Iran Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Iran is always on the list of the 10 most difficult countries to get a visa. So what types of Iran visa are there? Is applying for a visa complicated? We can answer them by reading this article.
Who needs a visa to enter Iran?
- Citizens from the following countries do not need a visa to enter Iran. List includes:
*Those holding diplomatic or official passports from 🇮🇶 Iraq can enter Iran visa-free.
- Almost all nationalities can apply for an e-Visa to Iran. Once issued, you can pick it up at the airport in Iran or at an Iranian embassy abroad. Note, citizens of the following countries must apply for and obtain a visa before traveling to Iran:
- 🇮🇱 Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering Iran.
Iran visa types
Based on the purpose of the visit, the categories of Iran visa are as follows:
- Tourist visa: This type of visa is issued for people wishing to visit Iran for tourism purposes.
- Pilgrimage visa: You will need this visa if you are a Muslim practitioner planning to visit one of the Holy destinations in Iran for pilgrimage.
- Entry visa: This visa is granted for international visitors invited by a body of Iran governments for commercial or cultural activities.
- Student visa: If you want to visit Iran to pursue further education or academics in institutions, you will lodge this visa application.
- Work visa: This visa is issued for foreign nationals who are hired to work from companies in Iran.
- Transit visa: This visa is granted for foreign people stopping over to transit via Iran in order to proceed their trip.
- Media visa: This visa is reserved for foreign film directors or international journalists.
- Martial visa: This visa is granted for foreign men who are married to Iranian spouses as well as their children.
- Medical visa: If you are a foreigner wanting to travel to Iran for emergency medical treatment, you will need to apply for this visa.
Iran visa requirements
General visa requirements
These are some required general documents to submit when you apply for a visa.
- A duly completed application form.
- A physical colored photo on the white background. It is suggested to be taken within 6 months. It is a must that women put on a headscarf due to religious and political reasons.
- An electronic colored photo with a white background in the form of JPG. It needs to live up to two following criteria:
– Pixels: 400 x 600 pixels.
– Data: From 100KB to 500 KB. - Birth certificate.
- A valid passport which does not exceed 10 years.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a resume specifying the educational and work history of the applicant.
- A return ticket or flight booking proof.
- Confirmed accommodation documents.
- Civil status proofs to justify.
- A travel insurance.
- The receipt of the paid visa fee.
Additional documents
Apart from the aforementioned documents, there are some additional papers you need to submit based on your method of application:
- You will need to prepare a pre-paid and self-addressed envelope containing the documents when sending them via emails.
- If you apply via a travel agency, you also need to request the agency to submit a letter of invitation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran at least two days prior to your arrival.
- If you apply online, it is necessary for you to prepare a printed notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
- Besides, you also prepared the aforementioned supplement documents based on the type of visa you apply for.
How to apply for Iran visa?
There are two ways to apply for a visa:
Traditional visa
You need to follow these following steps one by one to proceed to the visa application.
Step#1. Make a plan
First, you need to request an Iranian agency or an Iranian on behalf of you to submit an application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran for an Iran visa code.
If successful, you will need to attach this code to your application form. Alternatively, you can apply for this code on your own through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
You will prepare your visa application, including but not limited to: your duration of visa, your purpose of the stay, your type of visa and choose the nearest destination of the embassy or consulate to apply.
Step#2. Complete the Iran application form
First, you should access the online Iran electronic visa system. Then, you will complete the application form with the aforementioned details.
Once completing it, you will receive a confirmation as well as a tracking code, which is used to check the status of the application form. You also ought to gather the necessary documents which are tailored for your type of visa.
Step#3. Pay visa fee
The fee for a visa is from €10 to €100. You can pay the fee via bank transfer or deposit at your chosen embassy or consulate.
Step#4. Book a visa appointment
You need to book an Iran visa appointment with your application destination.
Step#5. Attend the visa interview
You will hand in your gathered documents to your application destination. This will be the step to confirm your purpose and decide whether you will be granted or rejected.
Step#6. Receive the visa
After processing time, you will be notified by the embassy and an Iran visa will be accompanied by your passport.
E-Visa
You can apply for an Iran e-Visa by following these steps one by one:
Step#1. Be prepared
You ought to prepare an electronic copy of the valid passport in the form of a picture.
Step#2. Fill out the application form
You access the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran to proceed to your Iran visa application. You should double-check the application to make sure that there are no mistakes in filling the required details of personal information.
Step#3. Wait to be approved
Once completing the form, you will receive a verification code in your chosen email, which you will use on the verification page of the website. When being verified, a barcode will be sent to you.
Step#4. Pay the fee
The fee for an e-Visa lies between 20 and 150 Euros. Specifically:
- European citizens are charged 75 Euros.
- Indian citizens are charged 90 Euros.
Step#5. Obtain the visa
Once your visa application is completed, a notification will be sent to your email. Finally, you should print it out to gather the documents you will need when traveling to Iran.