Iran requires most visitors to obtain a visa, often through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, before arrival unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Citizens of a few countries can enter without a visa for short stays, while others are ineligible for the e-Visa and must apply through an Iranian embassy or consulate. The Iranian visa policy is designed to facilitate tourism and business visits while ensuring compliance with international and domestic regulations.
We are currently not offering tours in Iran due to regulatory restrictions and our commitment to compliance with international law.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Iran?
Most travelers to Iran require a visa. However, there are several exceptions, such as:
- Visa Exemption: Certain nationalities are allowed to enter Iran without a visa for short durations, typically for tourism or business purposes.
- e-Visa Eligibility: Citizens of most countries can apply for an e-Visa, which allows for visa issuance upon arrival.
- Visa in Advance: Nationals from a few countries must apply for a visa in advance at an Iranian diplomatic mission due to restrictions on the e-Visa system.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of certain countries can enter Iran without a visa for short stays. This exemption is applicable for tourism or business purposes, with the length of stay varying by country:
- 90 days: Turkey, Oman, Syria
- 90 days within 180 days: Armenia
- 45 days: Georgia
- 30 days: Bolivia, Lebanon, Iraq, Tajikistan
- 21 days: China, Hong Kong, Macao
- 20 days: Egypt
- 15 days: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Croatia, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Tunisia, UAE, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe
Note: Citizens of Russia traveling in tour groups with an accredited tour operator can stay for up to 90 days visa-free.
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
The Iran e-Visa system allows nationals of most countries to apply online for a visa, which can be collected upon arrival. This visa is valid for up to 30 days, with the possibility of two extensions for a total stay of 90 days.
To apply for the e-Visa:
- Visitors need to submit their application via the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal.
- Once approved, travelers can collect the visa at Iranian embassies, consulates, or upon arrival at designated international airports.
Countries Ineligible for e-Visa:
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, United Kingdom, United States
Travelers from these countries must obtain a visa from an Iranian embassy or consulate before traveling to Iran.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA) for many nationalities at select airports, which allows travelers to obtain a visa without prior application. This is available to most nationalities, excluding citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, the UK, and the US.
VOA Availability:
- Airports: Available at major airports such as Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran) and Shiraz International Airport.
- Marine Ports: VOA is also available at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran’s Hormozgan Province.
Visa Application Process
- e-Visa: Apply through the e-Visa portal, providing a valid passport, photos, and details of the visit.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Apply at the airport upon arrival. Travelers should have a passport valid for at least 6 months, travel itinerary, hotel reservation, and proof of funds.
- Visa in Advance: Some nationalities must apply for a visa in advance through an Iranian diplomatic mission. This process requires:
- Visa Authorization Code: Obtained through a travel agency or the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Collection of Visa: The visa can be picked up at an Iranian embassy or consulate.
Visa-Free Zones
Certain areas of Iran, like its free trade zones, allow all tourists to visit for up to 14 days without a visa. These zones include:
- Kish Island
- Qeshm Island
- Arvand Free Zone
- Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone
- Aras Free Zone
Americans, Britons, and Canadians visiting these areas must have a certified guide and provide hotel reservations prior to arrival.
Restrictions for Specific Nationalities
- Israel: Nationals of Israel are prohibited from entering Iran. Passports containing an Israeli visa, stamp, or any indication of a visit to Israel within the last 365 days are also banned from entry.
- US, UK, and Canada: Citizens of these countries must travel with an approved guide and book their trip through a certified local travel agency. Independent travel is not allowed, and visas for these nationalities must be obtained in advance through a longer visa process (about 8 weeks).
- Dual Nationals: Dual citizens of Iran and another country are required to use their Iranian passport when entering Iran.
Visa Requirements for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders
Holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports from several countries are exempt from visa requirements. This exemption applies for different durations depending on the country. Some examples include:
- 30 days: China, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Russia
- 90 days: Brazil, Turkey
Future Visa Policy Changes
Iran has signed visa exemption agreements with the following countries, though these have not yet come into force:
- Tajikistan (November 2023) for ordinary passports
- Qatar (February 2022) for all types of passports
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Iran? Yes, citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. However, travelers from Canada, the US, and the UK must obtain a visa in advance.
- How long can I stay in Iran with an e-Visa? The e-Visa is valid for 30 days, with the possibility of extending it twice for a total of 90 days.
- Is independent travel allowed for US, UK, and Canadian citizens? No, travelers from these countries must be accompanied by a government-approved guide at all times.
- Do I need a visa to visit Kish Island or Qeshm Island? No, all tourists can visit Kish and Qeshm Islands for up to 14 days without a visa. However, US, UK, and Canadian citizens must have a guide and pre-arranged hotel reservations.
- Can Israeli nationals visit Iran? No, Israeli nationals are prohibited from entering or transiting through Iran.
Important to Know
- Most countries can get an Iranian visa on arrival.
- The visa-on-arrival price differs by nationality, usually costing 50 to 75 Euros.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Iran no longer stamps the passports of foreign tourists in a bid to ease their concerns about traveling to other countries after leaving Iran.
- Citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America have to apply for the visa reference number for visa on arrival 3 months in advance.
- Are you Jewish? There are 10,000 Jewish living in Iran, the largest Jewish community in the Middle East after Israel. It’s OK if you’re Jewish.
- Citizens of Israel (Jewish, Muslim, and Christian) are banned from entry to Iran.
- Admission is refused to holders of passports or travel documents containing an Israeli visa or stamp or any data showing that the visitor has been to Israel or indication of any connection with the state of Israel.
- The MFA requires Americans, British and Canadian nationals to travel in Iran with a compulsory tour from arrival to departure, and you need need a guide at all times daily. You can’t travel alone or on your while in Iran.
