Securing a visa is one of the first steps for foreign nationals planning to visit Iran, a country rich in history and culture. For many travellers, the Iran Airport Visa, also known as the Iran Visa on Arrival (Iran VOA), is one of the most convenient options available which offers a quick and convenient way to obtain entry permission. This visa allows eligible visitors to receive their visa directly at international airports in Iran, eliminating the need to apply through embassies or consulates beforehand.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for all Iranian international airports, including eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply. With this guide, whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, you can ensure a smooth entry into Iran, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey in this fascinating country.
Iran Visa on Arrival (Iran VOA)
The Iran visa on arrival (Iran VOA) is intended for short visits, typically for tourism and pilgrimage, and can be issued for stays of up to 30 days. Also, there is the possibility of extension for an additional 15 days, encouraging tourists to explore this stunning destination more.
Since late 2018, the Iran government does not affix visas or stamp passports upon entry in response to US sanctions. This offers travellers additional peace of mind while travelling to Iran.
Many nationalities can obtain an Iran visa on arrival. However, it is not possible for a few countries to obtain an Iran visa on arrival (Iran VOA), which we will discuss more in the rest of the article.
If you are from any of these following countries, you do not need a visa to enter Iran: The number of days each country is allowed to stay in Iran is also listed.-
• Armenia – up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Azerbaijan – up to 30 days
• Bolivia – up to 30 days
• China – up to 21 days
• Egypt – up to 20 days
• Georgia – up to 45 days
• Iraq – up to 45 days (Note: Only holders of diplomatic or service passports from Iraq can enter Iran visa-free.)
• Hong Kong – up to 21 days
• Lebanon – up to 30 days
• Macau – up to 21 days
• Malaysia – up to 15 days
• Oman – up to 30 days
• Syria – up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Turkey – up to 3 months
• United Arab Emirates – up to 30 days
• Venezuela – up to 15 days
If you are from none of the countries listed above, then you may be eligible for a visa on arrival. An Iran visa on airport is generally available if you are from one of these countries:
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Spain
• Switzerland
• South Korea
• Japan
As mentioned previously, citizens of the countries listed above can stay up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension.
read also : Iran visa rejection reasons
How to Apply for an Iran Visa on arrival?
There are many ways to apply for an Iran visa, depending on its type and your purpose.
But, if you are considering applying for an Iran visa on arrival, then follow these steps:
1. Check Your Eligibility: Firstly, check if Iran offers VOA to your nationality. Secondly, ensure that your purpose of visit is eligible for a Visa on Arrival (Iran VOA).
2. Gather Required Documents: You must gather any required documents needed for the Iran airport visa, which we will explore further in the Iran E-VOA Requirements section.
3. Arrival at the Airport: Iran VOA is available at major international airports in Iran, such as: Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), Mehrabad Airport (Tehran), Shiraz International Airport, Mashhad International Airport, and others.
4. Proceed to the Visa on Arrival Counter: Upon arrival, go to the dedicated Iran VOA counter at the airport and submit your documents. Pay the required fee in cash and then wait for the visa processing, which will usually take 30 minutes to a few hours.
5. Receive Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, it will be stamped into your passport.
Airports Where You Can Get Iran VOA
At the moment, regarding obtaining a visa on arrival, certain international airports inside of Iran offer this service. Visitors can apply for all Iranian International airports for their Iran VOA. These are as following:
• Imam Khomeini International Airport, located in Tehran
• Kish International Airport, located in Kish
• Qeshm Dayrestan International Airport, located in Qeshm
• Bushehr Airport, located in Bushehr
• Shiraz International Airport, located in Shiraz
• Tabriz International Airport, located in Tabriz
• Hashemi Nejad International Airport, located in Mashhad
• Bandar Abbas International Airport, located in Bandar Abbas
• Kerman International Airport, located in Kerman
• Isfahan International Airport, located in Isfahan
• Mehrabad International Airport, located in Tehran
• Urmia Airport, located in Urmia
• Ahvaz International Airport, located in Ahvaz
• Larestan International Airport, located in Lar
These airports offer the convenience of Iran VOA services. However, in order to experience a smoother travel, it is recommended to apply for your Iran visa at least two weeks before entering Iran.
Iran VOA at land borders
At present, the Iran MFA is setting up facilities to provide Iran airport visas at land borders in the near future. Some land borders currently offer e-VOAs as a pilot program, which may become permanent and available at all land borders.
For land borders, an Iran visa authorization code is required, particularly when applying for the visa sticker at embassies or consulates in cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Baghdad, Erbil, Islamabad, and Lahore.
However, citizens from countries that don’t require a visa for Iran can enter through land borders without restrictions, such as Turkish citizens entering Iran from the Bazargan border.
Iran Visa on Arrival Exceptions
Citizens of a few countries can not obtain a visa on arrival. If you are from any of the countries listed below, then you have to apply for a visa in advance, through one of the Iranian embassies or consulates:
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Canada
• Colombia
• India
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Libya
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Tajikistan
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Yemen
Iran E-VOA Requirements
When it comes to obtaining your Iran e-visa on arrival, make sure to meet these specific requirements:
1. Valid passport: Ensure your passport’s validity extends at least six months after the date you intend to return from Iran to prevent your Iran visa denial. You have to upload a scanned copy during the online application.
2. Passport-Sized Photo: Upload a digital version of your recent passport-sized photograph with a white background as part of your application.
3. Travel Itinerary: You may need to show details of your trip, including hotel bookings and flight reservations.
4. Travel Insurance: Consider collecting the proof of travel insurance that covers the duration of your stay in Iran. It can be purchased in advance or at the airport.
5. Visa Fee: The visa fee must be paid upon arrival in Iran, usually in USD or Euro.
6. Visa Authorization Code (Optional but Recommended): Finally, obtain a visa authorization code through an Iranian travel agency before arrival. It can speed up the VOA process.
Iran VOA Restrictions
For many travellers, the Iran visa on airport (VOA) is a convenient option to enter Iran. Individuals with any intentions other than for tourism or pilgrimage need to apply for the relevant visa before their arrival. There will be absolutely refused for the following persons:
1. Purpose of Visit: Your purpose of travelling to Iran is another important factor affecting the success of getting an Iran VOA. If you are visiting Iran for media or journalistic work, business, employment, or study, VOA is not an option and must obtain the appropriate visa beforehand. Additionally, if you are a holder of diplomatic or service passports from any country, you can not generally apply for an Iran airport visa and must secure your visa prior to arrival in Iran.
2. Travelers with Israeli Visas or Stamps: Israeli citizens, individuals with Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps in their passports are not allowed to enter Iran under any circumstances.
3. Previous Visa Rejections:
If you have been previously denied an Iranian visa, you may not be eligible for an Iran airport visa. In that case, applying through the standard visa process through an Iranian embassy or consulate is needed.
4. Travel During Certain Periods:
During specific times or events such as elections and major religious gatherings, Iran may apply further restrictions or temporarily suspend the VOA program.
As visa policies and exceptions may change, we recommend to occasionally check the latest information with an Iranian embassy or consulate.
Iran Visa on Arrival for UK, USA, and Canada Citizens
As mentioned, citizens of a few countries must get their visa before arrival, and they are not entitled to get an Iran VOA. UK, USA, and Canada citizens are among them.
Citizens of Canada, the UK and the USA must join authorized tours to enter Iran and obtain visas from specific travel agencies, facing a lengthier process compared to other nationalities.
Iran Visa on Arrival Stamp Fee
The fee for the Iran visa on airport is a bit more expensive than other visas you would pay for at an Iranian embassy or consulate. After visa approval, there is a visa processing fee that can vary from around $40 to $115, depending on your nationality and whether you need a standard or urgent process.
The e-VOA fees for different nationalities are as follows:
• Algeria: €30
• Angola: €85
• Argentina: €70
• Armenia: FREE
• Australia: €145
• Austria: €75
• Azerbaijan: FREE
• Bahrain: €20
• Bangladesh: €40
• Belgium: €75
• Brazil: €80
• Bulgaria: €75
• Cameron: €60
• Chile: €120
• China: €100
• Croatia: €50
• Cyprus: €75
• Czech Republic: €75
• Denmark: €75
• Dominican: €70
• Egypt: Free
• Eritrea: €40
• Estonia: €75
• Ethiopia: €25
• Finland: €75
• France: €75
• Gabon: €75
• Georgia: FREE
• Germany: €75
• Ghana: €75
• Greece: €75
• Hong Kong: €80
• Hungary: €75
• India: €90
• Indonesia: €45
• Iraq: €50
• Ireland: €75
• Island: €75
• Italy: €75
• Ivory Coast: €60
• Japan: €60
• Kenya: €60
• Kuwait: €60
• Lebanon: FREE
• Lithuania: €75
• Magnolia: €70
• Malaysia: FREE
• Mexico: €45
• Morocco: €30
• Morris: €60
• Mozambique: €40
• Netherlands: €75
• New Zealand: €150
• Nigeria: €55
• Norway: €75
• Oman: €75
• Palestine: €45
• Philippines: €55
• Poland: €75
• Portugal: €75
• Qatar: €75
• Romania: €75
• Russia: €70
• Saudi Arabia: €30
• Senegal: €50
• Serbia: €85
• Sri Lanka: €40
• Singapore: €75
• Slovenia: €75
• Slovakia: €75
• South Africa: €80
• South Korea: €50
• Spain: €75
• Sudan: €60
• Sweden: €75
• Switzerland: €75
• Syria: Free
• Tanzania: €60
• Thailand: €75
• Tunisia: €45
• Turkey: Free
• Uganda: €100
• Ukraine: €80
• United Arab Emirates: €100
• Uzbekistan: €70
• Venezuela: €45
• Yemen: €40
Citizens of many countries can opt for Visa on Arrival, but the stamp fee, availability, and conditions may vary, so checking current regulations before your travel is essential.
Conclusion
Iran Airport Visa (Visa on Arrival) offers a convenient entry option for eligible foreign nationals visiting Iran for various purposes. With straightforward requirements and availability at major international airports, the VOA simplifies the entry process for many travellers. However, it is crucial to ensure your nationality qualifies for this visa type and meet requirements like a valid passport, travel insurance, and sufficient funds. Being well-prepared and aware of the procedures facilitates efficient visa acquisition and an enjoyable stay in Iran.
FAQ:
Can a visa be obtained at the airport?
Yes, eligible travelers can obtain their visa at select Iranian airports through the Visa on Arrival (VOA) program.
what is Iran visa on arrival?
Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a short-term visa issued to eligible foreign nationals, typically for tourism and pilgrimage, and can be issued for stays of up to 30 days.
What is the airport transit visa for Iran?
An airport transit visa for Iran permits travelers to pass through Iran without entering the country, intended for those only transiting through an Iranian airport to another destination and not leaving the airport.
Which airports are issuing Iran visa on arrival?
Iran Visa on Arrival is issued at the many international airports. Visitors can apply for all Iranian International airports, such as: Imam Khomeini International Airport, Kish International Airport, Qeshm Dayrestan International Airport, Shiraz International Airport, Tabriz International Airport, Hashemi Nejad International Airport (Mashhad) , Isfahan International Airport, Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran), and others.
Which countries can get a visa on arrival in Iran?
Citizens of many countries are eligible for an Iran Visa on Arrival, including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan
How much is Iran visa on arrival?
The cost of an Iran Visa on Arrival varies depending on your nationality and whether you need a standard or urgent process. The exact amount should be confirmed with the Iranian authorities or embassy before travelling.
How to pay for Iran VOA?
The visa fee for Iran VOA is usually paid in cash (Euros or USD) at the airport upon arrival. Credit card payments are generally not accepted, so it’s important to have the correct amount in cash.
What is the chance to get an Iran visa on arrival?
Receiving an Iran Visa on arrival is possible for eligible travelers meeting all requirements, but it’s not guaranteed as issuance depends on Iranian immigration authorities’ discretion. It’s advisable to have all the necessary documents and consider obtaining a visa authorization code beforehand to enhance chances of visa approval.
What is Iran visa on arrival requirements?
A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity, two recent passport-sized photos, a completed visa application form, proof of travel insurance covering your stay in Iran, travel Itinerary including hotel bookings and flight reservations, visa fee in cash (Euros or USD).
How Long Does It Take to Receive an Iran Visa on arrival?
The processing time for an Iran Visa on arrival usually ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the airport and the volume of applicants.
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