An Iran tourist visa is required for most foreign nationals who wish to visit Iran for tourism purposes. However, starting February 4, 2023, Iran expanded its visa-free access, allowing citizens from 28 countries to enter with just a valid passport. Below is the comprehensive list of Visa-Free Countries for Travel to Iran:
Visa-Free Countries (15 days unless specified otherwise):
- Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain
- Asia: India (by air only), Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Brunei
- Europe: Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus
- Africa: Tanzania, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tunisia
- Americas: Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Cuba
- Others: Turkey (90 days), Armenia (90 days), Azerbaijan (14 days), Bolivia (30 days), Georgia (45 days), Malaysia (15 days), Syria (90 days), Venezuela (15 days), Russia (15 days, in a tour group only)
How to Apply for an Iran Tourist Visa Authorization Code
Follow these steps to apply for an Iran Tourist Visa Authorization Code (also known as the Iran Visa Grant Notice) through OrientTrips:
- Visit the OrientTrips website and navigate to the Iran tourist visa application page.
- Fill out the online visa application form with your personal details, travel dates, and other required information.
- Upload necessary documents, including a scanned copy of your passport, a passport-size photo, and your travel itinerary.
- Pay the visa application fee securely using a credit card or other available payment methods.
- After submitting your application, wait for confirmation and the approval letter from OrientTrips.
- Use the approval letter to apply for your visa at an Iranian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Collect your visa from the embassy or consulate upon approval.
Mandatory Insurance
How Long Does It Take to Receive an Iran Visa?
The processing time for an Iran tourist visa can vary based on the embassy or consulate, your nationality, and other factors. Generally, the process can take from a few days to several weeks.
With OrientTrips, the processing time for the visa approval letter is usually between 5 to 10 working days. However, the time required to obtain the actual visa from the Iranian embassy or consulate in your home country may vary. It is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance to account for processing time and any unforeseen delays.
Will I Get an Iranian Stamp in My Passport?
Iran does not stamp passports of foreign visitors to boost tourism. Instead, travelers get a paper visa or a separate piece of paper to use as their entry and exit record.
Iran Visa for US, UK, or Canadian Citizens
US, UK, or Canadian citizens must follow specific requirements to obtain an Iranian visa:
- Pre-approved Itinerary: US, UK, and Canadian citizens must have their itinerary and tour guide approved beforehand. Adhering to the itinerary and the instructions of the tour guide is essential to avoid issues.
- Guided Tours: US, UK, and Canadian citizens must be accompanied by a guide at all times while in Iran.
- Resume Requirement: Applications for US, UK, and Canadian citizens must be accompanied by a detailed resume.
How Long Does It Take for US, UK, or Canadian Citizens to Get an Iran Visa?
For US, UK, and Canadian citizens, the processing time to receive the visa authorization code can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Once they receive the code, they are officially approved to apply for the visa in person (for all three nationalities) or by mail (for US and Canadian citizens only).
US or Canadian citizens can collect their visa from any Iranian embassy worldwide while traveling, as Iran does not have an embassy in Canada or the US.
Visa Application Fee
You need to pay a visa application fee to the travel agency to get your Iran Visa Authorization Code (also called the Iran Visa Grant Notice). This fee is different from the visa fee you pay when you pick up your visa at an Iranian embassy, consulate, or when you arrive in Iran. Remember, the visa application fee is non-refundable.