get an Iran visa on arrival at international airports, of course, regardless of the risk of getting denied. Although, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are some exceptions relating to the countries mentioned below.  

The UK, the US, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

The citizens of the counties mentioned above can NOT receive a visa on arrival (VOA) in Iran. This means they need to apply for an Iran visa beforehand. However, according to the latest updates from MFA, visa on arrival for Iraqi citizens is issued at Mashhad International Airport. It should be mentioned that Canada, the US, and UK citizens need to take a different course of action to get an Iranian visa. They should book a travel tour. It is also highly recommended to apply for your Iranian visa in advance and through Apochi as an experienced travel agency for the best and fastest results.

• Which Airports In Iran Issue Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

According to the latest updates, the Iran visa on arrival will be issued at several airports. That is if the authorities find the travelers eligible for receiving an Iran visa which is highly risky. It is safer to apply for your visa beforehand (at least 2 months in advance), and pick it up at the airport by presenting the necessary documents.

You will find a list of the airports that issue visa on arrival in the following:

Discover Iran 

  • LRR: Larestan Airport
  • AWZ: Ahwaz International Airport
  • BND: Bandar Abbas International Airport
  • BUZ: Bushehr International Airport
  • GSM: Qeshm International Airport
  • KER: Kerman International Airport
  • OMH: Urmia International Airport

Iran Visa on Land Borders

There are some travelers and tourists backpacking or traveling to Iran via overland routes. Naturally, entering Iran even by land requires a visa. Although citizens of the countries mentioned below do not need an Iranian visa. As MFA states, travelers from other countries who need an Iran visa, should see the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the country of their residence and ask for their Iranian visa. It should be emphasized that you demand a land border visa. If you are planning to enter Iran from Armenian borders you can visit Iran Embassy in Armenia and apply for your visa. Eventually, your visa stamp will be issued at the border where you want to enter Iran.

Here you can find Iran border crossings:

• Iran – Turkey border crossings

• Iran – Iraq border crossings

• Iran – Armenia border crossings

• Iran – Pakistan border crossings

• Iran – Azerbaijan border crossings

•Astara – Astara

•Nakhchivan border crossings

•Iran – Turkmenistan border crossings

•Iran – Afghanistan border crossings

Now you might be thinking “How can I travel to Iran through land borders with my vehicle? “Well, it is of course, possible through a different process which you can learn more about on Overlanding to Iran.

♦ Please note that Visa on Arrival is applicable for air travels only and doesn’t include traveling by lands. In case of having further questions, you can contact us directly at [email protected] at any time.

• Which Countries Citizens Can visit Iran Visa-free?

Travelers can’t enter Iran visa-free unless you are a citizen of the countries below.

• Armenia (90-day)

• Azerbaijan (30-day)

• Bolivia (30-day)

• Egypt (20-day)

• Georgia (45-day)

• Lebanon (30-day)

• Malaysia (15-day)

• Syria (90-day)

• Turkey (90-day)

• Venezuela (15-day)

If you don’t hold the passport for any countries above you must apply for an Iran visa.

• What Are The Free-Zones in Iran?

There are a few free-zones in Iran which are popular as trading markets. Apart from the business field, these free-zones represent their authentic tourist attractions. If you are planning to visit one of these places, an Iran visa is not required since these regions are free-zones and you explore the sights for 14 days.

Qeshm Island is a nice place to spend a weekend and take a break from daily life. It’s a relief to know that you wouldn’t need a visa to visit the spectacular sights like Stars Valley, Hengam Island and Portuguese Castle in the south of Iran. In case you are interested in a trip to Qeshm Island, you can choose your hotel in Best accommodations or Luxury Hotels in Qeshm based on your budget.

Free Zones in Iran include:

  1. Kish Island
  2. Qeshm
  3. Chabahar
  4. Aras
  5. Anzali
  6. Arvand
  7. Maku

• How Can Dual Passport Holders Get Iranian Visa?

If you have dual nationality and an unwanted passport you can use your other passport to enter Iran. Moreover, citizens with dual nationality from any aforementioned country should have no problem getting Iran visa using their other passport. For instance, a Canadian-German traveler can use their German passport to have a smoother procedure to obtain their Iran visa.

• Visa For Iranians with Dual Nationality

If you are Iranian but have dual nationality, just make sure you have an Iranian passport and you wouldn’t need an Iranian visa.

• Iran visa requirements

According to MFA, anyone who is planning to apply for an Iranian e-visa needs to provide the required documents below.

  1. A valid passport for at least 6 months.
  2. Formal personal photo with the required size to be attached to the online application form.
  3. Visa fee in cash in case you need to pick up your visa at the airport.
  4. It would be a peace of mind to have your return ticket reservation beforehand just in case.
  5. Travel/medical insurance is needed regardless of the visa type.

♦Please note that your insurance policy must specifically state that the insurance is valid for Iran and phrases such as “middle east” or “Asia” is not enough. Otherwise, you will have to buy your travel insurance at the airport.

♦ To save you from all that trouble, Apochi offers to arrange your travel insurance for your journey to Iran. You can find out how it’s done in Iran Travel Insurance.

  1. In some cases, an invitation letter might be helpful for the procedure. You can ask us for an Invitation Letter to be confirmed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
  2. Your accommodation address is essential whether you are going to stay with a relative or at a hotel.
  3. Hotel reservation voucher to get a tourist visa especially for a citizen of Canada, UK and, the US is needed. You can book your hotel in no time from Apochi Hotel Reservation as well.
  4. Remember, since the credit cards are not usable in Iran, you need to bring enough cash for the whole trip. Dollars, Euros, or any other kind of valid currencies in Europe and Asia will be fine for exchange shops in Iran.

♦ A piece of good news is, if you take your Iran visa procedure through Apochi, you won’t have to worry about carrying all that cash with you, because Apochi provides Iran Tourist Cards for travelers who are coming to Iran. It is a card in Iranian Rial which is issued for tourists against foreign currencies received from them with the designated expiry date (3 years after issuing date) and it can be used in the whole Iranian banking system.

  1. Travelers should hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and the documents regarding their next destination.

Now that you have all the knowledge and details about Iran Visa you can start your journey with Iran e-visa-Online Application. Apochi team wishes you a safe and exciting journey in beautiful historical Iran.

In case of having further inquiries feel free to send us a message. We speak your language.

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