Are you excited about visiting Iran, a country where ancient history meets modern wonders? If you’re wondering about how to get a visa without any fuss, we have good news for you! Iran offers an easy and convenient option called Visa on Arrival (VOA) for most travelers. This means you can obtain your visa upon arrival at specific airports. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the straightforward process of getting a visa on arrival in Iran. We’ll cover who is eligible, the documents you’ll need, the airports where you can apply, and some helpful tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. It’s good to know many Iranian travel agencies offer Iran visa for free if you book one of their Iran tours. You can book your tour to Iran provided by Iran local tour guides or local tour operators before your trip to Iran.
So, let’s dive in and travel to Iran without any visa-related worries! It’s good to know that Iran has recently (Late November 2023) increased the number of countries whose citizen can enter the country without visa. to know more about these new changes check Travel to Iran without Iran Visa.
Which airports you can obtain your visa?
Iran offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Iran e-visa option for tourists visiting the country. This means that most nationals can obtain their visa upon arrival at six international airports in Iran.
Here are the international airports in Iran where you can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
- Kish International Airport (KIH)
- Qeshm International Airport (GSM)
- Isfahan International Airport (ISF)
- Tabriz International Airport (TBZ)
- Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
- Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
- Ahwaz International Airport (AWZ)
- Bandar Abbas International Airport (BND)
- Lar International Airport (LRR)
- Bushehr International Airport (BUZ)
Check Shiraz tours for your trip to Iran
Explore Qeshm Island tours
Who are not eligible to apply?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) option in Iran is not available for citizens of the following countries:
- Canada
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United States (US)
- Afghanistan
- Nepal
- Colombia
- Bangladesh
- India
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
If you are a citizen of any of these countries, you will need to apply for a visa in advance through an Iranian travel company or the nearest Iranian embassy/consulate before your trip. Unfortunately, the VOA facility is not applicable to travelers from these specific nations.
Who are eligible:
Citizens of the following countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Iran if they hold valid passports and wish to visit the mainland:
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Korea
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestine
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
Important Information: If you are eligible for Iran’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) and enter the country through an international airport (not land borders), you have the option to request the authorities to stamp your visa on a separate piece of paper. This can be especially helpful for business travelers concerned about the US sanctions on Iran or for individuals who frequently travel to the US.
However, it’s worth noting that nationals of nine countries will still receive a sticker on their passport, and their passports will be stamped at the entry and exit points. The nine countries are the USA, UK, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Jordan.
Iran Visa Requirements for Visa on Arrival (VOA):
To obtain a Visa on Arrival in Iran, you will need to have the following documents:
- Hotel booking document: It is necessary to show a printed hotel reservation for at least the first night of your stay in Iran. If you plan to stay with locals, provide their contact details to be presented to the immigration authorities. Iran Safar Visa Dept. can assist you in obtaining the required documents.
- Travel Insurance: All travelers must possess valid travel insurance for their visit to Iran. If you don’t have insurance, you can purchase it on the spot for 14 Euro. However, keep in mind that the insurance available at the airport offers limited coverage. It is strongly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trip. Please contact [insurance provider] for further assistance.
- Return flight ticket: Some travelers have reported that their Visa on Arrival was not granted because they did not have a return flight ticket or the authorities were unable to verify their accommodation details. It is advisable to have a confirmed return flight ticket and provide accurate contact information of your host or accommodation.
- Visa fee: The visa fee must be paid in cash, and only in Euros (€), either at the airport or embassy. The exact fee varies depending on your nationality, but typically ranges from 40 to 150 Euros. For EU citizens, the Iran Visa Fee is 75 Euros.
- Visa authorization code document: Although not mandatory, having a visa authorization code document can guarantee your visa and save time at the airport. This document is obtained in advance and serves as proof of visa approval. Iran Safar Travel Co. can assist you in obtaining the visa authorization code letter.
Please note that these requirements are specifically for obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Iran. It is advisable to check the latest updates and regulations from the Iranian authorities or consult with an Iranian travel agency for any changes or additional requirements prior to your travel.
Iran Visa on Arrival Fee
The fee for obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Iran is slightly higher compared to the visa issued by an Iranian Embassy or Consulate. The payment for the visa on arrival must be made in cash, and only the Euro currency is accepted. It’s important to note that Iran only issues three types of visas for VOA: Entry (Type A), Tourist (Type B), and Pilgrimage (Type C). All these visas allow for single entry, and the maximum duration of stay permitted is 30 days. The specific fees for Iran VOA vary for different nationalities.
The cost of your Iranian tourist visa will depend on your nationality, but in general, it goes from €30 to €100.
Some examples of Iran visa Fees:
- Armenia: €10
- Tajikistan, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Bhutan, Libya: €30
- Oman, Qatar: €75
- United Arab Emirates, China: €100
- Iran visa price for Europeans (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc): €75
- for Australians: €145
- For Brazilians: €80
Visa on Arrival (VOA) with Visa Grant Notice Document
While it is not mandatory to have a visa authorization for Visa on Arrival (VOA), having such a document can guarantee your visa. By obtaining a visa authorization before your trip, you can minimize the risk of being denied at the airport and save time during the visa issuance process.
Having a visa grant notice document means you have received prior approval for your visa, which provides assurance and smoothens the process upon arrival in Iran. It is recommended to acquire this document in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience and avoid any potential complications at the airport.
When do you need a previously issued visa grant notice?
You will require a previously issued visa grant notice in the following situations:
✔ If you plan to enter Iran overland.
✔ If you are flying from Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, or Turkey, you must apply for your visa in advance.
✔ If you want to avoid wasting time at the airport, especially after a long flight.
✔ If you wish to ensure the security of your visa.
✔ If you are a citizen of Canada, UK, US, Ireland, Colombia, Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, or Sri Lanka, you need to apply for your visa before your trip through an Iranian travel company.
To Sum Up:
Obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for traveling to Iran can be a convenient option for travelers from various nationalities. With VOA, you have the flexibility to obtain your visa upon arrival at the designated airports in Iran, making the process more streamlined.
However, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and limitations associated with VOA. Certain countries, such as Canada, UK, US, and several others, are not eligible for VOA and must apply for their visas in advance through an Iranian travel company. Additionally, having a visa grant notice in advance can help secure your visa and save time during the immigration process.
Remember to prepare the necessary documents, such as hotel reservations, travel insurance, return flight tickets, and the visa fee in Euros. It is also advisable to stay informed about the latest regulations and updates from Iranian authorities or consult with an Iranian travel agency for any changes or additional requirements.
By understanding and fulfilling the visa requirements, you can have a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience while exploring the beautiful country of Iran. Plan ahead, ensure compliance with the visa regulations, and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the rich history, culture, and landscapes of Iran.
Comments (1)
japan evisasays:
November 9, 2023 at 9:37 pmHi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web page, and piece of writing is in fact fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these
articles.