Overview
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs runs an official eVisa portal at evisa.mfa.ir (also reachable as evisatraveller.mfa.ir), open to citizens of around 48 eligible countries. On paper, it's self-service: register, fill in the form, upload a photo and passport scan, and submit — many applicants do get approved this way, sometimes with a follow-up embassy interview. In practice, two things complicate "direct apply" here.
2. US, UK and Canadian citizens face an extra legal requirement. Regardless of how the visa itself is obtained, these three nationalities are legally required to be accompanied by a certified guide for their entire visit — arranged through an authorized Iranian tour agency, booked well in advance.
Visa categories
| Tourist Visa (Type B) | Standard eVisa route for eligible nationalities; up to 30 days, extendable, valid 3 months from issue. |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | Available to most nationalities at major airports for short stays — check current eligibility, as this list changes. |
| Entry Visa (Type A) | For those invited by an Iranian ministry, organization or company — commonly business-related. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank page
- Passport bio-data page scan
- Two recent photos, 4×5cm, white background, full face, in color
- Travel insurance covering Iran (mandatory)
- Hotel booking for at least your first night, or host contact details if staying privately
- Return flight ticket
- For US/UK/Canadian citizens: confirmed booking with a licensed guide/agency for the full visit
Step-by-step application process
1. Check your nationality's route
Confirm whether you're eligible for the eVisa, visa-free entry, or must arrange a guide first (US/UK/Canada), on evisa.mfa.ir.
2. Register and complete the form
Fill in personal, passport and travel details, and select "Place of Issue" — usually the Iranian mission nearest you, which handles the final step.
3. Upload your documents
Attach your photo, passport scan and insurance proof.
4. Arrange payment
Because direct international card payment is usually blocked, most applicants pay via a licensed local agency or exchange service rather than the portal's own payment box.
5. Wait for your visa grant notice
Processing commonly takes 5–28 business days; some applicants are asked to attend a brief embassy interview before final issuance.
Fees & processing time
| Fee | Commonly cited around $75 USD for the eVisa, though this varies by nationality and is often paid via a third-party agency due to sanctions |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 5–28 business days, per various 2026 guides |
| Validity | 3 months from issue; stay length up to 30 days for tourist visas |
Sources reviewed: evisa.mfa.ir and evisatraveller.mfa.ir (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran), Iranian embassy consular pages (Oslo), third-party travel-agency guides cross-referenced for the payment-sanctions and guide-requirement details. Eligibility, fees and requirements change — always confirm on the official portal and your national government's travel advisory before applying.