🇮🇷 Iran visa for Indians

Most nationalities need a visa for Iran. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders face a much more involved process.

Who can actually get into Iran?

If you hold a passport from US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, plan for a significant wait and a lot of paperwork. You'll need an agency to sponsor your visa application, a process that can take 6-10 weeks and cost around €200-€300†. This isn't a walk-in service. You'll apply through an Iranian embassy or consulate in a third country, not typically your home country. Many applicants use agencies like Iran Visas or OneWorld to handle this.

Citizens of many EU countries, Switzerland, Japan, China, and some South American nations can often get a visa on arrival at major international airports like Tehran's Imam Khomeini (IKA). This usually grants 30 days and costs around €75†. It's essential to have your hotel booked and an onward flight confirmed. However, visa on arrival is not guaranteed and can be denied at the immigration officer's discretion. It's also worth noting that some nationalities (like India, Turkey, and many Arab states) have visa-free access for 30 days or can get a visa on arrival with fewer hurdles. Always check the latest regulations with your airline or the Iranian embassy nearest you before booking.

How long can you stay and what are the traps?

The standard tourist visa typically grants 30 days of stay. This is often extendable for another 30 days once inside Iran, but you'll need to visit a local police department (Amr-e Entezar) to arrange this. The extension process isn't always straightforward and depends heavily on current government policy and location.

Here's where people often get tripped up: exit stamps. Make sure your passport gets stamped upon entry and that all your visas and extensions are properly recorded. If you overstay, penalties can be severe. While official figures vary, expect fines that can escalate daily. A common penalty mentioned is around $50-$100 USD per day for overstaying, potentially leading to detention or deportation. Double-entry visas are uncommon for tourists and usually require special permission.

Can you actually work remotely on a tourist visa?

Officially, no. Working remotely on a tourist visa is a legal grey area. Iranian immigration authorities are primarily concerned with people taking local jobs or engaging in activities that could be construed as illegal employment. For most digital nomads, simply having your laptop and occasionally checking emails or attending video calls shouldn't raise red flags.

However, if you're setting up a permanent desk, conducting business meetings with local Iranian companies, or appear to be earning income from within Iran without proper authorization, you might face questions. Enforcement is inconsistent. The key is to appear as a tourist who happens to be working online, not as someone actively employed in Iran. Avoid any actions that could suggest you are taking economic opportunities away from locals.

What’s new with Iran’s visas?

Iran has been experimenting with an eVisa system for several years, aiming to streamline the application process for many nationalities. This system has seen some expansion and contraction over the last 18 months. For example, a prior suspension on eVisa applications for citizens of certain countries was lifted in late 2023†.

The fees for visas, both on arrival and for applications processed in advance, can fluctuate based on diplomatic relations and government policy. It's always prudent to check the most current fee structure with the Iranian embassy or consulate you'll be dealing with, or with your chosen visa agency. Recent reports suggest a move towards standardizing fees, but expect variations. The visa on arrival system at airports remains the quickest option for eligible passport holders, but its availability is subject to change without much notice.