Almost every foreign visitor needs a visa to enter Iran, and the right one depends on why you are coming, how long you plan to stay and which passport you hold. This guide brings together all of our visa coverage, from tourist e-visas and visa on arrival to business, student, press and pilgrimage visas, plus the practical steps that follow once you land. Rules change often, so treat each guide as a starting point and confirm the latest position with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Iranian embassy before you travel.
Start here. Our guide to Iran visa types explains every main category and who each is for, and our visa tips and facts covers the common mistakes. Most travellers apply online, so read how to apply for an Iran e-visa first.
Visiting as a tourist. The Type B tourist visa is the usual choice for holidays and family visits. Some nationalities can instead get a visa on arrival at Tehran airport, though applying in advance is safer. Many visitors use a travel agency in Iran to obtain the authorisation code that the e-visa process requires.
Coming for work, study or faith. If you are visiting companies or attending meetings, you will need the Type A business visa, which requires an invitation from an Iranian host. Students should read our step-by-step guide to the Iranian student visa, and journalists need the press visa, which is handled separately through the Ministry of Culture. Muslim pilgrims visiting the shrines in Mashhad, Qom and elsewhere can apply for the pilgrimage (ziyarat) visa.
Staying longer. If you are planning to live in Iran, our guide to living in Iran as a foreigner covers residence, work permits and day-to-day life, and our guide to military service is essential reading for dual nationals and Iranian men living abroad.
Visas for other countries, from Tehran. Residents of Iran applying for European visas usually go through an outsourced centre. Read where to find VFS Global in Tehran and our guide to VisaMetric for Italian visas.
Before you fly. Once your visa is sorted, check the best time to visit Iran and the city’s weather season by season. Women visiting should read our hijab rules for visitors, and everyone should know the alcohol law. Our list of foreign airlines flying to Tehran will help you book, and the latest travel advisories set out what each government is telling its citizens.
When you land. Our guide to Imam Khomeini International Airport covers arrivals and getting into town. Foreign cards do not work in Iran, so read our guide to exchanging money, and see whether you can use your phone in Iran and how to register it with the Hamta app.
When you leave. Iranian residents and some visitors pay a departure tax. See how to pay it online and how to claim a refund if you paid when you did not need to.
Once your trip is booked, our guide to hotels in Tehran will help you choose where to stay, and the Persia Learning course, whose first lesson is free, will get you through your first conversations.
