Iran Visa Online Application (2026)

Planning a trip to Iran and wondering how the visa works? This page is your up-to-date guide to Iran visa rules, visa-free countries, visa on arrival (VOA), and how to apply online through Visit Our Iran.

We work directly with licensed local partners and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help travelers get their tourist visa, authorization code, and pick-up at the embassy or airport as smoothly as possible.

Last updated: October 2025. Visa regulations can change without prior notice. Always confirm the latest rules with our team before you book non-refundable flights or hotels.

New Iran Visa Rules – Updated 2026

In 2026, Iran introduced several important adjustments to its visa policy. These changes mainly aim to make travel more traceable and safer, while still keeping the process accessible for tourists.

What has changed in practice (summary):

• A clear travel plan and registered accommodation are more important than ever before.
• Staying with locals or in unregistered private homes is generally not allowed.
• Visa extensions and some special cases must be handled through a registered travel agency and local authorities.
• For some nationalities, additional background information (education, job, travel history, social media links) can be requested during the application.

Below you can find the key points based on the latest guidelines.

1. Fixed Itinerary and Travel Plan

For many applicants, the visa process now expects a structured itinerary, especially for longer trips or sensitive nationalities:

• Exact entry and exit dates
• Planned entry point (airport or land border)
• A day-by-day route, even if it remains flexible later
• Confirmed or pre-booked hotel reservations for at least the first night

You do not need to lock every detail, but the authorities want to see that your trip is realistic, safe, and consistent with your stated purpose.

2. Accommodation Regulations

Under the current rules, you are expected to stay in licensed, registered accommodation:

✅Allowed: registered hotels, hostels, boutique hotels, traditional houses

❌Not allowed: Couchsurfing, random private apartments or villas, unregistered guesthouses

Booking should be traceable through a recognized platform or agency.

If Visit Our Iran handles your visa, we can also handle or verify your hotel bookings so they match your visa file. You may be able to change hotels later, as long as you still stay in registered accommodations.

3. Overland Travel & Private Vehicles

If you plan to enter Iran by car, campervan, motorcycle, or bicycle:

• Your overnight stays must be in registered hotels or campsites, not random roadside spots.
• You still need the necessary vehicle documents (e.g., carnet de passage, insurance).

Some nationalities (including the US, UK, and Canada) are not allowed to bring vehicles into Iran.

We strongly recommend that overland travelers to apply through an agency rather than experimenting with last-minute VOA.

4. Visa Extensions

Visa extensions remain possible, but the procedure is stricter:

• Extensions are processed in person at the Immigration & Passport Police Office in Iran.
• In most cases, you can extend your stay up to a total of 90 days in the country. 

Having a clear booking trail (registered hotels, valid travel plan) helps reduce the risk of rejection.

Visit Our Iran can assist with guidance and documents, but the final decision is always with the passport police.

5. Additional Documentation

Depending on your nationality and profile, you may be asked for:

• A short travel history (recent trips)
• Educational and professional background
• Links to your active social media profiles
• For some nationalities, a more detailed CV/resume file

Don’t let this scare you; in most cases, it is about basic transparency, not a deep investigation. Our team will tell you exactly what is needed for your passport.

How to Apply for Your Iran Tourist Visa Online

Applying for your Iran visa through Visit Our Iran is designed to be simple, guided, and transparent. We handle the communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and keep you updated at every step.

Step 1: Purchase Your Visa Service & Complete the Form

• Choose the correct visa service card on this page (US / UK / Canada / Other countries).
• Add it to your cart and complete the payment for the service fee.
• Fill out the secure online application form, including personal details (as shown in your passport)
• Travel dates and rough itinerary
• Contact information and emergency contact
• Uploads of your passport scan and personal photo (see requirements below)

If anything is unclear, our support team is available via email, WhatsApp, and live chat.

Step 2: MFA Approval and Visa Grant Notice

After submission, we:

• Review your file and request any missing details.
• Submit your application to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Follow up on the process and keep you updated by email.

Processing times vary by nationality, but tourist visas are usually processed within 2–4 weeks, and sometimes faster for standard nationalities. Once approved, you receive a visa grant notice (authorization code) in PDF format.

Step 3: Collecting Your Visa (Embassy or Visa on Arrival)

With your grant notice in hand, you can:

• Collect your visa at an Iranian embassy or consulate abroad before you travel, or
• Pick up the visa on arrival (VOA) at selected Iranian airports (e.g., Tehran IKA, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kish, Qeshm), depending on your nationality.

Important points:

The government visa stamp fee is separate from our service fee and is paid directly at the embassy or airport. The amount depends on your nationality and pick-up location.

Once you choose your visa pick-up location, it usually cannot be changed after the application is submitted.

Our support team can give you an estimate of stamp fees and advise whether embassy pick-up or VOA is better for your case.

Visa Policy by Nationality

Visa rules are not identical for everyone. Below is a practical overview of the main groups of travelers who usually contact us.

Reminder: Regulations can change quickly. Treat the information below as a guide and confirm details with our team before you finalize your trip.

Iran Visa for EU & Schengen Passport Holders

• Most EU and Schengen passport holders need a visa for tourism and typically qualify for an e-visa + VOA at airports.
• Can usually get a 30-day visa, often extendable to up to 90 days total stay with extensions.
• Should apply online in advance to avoid queues and reduce the risk of rejection at the airport.

Some European countries are additionally on Iran’s short visa-free or simplified entry list for limited stays. If your passport is from one of these countries, we’ll clarify whether visa-free entry or a standard visa is better based on your travel plan.

Iran Visa for US, UK & Canadian Citizens

For US, UK, and Canadian citizens, the process is more controlled:

• Only tourist and pilgrimage visas are available.
• You must travel with a pre-arranged guided tour operated by a licensed Iranian travel agency. Independent travel is not permitted. Visit Our Iran +1
• A day-by-day itinerary with confirmed accommodations and a licensed guide must be submitted for approval.
• Visa processing typically takes 4–8 weeks from the moment all documents are complete. Visit Our Iran +1
• The maximum visa duration is usually 30 days, with limited flexibility.

Visit Our Iran can design your tour, prepare the full file, and guide you through each step of the process.

Iran Visa for Indian Citizens

For Indian passport holders:

• Indian citizens are no longer treated as visa-free or “easy VOA” for Iran. Indian citizens are now expected to apply for a tourist visa in advance, just like most other nationalities.
• You should submit an online visa application and wait for your MFA approval/visa grant notice before you travel. Arriving in Iran (or at the airline check-in desk) without a pre-arranged visa or authorization code is risky and will lead to denied boarding or entry.
• Applications are handled through Iranian embassies/consulates or authorized agencies.

Visit Our Iran can manage the full process for you – from online form and document check to receiving your approval and advising where to collect your visa (embassy or airport).

Iran Visa for Pakistani Citizens

For Pakistani citizens, the rules are stricter:

• Visa on arrival is generally not available; you need to obtain your visa in advance.
• Applications are processed via Iranian embassies/consulates (e.g., Islamabad, Lahore) using an authorization code from MFA.
• Processing time can be longer than for standard nationalities, so you should apply well in advance of your planned trip.

Visit Our Iran can help prepare your file and secure the authorization code so you can collect the visa from your selected consulate.

Visa-Free Countries & Visa on Arrival

Based on current regulations:

Visa-free entry (various durations) is granted to citizens of a group of neighboring and partner countries, such as:

• Azerbaijan
• Turkey
• Syria
• Georgia
• Armenia
• Egypt
• China
• Iraq
• Oman
• Kazakhstan
• and others

Plus additional visa-free arrangements for certain Gulf, Asian, African,n and Latin American countries for short tourist stays. 

Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available at major airports for most nationalities, except for a list of countries that must obtain visas in advance (including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). 

If your passport is not on any visa-free or VOA-restricted list, the safest path is to apply online in advance and pick up your visa at the airport or embassy.

Iran Visa Types and Duration

While most travelers come on a tourist visa, Iran offers multiple visa types. Here is an overview of the main categories we can assist with:

Tourist (Leisure) Visa

For travelers exploring Iran’s cities, culture, nature, and pilgrimage sites. Usually issued for up to 30–45 days, extendable to 90 days total stay in many cases. 

Medical (Treatment) Visa

For people seeking medical or cosmetic procedures (e.g., rhinoplasty, dental work, hair transplant) at approved clinics and hospitals. Visa length depends on your treatment plan and the doctor’s letter.

Student (Academic) Visa

For students, researchers, and scholars enrolled in Iranian universities or institutes. Duration is tied to your semester or program and may be extended.

Business (Entry) Visa

For business meetings, conferences, trade negotiation,s or sports events with an invitation letter from an Iranian company or organization.

Transit Visa

For travelers crossing Iran on their way to a third country, with their own vehicle or by public transport. Typically valid for 5–7 days.

Work (Labor) Visa

For those hired by Iranian companies or planning to set up business activities in Iran for an extended period.

Pilgrimage (Ziyarat) Visa

For pilgrims visiting religious sites, in many cases, a regular tourist visa is sufficient for visits to Mashhad, Qom, and other cities.

Press (Media) & Special Visas

For journalists, filmmakers, and media crews on official assignments, subject to additional approvals.

If you are unsure which type fits your situation, tell us your travel purpose, and we will recommend the safest option.

Required Documents & Photo/Passport Specs

Providing clean, accurate documents is essential to avoid delays or rejections.

Core Documents for Most Tourist Visas

• Passport scan – color, first page, at least 6 months validity after your planned entry date.
• Personal photo – recent, passport-style photo matching the specifications below.
• Completed application form – with travel dates, accommodation details, and contact information.
• Some nationalities may also need proof of travel insurance specifically covering Iran and a basic travel itinerary.

Additional Requirements for US, UK, Canadian, and Some Other Nationalities

If you hold a US, UK, or Canadian passport (and in some cases, certain other nationalities):

• A special detailed application form is required.
• A day-by-day itinerary including cities and hotels must be attached.
• A preliminary hotel reservation receipt and signed tour contract are needed.

We will provide the correct templates and walk you through each field.

Personal Photo Specifications

To be accepted by MFA, your photo should:

• Be in JPG or JPEG format, 10–500 KB in size.
• Have portrait orientation with a minimum of 400 × 600 px.
• Be taken within the last 6 months.
• Show a neutral expression, open eyes, and a light, clear background.
• Show you in everyday clothing without heavy shadows or uniforms.
• Avoid headphones; glasses are allowed only if medically necessary and non-reflective.
• Infant & Child Photos: Only the child should appear in the photo.
• Eyes should be open and facing the camera.
• Use a light background (sheet or cover) to keep the picture clear.

Passport Scan Requirements

• Color scan, no black-and-white or low-contrast photos.
• JPG/JPEG, 10–500 KB.
• Minimum 800 × 600 px resolution.
• All text and numbers must be clearly readable.

Submitting documents in the correct format can save you days or weeks of lost time.

Visa Rejection, Extension & Overstay Rules

Visa Rejections – Why They Happen & How to Avoid Them

Visa applications can be rejected or delayed for various reasons, including:

• Incomplete or inconsistent application forms
• Missing or low-quality documents (passport scan, photo, itinerary)
• Unclear travel purpose or unrealistic itinerary
• For some nationalities, negative past travel records or security concerns

To reduce the risk:

• Double-check all details before submission.
• Use a registered Iranian agency like Visit Our Iran to submit your file and communicate with the MFA.
• Avoid last-minute changes to your itinerary once the application is under review.

If your visa is rejected, we’ll help you understand the reason and advise whether and how to reapply.

Visa Extensions

Tourist visas can usually be extended inside Iran:

• Extensions are requested at the Immigration & Passport Police Office in major cities.
• You may usually extend up to two times, for a total of up to 90 days' stay (exact rules depend on your nationality and current policy).

You’ll need:

• Your passport and current visa
• A couple of passport photos
• Proof of registered accommodation

Our team can provide updated information on where and how to apply for extensions during your trip.

Overstay Rules & Penalties

If you stay beyond the permitted number of days:

• You will be charged a daily fine upon exit.
• Repeated or serious overstays may lead to entry bans or additional questioning in future applications.

We strongly recommend planning your trip carefully, keeping a buffer day at the end, and extending on time if you wish to stay longer.