Iran Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | No | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | No | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | No | Yes |
| USA | Yes | No | Yes |
| EU | Yes | No | Yes |
Passports
To enter Iran, a passport valid for at least six months at the time of the visa application, and with two blank pages, is required by the nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Note
If your passport contains an Israeli stamp or stamps from other countries' border crossing points with Israel, you may be refused entry to Iran.
Women judged to be dressed immodestly will also be refused entry.
Visas
Visas for Iran are required in advance by all nationals referred to in the chart above. British, American and Canadian visitors can only obtain a visa if they are part of an organized tour or have a sponsor. These nationals need to be escorted by a government approved guide at all times during their stay in Iran. Australians and EU-nationals are eligible for an on-arrival-visa at certain airports, before registering on https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/. However, obtaining a visa-on-arrival cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for a visa at a responsible Iranian embassy after registering on https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/.
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to travel to Iran: Armenia, Republic of Azerbaijan, Bolivia, China, Egypt, Georgia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Syria, Turkey and Venezuela.
Be aware that visa requirements for visitors of all nations can change at short notice. Contact the embassy to check the latest situation. Nationals not referred to in the chart above are also advised to contact their local embassy to check visa requirements.
Women and girls over nine years old should wear a headscarf in their visa application photo in accordance with Islamic custom.
There are fines for overstaying your visa.
Types and Cost
UK nationals: tourist visa: £165; single-entry visa: £185.
US nationals: tourist visa: £55; single-entry visa: £75.
Canadian nationals: tourist visa: £50; single-entry visa: £75.
Australian nationals: tourist visa: £195; single-entry visa: £110.
Visas for many EU nationals (other than British nationals) are £55 for single-entry visas and starting at £95 for multiple-entry visas, but prices vary according to nationality, so check with the consulate.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy). Before sending their application to the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in the UK, applicants need to register on the Iranian government website https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/. Residents of the USA need to contact the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC., after their registration on https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/.
Working days
Visas usually take around 15 days to process.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 965 4990.
Website: http://www.daftar.org
Address: NW, c/o The Embassy of Pakistan, 1250 23rd Street NW, No. 200, Washington, 20037,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri: 0800-1630
Embassy of Iran in the UK
Telephone: +44 0207 225 4208.
Website: http://www.london.mfa.ir
Address: Knightsbridge, 16 Prince's Gate, London, SW7 1PT,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
