Iran, a nation rich in business opportunities, job prospects, education quality, and tourism attractions, beckons travelers from across the globe. Formerly known as Persia, this land attracts a significant number of visitors every year. A considerable portion of these visitors arrives to reunite with their relatives residing in Iran. The Iran visitor visa is the essential permit required to enter the country for this purpose.

Understanding the Iran Visitor Visa:

The visitor visa is a necessary endorsement for foreign nationals entering Iran to visit their relatives living in the country. This visa is a sub-category of the ‘Entry’ visa for Iran. Thanks to the evolving Indo-Iranian relations, the ‘Entry’ permit, including the Iran visitor visa for Indian citizens, can now be obtained as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 1 year. The Iran visitor visa for Indians is available on arrival or can be acquired before your travel.

Note: Due to political issues involving the United States, Iran has opted not to stamp visitors’ passports. Consequently, your visit visa for Iran and the entry stamp will be placed on a separate sheet of paper instead of your passport.

How to Apply for an Iran Visitor Visa:

The application for the Iran visitor visa from India is conducted online. However, before initiating the application, it’s crucial to ensure your eligibility for the visitor category. After confirming your eligibility, you can proceed with the application process as follows:

Visa on Arrival:

1. Gather all the necessary documents for the visitor category, including a digital photograph and scans of the primary passport pages.
2. Visit the Iran visa application e-portal and initiate your application.
3. Complete the required details.
4. Choose your preferred location for submitting the application and obtaining the visa. You can select one of Iran’s international airports for a visa on arrival.
5. Provide a valid email address.
6. Proceed to verify your email.
7. Upon successful verification, print the ‘Iran visitor e-visa application submission notice’ you receive.
8. Wait for successful processing before traveling.

Visa Prior to Arrival:

1. Gather all the necessary documents for the visitor category, including a digital photograph and scans of the primary passport pages.
2. Visit the Iran visa application e-portal and initiate your application.
3. Complete the required details.
4. Choose your preferred location for submitting the application and obtaining the visa. For this category, you must select one of Iran’s diplomatic missions in India.
5. Provide a valid email address.
6. Proceed to verify your email.
7. Upon successful verification, print the ‘Iran visitor e-visa application submission notice’ you receive.
8. Visit the respective Iranian embassy or consulate to submit your documents along with the submission notice. You will also be required to pay the fees at this stage.

Note:

• In certain cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview at an embassy or consulate, regardless of the application mode.
• It is crucial to provide accurate information and submit genuine documents, as providing false information can result in automatic visa rejection.

Eligibility for Iran Visitor Visa:

To be eligible to apply for the visitor category, you must meet specific criteria, including:

• Residing in India while lodging the application. If you hold a residence permit in another country, you must apply there.
• Holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry into the country.
• Having the primary purpose of the visit to reunite with your relatives living in Iran.
• Being invited by your family residing in the country.
• Possessing sufficient funds to support your stay.

Documents Required for Iran Visitor Visa:

As per the Iran visitor visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following documents are necessary for your application:

1. A passport with at least 2 blank pages, valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended travel date.
2. Digital copies of the primary pages of your passport.
3. A digital photograph that meets the specified requirements.
4. Bank statements as proof of sufficient funds.
5. Medical test certificates for HIV and Hepatitis.
6. Travel insurance specifically valid in Iran.
7. An invitation letter from your relative living in Iran.
8. Round-trip flight tickets.

Iran Visitor 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 for Iran Visitor Visa:

The processing time for your visitor visa application can depend on several factors, including application volume, intended stay duration, document validation time, and more. Typically, applicants receive a response within 10 working days.

Iran Visitor Visa Fees:

The fees for the visitor permit can vary based on foreign exchange rates. Note that fees for the visitor visa on arrival must be paid directly to the banking department at the Iranian port of entry. If you apply in advance, you can pay the fees directly to the embassy or consulate. Ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application.

After Submission:

Once you have submitted your application, it will be processed by the ministry. If you have been asked for an interview, you must attend it at the appointed time with the necessary documents, e-visa submission notice, and fees to obtain the visa. Alternatively, if you are not required to attend an interview, you can simply submit your documents and pay the fees at the embassy/consulate (for visa applications before traveling).

It’s important to note that you cannot modify your application once it’s submitted, so ensure that you enter the correct details to avoid visa rejection. Once approved, you can obtain the visitor visa on arrival by simply traveling to the port of entry and submitting your submission notice and fees. Your visa will be issued on a separate sheet of paper, not in your passport.

How to Check Visa Status:

To check the status of your visitor entry visa application, visit the tracking portal provided by the Iranian ministry. You will need to enter the application ID or a combination of the passport number and date of birth, or a combination of the passport number and your registered email address.

During Your Stay with a Visitor Visa:

Upon successfully receiving the visitor permit, keep the following points in mind for a pleasant stay:

Before You Travel:

• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa; do not overstay.
• If you are applying for the visa on arrival, ensure that you carry the ‘visitor e-visa submission notice.’
• Have all your travel documents in order before departing for Iran.

At the Border:

• Show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer; entry stamps will be placed on the visa papers, not your passport.
• Be prepared to present copies of other documents submitted with your application.
• Be ready to provide basic details of your visit, including information about your relatives living in the country; answer honestly and confidently.

While in Iran:

• With a visitor entry permit, you cannot engage in paid work.
• You can extend this visa for up to a total duration of 90 days in a year.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa when traveling within the country.
• Respect the culture, customs, and immigration laws during your stay.
• Adhere to Iran’s strict dress code rules for both men and women from the moment you arrive.
• Stay away from prohibited travel zones, particularly Iran’s borders with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.