The Ultimate Guide To Iran Visa
Iran is gaining popularity as an adventurous destination for tourists around the world due to its rich history as the birthplace of Persepolis, beautiful mosques and cuisine (Iran boasts many excellent restaurants!).
To enjoy Iran’s diverse cultural experiences, you first need an Iranian visa. The process for obtaining an Iranian tourist visa has changed recently. The Visa option has changed the way people travel to Iran.
In this professional guide, you will learn everything needed to apply for a visa to travel to Iran.
The information contained in this guide includes the current requirements for obtaining a Iran visa, the documents needed to qualify for a visa, and a step-by-step guide on how to complete the e-Visa application process so that you can be fully prepared to travel to Iran.
Iran Visa requirement differences are dependent on each person’s nationality; however, typically, every single person who wishes to travel to Iran must have a visa before arriving there.
People coming from Turkey, Armenia, Syria, Bolivia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lebanon and others can visit Iran without a visa for a specified time frame (between 30 and 90 days generally).
Additionally, citizens of North America (USA and Canada) as well as Australia, Great Britain, other countries in Europe, and some countries of the Middle East can receive a Visa on Arrival.
Even though obtaining a Visa on Arrival is available, it is strongly encouraged that anyone who plans on travelling to Iran to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa), prior to travelling, so that they do not encounter delays or the possibility of being denied entry into Iran at the time of their arrival in Iran.
Continue to stay current with all updates and changes regarding the processing and policies of Iranian Visas.
The Foreign Ministry of Iran has made several improvements and additional enhancements on the Foreign Ministry of Iran’s E-Visa Home Page. This gives the applicant more services and options, and an easier way to track their status.
Citizens from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada are required by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to travel with a certified tour operator on an organized tour prior to their entry into Iran.
This requirement is not optional; it is necessary to obtain the Iranian visa.
Visa-on-arrival Unpredictability: The availability of Visas on Arrival is an unstable option, and could result in the non-approval of your application(s) prior to arrival into Iran, due to the ever-changing state of diplomatic relations among countries worldwide.
There is a very considerable risk involved in applying for Visa on Arrival; therefore, you cannot be assured that the process will be successful.
Steps to Apply for an e-Visa to Iran
Following the simple steps below, applying for an e-Visa will be very easy:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Select Your Visa Type: The majority of travelers going to Iran will be applying for a tourist e-Visa that is valid for a period of 30 days.
You must also ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from your date of application.
Step 2: Obtain Authorization Code (Most applicants): In the majority of cases, the most important step in applying for the e-Visa is to obtain an Authorization code from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Most applicants will need to request an Authorization code from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs using one of the options provided below:
- Independent travelers: If you are travelling by yourself, you can request your Authorization code either from a travel agent located in Iran.
- A tour operator from Iran must be registered in order for an American, British or Canadian citizen to apply for an Iranian E-Visa and obtain an Authorization Code. Once this has been processed and the authorization code has been generated, it will be sent to you by e-mail.
Stage 3: Application Filling – After being sent the Authorization Code, fill in the Iran application form by:
- Go to this official website: www.Irantourismcenter.com
- Click on the Visa Application form and fill out the form with correct and exact information.
- Complete The Personal Details section with your Full Name, Passport Details (including the issuing Country of the Passport, the Passport Number, and the Passport Expiration Date) and Your Travel Plans (with your Arrival and Departure Dates).
- Upload Electronic Copies of the required documents as specified.
Stage 4: Payment of Visa Fees
After filling out your application form, you will have to go to a secure site to pay your Tourist visa authorization code Fees using a Visa or MasterCard and then after approval you will go to Iran embassy and will pay some mount of money and will get your Stamp.
Stage 5: Print Your Iran Visa
After receiving confirmation of approval for your Iran Visa, you will receive an email with the Electronic Visa for Iran attached as a PDF file that you can print out.
It is recommended that you carry a printed copy with you when entering Iran.
Required Documents For An Iran Visa Application.
To apply for an Electronic Visa for Iran, you will be required to have electronic versions of the following documents available:
• Color Photo: a frontal view, in color, of your head and shoulders, taken against a white background.
• A clear copy of your Passport: including the biographical data page and showing at least six (6) months remaining validity of your passport.
• A detailed itinerary of your travel which may be provided by your Travel Agency. CLICK HERE
• A hotel voucher: Hotel confirmation (sufficient for the first night)
• Travel Insurance covering Iran may be obtained at the port of entry in Iran, but it is advisable to purchase prior to traveling here. APPLY HERE
Different requirements are necessary to apply for an Iranian Visa for Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
Citizens of the US, UK or Canada have additional requirements to meet:
1. When traveling in a government escorted group with a guide approved by Iran.
2. Obtaining your visa for travel based on your itinerary from a business registered in Iran.
3. Your application will be subject to a more thorough examination than applications from other countries and will likely take longer to process.
4.You will need to submit your biometric data before entering Iran.
5.The visa process normally takes between 3 to 15 working days but if you are US, UK or Canadian passport holder it will take more time and it is around 50 working days.
Travel Advice for Travelers to Iran: If you are a United States/United Kingdom/Canadian citizen applying for an Iranian visa, you must submit your application every other month.
If you have proof of application, submit your application as soon as possible, even if your trip to Iran is not for another three months.
Make sure to verify or edit your passport information when you submit your application to ensure your Visa has been issued properly.
Wearing Correctly in Accordance with the Republic of Iran’s Dress Code (women must wear a hijab) is required.
If there is any proof that you have travelled anywhere before going to Israel, you will be denied entry into Iran.
Obtaining a Visa to Visit Iran will take approximately as long as it varies based on Your Nationality. There are many Historical and Cultural Sites to Discover in Iran!