How can an Iranian visa be obtained by Canadians? Gaining an Iran visa for Canadians may seem like a huge challenge because of the political disputes, but it is still possible to obtain the visa. It is possible to apply for and obtain a visa via the internet or through a third-party embassy.
The whole process will be made clear to you, and we will cover the requirements, fees, and important tips to make sure your submission is done without any hassles.
Quick Facts
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 7 months.
- Make sure not to have Israeli visa stamp in your passport.
- As the fist step, you need to book a guided tour.
- Visa will be granted after about 4 working weeks.
- There is 1 month time to refer to Iran embassy for pick-up.
- You can pick up Iran visa in 1 working day.
- Or you can use mailing service to pick up Iran visa in a week.
- Iran visa pick-up fee is different according to nationalities.
- Iran visa is not stamped in your passport but on a separate paper.
- After the visa is tamped, you have three months time to enter Iran.
Is There an Iranian Embassy in Canada?
No, there is no Iranian embassy in Canada. The severance of diplomatic relations between the two nations took place in 2012, the same year that Canada shuttered its embassy in Tehran. The Iranian Interest Section at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC, is where the Iran visa for Canadian citizens is to be processed for visa applications.
Besides, it can be arranged via the consulates of Iran located in various countries that are not forbidden, such as Turkey and the UAE. An online application through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) e-visa system is another option, but the application process will be more rigorous for Canadian applicants.
How to Travel to Iran as a Canadian
You may wonder if as a Canadian you can visit Iran. The answer is a big Yes. Traveling to Iran is easy but at the same time needs some requirements. Don’t let these requirements prevent you from visiting this beautiful country!
Traveling to Iran needs a few months’ time for all preparations such as visa. So, it is suggested to start about 6-5 months before.
As a Canadian, you’ll need to be accompanied by a tour guide at all times and submit your information for pre-screening. The first step is to choose a licensed tour operator who provides you with a tour package, help you with your visa paperwork and work out the logistics of your travel such as hotel bookings, transfers, tour guide etc within the country. We (Irun2Iran) with a satisfactory experience in operating tours for the Canadians is willing to be your tour operator. Check previous travelers testimonials.
Get to your hotel quickly and safely with our Iran airport transfer service.
Iranian Visa Process for Canadians
1. Consult your travel itinerary
As the first step, you need to finalize your travel itinerary including all the cities you like to visit and the activities you like to do in Iran. Iran is famous as the country of four seasons, it means that you can travel to this country several times and each time experience something new.
You can find some itinerary suggestions or ask for a tailor-made one.
2. Send your needed documents
All the documents your operator later asks you to send comes below:
- Filled out Iran visa form
- Your passport scan (first page with the information is enough)
- Your passport-size photo
- A professional CV (resume) explaining your education, job experiences and places you’ve visited
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Make sure not to have Israeli visa stamp in your passport, otherwise your visa will be rejected.
Then you will be asked to pay some percent of your tour price as deposit and the process starts.
The process from sending your documents to receiving your visa grant notice, can take 4-6 weeks including all paperwork and translations the operator will do. During this time, we will be happy to answer all the questions you may have about your itinerary and places you will visit.
As soon as Iran visa is granted, the related document will be sent to you to go into another step.
3. Iranian Visa Collection
Currently, Iran has no embassy in Canada but that is not end of it. Iran’s Interest Section in Pakistani embassy in Washington DC is the nearest one to Canada where the consular activities are done.
There are two ways to pick up your visa either by direct referral or through mailing services. The first option takes 3-4 days time and the second option takes 2-3 weeks time. All you need to do is to prepare the documents and send to the Iranian Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC. The Pakistani embassy is located at 1250 23rd St. N.W. Suite # 200 Washington, DC 20037.
As another option, you can select an Iranian embassy in other countries along your way to Iran where you will stay for 2-3 days.
To obtain the visa, you’ll need to provide the following items and send to the interest section:
- Visa application forms
- Visa grant notice (coming from the tour operator)
- Passport-size photo
- Passport
- Visa fee US$65
Travel like a pro by reserving your Iran airport transfer ahead of time.
Do Canadians Need a Visa for Iran?
Yes, getting an Iran visa for Canadians is a must. The visa-on-arrival option is not open to Canadians. The types of visas that can be applied for include tourist, business, and family visas. Getting an Iran visa for a Canadian is complicated due to sanctions.
This can mean one needs to go on an official tour and be accompanied by a licensed guide for the entire stay. Independent travel is not allowed for Canadians, Americans and British nationals to ensure compliance with Iranian regulations.
Iran Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens
Here is some important information for getting an Iran visa for Canadians:
Required Documents
If you want to get an Iran visa from Canada, you will have to prepare the following:
- Valid passport that is at least six months and has two empty pages.
- Two new passport photos taken against a white backdrop.
- The visa application form is filled out (online or printed).
- Proof of travel itinerary must be submitted, which covers flights and hotel bookings.
- Confirmation of tour booking from an MFA-certified Iranian tour operator, such as Irun2Iran.
- A comprehensive resume or CV detailing your work history.
- MFA authorization code (through the agency or host).
- Travel insurance that is valid in Iran.
Iran Visa Fees for Canadians
The fees depend on the visa type and the speed of its processing. For standard tourist visa stamps, consulates charge about €50-€80, but Canadian nationals bear the cost of €150 for a single-entry visa because of reciprocity. Agency service fees for authorization codes vary between €85 and €120.
In case you need it immediately, you will need to pay an extra €50-70. Most of the payments are carried out in money orders in euros and USD; the online payment system can also be included in the e-visa application. Never rely on just anyone to have up-to-date information about prices.
Restrictions & Important Notes
The processing time of an Iran visa for Canadian citizens is likely to be extended beyond the norm, and it requires at least 6 to 8 weeks. This is primarily due to the increased vetting procedure.
The applicant is required to submit a comprehensive travel itinerary that contains the daily activities with a licensed guide.
Furthermore, the Israeli stamps in the passport are a reason for an automatic rejection, and the applicant must have no such stamps. It is advisable to book the trip through certified agencies so as not to encounter rejection.
Dual nationals should use their Iranian passport, if applicable. It is better to apply well in advance since delays are likely to occur due to geopolitical issues. Additionally, it is wise to follow local regulations during your visit so that your visa does not get cancelled.
If you want to travel to Iran as a Canadian but have more questions, post a question and we will be pleased to help!
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