Iran Tourist Visa Guide

Planning a trip to Iran starts with understanding your visa options. This guide helps you identify the visa process that applies to your passport, explains the required steps, and answers the most common questions travelers have before visiting Iran.

If you choose to travel with Iran Travel Gate, our team will also assist you with the visa process as part of your travel arrangements, helping make your journey to Iran as smooth and straightforward as possible.

By coordinating your visa process with your itinerary, accommodation, and other travel arrangements, we can provide accurate guidance and make the application process simpler and more efficient. This also allows us to ensure that every part of your trip is planned and coordinated together, helping you enjoy a more seamless and stress-free travel experience from the moment you start planning until you return home.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Iran?

Before booking your flights or making travel arrangements, the first step is understanding your tourist visa requirements. Your Iran tourist visa process mainly depends on your nationality and the passport you will use to travel.

Most travelers fall into one of the following three visa categories:

1. Visa-Free Entry

Some travelers can enter Iran without applying for a tourist visa before travel under Iran's visa exemption agreements.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Some eligible travelers can receive their tourist visa upon arrival at selected international airports in Iran.

3. Tourist Visa Before Travel

If your passport is not eligible for Visa-Free Entry or Visa on Arrival, you'll need to obtain your tourist visa before traveling to Iran. Some nationalities, including USA, UK, and Canada passport holders, follow a different tourist visa procedure.

Don't worry if you're not sure which category applies to your passport. We'll help you identify the correct visa process.

Your passport determines whether you need a visa, which visa type applies, what documents you'll need, how long the application may take, and what you should prepare before traveling. If you're still unsure which option is right for you, our travel specialists are always happy to help you understand the process and guide you through every step with confidence.

Before You Apply

The information below covers the basic requirements and general steps that apply to most travelers visiting Iran for tourism, regardless of nationality.

Basic travel requirements. To travel to Iran, you should have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of arrival, with at least two blank passport pages.

Documents required for your visa application. For most tourist visa applications, you'll need a clear scan of your passport, a recent passport-style photograph, basic personal information, and general travel details such as your expected travel month and planned length of stay. If additional documents are required based on your nationality or visa category, our visa specialists will inform you before submitting your application. Before submission, our team carefully reviews every application to help prevent unnecessary delays and make sure all required information is complete.

Travel insurance. Travel insurance is required for travelers visiting Iran and must meet Iran's entry requirements. Our team can arrange the required travel insurance during the visa process. If you book your Iran tour with us, complimentary travel insurance is included with your booking.

Visa Costs & Fees

When applying for an Iran tourist visa, it is important to know that there are two separate parts of the visa process.

1. Visa application support. This is the service of preparing and following up on your visa application. It includes checking your documents, submitting your application through the official visa system, following up on the process, and receiving your visa authorization code. For travelers booking their Iran tour with us, our tourist visa application service is provided free of charge as part of our organized tour services.

2. Government visa stamp fee. After your visa authorization code is issued, you need to pay a separate visa stamp fee to receive your visa. This is a government fee, and the amount depends on your nationality and the official rates at the time of visa issuance. Our team will guide you through the process and explain the required steps based on your nationality and visa type.

Visa-Free Entry

Great news if your passport is eligible for visa-free entry to Iran - you don't need to apply for a tourist visa before traveling.

Before you travel. Although a visa is not required, we recommend confirming how long you can stay in Iran, whether your stay can be extended if needed, and any entry requirements that apply to your nationality. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and travel circumstances, and our travel specialists can help you check the latest requirements before you travel.

Processing time. No visa application is required. Simply travel with your eligible passport and complete the standard arrival procedures upon entry to Iran.

Permitted stay. The maximum permitted stay under Iran's visa-free policy depends on your nationality. Our travel specialists can help you confirm the latest permitted stay, extension options, and any nationality-specific travel requirements before your trip.

Travel expert advice. Visa-free entry makes traveling to Iran easier, but entry regulations and permitted lengths of stay may change. We always recommend confirming the latest requirements before booking your trip so you can travel with complete confidence.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If your passport is eligible for Visa on Arrival for tourism purposes, you can receive your tourist visa after arriving at one of Iran's designated international airports. Visa on Arrival is different from visa-free entry - you still need a tourist visa, but instead of obtaining it before you travel, you receive it after arriving at a designated international airport in Iran.

Before you travel. In addition to the general travel requirements, make sure you have passport-size photos and cash (usually in Euros) to pay the visa stamp fee. Visa fees and payment methods are subject to change based on the latest regulations - our travel experts continuously monitor any updates and will provide you with the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Processing time. Visa on Arrival does not require you to obtain your visa before departure. Your visa is issued after you arrive in Iran and complete the arrival procedures.

Permitted stay. Visa on Arrival is generally available for stays of up to 30 days. For travelers visiting Iran with an organized tour, the approved length of stay is usually based on the confirmed travel itinerary submitted with the visa application.

Should you choose Visa on Arrival? It's a good option if you have limited time before your trip or prefer completing your visa process after arriving in Iran. However, if you have enough time before departure, we usually recommend arranging your visa before traveling - this offers greater peace of mind before your flight, a smoother arrival experience during busy travel seasons, lower visa stamp fees when your visa is stamped at an Iranian embassy or consulate where available, and less waiting time after landing. Our team can arrange your visa authorization before your trip, making your arrival process quicker and easier.

Travel expert advice. Visa on Arrival is a convenient option, but applying for your visa before traveling is usually the smoother and more comfortable choice whenever your schedule allows. Our travel specialists will be happy to help you choose the best option based on your nationality and travel plans.

Tourist Visa Required Before Travel

If your nationality requires you to obtain an Iran tourist visa before traveling, you'll need to complete the visa application process before your trip. Our visa team will guide you through the application process and provide all the required forms.

Processing time. For most nationalities, the Iran tourist visa process usually takes around two working weeks after receiving complete documents. Some applications may be processed faster. However, we recommend applying well in advance of your planned travel date, as unforeseen circumstances in some cases may cause the visa process to take longer than usual.

Length of stay. The approved length of stay is usually based on the confirmed travel itinerary submitted with the visa application. For many nationalities, stays of up to 30 days are common.

Visa process:

• Submit your documents
• Our team reviews your application
• Your visa application is submitted through the official visa system
• Receive your visa authorization before traveling
• Complete the visa issuance upon arrival or any required stamping process before traveling

Travel expert advice. Providing complete and accurate documents helps prevent unnecessary delays. Our visa specialists carefully review each application and support you throughout the process, making your Iran tourist visa application simple and stress-free.

Tourist Visa – USA, UK & Canada Passport Holders

Travelers holding passports from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada follow a more detailed Iran tourist visa procedure. Due to the specific visa requirements for these nationalities, the application process includes additional preparation and travel information before submitting the visa request.

Before you apply. To prepare your visa application, our team will need a background and personal information form, your planned travel dates, a detailed travel itinerary, planned cities to visit, accommodation details, and other required travel information.

Important notes for U.S. and Canadian citizens. You do not need to purchase your flight ticket at this stage - simply provide your planned travel date. We recommend booking your flight only after your visa has been approved, as visa approval is not guaranteed, though minor changes to the travel date can generally be accommodated. Your itinerary and accommodation details are required for the visa application and should reflect your planned travel arrangements; if minor or unforeseen changes occur later, such as adjustments to your flight schedule, travel dates, or hotel arrangements, let us know and we will advise you on the appropriate steps, subject to the relevant authorities' requirements.

Organized tour arrangement. Travelers holding USA, UK, and Canada passports need to travel to Iran as part of an organized tour arranged through an authorized Iranian tour operator. Our team will prepare and coordinate all required travel arrangements, including your travel itinerary, hotel reservations, required visa documents, and a professional licensed tour guide throughout your journey. Your guide will be with you from the beginning to the end of your trip, helping with local arrangements and making your travel experience smoother.

Processing time. For USA, UK, and Canada passport holders, we recommend allowing a total of approximately two months for the visa process. This timeframe includes around two weeks for our team to prepare and organize the required documents and travel arrangements, followed by around 45 working days after submitting the complete visa application for the visa authorities to review the application and issue a decision. For this reason, we strongly recommend sending your documents at least two months in advance of your planned travel date.

Visa validity. The visa validity and permitted length of stay are generally determined based on your approved travel itinerary and the duration of your planned trip.

Visa process:

• Submit your documents and travel information
• Our team prepares and reviews your application
• Your visa application is submitted through the official visa system
• Receive your visa authorization before traveling
• Complete any required visa issuance or stamping process before departure

Visa stamp. For USA, UK, and Canada passport holders, the visa must usually be stamped at an Iranian embassy or consulate before traveling to Iran. Unlike some other nationalities, airport visa stamping is generally not available for these passports. Our team will guide you through the required steps and provide the necessary visa authorization documents so you can complete the visa stamping process at the appropriate Iranian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Travel expert advice. Although the visa process for USA, UK, and Canada passport holders requires more preparation, thousands of travelers enjoy a smooth experience when everything is planned correctly in advance. Our experienced visa and travel team will guide you through every step, from document preparation to travel arrangements, making your Iran journey as simple and comfortable as possible.

Visa Stamping Experience & Support

After receiving your visa authorization, completing the visa stamping process is the final step before your journey begins. Many travelers feel more comfortable when they can learn from someone who has already completed a similar process.

Our team has experience supporting travelers from the USA, Canada, and the UK, and we understand the practical steps involved in the visa stamping process. If needed, we can connect you with travelers who have completed this process themselves and can share their personal experiences and helpful tips based on their own journey.

With the right preparation and clear guidance, the visa stamping process can be completed smoothly and with confidence.