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Iran Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Iran, and Canada has no diplomatic relations or consular services in Iran, making applications and travel considerably more complicated and generally advised against.

Guide last updated September 29, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed visa application (online authorization code via e_visa.mfa.ir, followed by physical visa issuance through a third-country Iranian embassy, since there is no Iranian mission in Canada)
  • Passport-size photo meeting Iranian visa specifications
  • Proof of accommodation/itinerary, often via a registered tour operator for Canadian applicants
  • Financial proof may be requested
  • Biometrics: fingerprints typically taken on arrival at Iranian airports for all foreign visitors
  • Travel health insurance: mandatory - Iran requires visitors to hold valid travel medical insurance, sometimes purchasable on arrival

Visa types

  • Tourist visa: single entry, typically valid for 30 days from entry, often arranged via an authorization code (e_visa.mfa.ir) that must then be converted into a physical visa at an Iranian embassy in a third country (e.g., Washington, London, or another location with an Iranian mission) since Canada and Iran have no diplomatic relations
  • Business visa: similar process, requires an invitation letter from an Iranian company or organization
  • Given the lack of an Iranian embassy in Canada and no Canadian embassy in Iran, most Canadian applicants use a registered Iranian tour agency to facilitate the authorization code and visa issuance

How to apply

  • Apply for an authorization code online at e_visa.mfa.ir, or more commonly through a licensed Iranian travel agency that handles the process on your behalf
  • Documents required: passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, and (for many nationalities including Canada) proof of a booked tour or local sponsor
  • Fee: authorization code and visa stamping fees vary, generally in the range of USD 90-150 depending on the issuing embassy and agency service fees
  • Standard processing time: 10-15 business days for the authorization code, then additional time to have the physical visa stamped at a third-country embassy
  • No interview typically required, but the process is significantly slower and more document-intensive than most other destinations due to the absence of direct Canada-Iran diplomatic channels

Fees & processing time

  • Authorization code fee: varies by agency, typically USD 30-50
  • Visa stamping fee at the third-country embassy: approximately USD 50-100, varies by embassy location
  • Total cost estimate: USD 90-150 plus any tour agency service fees, which are often required for Canadian applicants
  • Standard processing time: 10-15 business days for authorization, plus embassy stamping time which can add another 1-2 weeks
  • No express/priority option is reliably available given the indirect application route

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Check Global Affairs Canada's travel advisory before planning any trip - Canada currently advises against all travel to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary detention of dual nationals and Western travelers, and has no consular presence to assist
  • Apply well in advance (at least 4-6 weeks) given the indirect authorization and third-country embassy stamping process
  • Common rejection reasons: incomplete tour itinerary, lack of a registered Iranian sponsor/agency, or issues with the third-country embassy processing Canadian applications
  • Using a reputable, licensed Iranian tour operator is strongly recommended, as they handle much of the authorization and stamping process
  • Because there is no Canadian embassy in Iran, any emergency assistance while there is severely limited - the Italian embassy sometimes provides limited consular support to Canadians in Iran under a third-party arrangement

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.