The Ultimate Guide to Your Iran Visa: 2025 Application, Requirements & Expert Tips from voda24

Iran, a country brimming with ancient history, stunning architecture, and legendary hospitality, is a dream destination for many travelers. From the bazaars of Tehran to the mosques of Isfahan and the poetic gardens of Shiraz, the allure is undeniable. However, for most nationalities, the first step to this adventure is navigating the Iran visa application process.

It can seem like a complex journey of authorization codes, e-visas, and specific requirements. But it doesn’t have to be.

Welcome to the definitive guide to securing your Iran visa. We at voda24 are specialists in simplifying this process, transforming potential confusion into a clear, streamlined path. This article will walk you through every single step, requirement, and question you might have. Whether you’re a backpacker, a luxury tourist, or a cultural explorer, your journey to Iran starts here.

Demystifying the Iran Visa: Key Terms You Must Know

Before we dive in, let’s clarify the terminology. The Iran visa system has a few unique components that are crucial to understand.

1. The Iran Visa Authorization Code (Visa Grant Notice)

This is the most important document in your application. The Iran visa authorization code (also called a Visa Grant Notice or Reference Number) is not the visa itself. Instead, it is the official letter of approval from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

You must have this code before you can collect your actual visa. Once issued, this code is sent to your email and simultaneously to the Iranian embassy or airport you selected for pickup. Without this code, you cannot get your visa. voda24 specializes in securing this authorization code for you with a high rate of success.

2. The Iran E-Visa Portal (MFA Portal)

This is the official government website where you can apply for your Iran visa directly. While it’s possible to use this portal, many travelers report significant challenges. Applications can be delayed for weeks or months, get rejected without explanation (often due to tiny errors in photo specs), and there is virtually no support system to check your status.

3. The Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an option for citizens of many countries, allowing them to theoretically get their visa upon landing at a major Iranian international airport.

However, we at voda24 strongly advise against relying on the VOA.

• Risk of Rejection: Since the pandemic, VOA rejections have become more common. If you are rejected upon arrival, you will be forced to take the next flight home.
• Airline Issues: Many airlines will not board you for a flight to Iran without a pre-approved visa authorization code, as they are liable if you are denied entry.
• Long Delays: You can spend hours in a queue at the airport waiting for VOA processing, which is not how you want to start your trip.

The safest, smartest, and most stress-free method is to secure your Iran visa authorization code in advance through a trusted agency like voda24.

The Smart Choice: Government E-Visa Portal vs. A Trusted Agency like voda24

This is the first major decision you’ll make. Why pay a service fee to an agency like voda24 when the government portal is free to apply? The answer is simple: reliability, speed, and expertise.

By applying with voda24, you aren’t just submitting a form. You are hiring an expert team in Iran to personally review your documents, ensure they meet the MFA’s exact standards, and advocate for your application’s approval.

How to Get Your Iran Visa with voda24: A 4-Step Process

We’ve refined the application into four simple, hassle-free steps.

• Step 1: Complete Our Simple Online Form Fill out the secure voda24 Iran visa application form on our website. It’s clear, in plain English, and asks for only the necessary information.
• Step 2: Pay the Service Fee & Document Review Pay our secure service fee. Our team of visa experts immediately reviews your application, passport scan, and photo for any potential issues. If there’s a problem, we contact you to fix it before it goes to the MFA.
• Step 3: Receive Your Visa Authorization Code We submit your perfected application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to our established relationship, we typically receive your approval (the authorization code) within 2-3 weeks. We immediately email this PDF to you.
• Step 4: Collect Your Visa & Start Your Adventure! Present your authorization code at your chosen collection point (embassy or airport). You will pay the separate government visa fee directly to them and receive your official Iran visa.

Do You Even Need an Iran Visa? 2024-2025 Visa-Free Countries

Before you apply, let’s see if you even need a visa! In a major policy shift to boost tourism, Iran has expanded its visa-waiver program. As of 2024, citizens of the following countries can enter Iran visa-free for tourism:

Visa-Free (Up to 15 Days, Every 6 Months, Not Extendable):

• Bahrain
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Croatia
• Cuba
• India (by air only)
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Peru
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Zimbabwe

Other Visa-Free Agreements:

• Turkey: 90 days
• Armenia: 90 days
• Syria: 90 days
• Oman: 90 days
• Georgia: 45 days
• Iraq: 30 days
• Lebanon: 29 days
• China, Hong Kong, Macao: 21 days
• Egypt: 20 days
• Azerbaijan: 14 days
• Kazakhstan: 14 days
• Malaysia: 15 days

If your country is not on this list, you will need to apply for an Iran visa.

Detailed Iran Visa Requirements: Your Application Checklist

To ensure your application is successful, you must provide specific documents formatted in a very specific way. This is the #1 reason for rejections on the government portal.

When you apply with voda24, our system guides you, but here is the master list:

1. Passport Scan

• Format: JPEG
• File Size: Less than 500 KB
• Dimensions: 800 x 600 pixels (width > height)
• Details: Must be in color. Must show your full passport information page. No fingers, no glare, no cropped corners. Must be sharp and clear.

2. Digital Visa Photo

• Format: JPEG
• File Size: Less than 240 KB
• Dimensions: 600 x 400 pixels (height > width)
• Details: Must be in color, taken in the last 6 months. Must be against a plain white background. No glasses, no hats, no shadows. Your face must be centered and looking directly at the camera.

3. Valid Passport

Your passport itself must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. It must also have at least two blank pages.

4. Approximate Travel Itinerary

The MFA wants to know your general plan. You need to list the cities you plan to visit and your intended entry/exit dates. This does not need to be exact. Your voda24 application will ask for this, and we can help you create a logical itinerary that meets MFA requirements.

5. Travel Insurance for Iran

Travel insurance is mandatory for entry into Iran.

• CRITICAL: Your policy must explicitly state that it provides coverage for “Iran” or “Islamic Republic of Iran.”
• Most international policies (e.g., from World Nomads, Allianz) exclude Iran due to sanctions. Check your policy carefully.
• If your policy is valid, you’ll need to show proof at visa collection.
• Solution: voda24 offers affordable, compliant travel insurance policies that are accepted by the Iranian government. You can purchase this easily during your visa application.

Choosing Your Visa: Types of Iran Visas Available

While voda24 can assist with most types, 99% of our clients need a tourist visa. It’s helpful to know the difference.

• Tourist Visa (Type B): This is the one you want. It’s for leisure, sightseeing, and visiting friends. It is typically issued for 30 days and can be extended inside Iran. This is the primary Iran visa we process.
• Medical Visa (Type T): For individuals seeking medical treatment in Iran (e.g., cosmetic surgery, dental work). Requires confirmation letters from an approved Iranian clinic.
• Student Visa (Type E): For students enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires a Certificate of Eligibility from the Ministry of Science or Education.
• Business Visa (Type F): For professionals attending conferences or meetings. Requires a formal invitation letter from the host company in Iran.
• Transit Visa (Type C): For travelers passing through Iran to another country, usually valid for 5-7 days. VOA is not available for this; you must apply in advance.
• Pilgrimage Visa (Type A): For Muslims visiting holy sites like Qom or Mashhad.

The “Big 3”: Iran Visa for US, UK, and Canadian Citizens

This is a critical, specialized topic. If you hold a passport from the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, the rules for your Iran visa are different.

1. Guided Tour is Mandatory: You cannot travel independently. You must be on a pre-booked, pre-approved tour with a licensed guide for your entire stay.
2. Fixed Itinerary: Your full, day-by-day itinerary must be submitted and approved by the MFA as part of your visa application.
3. Licensed Agency: You must apply through an authorized Iranian tour operator like voda24. We are licensed to manage “Big 3” tours and visas.
4. Longer Processing Time: The approval process is more detailed and takes longer. You MUST apply at least 2-3 months in advance.

This may sound restrictive, but voda24 turns this into a benefit. We will work with you to design a custom private tour or help you join a small group tour that matches your interests perfectly. Your guide is not a “minder” but a local expert, your translator, and your key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the country.

Special Considerations & Common Questions

What About Dual Nationals?

• If you are an Iranian dual national: You are considered an Iranian citizen. You must enter and exit Iran using your Iranian passport.
• If you are a US/UK/Canadian dual national: If you hold a second passport (e.g., German, Australian), you can apply using your non-US/UK/Canada passport to bypass the mandatory tour requirements. However, you must disclose your other nationality on the application form.

Can I Get an Iran Visa If I Have Been to Israel?

This is a strict rule.

• You will be denied an Iran visa if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport.
• This also applies to Jordanian or Egyptian land border exit/entry stamps that imply travel to Israel.
• This rule applies to the last 12 months, but it’s safer to assume any evidence of travel to Israel will cause rejection.

The “No Stamp” Policy: A Major Benefit

To ease tourist concerns, Iran no longer stamps passports for visitors. Your visa is a separate paper document (an e-visa printout) that you keep with your passport. When you enter and exit, officials will stamp this separate paper, not your passport.

This means your travel to Iran is your private business and will not cause issues for future travel to other countries.

What if My Iran Visa is Rejected?

Visa rejections are rare when using voda24 because we pre-screen your application. The most common reasons for rejection (on the government portal) are:

• Incorrect photo or passport scan format.
• Inaccurate or incomplete itinerary.
• Applying too soon after a previous rejection.
• Nationality-based security checks.

If you are rejected, you must wait for an official rejection notice (or several months) before applying again. This is another reason why using voda24 is the safer bet; we get it right the first time.

After Approval: Collecting Your Iran Visa

You have your authorization code from voda24. What’s next? You have two options for collection.

1. Collection at an Iranian Embassy or Consulate

• How: Select your preferred embassy (e.g., in London, Paris, Dubai) on your voda24 application.
• Process: After getting your code, visit the embassy (check their hours and rules). Present your passport, the authorization code, your insurance, and the visa fee (in local cash).
• Validity: You typically have 60 days to collect the visa from the embassy, and once it’s issued, you have 45 days to enter Iran.
• Best for: Travelers who want 100% certainty before they fly and those entering Iran via a land border.

2. Collection at an Iranian International Airport (IKA, etc.)

• How: Select your arrival airport (e.g., Tehran Imam Khomeini – IKA) on your voda24 application.
• Process: Upon arrival, go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter. Present your passport, the authorization code, your insurance, and the visa fee.
• Fee: The government visa fee must be paid in cash (Euros or USD). Bring clean, small bills.
• Validity: Your authorization code is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can enter Iran anytime within this window.
• Best for: Most tourists. It’s fast, convenient, and you don’t need to visit an embassy.

Major Airports for Visa Collection:

• Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
• Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
• Isfahan International Airport (IFN)
• Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
• Tabriz International Airport (TBZ)
• Kerman International Airport (KER)

Your Visa’s Lifecycle: Validity, Duration & Extension

Understanding these three terms is key:

• Code Validity: How long you have to use your authorization code. (90 days for airport, 60 for embassy).
• Visa Duration: How long you can stay in Iran. The standard Iran tourist visa is granted for 30 days.
• Visa Extension: You can extend your 30-day visa twice, for 30 days each time, allowing a maximum total stay of 90 days.

How to Extend Your Iran Visa: You can apply for an extension at the “Police Department of Aliens Affairs” in major cities (Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd). You’ll need your passport, photos, copies, and a small fee. It’s best to apply a few days before your current visa expires.

Beyond the Standard Visa: Special Entry Zones

Visa-Free Islands: Kish & Qeshm

Want a taste of Iran without any visa? The beautiful islands of Kish and Qeshm in the Persian Gulf are “Free Trade Zones.”

• Most nationalities (including Americans, British, and Canadians) can fly directly into Kish (KIH) or Qeshm (QSM) and stay for up to 14 days completely visa-free.
• Note: US/UK/Canadian citizens must still pre-arrange a “certified guide” to meet them at the island airport. voda24 can arrange this.
• You cannot travel to mainland Iran from these islands without a valid Iran visa.

Overland Entry (Car, Camper, Bike)

Traveling overland is an epic adventure. Just remember:

• You cannot get a Visa on Arrival at a land border.
• You must use voda24 to get your authorization code in advance and then collect your physical visa at an embassy before you reach the border.

A Note on Safety in Iran

Perhaps the biggest question travelers have, fueled by media headlines, is: “Is Iran safe?”

The disconnect between political headlines and the on-the-ground reality for tourists is vast. The overwhelming, universal feedback from travelers is one of safety and unparalleled hospitality. The Iranian people are famously welcoming, curious, and eager to share their culture with visitors.

That said, Iran is a country with strict local laws. As a tourist, you are a guest.

• Respect local customs: Dress modestly (women must wear a headscarf, or hijab).
• Abide by the law: Alcohol is illegal.
• Stay away from politics: Do not attend any protests or political gatherings.

By being a respectful and responsible traveler, you are likely to find Iran one of the safest and most rewarding countries you’ve ever visited. For real-time traveler experiences, you can follow voda24‘s social media.

Conclusion: Your Iranian Adventure Starts with voda24

Navigating the Iran visa process may seem daunting, but it is a solvable puzzle. While new visa-free policies have opened the door for many, the majority of travelers will still need to complete the application.

You can risk the delays and rejections of the government portal, or you can choose the secure, fast, and supported path. The team at voda24 is here to act as your personal guide, ensuring every detail is correct, your application is approved quickly, and you can focus on what really matters: planning the adventure of a lifetime.

Iran is waiting. Let us help you answer its call.

Ready to start? [Apply for your Iran visa now with voda24!]

Iran Visa FAQ: Quick Answers

Q: How long does the Iran visa process take? A: With voda24, the process of getting your authorization code typically takes 2-3 weeks (excluding Iranian weekends, Thurs/Fri). For US/UK/Canadian citizens, it takes 2-3 months.

Q: Can I track my Iran visa status? A: Yes! When you apply with voda24, you receive a tracking code and can check your status on our website. We also proactively email you with updates.

Q: How much does an Iran visa cost? A: There are two fees:

1. Service Fee: Paid to voda24 for our expert review, submission, and support services.
2. Government Visa Fee: Paid by you (in cash) at the embassy or airport when you collect your visa. This fee varies based on your nationality (typically €50-€150).

Q: Will I get an Iran visa stamp in my passport? A: No. Iran stopped stamping passports in 2018. Your visa is a separate paper document, so your trip remains private.

Q: What is the best time to apply for my Iran visa? A: We recommend applying 6-8 weeks before your trip. This gives you plenty of time for processing and keeps your plans flexible. For US/UK/Canadians, apply 3-4 months in advance.