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Iran Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens require a visa for Iran — apply via the official e-visa portal at e_visa.mfa.ir; fees and processing times vary by visa type.

Guide last updated July 19, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Iran. It must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
  • Visa application form: To be completed online via the official e-visa portal.
  • Financial proof: While specific minimum amounts are not always publicly stated for all visa types, it is advisable to show sufficient funds to cover your stay. Bank statements from the last 3-6 months are recommended.
  • Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Iran.
  • Return ticket: Proof of onward or return travel is typically required.
  • Photograph: One recent passport-sized photograph (3x4 cm or 4x6 cm) with a white background. The applicant should be looking directly at the camera, with neutral expression and eyes open. Women must wear a headscarf.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints are generally collected when you submit your application at the designated processing center (e.g., VFS Global, if applicable) or at the embassy/consulate.
  • Travel health insurance: Mandatory for all visa applicants. It must cover medical emergencies and repatriation for the duration of your stay in Iran.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa (Tanzim Vatandar):
  • Validity: Typically up to 30 days, extendable.
  • Max Stay: 30 days per entry.
  • Entry: Single entry initially.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 50-100 (subject to change).
  • Business Visa (Tanzim Kashfi):
  • For attending conferences, meetings, or business negotiations.
  • Validity: Varies based on purpose, often up to 30 days.
  • Max Stay: 30 days per entry.
  • Entry: Single entry initially.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 80-150 (subject to change).
  • Student Visa (Tanzim Tahsili):
  • For pursuing educational courses at Iranian institutions.
  • Requires an admission letter from the educational institution.
  • Validity and Max Stay: Determined by the course duration.
  • Entry: Can be multiple entry.
  • Approximate Fee: Varies, often around USD 50-100 initially.
  • Work Visa (Tanzim Karkardi):
  • For employment in Iran.
  • Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare and an employment contract.
  • Validity and Max Stay: Initially for a specific period, renewable.
  • Entry: Usually multiple entry.
  • Approximate Fee: Varies significantly, can be USD 100+.

How to apply online

  • Visit the official e-visa portal: https://e_visa.mfa.ir/
  • Register an account on the portal.
  • Select the appropriate visa type (e.g., Tourist, Business).
  • Fill out the online application form accurately and completely.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents (passport, photo, financial proof, etc.).
  • Pay the visa application fee online. The fee is usually displayed in USD, but payment methods might vary.
  • Submit the application.
  • You will receive an authorization code or a notification via email regarding the status of your application.
  • If approved, you will receive an e-visa letter, which you should print and carry with you.
  • Note: For certain nationalities, even with e-visa approval, the passport stamp might be affixed at the Iranian embassy or consulate in their country of residence or at designated immigration offices upon arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa Fee: For a single-entry tourist visa, expect fees ranging from approximately USD 50 to USD 100. Business and other visa types will have higher fees.
  • Service Fee (if applicable): If using a visa application center like VFS Global, there will be an additional service fee. These fees can range from USD 20-40.
  • Total Cost Estimate: For a tourist visa, the total cost could be between USD 70-140, including potential service fees.
  • Standard Processing Time: For e-visas, processing can take anywhere from 3 to 10 working days. For sticker visas applied at an embassy, it can range from 7 to 15 working days.
  • Express/Priority Option: An express service may be available for an additional fee, potentially reducing processing time to 2-3 working days, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific visa type and embassy workload.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Apply well in advance: It is recommended to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date, especially for sticker visas, to account for potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons: Incomplete applications, insufficient financial proof, unclear travel purpose, previous immigration violations, and lack of a valid return ticket are common reasons for rejection. For Afghanistan citizens, ensuring all documentation is meticulously prepared and verifiable is crucial.
  • VFS/BLS vs. Direct Embassy: Applying through an authorized visa application center (if available and mandated) can streamline the process, but direct embassy applications are also possible. Check the specific requirements for your chosen application method.
  • Current travel advisories: Always check the latest travel advisories issued by your country's foreign ministry and the Iranian authorities before planning your trip. Current geopolitical situations can impact visa processing and travel conditions.
  • Extension options inside Iran: Tourist visas can often be extended within Iran at local police or immigration offices, typically for an additional 15 or 30 days. Business or work visas have different extension procedures tied to their specific permits.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.