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Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, Iran

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Iran - Passport and Visa

Passport required Return ticket required Visa required
Australian Yes No Yes
British Yes No Yes
Canadian Yes No Yes
Other EU Yes No Yes
USA Yes No Yes
Passports: 

To enter Iran, a passport valid for six months beyond the length of stay, and with two blank pages, is required by the nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport note: 

Nationals of Israel or holders of passports containing a visa for Israel (either valid or expired) will be refused entry under all circumstances.

Women judged to be dressed immodestly will also be refused entry.

Visas: 

Visas for Iran are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except:

(a) Nationals from Slovenia, who can stay in Iran for up to three months without a visa;

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey within 12 hours provided they hold valid onward or return documentation and do not leave the airport. Transit passengers continuing their journey within 48 hours (under the above conditions) can theoretically obtain a transit visa on arrival.

Note:

1) Nationals of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden can theoretically obtain a visa for touristic purposes only for a stay of seven days on arrival at the following airports: Esfahan, Mashad, Shiraz, Tabriz and Tehran (IKA and THR). A visa fee is applied.

2) Be aware that visa requirements for visitors of all nations can change at short notice. Contact the embassy to check the latest situation. Nationals not referred to in the chart above are also advised to contact their local embassy to check visa requirements.

3) Women over nine years old should wear a headscarf in their visa application photo in accordance with Islamic custom.

4) There is a fine of around £20 per day for those who overstay their visa.

Types and cost: 

Transit visa: £61; tourist visa single entry: £68; multiple visa for business: £90.

The above prices are for UK nationals; visa fees for Iran vary according to the nationality of applicant. 

Validity: 

Tourist, business and pilgrimage visas are issued for stays of up to one month and are valid for three months from date of authorisation.

Transit visas are valid for five days.

Applications for renewal or extension should be made to the Iranian Embassy.

Application to: 

Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Working days: 

Visas for Iran typically take a minimum of four weeks to process. However, a pilgrimage visa may only take two weeks to process.

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