How does a visa to Iran work?

All visitors to Iran must hold a passport valid for 6 months. The visa stamp fee is roughly 55.00 EUR for the passport.

You will need to obtain a reference number, which is similar to a letter of invitation, in order to apply for a visa to Iran.  To get a reference number you will need to contact a travel agency in Iran and fill out an application form which includes questions about the purpose and duration of your planned stay, where you will to visit while in Iran, date of previous visit to Iran (if any), your occupation, and which embassy or consulate you plan to pick up your visa from. It will take the agency you have applied for a visa through approximately 7 to 10 days to get you a reference number. This number must be presented to the Iranian Embassy or consulate to receive the visa to Iran.

 Please note that women must have their hair covered in their application photo.

The nationals of the following countries can receive a Visa on Arrival – although we advise you to obtain a visa before arrival for your own convenience, as sometimes VOAs may not be granted.

Please note that processing a VOA will take around 30 to 45 minutes. You will need the number of a tour guide, the hotel you are staying at or person you are staying with handy because immigration will need to call and confirm your address before issuing your visa.

VOAs are not suitable for anyone who wishes to stay in Iran longer than two weeks.

Warning: Visitors not holding return/onward ticket could be denied entry.

Visa on arrival will not be granted to the nationals of the following countries:

Please note that American, British and Canadian passport holders need to be accompanied by a guide while in Iran. These nationalities must discuss and devise an itinerary with a tour operator.

The nationals of the following countries do not need a visa as they have a visa-free regime with Iran.

In the event of overstaying your visa, you will be required to pay a roughly 7 USD penalty and a 10 USD fine for each day you have overstayed. This penalty must be paid at the Immigration and Visa Affairs Office; however, on holidays you can pay this fine at the airport.