Many tourists wonder if staying longer than their initial visa allows is possible. The good news is, yes, you can extend your visa twice, but the total duration cannot exceed 90 days. This means a 30-day visa with 2 extensions gives you 90 days in Iran. This flexibility makes it easier for you to explore Iran without rushing. In this blog post, you’ll learn all about the process of extending your Iran visa, from where to apply for an extension to what documents you need. We’ll also cover some tips and tricks to make the process smoother and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about making the most of your time in Iran.
Iran Visa Extension Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
To extend your visa, you will need to visit the nearest Immigration and Passport Office. Be prepared for a busy place, but don’t worry, the process is usually quite simple.
First, you’ll go through a security check. You’ll need to leave your phone and other electronic devices in a locker at the entrance. Laptops are not allowed inside at all. Also, remember that you cannot bring a bag into the building. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, as Iran has specific dress codes.
Next, find the Visa Extension Counter. An officer will check your passport and then give you two forms to fill out. You’ll then go to the Tourism Affairs counter. Here, they might ask you a few questions. Be ready to explain why you want to extend your stay. Try to be very specific about how many more days you want and where you plan to travel. The questions might include:
– Why do you want to extend your visa?
– How many more days do you want to stay in Iran?
– Where are you staying in Isfahan?
– Are you here for tourism or work?
– What is your job?
Make sure to mention a hotel as your place of stay. Once you answer these questions and get approval, you are almost done.
After answering these questions, you will head to the payment counter to pay the extension fee. You can only pay with an Iranian debit card. If you don’t have one, they will send you to the nearest Melli Bank to make the payment. The extension fee is about 10 euros.
Once you have all your documents ready, take them back to the Passport Collection Counter. Then, you’ll wait at the Visa Extension Counter until your passport is ready. Finally, they will hand it back to you with your new extension stamp!
Requirements for Extending Your Iran Visa
To extend your Iran visa, you must present several documents at the office. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your passport
- Two photocopies of your passport
- Two passport-size photos (women need to wear a headscarf)
- Your current visa document
- Two copies of the completed visa extension form
- Payment via an Iran debit card if possible, or you can pay the visa extension fee at a bank
- Two photocopies of the payment receipt
Having these documents ready will help ensure a smooth and quick visa extension process. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our operations team.
How Long Can You Extend Your Iranian Tourist Visa?
You can extend your Iranian visa twice. Each extension will typically be for the same length as your first visa. So, if you came with a 30-day visa, you might be able to stay for up to 90 days in total. That’s a great opportunity to explore more! This also applies to travelers who entered Iran without a visa, if their nationality allows for it.
You need to be smart about when you apply. You can only ask for a visa extension a few days before your current visa runs out. This is usually between one to four days before it expires. Trying to apply earlier won’t work, so don’t waste your time!
Curious about how some travelers can enter Iran without a visa? Learn more about the convenient options available in Exploring Iran Easier with Visa Exemptions.
Iran Visa Extension Processing Time and Fees
The good news is that if you have all the necessary documents, the whole process usually takes only a few hours. Many travelers have managed to get their visa extended on the same morning they applied. To increase your chances of getting your visa on the same day, try to arrive when the Immigration Office opens, usually around 8 AM.
Make sure to start the extension process 1 or 2 days before your visa expires. Also, check the calendar for any holidays that might affect office hours. This will help you avoid any potential problems. It’s thus useless to try getting an extension earlier, as you won’t be authorized to submit an application.
Don’t forget to find out where and how in Traveling to Iran without a Visa: Iran’s Free Trade Zones.
Where to Extend Your Iran Visa
You can extend your visa in several cities across Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Rasht, Bandar Abbas, and Yazd. The Immigration & Passport Police Office in these cities will handle your extension. It’s often best to choose less populated cities like Yazd and Bandar Abbas for a smoother experience.
Office hours are 7:30 AM to 1:45 PM from Saturday to Wednesday and 7:30 AM to 11:45 AM on Thursday. Addresses for offices in different cities are listed below:
Isfahan
Address: Rudaki Bypass, Isfahan, Isfahan Province
Phone: +9831 3218 4547
Tehran
Address: Kooh e Noor St, Shahid Motahari St, Tehran, Tehran Province
Phone: +9821 7394 8912
Shiraz
Address: Modarres Boulevard, Shiraz, Fars Province
Phone: +9871 3725 0028
Mashhad
Address: Pirouzi Boulevard, Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province
Phone: +9851 3822 5280
Yazd
Address: Ferdowsi Street, Yazd Province
Phone: +98903 238 48 50
Qom
Address: Golha Boulevard, Qom Province
Phone: +9825 3772 3838
Extending Non-Tourist Visas in Iran
If you have a different type of visa, such as a business or medical visa, the number of days allowed will be as stated on your visa. Extending these visas can be challenging unless you can provide proof of the need to stay longer. The immigration office will decide whether to approve your extension.
For more information about the various types of visas and their durations, you can read more on our Iran visa page, or reach out to our operations team for assistance.
Tips for Extending Your Iran Visa
Extending your Iran visa can be straightforward if you follow these tips:
Begin your visa extension process just a few days before your current visa expires. You can extend your visa twice, allowing you a maximum of 90 days in Iran, subject to approval.
Dress modestly when visiting the visa office. Bring passport-sized photos with you; ladies must wear a headscarf in these photos. If you don’t have photos, there are usually photography shops nearby. Ask locals for directions to the nearest shop.
Book a hotel for the next few days, and be ready to show the confirmation if asked. Mentioning the names of hotels in other cities you’ve visited can also help convince officials. When asked why you want to stay longer, share the names of other cities you wish to visit and express your love for the country.
Be prepared for a busy visa office with many people. Remember to smile. Being friendly to the person assisting you might result in extra help or faster service.
Interested in the possibility of visiting Iran more than once? Discover all you need to know about who qualifies for and how to obtain an Iran Multiple Entry Visa.
Final Word
Remember to plan your visa extension carefully, follow the necessary procedures, and maintain a respectful and modest demeanor during your visit to the visa office. By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing helpful resources like Visit Our Iran’s Tourist Debit Card, you can make the most of your time in Iran and create unforgettable memories.
