Planning a trip to Iran and wondering how to get your visa? The Iran eVisa system has made the process significantly easier for most nationalities. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Iran electronic visa – from application to entry.
Iran eVisa at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran |
| Where to apply online | evisa.mfa.ir |
| Visa types | Tourist, business, medical, transit, pilgrimage (Ziarat) |
| Standard processing | 5-7 business days |
| Tourist stay | 30 days, extendable in Iran up to 90 days in total |
| Visa stamp fee | Paid in cash (EUR or USD) on arrival, about €50-150 depending on nationality |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months beyond your travel dates |
| Status check | 18-character application tracking code |
| Not eligible for the standard eVisa | US, UK and Canadian citizens (embassy route with an authorized agency) |
What Is the Iran eVisa?
The Iran eVisa is an electronic visa system introduced by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It allows travelers to apply for and receive their visa authorization online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in most cases.
Unlike traditional visa stickers, the eVisa system registers your entry and exit electronically. You will not receive a physical sticker or stamps in your passport. Instead, you receive a digital visa document with a QR code linked to the government portal for verification.
Key Details on the eVisa Document
Your eVisa document contains several important pieces of information:
- A QR code for authenticity validation
- Your photograph for identification
- Visa number starting with “IR-” followed by 11 digits
- Your personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, passport number)
- Application tracking code (18 characters)
- Visa type, issue date, allowed stay period, and validity period
- Entry option (single, double, or multiple entries)
- Visa stamp fee seal confirming payment
Who Can Apply for the Iran eVisa?
Most nationalities can apply for the Iran eVisa, with some important exceptions. Citizens of the following countries face restrictions and cannot use the standard eVisa system:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Colombia
- Somalia
- Bangladesh
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- India
These nationalities must apply through an Iranian embassy or consulate and typically need a guided tour or authorized travel agency to sponsor their application.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of certain countries can enter Iran without a visa for limited periods:
- Turkey – 90 days
- Armenia – 90 days
- Azerbaijan – 30 days
- Bolivia – 30 days
- Georgia – 45 days
- Malaysia – 15 days
- Syria – 90 days
- Venezuela – 15 days
- Oman – 30 days
- China – 21 days
- Hong Kong – 21 days
- Egypt – 20 days
- Lebanon – 30 days
Iran Visa Policy in Brief
Iran’s visa policy splits visitors into three groups:
- Visa-exempt travelers – citizens of the countries listed above enter without a visa for 15 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
- eVisa and visa on arrival – most other nationalities can apply online before travel or get a visa on arrival at major airports; the online eVisa is the safer option and is required for land borders.
- Restricted nationalities – US, UK and Canadian citizens (and the other countries listed above) apply through an Iranian embassy, usually with a guided tour or an authorized agency. Americans should read our page on the Iran visa for US citizens.
Iran Visa Types
When you fill in the online form you choose the visa type that matches the purpose of your trip. Each type has its own supporting documents on top of the general passport and photo rules:
| Visa type | For whom | Extra documents |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Holidays and sightseeing | Hotel booking or agency invitation, return ticket, travel insurance valid in Iran |
| Business | Meetings and work-related trips | Invitation letter from an Iranian company, purpose of visit letter |
| Medical | Treatment in an Iranian clinic or hospital | Referral letter, appointment confirmation from the Iranian medical facility |
| Transit | Travelers passing through Iran | Visa for the destination country, onward travel booking |
| Pilgrimage (Ziarat) | Religious tourism to holy sites | Invitation from a religious organization, pilgrimage itinerary |
The full document checklist for every type is in our guide to Iran visa requirements.
How to Apply for the Iran eVisa
The application process is straightforward and entirely online:
- Visit the official portal at evisa.mfa.ir
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport
- Upload a digital photograph meeting the specifications
- Upload a high-quality scan of your passport’s data page
- Select your visa type (tourist, business, medical, etc.)
- Submit your application
- Wait for approval (typically 2-5 business days)
- Download and print your eVisa document
Important Application Tips
- Your passport must have at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates
- The digital photo must meet specific size and background requirements
- Double-check all information matches your passport exactly
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date
- Print multiple copies of your approved eVisa document
How to Check Your Iran eVisa Status Online
After you submit the online form you receive a confirmation email and an 18-character application tracking code. Keep this code: you need it to follow your application.
- Log in to the account you created on evisa.mfa.ir
- Enter or select your application using the tracking code
- Check whether the application is still in processing or already approved
- Once approved, download the eVisa document and print at least 2 copies
If the status does not change after the standard processing time, check your email: the Ministry may ask for extra information. Applicants who go through the embassy route track their application with the embassy instead. The full procedure is explained step by step in our Iran visa application guide.
Iran eVisa Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on several factors:
| Processing Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 5-7 business days | Most common |
| Expedited | 2-3 business days | Available through some services |
| Embassy | 1-4 weeks | Required for restricted nationalities |
Iran Visa Fees
The cost of an Iran visa consists of two components (see the full Iran visa fee breakdown by country):
- Application fee – Paid online during the eVisa application
- Stamp fee – Paid upon arrival at the airport in cash (EUR or USD)
Typical costs by nationality:
| Nationality | Stamp Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| EU countries | €75-100 |
| Australian | €100 |
| Chinese | €80 |
| Japanese | €60-80 |
| Indian | €50-75 |
| Other | €50-150 |
Note: US citizens pay approximately $160 for their visa.
Iran Visa on Arrival vs eVisa
While many nationalities can get a visa on arrival (VOA) at Iranian airports, applying for the eVisa beforehand is strongly recommended. Here is why:
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-approval | Yes | No |
| Processing time at airport | Minimal | 30-60 minutes |
| Risk of denial | Very low | Possible |
| Required for land entry | Yes | No (airport only) |
| Stress level | Low | Higher |
Visa Extensions
If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you can extend your visa in Iran:
- Tourist visas can typically be extended for 30 additional days
- Apply at the Police Office of Foreign Aliens in major cities
- Bring your passport, copies of your visa, and passport photos
- Processing usually takes 1-3 days
- The maximum total stay is generally 90 days
Essential Documents for Iran Entry
When traveling to Iran, carry these documents:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Printed eVisa document
- Passport-sized photographs (2-4 copies)
- Travel insurance proof
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Return flight ticket
- Cash in EUR or USD for visa stamp fee
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Iran eVisa?
Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. Some travel agencies can expedite this to 2-3 business days. Embassy applications for restricted nationalities may take 1-4 weeks.
Can I get an Iran visa on arrival?
Yes, citizens of most countries (except US, UK, Canada, and a few others) can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. However, applying for the eVisa beforehand is recommended for faster entry processing and guaranteed approval.
How much does the Iran eVisa cost?
The cost varies by nationality, typically ranging from €50 to €150 for the stamp fee paid upon arrival. US citizens pay approximately $160. The online application may have an additional processing fee.
Can US citizens get an Iran eVisa?
No, US citizens cannot use the standard eVisa system. They must apply through an Iranian embassy, typically requiring a guided tour or authorized travel agency sponsorship. Processing takes approximately 45 business days.
How long can I stay in Iran with an eVisa?
The standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of 30 days. You can extend this at the Police Office of Foreign Aliens in Iran for an additional 30 days, up to a maximum of 90 days total.
Do I need travel insurance for Iran?
Yes, travel insurance is required for entry into Iran. Your policy must cover Iran specifically, as some global policies exclude the country. You can purchase insurance at the airport upon arrival if needed.
How do I check my Iran eVisa status?
Log in to your account on the official portal evisa.mfa.ir and look up your application with the 18-character tracking code you received after submitting the form. When the status shows approval, download and print the eVisa document.
What is the official website for the Iran eVisa?
The Iran eVisa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its online portal at evisa.mfa.ir. You create an account there, fill in the form, upload your photo and passport scan, and later download the approved eVisa.
What types of Iran visa can I apply for?
The main types are tourist, business, medical, transit and pilgrimage (Ziarat) visas. Each type needs the general documents (passport valid for 6 months, photo, passport scan) plus extra documents such as an invitation letter or a medical appointment confirmation.
Will the Iran eVisa be stamped in my passport?
No. The eVisa registers your entry and exit electronically, so you do not get a visa sticker or entry stamps in your passport. You carry a printed eVisa document with a QR code that border officers can verify.
