Iran, a land steeped in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, offers a captivating travel experience. Ever since the introduction of the Iran tourist visa for Indians, a growing number of tourists flock to this culturally rich and historic country. Despite its tumultuous past, including invasions by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, Iran has emerged as a nation with a profound cultural heritage.

Understanding the Iran Tourist Visa:

The tourist visa is a necessary endorsement if you plan to visit Iran for tourism purposes. Indian citizens can obtain the Iran tourist visa either on arrival or before traveling. Thanks to the positive Indo-Iranian relations, Indian tourists can now secure visas for up to 90 days.

Note: Due to political issues with the United States, Iran no longer stamps visitors’ passports. Instead, the Iran tourist e-visa and entry stamp are provided on a separate paper.

How to Apply for an Iran Tourist Visa:

The application for an Iran tourist visa from India is completed online. Before starting the application, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the tourist category. Here are the steps to apply for an Iran tourist visa:

Visa on Arrival:

1. Gather all required documents for the tourist category, including a digital photograph and scans of the main passport pages.
2. Visit the Iran visa application e-portal and initiate your application.
3. Complete the necessary 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. Verify your email.
7. Upon successful verification, print the ‘Iran tourist e-visa application submission notice’ you receive.
8. Wait for successful processing before traveling.

Visa Prior to Arrival:

1. Gather all required documents for the tourist category, including a digital photograph and scans of the main passport pages.
2. Visit the Iran visa application e-portal and start your application.
3. Complete the necessary 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. Verify your email.
7. Upon successful verification, print the ‘Iran tourist 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 mode of application.
• It is crucial to provide accurate information and submit genuine documents, as providing false information can result in automatic visa rejection.

Eligibility for Iran Tourist Visa:

To apply for this visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be residing in India while submitting your application. If you hold a residence permit in another country, you must apply there.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Iran.
• Your sole purpose of visiting Iran must be tourism.
• You must have sufficient funds to support your stay.
• If you plan to apply for a visa on arrival, you must be traveling by air and arriving at one of the specified airports.

Documents Required for Iran Tourist Visa:

As per Iran’s tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following documents are necessary to get your application approved:

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 main 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. A detailed travel itinerary.
8. Round-trip flight tickets.

Iran Tourist 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 Tourist Visa:

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

Iran Tourist Visa Fees:

The fees for the process can vary based on foreign exchange rates. Note that fees for the tourist 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.

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. If you have not been asked for an interview, you will only need to wait for the processing time.

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 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 paper, not in your passport.

How to Check Visa Status:

To check the status of your tourist 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 Tourist Visa:

Upon successfully receiving the tourist 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 a visa on arrival, carry the ‘tourist e-visa submission notice.’
• Ensure you have all necessary travel documents.

At the Border:

• Show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer; entry stamps will only be on the visa papers, not your passport.
• Be prepared to show copies of other submitted documents.
• Answer questions about your visit honestly.

When You Enter Iran:

• You are not allowed to engage in work or business activities on a tourist permit.
• You can extend the visa for a total duration of up to 90 days in a year.
• Carry copies of your passport and visa while traveling within the country.
• Respect local customs and immigration laws during your stay.
• Follow the strict dress code in public for both men and women.
• Avoid prohibited travel zones, such as Iran’s borders with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.