Iran Visa on Arrival: Eligibility, Fees, and Process
The Iran visa on arrival (VOA) offers a convenient option for travelers who haven’t obtained their visa before departure. Available at major Iranian airports, the VOA allows eligible nationalities to get their visa stamped upon landing. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Iran visa on arrival.
What Is the Iran Visa on Arrival?
The visa on arrival is a tourist visa issued at Iranian international airports. You apply and receive your visa at the airport immigration counter after landing. The process typically takes 30-60 minutes and results in a visa valid for 30 days.
While convenient, the VOA comes with some risks – approval is not guaranteed, and processing times can vary. Applying for an eVisa beforehand is generally recommended for a smoother entry experience.
Eligible Nationalities
Citizens of most countries can apply for a visa on arrival, with notable exceptions:
Eligible Countries
Most European, Asian, Oceanian, and Latin American nationalities can get a VOA, including:
- All EU member states
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- Most Southeast Asian countries
- Most South American countries
- Most African countries
Not Eligible for VOA
These nationalities must obtain their visa before arrival:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Colombia
- Somalia
- Bangladesh
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- India
Where to Get a Visa on Arrival
VOA is available at these Iranian international airports:
| Airport | Code | City |
|---|---|---|
| Imam Khomeini International | IKA | Tehran |
| Mehrabad | THR | Tehran |
| Isfahan International | IFN | Isfahan |
| Shiraz International | SYZ | Shiraz |
| Mashhad International | MHD | Mashhad |
| Tabriz International | TBZ | Tabriz |
Important: VOA is NOT available at land borders. If entering Iran by land, you must have your visa before arrival.
Step-by-Step VOA Process
Step 1: Before Your Flight
Prepare these documents:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport photos (2 copies, recent)
- Printed eVisa application (if you applied online)
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Travel insurance proof
- Return flight ticket
- Cash for visa fee (EUR or USD)
Step 2: Apply Online (Recommended)
While not mandatory, applying online before travel is highly recommended:
- Visit evisa.mfa.ir
- Complete the application form
- Submit at least 2 days before your flight
- Receive your tracking code
- Print the application confirmation
- Follow signs to the visa counter (before passport control)
- Join the queue for visa on arrival
- Present your documents to the officer
- Pay the visa stamp fee (cash only, EUR or USD)
- Wait for processing (30-60 minutes typically)
- Receive your visa stamp
- Proceed to passport control
- Proceed through passport control
- Collect your luggage
- Exit to the arrivals hall
- Keep your visa document safe throughout your trip
- Payment is cash only (EUR or USD)
- Iranian Rials are not accepted for visa fees
- Credit/debit cards are not accepted
- Bring exact change if possible
- Fees may change without notice
- Guaranteed pre-approval
- Faster airport processing
- Peace of mind
- Ability to enter via land borders
- No risk of unexpected denial
- Passport – Valid for 6+ months, in good condition
- Passport photos – 2 recent photos (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Online application – Printout if you applied online
- Hotel booking – Confirmation of accommodation
- Travel insurance – Proof of coverage valid in Iran
- Return ticket – Proof of onward travel
- Cash – For visa stamp fee (EUR or USD)
- Standard VOA: 30 days
- Some nationalities may receive 15 days
- Valid for single entry only
- Visit the Police Office of Foreign Aliens in major cities
- Bring your passport and visa copies
- Provide passport photos
- Pay the extension fee
- Processing takes 1-3 days
- Tehran
- Isfahan
- Shiraz
- Mashhad
- Tabriz
- Yazd
- Initial VOA: 30 days
- Extension: Additional 30 days
- Maximum total: 90 days
- Apply online at evisa.mfa.ir at least 2 days before
- Prepare all documents in a folder
- Have cash ready in EUR or USD
- Print hotel booking confirmation
- Ensure travel insurance covers Iran
- Check passport validity (6+ months)
- Have all documents ready when approaching the counter
- Be polite and patient with immigration officers
- Answer questions honestly and clearly
- Don’t argue or make demands
- Keep your documents organized
- Keep your visa document safe
- Make copies of your passport and visa
- Note your visa expiry date
- Know where to extend if needed
- Carry your passport at all times in Iran
- eVisa Iran: Complete Guide to Iran Electronic Visa
- Iran Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Iran Visa Requirements: Documents and Eligibility
- Iran Visa Fees and Costs: Complete Breakdown
- Iran Visa for US Citizens: Special Requirements
- Iran Travel Tips: Essential Guide for Tourists
This pre-application significantly speeds up the airport process.
Step 3: At the Airport in Iran
After landing:
Step 4: After Visa Issuance
Once you have your visa:
VOA Fees
The visa stamp fee varies by nationality:
| Nationality | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| EU countries | €75-100 |
| Australia | €100 |
| New Zealand | €100 |
| Japan | €60-80 |
| South Korea | €60-80 |
| China | €80 |
| Most other countries | €50-150 |
Important Notes:
VOA vs eVisa: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-approval | No | Yes |
| Risk of denial | Possible | Very low |
| Processing at airport | 30-60 min | Minimal |
| Land border entry | Not available | Available |
| Stress level | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Same | Same |
| Convenience | Less | More |
Recommendation
Apply for the eVisa before your trip even if you’re eligible for VOA. The eVisa provides:
Required Documents for VOA
Bring these documents to the visa counter:
Common VOA Issues and Solutions
Long Queues
Problem: Several flights arriving simultaneously creates long waits
Solution: Apply online before travel to speed up processing
Payment Issues
Problem: Not having cash or wrong currency
Solution: Bring EUR or USD in cash, ideally exact amount
Document Issues
Problem: Missing or incomplete documents
Solution: Prepare all documents before travel, make copies
Insurance Problems
Problem: Travel insurance doesn’t cover Iran
Solution: Purchase Iran-specific insurance or buy at the airport
Denial Risk
Problem: VOA application can be denied
Solution: Apply for eVisa before travel for guaranteed approval
VOA Duration and Extensions
Initial Duration
Extending Your VOA
You can extend your VOA in Iran:
Extension locations:
Maximum Stay
Tips for a Smooth VOA Experience
Before Travel
At the Airport
After Arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival at any Iranian airport?
No, VOA is only available at major international airports: Tehran (IKA and THR), Isfahan (IFN), Shiraz (SYZ), Mashhad (MHD), and Tabriz (TBZ). It is NOT available at land borders or smaller airports.
How long does the visa on arrival process take?
The process typically takes 30-60 minutes, but can take longer during busy periods when multiple flights arrive simultaneously. Applying online before travel can significantly reduce processing time.
What happens if my visa on arrival is denied?
If denied, you will be placed on the next available flight back to your origin. You will not be allowed to enter Iran. This is why applying for an eVisa beforehand is strongly recommended.
Can I pay the visa fee with a credit card?
No, the visa stamp fee must be paid in cash, either EUR or USD. Credit cards, debit cards, and Iranian Rials are not accepted. Bring the approximate amount in cash.
Is the visa on arrival available for land border crossings?
No, the visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you’re entering Iran by land, you must have your visa arranged before reaching the border crossing.
