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Iran Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a visa to Iran — apply online at https://e_visa.mfa.ir/; visa types, fees and processing times vary, typical e-visa processing is 3–5 working days with fees starting around USD 60.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry; must have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: use the Iran e-visa online portal; there is no separate DS-160 or UK-style form for Afghanistan applicants.
  • Financial proof: no fixed published minimum, but you should show sufficient funds for your stay; a practical guideline is at least USD 50–100 per day of stay in Iran.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Iran; proof of onward or return travel may be requested.
  • Photo spec: one recent passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm / 35 x 45 mm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: biometrics are generally not required for the online e-visa; if you apply via a Iranian mission, you may be asked for biometrics at the consulate.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory but strongly recommended; carry proof of health insurance that covers your stay in Iran.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Tourist visa): Official name: Tourist visa. Validity: 3 months from issue. Max stay per entry: up to 30 days. Entry: Single. Approx fee: USD 60–100 (IRR equivalent range commonly cited: IRR 4,500,000–6,000,000).
  • Business visa: Official name: Business visa. Validity: 3 months from issue. Max stay per entry: up to 30 days. Entry: Single. Approx fee: USD 70–120 (IRR equivalent range commonly cited: IRR 5,000,000–8,000,000).
  • Student visa: Official name: Student visa. Validity: tied to course duration (often 6–12 months or longer with renewals). Max stay per entry: dependent on course length. Entry: Single or Multiple as issued. Approx fee: USD 60–100 (IRR equivalent range commonly cited: IRR 4,000,000–6,000,000).
  • Work visa: Official name: Work visa (employment visa). Validity: typically up to 1 year with potential renewal. Max stay per entry: as permitted by the work authorization. Entry: Single (often multiple entries by permit). Approx fee: USD 90–120 (IRR equivalent range commonly cited: IRR 5,000,000–9,000,000).
  • Transit visa (if applicable): Official name: Transit visa. Validity: short-term, usually 7–14 days. Max stay per entry: 1 entry. Entry: Single. Approx fee: USD 40–70 (IRR equivalent range commonly cited: IRR 2,000,000–3,000,000).

Application process

  • How to apply online (e-Visa): Visit https://e_visa.mfa.ir/ and create an account. Fill the online application with your personal data and travel details, upload a scanned passport page and a recent photo, select your visa type (Tourist, Business, Student, or Work), and pay the visa fee online. Processing time is typically 3–5 working days. When approved, you will receive an email with the e-visa approval; print it and carry it to Iran along with your passport. At the border, present the e-visa approval and passport, and pay the visa stamp fee in local currency (Rial) or as directed at the port of entry.
  • Visa on arrival: Available only at certain Iranian entry ports for some nationalities; Afghanistan nationals should verify current eligibility with official sources before travel. If available, you will apply at the border counter, provide travel documents, receive a temporary visa stamp, and pay the visa fee in cash (local currency or USD as accepted locally). Expect potential queues and longer processing times on busy days.
  • Sticker visa ( embassy/consulate route): If you cannot obtain an e-visa, apply through the Iranian embassy or consulate that handles Afghan citizens (check the official mfa.ir listings for the nearest mission). Steps typically include preparing documents (passport, photos, invitation or hotel confirmation, proof of funds), submitting to the mission or through an approved visa agent, paying the consular fee, and attending an interview if required. Processing times typically range from 7–15 working days, with express options sometimes available via accredited centers; fees vary by mission and payment method.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fees: Tourist USD 60–100 (IRR approximately 4,500,000–6,000,000); Business USD 70–120 (IRR approximately 5,000,000–8,000,000); Student USD 60–100 (IRR approximately 4,000,000–6,000,000); Work USD 90–120 (IRR approximately 5,000,000–9,000,000). These figures are approximate and vary by mission and payment method.
  • Local currency payments: At border or consulate, fees may be payable in Iranian Rial (IRR) or sometimes in USD; carry small denomination cash in the currency accepted at the port/mission.
  • VFS/BLS service fees: Not applicable for Iran e-visa; if you use a visa agent or third-party service, additional processing or service charges may apply (typical range USD 20–50).
  • Total cost estimate: Expect total costs to include the visa fee plus any agency/service charges if used; plan roughly USD 80–170 for a standard e-visa process depending on visa type.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days for e-visa; 7–15 working days for sticker visa through a mission; visa on arrival, if available, depends on airport queues and may be faster on less busy days.
  • Express/priority option: Some missions may offer expedited processing for an extra fee; up to 2–5 extra days generally, if available.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Start the visa process at least 3–4 weeks before your intended departure date to account for potential delays and additional document requests.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghan applicants: incomplete documentation, passport validity issues (less than 6 months or insufficient blank pages), insufficient proof of funds, mismatch between travel details and documents (hotel/invitation), or security checks.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Iran mainly uses its own e-visa portal for many applicants; if you are not eligible for e-visa, check the official embassy/consulate listings (https://www.mfa.gov.ir/) to determine if a traditional sticker visa via a mission in Kabul or a neighboring country is possible. Third-party visa agents may speed up document checks but add fees.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Always verify the latest guidance from the Iranian MFA and your government’s travel advisories before travel; sanctions and regional security conditions can affect entry requirements. Check the official pages regularly (e-visa portal and MFA Iran site).
  • Extension options inside Iran: Tourist visas can sometimes be extended at immigration offices (Bureau of Aliens and Borders Affairs) in Iran, typically for up to another 30 days, subject to approval and fees; extensions vary by city and current policy. Plan for potential additional documentation and processing time.

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.