Iran Travel Visa in 2025: All You Need to Know

Obtaining an Iran visa doesn’t have to be complicated. This streamlined Iran travel visa guide covers essential information for travelers planning to visit Iran in 2025.

The visa processing time varies based on your nationality. Most travelers receive their visa authorization code within 3-7 business days. However, citizens from the US, UK, and Canada should plan ahead, as their processing typically takes around 30-45 working days.

This piece walks you through everything you need to know about getting your Iran travel visa.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Iran?

Iran’s visa rules depend by a lot on your nationality. The country has expanded its visa-free program to attract more tourists and improve international relations as of February 2024.

Iran has expanded its visa-free entry program to welcome visitors from 42 nations, with varying permitted stay durations. This policy update represents a significant shift from the previous arrangement where only 14 countries enjoyed visa-free access.

People from most other countries (including Europeans) need to get visa before they arrive. Their passports must be valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay.

American, British, and Canadian citizens face special rules. These nationals:

• Cannot get visa-on-arrival
• Must apply early through Iranian authorized travel agencies
• Must book a full-guided tour throughout their trip

Israeli nationals cannot enter or transit through Iran whatever the circumstances. And finally, people with dual Iranian citizenship must use their Iranian passports to enter the country.

Types of Iran Visas: Which One is Right for You?

Your travel goals will determine which Iran visa you need. The Iranian visa system has several categories that match different visit purposes and lengths of stay.

• The Tourist Visa (Type B) is what most international visitors choose. You can stay up to 30 days after entry with this visa. It works well for people who want to see Iran’s cultural and historical sites or visit family. Many people who attend short conferences or have quick business meetings also use this visa.
• The Entry Visa (Type A) is for individuals with professional work like negotiations, sign contracts, or install equipment. Your invitation letter decides how long you can stay. Faculty members, researchers, merchants, and UN staff often use this type.
• Muslim visitors heading to Iran’s holy sites should look at the Pilgrimage Visa (Type C). It works just like the tourist visa but costs less, making it a good choice for Muslim travelers.
• The Education Visa (Type E) is what students and religious scholars need to study in Iran. You’ll need to get approval from the Iranian Science Ministry, Education Ministry, or an approved academic institution first.
• Other visa types include the Work Visa (Type F) if you have job permits, Transit Visa (Type G) to pass through Iran, Press Visa (Type H) for journalists, Medical Visa (Type T) for medical care, and Investment Visa (Type I) for foreign investors.
• If you’re married to an Iranian woman, you and your children can apply for the Marital Visa (Type M).

You should know exactly why you’re traveling before starting your application. Each visa type has its own rules, but most need an application form, passport copies, and recent photos. Student or work visas need extra papers from your sponsoring organizations.

Step-by-Step Iran Visa Application Process

Getting your Iran travel visa requires several key steps that you must follow precisely. The process begins well before your trip and needs careful attention to timing and documentation.

Before You Apply: Preparation Steps

Most nationalities should start their visa application 3-10 working days before traveling. Passport holders from the United States, Canada, or United Kingdom need to begin much earlier—up to 12 weeks in advance. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Iran.

Getting Your Visa Authorization Code

This significant first step can be completed through two main methods:

1. Direct application through Iran’s official e-visa website. This free option usually takes 2-8 weeks with a relatively high rejection rate.
2. Licensed Iranian travel agencies offer a faster service that takes only 3-7 business days and often guarantees visa approval, though with additional service fees.

Your approved visa authorization code (also called “Iran Visa Grant Notice” or “Iran Visa Reference Number”) stays valid for three months.

Submitting Required Documents

Your authorization code approval means you need these items ready when applying for your visa online:

• Original passport, clear passport copy
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Filled out visa application form
• Paying visa service fee when applying via a verified Iranian travel agency

Collecting Your Iran entry Visa

Upon approval of your visa application and receipt of your grant notice, you may collect your visa at one of two locations: either at the airport when you arrive, or at your selected Iranian embassy or consulate worldwide, based on the collection point you specified during your application process.

Note that Iranian tourist visas stay valid for three months from issuance and typically allow a 30 day stay with extension options. Doing this carefully will give you a smooth application process for your upcoming Iranian adventure.

Iran Visa Authorization Code: What You Need to Know

The Iran Visa Authorization Code is the life-blood of your entry into the country. This document shows official approval of your visa application. People also know it as “Iran Visa Grant Notice,” “Iran Visa Approval,” “Iran Letter of Invitation,” or “Iran Visa Reference Number“.

Your visa gets approved once you receive this authorization code. You just need to pay the fee and get your physical visa from an Iranian embassy/consulate or upon arrival at the airport. The authorization document shows your photo, application ID, designated visa issuance location, applicant details, and complete grant information.

Why is this code absolutely critical? Airlines might refuse to let you board your flight to Iran without it because it proves your pre-approved visa status. It also speeds up your arrival process and reduces any chance of rejection at Iran’s border.

You can get this vital code in two ways:

1. Apply directly through Iran’s e-visa website – This free option takes 2-8 weeks to process and has a high rejection rate.
2. Apply through an authorized travel agency – This costs a €19 service fee but gets you the authorization code in just 3-5 business days with better approval chances.

Most nationalities receive their code in 3-10 days. American, British, and Canadian citizens need to wait longer – about 30-45 days.

The authorization code stays valid for about 60 days after it’s issued. You must submit your passport to your chosen Iranian embassy/consulate or show it at an Iranian international airport during this time. The “Grant Details” section of your notice shows the exact expiration date.

Your application’s “place of lodgment” choice matters a lot. This tells where you’ll submit your passport and pay your visa fees.

Collecting Your Iran Visa: Two Options

You have two distinct options to get your Iran visa after receiving your authorization code: embassy/consulate collection or visa on arrival.

Embassy/Consulate Collection

Getting your Iran visa at an embassy or consulate is the most reliable way that gives you peace of mind before your trip. Take your authorization code to your designated Iranian embassy with your passport (valid for at least 6 months), completed application form, two passport photos, and the visa fee in cash.

This option gives you several benefits:

• Better chances of entry approval
• Airlines will be more confident to let you board
• More travel flexibility, including land border crossings

Your visa grant notice gives you 60 days to pick up your visa from the specified embassy. The visa remains valid for 30 days after issue, and you’ll still get your full allowed stay duration.

Airport Visa Collection (VOA)

The Visa on Arrival option lets eligible travelers get their visa right at major Iranian international airports. This service runs 24/7 at 12 locations including Tehran (IKA), Kish, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz.

Key points about airport collection:

• Not available at land or sea borders
• You need visa grant notice before arrival
• Valid travel insurance is mandatory
• Visa fees must be paid in cash (Euros)
• Processing takes 30 minutes to 2 hours

Some nationalities can’t use VOA services. This includes citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, United Kingdom, and United States.

Embassy collection’s reliability usually outweighs VOA’s convenience. Of course, having your visa ready before departure makes your travel smoother and helps avoid issues at immigration checkpoints. Getting all required documents ready beforehand will make the process easier and help you avoid complications.

Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA): A Quick Guide

Travelers eligible for Iran’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) can skip the pre-arranged visa process. The service runs round the clock at twelve international airports across the country. Major hubs like Tehran (IKA), Kish, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz provide this service.

Citizens from ten countries cannot use VOA: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, United Kingdom, and United States. These travelers must get their visas from Iranian diplomatic missions before traveling.

You’ll need these items to apply for VOA:

• A passport that’s valid for at least six months
• Visa Grant Notice (we strongly recommend this)
• Travel insurance that’s still valid
• Visa fee in cash (Euros only)

The process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours based on how busy the airport is. VOA typically allows you to stay for 30 days and you can extend it twice up to 90 days. You can only get this visa at airports, not at land borders or seaports.

While VOA is convenient, it comes with risks. Airport officials might reject your application and send you back. Most airlines know this and won’t let you board without proof of visa approval. Working with a reliable travel agency to get a Visa Grant Notice beforehand can alleviate this risk. Note that VOA works only for tourism, pilgrimage, and general entry. This option isn’t available to journalists, diplomatic passport holders, or anyone previously rejected.

Iran Visa for US, UK, and Canadian Citizens

US, UK, and Canadian passport holders deal with special challenges during their Iran visa application process. These nationalities must follow strict rules that differ from other countries’ citizens.

US, UK, and Canadian citizens cannot travel independently in Iran. You must book your trip through a licensed Iranian travel agency to get your visa invitation and authorization codes. An authorized tour guide needs to accompany you during your stay. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of your travel experience.

The visa process takes much longer for these nationalities. Canadian citizens should expect to wait 2-3 months, while British citizens might wait up to 8 weeks. Early planning becomes vital.

People with dual Iranian citizenship face extra challenges. Canadian-Iranian citizens must use their Iranian passport to enter and exit Iran. Iranian officials usually don’t accept dual nationality and might block consular access if you’re detained.

Here are some key safety measures to remember:

• Your passport must stay valid for six months beyond your planned stay
• These 3 nationalities need to submit a detailed CV with education, work history, and past travel details
• Make sure you don’t have Israeli visa stamps or Egypt/Jordan border stamps that show entry from Israel

Iran e-Visa System: Fast and Convenient

Iran modernized its visa application process in 2017 by launching the electronic visa (e-Visa) system that simplified the process for international travelers. The online platform makes embassy visits unnecessary and provides a convenient way to apply compared to traditional methods.

Getting an e-Visa through Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website takes five simple steps. You need digital copies of your passport and a personal photo that meets the site’s specifications. Once you complete and submit the form, you’ll get a verification email with a link and code to confirm your application.

Important timing considerations: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa department states your authorization code should arrive within 10 business days. Experience shows these times can vary – some travelers get their codes in just five business days.

Your Iran e-Visa stays valid for 90 days after it’s issued. You can stay up to 30 days and extend twice for a maximum 90-day visit. You should apply at least two days before your planned travel date to make this system work.

Unfortunately, the e-Visa system isn’t available to everyone. Citizens from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, United Kingdom, and United States must apply through traditional channels.

The e-Visa’s biggest advantages include easy access, time savings, and less paperwork. Users should know about some drawbacks – processing times can be unpredictable and travelers sometimes report technical issues. Also, most travelers reported higher rates of rejection compared to applying via licensed travel agencies.

Visa service providers can help with e-Visa applications if you want more reliable and faster processing. These services charge extra fees but typically offer better approval rates and faster turnarounds than direct applications.

Extending Your Iran Visa

Love Iran so much you want to stay longer? Great news – you can extend your original tourist visa twice, which lets you stay up to 90 days in the country. You’ll need to visit the Immigration & Passport Police Office (also called Foreign Police Office) in any major Iranian city to get this done.

Start your extension process 3-10 days before your current visa expires. Getting to the office early (around 8:00 AM) helps you avoid crowds and boosts your chances of receiving the extension on the same day.

The extension process usually takes 2-4 hours and follows these steps:

1. Enter the building, clear security, and deposit electronic devices
2. Visit the Visa Extension counter and request an extension
3. Complete necessary forms (you’ll receive these at the office)
4. Answer questions about your stay and travel plans
5. Pay the extension fee (approximately 5,000,000 Rials, around €10)
6. Collect your passport with the new visa stamp

The office will ask about your reasons to extend. Mentioning specific cities you plan to visit helps your case. It also helps to have a hotel booking confirmation ready.

The good news is that travelers who entered Iran visa-free can also apply for extensions. Your extension matches your original visa duration—a 30-day visa gets a 30-day extension.

The visa extension process in Iran runs smoothly if you come prepared with the right documents. This simple step lets you fully experience Iran’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes without rushing through your journey.

Common Reasons for Iran Visa Rejection

Getting your Iran visa approved becomes easier when you know what makes them say no. The authorities inspect applications carefully, and several issues often lead to rejection.

Wrong or missing paperwork is the biggest reason for rejection. Your application will face immediate rejection if you provide wrong information, whether by mistake or on purpose. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned return date.

What you do for work can affect your application by a lot. Tourist visas are often denied to journalists, press photographers, and government employees who need special press visas with extra paperwork. Police officers and some athletes might also hear a “no”.

Your political background might get you an automatic rejection. Israeli citizens cannot enter Iran at all. Anyone who has been to Israel should wait 6-12 months before trying to get an Iranian visa.

Here’s what you can do to boost your chances:

• Send clear, high-quality scanned documents and photos
• Make sure your visa duration matches your travel plans
• Be clear about why you want to travel
• Review everything on your application twice
• Try going through a good travel agency if you get rejected directly

Being truthful matters most during the whole process. The authorities will spot any differences between your information and supporting documents right away. Knowing these common mistakes helps you prepare a stronger visa application.

Visa-Free Travel to Iran’s Islands

Several Iranian islands give travelers a fresh way to skip the standard visa process. Free trade zones in these areas let visitors experience the country’s beauty without dealing with typical paperwork. This makes these spots perfect for last-minute trips or quick getaways.

Kish Island leads the pack as Iran’s top visa-free destination. This beautiful resort island sits in the Persian Gulf and welcomes tourists from almost every country for up to 14-day stays without a visa. Modern shopping centers and gorgeous beaches make Kish a great first taste of Iranian hospitality.

Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf’s largest, also allows visa-free entry for most nationalities. The island boasts amazing geological formations and traditional villages. Its UNESCO-listed Hara mangrove forests add to the mix of cultural experiences and natural wonders that await visitors.

Hendurabi Island recently joined the visa-free program, though it has basic tourist facilities. Most people take a boat from Kish to reach this hidden gem. Crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches make up for the limited development.

Some rules apply to these visits. Your 14-day stay can’t be extended, and you must stay on the island. Mainland Iran remains off-limits unless you get a proper visa. Still, these islands are a great way to get a taste of Iranian culture, hospitality, and natural beauty without the full visa process. Business travelers find these free trade zones helpful too. Simple regulations make these spots popular for international meetings and conferences.

Top Tips for a Smooth Visa Process

Getting a smooth Iran visa experience needs careful planning and attention to detail. Start your visa application process early—most nationalities need 5-10 working days for processing.

These smart steps will make your application process much easier:

Time your application wisely. The Iranian New Year holiday period (March 15-28) slows down visa processing by a lot. Fast-track service costs about 50 Euros extra, though not all consulates offer this option.

Prepare impeccable documentation. Use professional visa photo services for a digital passport image that meets all requirements. The official Image Tool on the government website helps verify your photo specifications. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Stay vigilant about deadlines. File tourist visa extensions at least one week before they expire. Unauthorized overstays lead to heavy fines—about €10.

Maintain communication channels. Official government websites have the latest visa information, and specialized agencies can help too. This becomes vital when traveling during politically sensitive periods.

Double-check before submitting. A thorough review of all application details prevents delays or rejection. Honest and accurate information matters throughout the process.

Think about expert assistance. Visa specialists are a great way to get guidance for complex situations or previous rejections. Their expertise helps handle unexpected issues during your application.

Plan for airport arrival. Travelers using Visa on Arrival should be ready to buy health insurance at the airport (about €10) if they don’t have existing coverage. Following these tips will help you avoid complications and boost your chances of entering Iran smoothly.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Journey with Confidence

Planning ahead makes Iran’s visa requirements manageable, despite their complexity. The country is more accessible than ever thanks to new visa-free policies and the convenience of electronic applications.

Your nationality, visa type, and length of stay determine your specific requirements. Most travelers receive their visa authorization codes within 5–10 business days, while applicants from the U.S., U.K., and Canada should expect longer processing times. Standard tourist visas allow a 30-day stay, with the possibility of two extensions—giving you up to 90 days to explore this captivating country.

To enjoy a stress-free travel experience, apply early through official platforms or a trusted travel agency. Ensure your documents are complete and accurate. If you wish to stay longer, local immigration offices in Iran can assist with extensions.

Thousands of travelers secure their Iran visas every year—and so can you. As a licensed Iranian travel agency, Compassimo can handle the entire process for you, from visa codes to travel arrangements, so you can focus on what matters: discovering Iran.

FAQs about Iran Visa