Iran's Visa

Over the past few years, Iran has introduced a range of measures to simplify the visa process for international travellers. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival, an e-Visa, or even visa-free entry.

At Hezar-o-Yek Gasht Pasargad, we make the process straightforward. As part of our inbound travel services, we assist travellers with every stage of their visa application — from identifying the right visa option and securing the required authorisation code to guiding you through the application process and, where applicable, helping you obtain your Visa on Arrival.

Our experienced team stays up to date with the latest immigration requirements, ensuring your application is handled efficiently and accurately. Whether you're travelling for leisure, business, or a tailor-made journey across Iran, we're here to help make your arrival as smooth as possible.

Below, you'll find everything you need to know about Iran's visa options, requirements, and application process.

Official Government Resources

Before you start your application, it's worth bookmarking the official Iranian government portals. These are the only authorised sources for visa information and applications — be cautious of third-party sites that imitate the official portal.

• 🔗 Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs (English): mfa.ir
• 🔗 Iran Official e-Visa Portal: mfa.ir
• 🔗 Iran e-Visa Application (Traveller Portal): mfa.ir

How to Enter Iran — Your Options at a Glance

Iran's entry options fall into four main categories. Which one applies to you depends entirely on your nationality — and in many cases, the process is simpler than you might imagine.

1. Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries can enter Iran without any prior visa arrangement. Simply arrive with a valid passport and, where required, proof of onward travel:

Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, Georgia, Armenia, Egypt, China, Iraq, Oman, and Kazakhstan.

If your country is on this list, you're good to go — no appointment, no embassy visit, no waiting.

Source: evisa.mfa.ir

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Nationals of Lebanon, Venezuela, and Malaysia can obtain their entry permit directly at designated Iranian border points. No advance application is needed — but it's always worth confirming current entry conditions with us before you travel, as procedures can change.

Source: evisa.mfa.ir

3. 15-Day Visa-Free Tourism Stay

Ordinary passport holders from 27 countries can visit Iran for tourism purposes for up to 15 days (non-extendable, once every six months), without needing to obtain a visa in advance. This is a straightforward, hassle-free option — just arrive and explore.

Countries included: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Belarus.

Source: evisa.mfa.ir

4. E-Visa — Apply Before You Arrive

For most other nationalities, the e-visa route is the most practical and reliable option — and the one we always recommend arranging in advance. Citizens of all countries except the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Colombia, and Somalia can apply through Iran's official online system.

Here's how it works: you submit your application electronically through evisa.mfa.ir. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes your request — sometimes including a brief consultation — and, once approved, issues a Visa Grant Notice (authorisation code) in PDF format. You then use this code to collect your physical visa stamp either at your nearest Iranian embassy or at the airport on arrival.

Processing time is a minimum of 5 working days, but can vary by nationality. We strongly recommend applying at least one month before your intended travel date to avoid any last-minute complications.

Source: ikac.ir / evisa.mfa.ir

Special Rules for US, UK & Canadian Passport Holders

Travellers holding US, UK, or Canadian passports are subject to additional requirements. Independent travel is not permitted — your visa application must be sponsored by a licensed Iranian travel agency, and your full itinerary must be pre-arranged before your application is submitted.

In practice, this means travelling with an official guide and staying in pre-booked accommodation throughout your trip. It's a different kind of journey — but one we're very experienced in designing. We handle these applications regularly and can build a programme that meets all government requirements while still giving you a genuine, immersive experience of Iran.

Types of Iran Visa

Iran issues visas across several categories depending on the purpose of your visit. Here's a quick reference:

For the complete breakdown of visa types and requirements, see: evisatraveller.mfa.ir/en/request/visa_types

The Authorisation Code — How It Works

For most nationalities applying at an Iranian embassy, the first step isn't the embassy itself — it's obtaining a Visa Grant Notice (authorisation code) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran. This is where having a local agency in your corner makes a real, tangible difference.

We submit your application directly to the Ministry, monitor the progress, and send you the authorisation code by email as soon as it's approved. You then take that document to your nearest Iranian embassy — or present it on arrival at a designated Iranian airport — to receive your visa stamp.

This is the standard, well-established route for most European, Asian, Latin American, and African passport holders. When handled properly, it runs smoothly.

Iran's Visa-Free Zones — Kish, Qeshm & Chahbahar

Foreign nationals with a valid passport can travel to Iran's Free Economic Zones — including Kish Island, Qeshm Island, and Chahbahar — and receive a 14-day stay visa at the port of entry, free of charge.

One important note: if you arrive on a free-zone visa and then decide to travel beyond the zone into mainland Iran, you'll need to apply for a separate visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative office within the free zone before proceeding. Plan ahead if that's your intention.

Source: denmark.mfa.gov.ir

Let Us Handle Your Iran Visa

Visa requirements are one of the most common reasons travellers pause before booking a trip to Iran — and one of the easiest things to overcomplicate. The reality is that for the vast majority of nationalities, the process is manageable, predictable, and, with the right support, straightforward.

When you book a tour with Hezar-o-Yek Gasht Pasargad, Iran visa facilitation is included as part of our service. We obtain your authorisation code, walk you through the required documents, coordinate with the relevant embassy or airport, and make sure you arrive in Iran with every formality already behind you.

Get in touch with us to start your application or ask any questions you might have:

• 📞 021-79913
• ✉ info@pasargadtravel.com