Info
Latest Update (November 2025)
- From November 22, the visa-free entry for Indian travelers has been suspended, and visas are now mandatory again.
- US/UK/CA: embassy-only with guided itinerary; no VOA.
- Many travelers report faster results via licensed Iranian agencies than the public e-Visa portal.
- VOA is airports-only (not issued at land borders).
- The entry window after issuance is typically ~45 days—time your flights accordingly.
- Some consular posts have centralized pick-ups in capital cities.
- Select nationalities enjoy short visa-free stays (conditions apply; confirm before flying).
- Policies can change. Apply early and carry printed grant notice, insurance, and bookings.
Iran visa at a glance
Most travelers need a visa.
e-Visa: apply online → receive authorization (grant notice) → collect at embassy or airport (if eligible).
Visa on arrival (VOA): many nationalities at major airports only; no land-border VOA.
Fees: typically €30–€100 (nationality & pickup).
Processing: ~7–15 business days; US/UK/CA: ~4–8 weeks.
Entry validity after issue: commonly ~45 days.
Passport stamping: tourist entries recorded on a paper slip (no passport stamp).
Who needs a visa (by nationality)
Visa-free (short stays): limited list, sometimes air-only, often once per 180 days. Always confirm your exact case.
VOA-eligible (airports): many nationalities; bring grant notice, printed insurance, and EUR/USD cash.
Advance-only: US/UK/CA (and select others) → embassy application; no VOA.
Overland travelers: plan for e-Visa/embassy—VOA is not issued at land borders.
How to apply (choose your path)
A) e-Visa (recommended for most)
Fill the online form (photo + passport scan + basic itinerary/host).
Wait for authorization (grant notice) by email.
Collect your visa: at embassy/consulate or airport (if eligible) with grant notice, printed insurance, photo, passport, and fee.
Pro tip: Even if VOA-eligible, having a grant notice speeds airport processing and reduces airline check-in friction.
B) Visa on arrival (airports only)
Available at major international airports; allow 30–120 minutes.
Pre-submit details online where possible; print the grant notice.
Bring printed travel insurance and EUR/USD cash; some airlines ask to see the grant notice.
C) Embassy/consulate
Book an appointment, submit documents, leave your passport, and collect in person/post (where available).
Some countries use centralized pick-up in the capital.
Fees, processing & validity (2025)
Visa fee (stamp): ~€30–€100 (nationality & pickup).
Processing time: ~7–15 business days for many; US/UK/CA: ~4–8 weeks.
Stay on arrival: tourist visas commonly 30 days, often extendable to ~90 days total.
Entry window after issuance: typically ~45 days → plan flights accordingly.
Typical timelines
| Applicant group | Authorization | Final issuance |
|---|---|---|
| Many nationalities | ~7–15 business days | Embassy same day / Airport on arrival |
| US/UK/CA | ~4–8 weeks | Embassy pickup only |
Typical fees
| Pickup location | Govt. fee (range) |
|---|---|
| Embassy/Consulate | €30–€80 |
| Airport (VOA) | €50–€100 |
Required documents (checklist)
Passport (6+ months validity; blank pages)
Digital photo (neutral background; daily head covering allowed; full face visible)
Passport scan (bio page)
Basic itinerary (cities + accommodation/host contact)
Travel insurance covering Iran (printed)
Flight & hotel bookings (recommended)
EUR/USD cash for fees
US/UK/CA: detailed guided itinerary + tour operator documents
Special cases: US/UK/CA
No VOA; apply in advance.
Expect guided itinerary, licensed operator, and longer timelines (4–8 weeks).
Carry comprehensive printouts (itinerary, operator license, confirmations).
Visa-free & free-trade zones
Short visa-free stays: select nationalities under defined conditions; verify latest rules for your passport.
Kish & Qeshm FTZ: short visa-free stays possible; mainland entry still needs a standard visa.
Common issues & pro tips
Airline check-in: some carriers ask for a grant notice—bring printouts.
Insurance: mandatory; policy must explicitly cover Iran.
Payments: foreign cards don’t work—bring EUR/USD cash.
Extensions: apply before expiry; overstays incur fines.
Drones: don’t bring/fly.
Overland entry: plan e-Visa/embassy; no land-border VOA.
Name/date consistency: across forms and bookings to avoid delays.
FAQ
Quick answers
Will my passport be stamped?
No. Tourist entries are recorded on a paper slip.
Can I use a friend’s address instead of a hotel?
Yes—list your host; some consulates prefer a first-night hotel (refundable booking works).
I’m Indian—visa-free or VOA?
Some Indian travelers report short visa-free (air), where applicable; for longer stays or land entr,y use e-Visa. Confirm your exact case.
My e-Visa was rejected—do I still have VOA?
Often, yes; systems can be separate. If told to apply via agency or provide more docs, fix that before flying.
Do women need a headscarf in the e-Visa photo?
Not strictly required. If worn daily, it’s acceptable; full face must be visible.