Iran
Iran visas: the complete guide to entry, e-visa and residence
- 10 visa types
- checked 24 October 2026
How visas for Iran work
Every Iranian visa starts with the same online application on the e-visa portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The form covers all non-immigrant categories, from the B tourist and C pilgrimage visas to the A entry visa for invited business visitors, the G transit visa and the H media visa. You choose where the visa will be issued: an Iranian embassy or consulate, or one of 13 international airports. The portal works with a processing time of about 10 business days, and some applicants are called for an interview.
Several nationalities need no visa at all. The MFA lists citizens of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Syria, Georgia, Armenia, Egypt, China, Iraq, Oman and Kazakhstan under visa waiver rules; Lebanese, Venezuelan and Malaysian citizens receive permits at designated entry points; and ordinary passport holders from 27 further countries may stay 15 days for tourism once every six months. Some other nationalities are not issued visas for political or diplomatic reasons and must ask an Iranian embassy.
Longer stays depend on an approval obtained in Iran before the visa application: a labour certificate approved by the labour ministry for the F work visa, a certificate of eligibility from the science or education ministry for the E education visa, an approval letter from an authorized medical centre for the T treatment visa, and an OIETAI approval for the I investment visa. Refugee registration is handled by BAFIA at the Ministry of Interior. Visa fees vary by nationality and mission; Iran does not publish one worldwide fee table.
Which visa do I need?
Holiday or sightseeing: check first whether your passport is visa-exempt or covered by the 15-day waiver; otherwise apply for the B tourist visa, or use visa on arrival with a pre-approved grant notice. Muslim pilgrims can choose the C pilgrimage visa.
Meetings, negotiations or contract signing with an Iranian partner: A entry visa with the host's invitation and authorization code. Investors with an approved investment permit: I investment visa.
Employment: F temporary work visa after your employer obtains the labour certificate. Studies or religious education: E visa after admission and the eligibility certificate. Treatment: T visa with a hospital approval letter.
Passing through to a third country: G transit visa with your onward visa. Foreign husband of an Iranian woman: M marital visa, or the A entry visa for relatives if the marriage is not yet registered in Iran.
Visa types for Iran
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Tourist visa (B) and pilgrimage visa (C)
Visitors who travel to Iran for sightseeing apply for the B (tourist) visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal and collect it at an Iranian mission or, for many nationalities, at an international airport.
Maximum stay: Full waiver countries: as set by each agreement (Türkiye: 90 days within 180 days). 15-day waiver countries: 15 days once every six months. Visa holders: as printed on the visa. - Transit visa Transit visa (G) and driver visa
The G transit visa lets foreigners cross Iran without staying for another purpose, for example drivers, tourists and merchants on their way to a third country.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa; the Berlin embassy fee table lists transit visas for 7 days - Medical treatment visa Medical treatment visa (T)
Iran's T visa is for foreigners who travel for medical treatment and already hold an approval letter from one of the medical centres authorized for foreign patients.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Entry visa (A) for business, official and invited visits
Iran's A visa, called the entry visa, covers business visits on the invitation of an Iranian ministry, government body or private or public company, for example to negotiate, sign contracts or install machinery that has been bought.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa - Investor visa Investment visa (I)
The I visa is for foreign investors whose investment permit has been approved by the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI).
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa
Study and training
- Student visa Education visa (E) for students and religious scholars
The E visa is for foreign school pupils, university students, researchers and religious scholars who will study in Iran.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa
Work
- Work visa Temporary work visa (F)
Foreigners who want to work in Iran need the F temporary work visa.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa; the stay is then covered by residence and a work permit
Family
- Spouse and partner visa Marital visa (M) for foreign husbands of Iranian women
Iran's M visa is for foreign men married to Iranian women and for the children of such families.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa
Online travel permits
- Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iranian international airports
Iran issues visas at its international airports to travellers who are entitled to them, but the MFA asks them to file an online application at least two days before the flight.
Maximum stay: As printed on the visa issued at the airport
Asylum and international protection
- Asylum and international protection Refugee registration with BAFIA (Amayesh and Hoviat status)
In Iran, the government registers foreign nationals and determines refugee status through the Center and the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (CAFIA and BAFIA) of the Ministry of Interior.
Maximum stay: Amayesh and Hoviat status gives a temporary right to stay in a designated area while valid
Frequently asked questions
Which nationalities can visit Iran without a visa?
The MFA lists citizens of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Syria, Georgia, Armenia, Egypt, China, Iraq, Oman and Kazakhstan under visa waiver rules, and ordinary passport holders of 27 further countries may stay 15 days for tourism once every six months. Waivers cover tourism; business, work, study and other purposes need an application on the MFA e-visa portal.
Where do I apply for an Iranian visa?
On the MFA e-visa portal for all categories. In the form you choose the embassy, consulate or airport where the visa will be issued. Some missions, such as Berlin, receive ordinary applications through registered agencies.
How much does an Iranian visa cost?
It depends on your nationality and the mission. For example, the embassy in Berlin charges German passport holders EUR 50 for a single-entry tourist visa and EUR 40 for a 7-day transit visa, plus EUR 10 insurance. Visas issued at airports are paid in euros.
How long does an Iranian e-visa application take?
The portal works with about 10 business days after email verification. You must verify your email within three days of submitting, or the application expires.
Is there an Iranian visa for journalists?
Yes, the H media visa for reporters, producers and camera crews. It requires a permit from Iran's Media and Public Diplomacy Center in addition to the visa application.
Can everyone get an Iranian visa?
No. The MFA states that citizens of some countries are not issued visas for political and diplomatic reasons, and some visa types must be applied for in person at an embassy. Ask the Iranian embassy in your country if your nationality is affected.
What are the passport rules?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the travel date to apply. Dual nationals apply with the nationality of the passport they will carry; a visa whose nationality differs from the passport is invalid.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.