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Iran Visa FAQs: Frequently asked questions about getting Iran visa

Iran Visa FAQs: Frequently asked questions about getting Iran visa

Many questions cross your mind when you think about applying for your Iran visa. Here, you will find a list of frequently asked questions about getting an Iran visa. Read the article to get all your questions answered. 

Table of Contents:
  1. How can I get visa on arrival in Iran?
  2. How much is Iran visa fee?
  3. Is Iran safe in 2020?
  4. Is Iran safe for US, UK, and Canadian citizens?
  5. Who can travel to Iran?
  6. Which countries cannot get visa on arrival in Iran?
  7. Which countries do not need visa for Iran?
  8. Can you go to America if you have been to Iran?
  9. Can Canadians travel to Iran?
  10. Can Americans travel to Iran?
  11. Can Brits travel to Iran?
  12. Why should I apply for Iran visa before arrival?
  13. How long does it take to get visa for Iran?
  14. Which countries can get visa on arrival in Iran?
  15. Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Iran?
  16. Do British citizens need a visa for Iran?
  17. Do Americans need a visa for Iran?
  18. Can a US, UK or Canadian citizen travel to Iran without a guide?
  19. How can I get an Iran travel visa?
  20. What documents are required to get Iran visa on arrival?
  21. What documents are required to get Iran visa in advance?
  22. How long does an Iran visa last?
  23. Is it possible to extend Iran visa?
  24. Where to collect my Iran visa on arrival (VOA)?
  25. How to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen?
  26. Do you still need more information on how to get an Iran visa?

How can I get visa on arrival in Iran?

An Iran visa on arrival is issued at the international airports in Iran. If you are eligible to apply for Iran airport visa, you need to fill out the visa application form 48 hours before your departure, and then get your Iran VOA at one of the international airports in Iran. Here, you can see the general process of collecting your Iran VOA at the airport: 

  • Get off the flight and go to the travel insurance desk,
  • Go to the visa desk to answer some questions and fill out relevant forms,
  • Get the receipt and go to the payment window,
  • Go back to the visa desk,
  • Take a seat and wait to get your Iran VOA,
  • Check the visa carefully and enjoy your travel to Iran.

How much is Iran visa fee?

Iran visa stamp fee varies depending on your nationality; therefore, it is better to check the latest prices before referring to the embassy/consulate to collect your Iran visa in advance. It might cost you €50 to €150 depending on your nationality. An Iran visa on arrival will usually cost you more than an Iran visa in advance. If you wish to get your Iran visa on arrival, you will need to pay €75 to €145 at the airport.  Remember that the visa fee must be paid in cash. 

Is Iran safe in 2020?

Iran is a safe country to travel and the majority of nationalities can travel to Iran after collecting Iran visa. If you respect local customs, traditional values, and dress code, you will receive the warmest of welcomes in Iran.

Is Iran safe for US, UK, and Canadian citizens?

US, UK, and Canadian citizens can safely travel to Iran as tourists. All you need to do is to book a tour to Iran accompanied by an approved tour guide, get your Iran visa in advance, and enjoy your trip. 

Who can travel to Iran?

As one of the friendliest countries in the world, Iran welcomes the majority of nationalities who love to travel to this ancient country. Some citizens are so lucky that they can travel to Iran without getting any kind of Iran tourist visa. However, the majority of citizens need to get an Iran visa on arrival or Iran visa in advance in order to visit Iran. At the moment, Israeli passport holders are the only citizens who cannot travel to Iran at all. 

Which countries cannot get visa on arrival in Iran?

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Colombia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are not eligible to get Iran visa on arrival (VOA). Therefore, they should apply for an Iran visa in advance before planning a trip.     

Which countries do not need visa for Iran?

Citizens from the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Georgia, Armenia, Venezuela, Egypt, and Malaysia are exempt from applying any kind of Iran tourist visa. Therefore, nationalities from the above-mentioned countries can travel to Iran visa-free for a specific period varying from 15 to 90 days regarding their country of origin. Recently, Iran has approved visa-free policy for Chinese tourists as well and it may add more to the list of Iran visa-free nationals in the future. 

Can you go to America if you have been to Iran?

Regarding a US law in 2015, travelers who visit Iran and six other countries would be subject to enhanced security for entering the US later.  That is why Iran does not stamp tourist passports and it only issues electronic visas for travelers. Therefore, tourists and travelers can go to America if they have been to Iran.

Can Canadians travel to Iran?

Canadians can travel to Iran if they get their Iran tourist visa in advance. They are ineligible to get an Iran VOA; therefore, they need to apply for an Iran visa before arrival- also called Iran visa in advance- before traveling to Iran. Since ABC nationalities are not allowed to travel to Iran independently, they must book a guided tour before applying for the visa.

Can Americans travel to Iran?

Americans can travel to Iran if they get their Iran tourist visa in advance. They are ineligible to apply for an Iran VOA; therefore, they need to apply for an Iran visa before arrival- also called Iran visa in advance- before traveling to Iran. Since ABC nationalities are not allowed to travel to Iran independently, they must book a guided tour before applying for the visa.

Can Brits travel to Iran?

British citizens can travel to Iran if they get their Iran tourist visa in advance. They are ineligible to get an Iran VOA; therefore, they need to apply for an Iran visa before arrival- also called Iran visa in advance- before traveling to Iran. Since ABC nationalities are not allowed to travel to Iran independently, they must book a guided tour before applying for the visa.

Why should I apply for Iran visa before arrival?

Though getting an Iran VOA is easy and convenient and nationalities from around 180 countries are eligible to apply for an Iran tourist visa on arrival for a maximum of 30 days, it is not a  good choice for all. Some nationalities including the US, UK, and Canadians are ineligible to obtain an Iran visa on arrival and they need to apply for an Iran visa before arrival (Iran visa in advance) before traveling to Iran.  Iran visa on arrival is not issued at borders either; therefore, it is out of use for those who plan to enter Iran by land. Moreover, IranVOA is only issued for tourist purposes and it does not work for those who plan to travel to Iran for business or diplomatic purposes. 

How long does it take to get visa for Iran?

How long it takes to get your Iran visa depends on the type of tourist visa you apply for. If you apply for an Iran visa on arrival (VOA), you will need to fill out the e-visa form at least 48 hours before your arrival, and then you can go to the Iranian airport with the Iran visa reference number and pick up your visa. 

It takes longer to get your Iran visa in advance (Iran visa before arrival). You need to apply for your visa at least three months before your departure. Though the visa process takes about 4 weeks, you should consider unpredicted delays. If you plan to travel to Iran in late March and early April, you need to be aware of Nowruz as an Iranian holiday lasting for two weeks. 

Which countries can get visa on arrival in Iran?

Citizens from around 180 countries are eligible to get an Iran visa on arrival or Iran airport visa. It mostly benefits tourists from Europe.

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Iran?

Yes, Canadian citizens need to apply for Iran visa in advance -also called embassy tourist visa- before planning a trip to Iran. Moreover, they need to book a guided tour to Iran before applying for their travel visa. 

Do British citizens need a visa for Iran?

Yes, British citizens need to apply for Iran visa in advance- also called embassy tourist visa – before planning a trip to Iran. Moreover, they need to book a guided tour to Iran before applying for their travel visa. 

Do Americans need a visa for Iran?

Yes, Americans need to apply for an Iran visa in advance-also called embassy tourist visa- before planning a trip to Iran. Moreover, they need to book a guided tour to Iran before applying for a travel visa. 

Can a US, UK or Canadian citizen travel to Iran without a guide? 

Citizens of the US, UK or Canada need to book a guided tour to Iran before applying for an Iran visa in advance. American, British, and Canadian nationalities cannot travel to Iran without a guide. It means that an approved tour guide must accompany them all through the trip. ABC nationalities need to book the tour, hotels, and guides before applying for an Iran tourist visa. Usually, when they book a tour to Iran, it includes hotels and guides as well. British and Canadian tourists can hire different tour guides for each city they visit. However, only one tour guide who is specially authorized to guide US tourists in Iran must accompany American tourists through their trip. 

How can I get an Iran travel visa?

Follow this five-step procedure to get either your IranVOA or Iran visa in advance:

  1. Complete Iran online visa application form, upload photo and the front page of your passport regarding the requirements,
  2. Get the visa application receipt confirmation and the reference number,
  3. Wait for the Iranian MFA to assess your visa application form,
  4. Get the authorization code from Iranian MFA in case your visa application is approved,
  5. Pay the visa fee and collect your Iran tourist visa from the Iranian embassy/consulate you have determined in the form or at the airport when you arrive in Iran. 

What documents are required to get Iran visa on arrival?

Documents needed to collect an Iran VOA:

  1. Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
  2. Confirmed return ticket within 30 days
  3. Photos for the visa application
  4. Iran visa stamp fee in cash
  5. An invitation letter or hotel reservation voucher plus contact details
  6. A printout of your itinerary

What documents are required to get Iran visa in advance?

Documents required for getting an Iran visa in advance varies from one embassy/consulate to another; however, the most common documents are listed as follows:

  1. Passport with a minimum of 6months validity
  2. Two passport photos
  3. Copy of passport
  4. Visa application form to get completed at the embassy/ consulate
  5. Visa fee that varies depending on the applicant’s nationality 
  6. A hardcopy of travel insurance valid for Iran

How long does an Iran visa last?

An Iran visa on arrival and an Iran visa in advance as two types of Iran tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 30 days in Iran. However, it is possible to extend them up to 90 days if necessary. 

Is it possible to extend Iran visa? 

You can extend your Iran travel visa- whether it is a visa on arrival or a visa in advance – twice to enjoy visiting Iran as long as 90 days. However, it is also possible to get a visa extension denial. You can extend your visa at any Immigration Visa Office in Iran. 

Where to collect my Iran visa on arrival (VOA)?

You can get your Iran VOA at one of the following international airports in Iran: 

  1. IKA: Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran 
  2. THR: Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran 
  3. MHD: Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport, Mashhad 
  4. SYZ: Shahid Dastghaib  International Airport, Shiraz 
  5. LRR: Larestan International airport 
  6. AWZ: Ahvaz international airport 
  7. OMH: Urmia International airport, Urmia 
  8. KER: Kerman International Airport, Kerman 
  9. TBZ: Shahid Madani Airport, Tabriz 
  10. ISF: Shahid Beheshti International Airport, Isfahan 
  11. BND: Bandar Abbas International Airport, Bandar Abbas 
  12. BUZ: Bushehr International Airport, Bushehr 
  13. KIH: Kish International Airport, Kish 
  14. GSM: Qeshm International Airport, Qeshm 

How to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen?

An Iran visa on arrival is not issued for Americans, British, and Canadians. Therefore, for getting an Iran visa as an American, British or Canadian citizen, you need to apply for Iran visa in advance 60-90 days before departure. Since ABC nationalities cannot travel to Iran independently, you should book a guided tour to Iran before applying for an Iran travel visa. Here, you will find Iran visa process for ABC nationalities:

  1.  Book your guided tour to Iran through an authorized travel agency, 
  2. Complete the visa application form, attach your Job CV, and pay the visa service fee,
  3. Get the authorization code in 30-60 working days, 
  4. Go to the Iranian embassy or consulate you have determined in your visa application form,
  5. Deliver the required documents and get your Iran visa. 

Do you still need more information on how to get an Iran visa?

How to get a visa for Iran: an ultimate guide to getting a tourist visa for Iran, how to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen, and how to get an Iran visa on arrival (VOA) will give you more details on Iran visa process. Read the articles carefully so that you could confidently apply for your tourist visa and enjoy your travel to Iran as one of the friendliest countries in the world.  

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How to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen

How to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen

Americans, British, and Canadians can travel to Iran and enjoy their visit if they get an Iran visa before planning a trip. Obviously, applying for an Iran visa is the first step to take whether you want to travel to Iran with the purpose of visiting its UNESCO sites, trekking in its vast deserts and dense forests, mountaineering, or skiing and snowboarding in the best ski resorts of Iran. Though getting an Iran tourist visa as a US, UK, or Canadian citizen is simple, it is time-consuming and takes a lot of patience. Due to the Iranian government’s regulations, the visa process will take longer for ABC nationalities, but it does not mean that they can not travel to Iran.

If you are from the US, UK or Canada, you are ineligible to get an Iran visa on arrival (VOA); therefore, you should apply for your Iran visa in advance 60-90 days prior to your departure. Moreover, as a US, UK or Canadian passport-holder, you must be on an organized licensed tour accompanied by an authorized tour guide in order to visit Iran. Therefore, you should book a tour to Iran and hire a licensed tour guide before applying for an Iran travel visa or booking flights to Iran.  Though many foreign tourists and travelers can explore Iran independently, American, British, and Canadian tourists cannot travel to Iran without a guide. It means that an approved tour guide must accompany them all through the trip. Fortunately, there are many cultural and adventure tours to Iran to satisfy every taste. Moreover, being accompanies by a knowledgeable tour guide will inform travelers of Iranians’ culture and lifestyle and let them see Iran through the eyes of a local.

Read the following article to know how to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen.

Table of Contents:

Is it safe to travel to Iran as an American, British or Canadian citizen?

Before applying for your Iran visa, you need to know whether it is safe to travel to Iran or not. Fortunately, the answer is yes. You will have a safe trip to Iran as an American, British, or Canadian tourist and you will not feel unsafe or threatened because of your nationality. Our advice to you is to avoid making any public political statements. Instead, find out the truth that political problems between the governments have nothing to do with Iranians’ hospitality toward travelers. Iranians have the warmest feelings for western travelers, and they are not anti-Americans either. Travelling to Iran will provide you the chance to socialize with Iranians and see how friendly and well-educated they are. 

How to get an Iranian visa with an American, Canadian, or British Passport?

As it was mentioned earlier, Americans, British, and Canadians can not apply for an Iran visa on arrival. Therefore, they need to apply for an Iran visa in advance (Iran visa before arrival), if they wish to visit Iran. Moreover, the three nationalities need to reserve a full tour to Iran before applying for a visa. In fact, the Iranian ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) makes it necessary for American, British, and Canadian nationalities to make a tour to Iran from arrival to departure. Moreover, tourists from the US, UK, and Canada need an approved tour guide to accompany them all through the trip on a daily basis.

To get your Iran tourist visa as an American, British or Canadian passport-holder, you should ask a reliable travel agency that offers visa services for ABC nationalities to help you through the visa process. The travel agency will ask you to provide the required documents such as your passport copy, passport photos, and some personal information. Then, it will contact the Iranian MFA on your behalf and wait for an authorization code(Letter of Invitation). It takes 30 to 60 working days (it might take more or less time) to receive the LOI. When the travel agency informs you of your authorization code, all you need to do is to collect your visa from an Iranian embassy or consulate.

Please note that you should book the tour, hotels, and guides before applying for an Iran tourist visa. Usually, when you book a tour to Iran, it includes hotels and guides as well. It is also recommended that you book your international flight ticket after receiving the authorization code. In order to understand the visa process for ABC nationalities, see the following five easy steps: 

5 steps to get Iran tourist visa as a US, UK or Canada passport holder:  

  1. Book your tour to Iran through an authorized travel agency (make sure hotels and guides are also booked through the process).
  2. Fill out the visa application form, attach your Job CV, and pay the visa service fee.
  3. Wait for 30 to 60 working days to receive the authorization code. 
  4. Go to the Iranian embassy or consulate you have determined in your visa application form. 
  5. Submit the required documents, get your Iran tourist visa, and get ready to enjoy your tour to Iran. 

 Where to collect Iran visa as a Canadian, British or US citizen?

After receiving an authorization code issued by the Iranian MFA, It is time to collect your Iran tourist visa from an Iranian consulate/embassy in your country of origin. British citizens can collect their Iran visas from the Iranian embassy in London. However, Iran has no embassy or consulate in the USA and Canada. American and Canadian citizens should refer to Iran’s interest section at the Pakistan embassy in Washington DC or the Permanent Mission of IRI in New York to get their Iran tourist visa. It is not necessary to collect the visa by yourself; therefore, it is possible to mail your passport plus the other required documents and wait for delivery.

Another way to collect your visa as an American or Canadian tourist is to get your visa from an Iranian consulate/embassy in another country such as Turkey or France. Your visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue; therefore, you have 90 days to enter Iran after collecting your Iranian visa. 

How long does it take to get an Iran visa in advance?

Apply for your visa at least three months before your departure date. Though the visa process takes about 4 weeks, you should consider unpredicted delays. The season you apply for your Iran visa, the number of applicants and Iranian national holidays are some of the factors that make the visa process take more than 2 months. For instance, if you plan to travel to Iran in late March and early April, you need to be aware of Nowruz as an Iranian holiday lasting for two weeks. Many applicants also prefer to experience Iran in the spring. Therefore, it will take longer to collect your Iranian visa during this time. 

What documents are required to collect an Iran visa as an American, British or Canadian citizen?

The following documents are required to collect your Iranian visa as a US, UK, or Canadian citizen. Please note that each embassy or consulate has its rules and regulations to issue a visa. Therefore, you need to check what exact documents the embassy/consulate you have determined in your visa application form requires for issuing your Iran visa. 

Iran visa requirements for US, UK, and Canadian citizens:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • A passport photo to be attached to the Iran visa application form
  • A travel itinerary provided by an approved guide as well as hotel bookings 
  • A  Job CV( including your job details of the last 10 years)
  • A personal information document (including your name, birth date, etc.)
  • The Authorization code or Letter of Invitation issued by the Iranian MFA
  • Visa stamp fee that varies depending on the applicant’s nationality 
  • Travel insurance covering your travel to Iran 

How much is an Iran visa fee for US, UK, or Canadian citizens?

The visa fee must be paid at the Iranian embassy/ consulate upon your visa collection. It might cost you 50 to 150 euros depending on your nationality. Therefore, it is better to check the latest prices before referring to the embassy/consulate.

Can I get an Iran visa on arrival (VOA) as a US, UK or Canadian Citizen?

Regarding the political issues between the governments, getting an Iran travel visa as an American, Britain or Canadian citizen is not as easy as for other nationalities. Americans, British, and Canadians are ineligible to get Iran tourist visa on arrival(VOA), while nationalities from around 180 countries are eligible to get Iran visa on arrival for a maximum of 30 days at one of the international airports in Iran. 

Can a US, UK, and Canadian citizen travel to Iran without a guide?

Americans, British, and Canadians are not allowed to travel to Iran without a guide. In order to visit Iran, ABC nationalities are supposed to get an Iran visa before arrival, book a full tour to Iran, and be accompanied by a licensed tour guide on a daily basis. 

 US, UK, and Canadian tourists cannot travel to Iran independently or go around without a guide. The US, UK, and Canada passport holders must book a tour to Iran and be accompanied by an approved tour guide during their travel. While the British and Canadian travelers can have different tour guides for each city they visit, Americans cannot hire several guides through their trip to Iran. Therefore, only one tour guide who is specially authorized to guide US tourists in Iran must accompany US travelers. Maybe you could find a way not to hire a tour guide or join an organized tour to Iran, but we do not recommend it.

Traveling to Iran with a tour group will give you the opportunity to see more cultural and natural attractions based on a perfect itinerary. It also gives you the chance to be in touch with a local guide who gives you a better understanding of Iranians’ culture and lifestyle. 

Tips for getting an Iranian visa as an American, British or Canadian tourist

  • Apply for an Iran visa in advance 60-90 days before departure.
  • Note that the US, UK, and Canadian tourists are ineligible to get an Iran visa on arrival. 
  • Collect your Iran visa from Iran’s interest section at the Pakistan embassy in Washington DC or the Permanent Mission of IRI in New York, if you are American or Canadian.
  • Check what exact documents the embassy/consulate you have determined in your visa application form requires for issuing your visa.
  • Book an organized licensed tour before applying for an Iran visa.
  • Do not travel to Iran without hiring an authorized tour guide.
  • Note that you cannot travel to Iran independently. You should travel based on a detailed itinerary determined by your travel agency. 

Now you know how to get an Iran visa as a US, UK or Canadian citizen. Then, all you need to do is to book your guided tour to Iran, get your tourist visa, and travel to Iran to experience a journey of a lifetime. If you still have questions on getting Iran tourist visa, Iran visa FAQs will help you.

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