Understanding the costs associated with an Iran visa is essential for budgeting your trip. This guide breaks down all visa-related fees, from application costs to stamp fees, and explains what you’ll pay at each stage of the process.
Iran Visa Cost Structure
The total cost of an Iran visa consists of several components:
- Application/processing fee – Paid online during eVisa application
- Stamp fee – Paid upon arrival at the airport (cash only)
- Service fee – If using a travel agency
- Insurance – If purchasing at the airport
Visa Stamp Fees by Nationality
The stamp fee is the main cost, paid in cash upon arrival:
European Countries
| Country | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Germany | €75 |
| France | €75 |
| Italy | €75 |
| Spain | €75 |
| Netherlands | €75 |
| Belgium | €75 |
| Austria | €75 |
| Sweden | €75 |
| Norway | €100 |
| Denmark | €75 |
| Finland | €75 |
| Poland | €75 |
| Czech Republic | €75 |
| Portugal | €75 |
| Greece | €75 |
| Ireland | €75 |
| Switzerland | €75 |
| United Kingdom | Embassy only |
North America
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| United States | $160 (embassy only) |
| Canada | Embassy only |
| Mexico | €75 |
Asia-Pacific
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| Australia | €100 |
| New Zealand | €100 |
| Japan | €60 |
| South Korea | €60 |
| China | €80 |
| India | €50-75 |
| Singapore | €75 |
| Malaysia | Visa-free (15 days) |
Middle East and Africa
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Visa-free (90 days) |
| UAE | €75 |
| Saudi Arabia | €100 |
| South Africa | €75 |
| Nigeria | €75 |
South America
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| Brazil | €75 |
| Argentina | €75 |
| Colombia | Embassy only |
| Venezuela | Visa-free (15 days) |
Note: Fees are approximate and may change. Always verify current fees before travel.
Payment Methods
At the Airport
- Accepted: Cash only (EUR or USD)
- Not accepted: Credit cards, debit cards, Iranian Rials
- Tip: Bring exact change if possible
- Currency: EUR preferred, USD also accepted
Online Application
- Accepted: Credit cards, debit cards, online payment
- Amount: Varies by service provider
- Note: Some payment methods may have additional fees
Through Travel Agency
- Accepted: Bank transfer, credit cards, PayPal (varies)
- Amount: Agency service fee + visa costs
- Note: Agency fees vary significantly
Total Cost Breakdown
Standard eVisa (Most Nationalities)
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Online application | €0-30 |
| Stamp fee (at airport) | €50-100 |
| Total | €50-130 |
US Citizens
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Travel agency fee | €150-300 |
| Embassy visa fee | $160 |
| Guided tour requirement | €500-1500 |
| Total | €700-2000 |
British and Canadian Citizens
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Travel agency fee | €100-200 |
| Embassy visa fee | €75-150 |
| Guided tour (if required) | €500-1000 |
| Total | €675-1350 |
Additional Costs to Consider
Travel Insurance
- At home: €20-50 for Iran-specific coverage
- At airport: €15-30 for basic coverage
- Note: Must cover Iran specifically
Passport Photos
- At home: €5-15 for 4 photos
- At airport: €5-10
- Note: Bring extras for extensions
Visa Extension
If extending your stay in Iran:
| Extension Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 30-day extension | €30-50 |
| Processing fee | €5-10 |
| Total extension | €35-60 |
Expedited Processing
- eVisa expedited: €30-50 extra
- Embassy expedited: €50-100 extra
- Note: Not always available
Cost-Saving Tips
Before Travel
- Apply directly – Avoid agency fees if eligible for eVisa
- Use EUR – Often better exchange rate than USD
- Bring exact change – Avoid unfavorable exchange at airport
- Buy insurance at home – Usually cheaper than airport
- Apply early – Avoid expedited processing fees
At the Airport
- Have cash ready – No cards accepted
- Use clean bills – Damaged bills may be rejected
- Know the rate – Verify current exchange rates
- Keep receipt – For your records
In Iran
- Extend early – Avoid overstay penalties
- Use official offices – Avoid unofficial “agents”
- Get receipt – For all payments
Agency Fees Comparison
If using a travel agency for your visa:
| Service | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Basic visa assistance | €30-80 |
| Full visa service | €80-150 |
| Guided tour package | €500-2000 |
| Premium service | €150-300 |
What’s Included in Agency Fees
- Application processing
- Document review
- Authorization code assistance
- Embassy liaison
- Tracking and follow-up
- Support and guidance
Currency Exchange Tips
Best Practices
- Bring EUR – Widely accepted, good rates
- USD also accepted – But EUR often preferred
- Clean bills only – No marks, tears, or damage
- Recent series – Older bills may be rejected
- Exact amounts – Change may be given in Rials
Where to Exchange
- Airport exchange – Convenient but less favorable rates
- Official exchange offices – Better rates in cities
- Banks – Reliable but slower
- Hotels – Convenient but worst rates
Refund Policy
eVisa Application
- Application fees are generally non-refundable
- If denied, fees are not returned
- Check terms before applying
Embassy Visa
- Embassy fees are non-refundable
- If denied, fees are not returned
- Agency fees may be partially refundable
Stamp Fee
- Paid upon successful entry
- Non-refundable once paid
- Required for entry
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Iran visa cost in total?
For most nationalities, the total cost ranges from €50-130, including the online application fee and airport stamp fee. US citizens pay significantly more ($700-2000) due to mandatory tour requirements. British and Canadian citizens typically pay €675-1350.
Can I pay the visa fee with a credit card?
No, the visa stamp fee at the airport must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). Credit and debit cards are not accepted. However, online application fees can typically be paid by card.
Is the visa fee refundable if denied?
No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or denied. This applies to both online application fees and embassy fees.
Do I need to pay in EUR or USD?
Both EUR and USD are accepted at the airport. EUR is often preferred and may result in slightly better rates. Bring clean, recent bills in either currency.
How much does a visa extension cost?
A 30-day visa extension costs approximately €30-50, plus a small processing fee of €5-10. The total cost for an extension is typically €35-60, paid at the Police Office of Foreign Aliens in Iran.
