Traveling to Iran has become easier and more streamlined in recent years thanks to new visa regulations, simplified procedures, and increasing visa-waiver agreements. Whether you plan to enter the country via an airport, collect your visa from an embassy, or arrive visa-free depending on your nationality, this guide walks you through every step clearly.
NiluTours, as a certified Iranian tour operator, handles the entire visa authorization process on your behalf, ensuring peace of mind from the moment you apply until you enter the country.
Header Photo: AI Generated
Why You Need an Iran Visa Authorization Code
Before obtaining your visa—either from an embassy or upon arrival at an international airport—you must first receive an Iran Visa Authorization Code (also known as a Visa Reference Code or Visa Grant Notice). This code is issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) after an Iranian travel agency submits your documents.
While the authorization code is not itself a visa, it is the essential approval that allows you to collect your actual visa later.
NiluTours processes your application quickly and professionally, usually within 3–10 working days, providing full support throughout.
How to Get an Iran Tourist Visa Through NiluTours
Below is the simplified three-step process for all foreign tourists applying through an Iranian travel agency:
1. Submit Your Required Documents
To begin your visa application, send the following to NiluTours:
- Passport scan (valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry)
- One passport-size photo (digital)
- Completed visa form with personal and travel details
- Your intended arrival date and entry city
- A rough travel itinerary (recommended but not mandatory for most nationalities) – Travelling with NiluTours Iran tour packages, the itinerary is provided by us.
Our team reviews your documents to ensure everything is correct before submitting your application to the MFA.
2. Wait for the Visa Authorization Code Approval
NiluTours submits your application directly to the MFA. Processing time varies:
- Most nationalities: 3–10 business days
- Certain Asian or African nationalities: slightly longer depending on MFA review
- Restricted nationalities (US, UK, Canada): 1–3 months
Once approved, you will receive:
- Your Visa Authorization Code
- Instructions for collecting your visa at an Iranian embassy or at the airport (VOA)
This code is valid for collection at your chosen entry point.
3. Collect Your Visa (Visa Sticker or Visa on Arrival)
Depending on your nationality and preference, you can collect your visa in one of two ways:
A) Collect your visa at an Iranian embassy or consulate
- Bring your passport
- Visa authorization code
- Visa fee (varies by nationality)
- Travel insurance
- Passport photos (some embassies require them)
The embassy will issue a visa sticker.
B) Obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) at an Iranian airport
Available at major international airports including Tehran (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, and others.
To receive your VOA, present:
- Passport
- Visa authorization code
- Travel insurance valid in Iran
- Visa fee (paid in cash or card depending on airport)
The process typically takes 20–90 minutes depending on airport traffic.
Visa-Free Entry to Iran (Visa Waiver Policy)
Thanks to recent expansions of Iran’s visa-waiver agreements, many nationalities can now enter the country without a visa for a specific duration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the following countries may enter Iran without obtaining a tourist visa, for the duration stated:
- Syria, Türkiye, Armenia – 90 days
- Georgia – 45 days
- Lebanon, Bolivia – 30 days
- China – 21 days
- Azerbaijan, Oman, Malaysia, Venezuela – 15 days
- Egypt – 20 days
15-Day Visa Waiver (Once Every 6 Months)
Ordinary passport holders from the following 28 countries can stay in Iran for 15 days (non-extendable) once every six months:
United Arab Emirates, 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, Belarus, India (air arrival only).
Important:
Visa-free entry applies only if arriving directly from the home country.
If traveling from a third country, a tourist visa is required.
Visa-free travelers can still request:
- Visa extension inside Iran through the Immigration Police
- Visa issuance at embassies if they prefer a longer stay
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Airports in Iran
Iran currently issues VOA at the following international airports:
- IKA — Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport
- ISF — Isfahan International Airport
- SYZ — Shiraz International Airport
- TBZ — Tabriz International Airport
- MHD — Mashhad International Airport
- KIH — Kish International Airport
- GSM — Qeshm International Airport
- BND — Bandar Abbas International Airport
- AWZ — Ahwaz International Airport
- BUZ — Bushehr International Airport
- LRR — Lar International Airport
If eligible, tourists can receive VOA by presenting their authorization code issued by NiluTours.
Iran Visa Extension
Tourists already inside Iran can extend their visa easily at the Police Immigration Department in major cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, and Mashhad.
Key Points:
- Extensions usually take 1 business day.
- Extensions match the original visa validity (e.g., a 30-day visa can be extended 30 additional days).
- Multiple extensions may be possible depending on your nationality and MFA approval.
Nationals Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival
The following nationalities cannot receive VOA and must collect their visa from an Iranian embassy or consulate before entering Iran:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Colombia
- Somalia
- Jordan
- Sri Lanka
These nationalities may request a visa authorization code via NiluTours but must complete the process at an embassy afterward.
Iran Visa Rules for Citizens of the US, UK, and Canada
Citizens of these three countries are welcome to visit Iran, but they must follow additional requirements:
Mandatory Requirements
- Fully pre-arranged itinerary approved by the MFA
- A licensed Iranian tour guide accompanying them throughout the trip
- Visa collection only through an embassy (no VOA)
- Detailed CV/resume, submitted with the visa application
- Entry and exit only by air
NiluTours prepares the itinerary, makes all reservations, and handles the submission to the MFA.
Processing Time
Visa authorization processing takes 1–3 months for these nationalities due to additional background checks.
Required Documents
US, UK, and Canadian citizens must submit:
- Color scan of passport (in color)
- Digital personal photo
- Detailed travel itinerary (prepared by NiluTours)
- Personal information form
- Professional CV (2–3 pages, including employment history, responsibilities, education, and brief explanations of gaps)
Visa Collection for US and Canadian Citizens
Since Iran has no embassy in the US, American and Canadian citizens receive visas via:
- The Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, Washington, DC
Address: 1250 23rd St. N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037
Applicants must mail:
- Visa application form
- Visa authorization code
- Passport (valid at least 6 months)
- Passport copy
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee (≈75 USD)
- Return envelope
Processing takes 2–3 weeks unless expedited.
Those living near Washington DC may apply in person.
Visa Collection for UK Citizens
UK citizens must apply in person at:
Iranian Embassy, London
150 Kensington Court, London W8 5DD
Hours: 9:00–12:00 (Weekdays)
Visa fee: £85
Final Tips for a Smooth Iran Visa Experience
- Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip (longer for US/UK/CA).
- Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months.
- Have travel insurance covering Iran.
- Double-check your entry airport if planning to get VOA.
- Keep your Visa Authorization Code with you in printed or digital form.
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