Iran Visa Guide
Iran, formerly known as Persia, is the second-largest country in the Middle East and attracts a significant number of tourists annually. Despite being misunderstood for much of its history, Iran is, in fact, a friendly and magnificent destination. The Iran visa is the essential first step for visiting this captivating country.
Understanding the Iran Visa:
The Iran visa is a necessary permit to enter the country for various purposes. While some nationalities do not require a visa to enter Iran, the majority of nationals can easily obtain a visa on arrival. However, for specific types of visits, such as business or work-related purposes, you must apply in advance online. Recent updates indicate that Indian citizens applying for an Iran visa may require an interview at the Iranian embassy or consulate.
Note: Due to political issues with the United States, Iran no longer stamps visitors’ passports. Instead, the Iran e-visa and entry stamp are provided on a separate paper.
How to Apply for an Iran Visa from India:
The application procedure for an Iran visa depends on the specific type of visa required. Before initiating the application, ensure that you are eligible for the chosen category. Here are the steps for applying for an Iran visa:
Visa on Arrival (‘Tourist’ and ‘Entry’ types only):
- Gather all necessary documents for the selected category, including a digital photograph and scanned main passport pages.
- Visit the Iran visa application e-portal and initiate the application.
- Complete the Iran visa application form.
- Choose the location where you will submit the application and obtain the visa. You can select one of Iran’s international airports for visa on arrival.
- Provide a valid email address.
- Verify your email.
- Upon successful verification, print the ‘Iran e-visa application submission notice’ you receive.
- Wait for processing to be completed successfully before traveling.
Visa Prior to Arrival (All types):
- Gather all necessary documents for the chosen category, including a digital photograph and scanned main passport pages.
- Visit the Iran visa application e-portal and initiate the application.
- Complete the Iran online visa application form.
- Choose the location for submitting the application and obtaining the visa. For this category, you must choose one of Iran’s diplomatic missions in India.
- Provide a valid email address.
- Verify your email.
- Upon successful verification, print the ‘Iran e-visa application submission notice’ you receive.
- Visit the respective Iranian embassy or consulate to submit your documents along with the submission notice.
- Pay the required fees and obtain your visa.
Note:
- In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview at an embassy or consulate, regardless of the mode of application.
- Ensure that you provide accurate information and submit genuine documents, as providing false information can result in automatic visa rejection.
Iran Visa Types:
Iranian visas are categorized based on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. They include:
- Tourist: For individuals traveling to Iran for tourism purposes.
- Entry: Issued for people with an invitation letter from a source in Iran. This category includes:
- Business: For individuals invited to participate in business meetings, conferences, etc.
- Visit: Granted to foreign nationals visiting relatives in Iran.
- Sports/Culture/Research: Issued for those participating in research, sporting events, cultural activities, etc.
- Pilgrimage: For Muslim tourists visiting holy sites in Iran.
- Education: Issued for students enrolling in academic courses.
- Temporary work: Granted for skilled work purposes.
Documents Required for Iran Visa from India:
While the following documents are generally required for an Iran visa, additional documentation may be necessary based on the specific visa category:
- Passport with at least 2 blank pages and a validity of at least 6 months from the intended travel date.
- Digital copies of the main passport pages.
- Digital photograph meeting specified requirements.
- Bank statements as proof of sufficient funds.
- Medical test certificates for HIV and Hepatitis.
- Travel insurance specifically valid in Iran.
Iran Visa Photo Specifications:
- Dimensions: 400 x 600 pixels
- Color: Colored
- Size: Between 10kB and 500kB
- Head must be centrally positioned
- Must be a recent photograph taken within the last 3 months
- Background: Solid, plain white or gray
- Should cover 80% of the face
- Neutral facial expression
- Glasses are not permitted
- Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons
- Facial hair is permitted
Processing Time:
The processing time for an Iran visa can vary depending on factors such as application volume, visa type, and document authenticity. Typically, applicants receive a response within 10 working days.
Iran Visa Fees for Indian Citizens:
The fees for an Iran visa depend on the specific type of visa and can vary based on foreign exchange rates. For Indian passport holders applying for an Iran visa on arrival, fees must be paid directly to the banking department at the Iranian port of entry. For those applying in advance, fees can be paid directly to the embassy or consulate.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business visa | Business | 30 days | 3 months | 5200.0 INR |
| Tourist visa | Tourist | 30 days | 3 months | 3000.0 INR |
How to Check Visa Status:
To check the status of your Iran visa application, visit the tracking portal provided by the Iranian ministry. You will need to enter either the application ID, a combination of the passport number and date of birth, or a combination of the passport number and your registered email address.
Where to Obtain a Visa for Iran:
Thanks to the introduction of visa on arrival for Indians, the ‘tourist’ and ‘entry’ categories can be obtained upon arrival at specified international airports in Iran. To do this, present the submission notice and pay the required fees.
Airports for Visa on Arrival:
- Bandar Abbas International Airport
- Isfahan International Airport
- Kish International Airport
- Mashhad International Airport
- Qeshm International Airport
- Shiraz International Airport
- Tabriz International Airport
- Imam Khomeini International Airport
- Mehrabad International Airport
- Urmia Airport
- Ahvaz International Airport
- Kerman Airport
- Larestan International Airport
For other types of Iran visas or travel to airports not covered by visa on arrival, visas must be obtained before travel. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi or the Consulate Generals of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai or Hyderabad issue these visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran typically allows visa extensions in most cases, with visitors able to extend their stay as long as it does not exceed 90 days in a year. Extensions can be obtained by visiting the nearest immigration department.
Visitors from specific countries, including India, are required to undergo a medical test for diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis. A medical report confirming a clean bill of health is necessary.
While there is no fixed amount specified, you are expected to possess sufficient funds to cover your entire stay and be able to access these funds as needed. Consistent transactions in your bank statements are essential, and any unusual transactions may require explanations.
It is recommended to apply at least 10 days before your intended travel due to the approximate processing time of 10 working days. To be on the safer side, applying around 3 weeks in advance is advisable, as an interview may also be required in some cases.
No, obtaining an Iran visa does not affect your US visa application. Iran has stopped stamping passports since 2018 to avoid complications for visitors. Your Iran e-visa and entry stamp will be on a separate sheet of paper, not in your passport.
