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Iran Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Free

China passport holders must obtain an Iran eVisa (Tourist/Business) before travel by applying online at https://e_visa.mfa.ir/; typical visa fee is USD 60 and processing takes about 3–5 working days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: Apply online at https://e_visa.mfa.ir/ for Iran eVisa; no DS-160 or VAF forms are required for China nationals in the online system; you will upload a scanned data page of your passport and a recent passport photo as part of the application.
  • Financial proof: You may need to show sufficient funds to cover your stay; typical guidance is to demonstrate funds roughly equivalent to 50–100 USD per day of stay or an available balance sufficient for your planned duration.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have confirmed hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Iran; show a return or onward air ticket or evidence of onward travel.
  • Photo spec: Recent color photo (35x45 mm) with white background; digital upload should meet the portal’s file size and format requirements (usually JPEG or PNG).
  • Biometrics: The online eVisa application does not require biometrics submission; biometric enrollment may be requested after visa issuance at a consulate or on entry if applicable.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel medical insurance is recommended but not universally mandatory for Iran eVisa applicants.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Iran Tourist Visa) — Official name: Iran Tourist Visa (eVisa); validity: 3 months from issue; max stay per entry: 30 days; entry: Single-entry; approximate fee: USD 60; local currency: around IRR 2,400,000–2,700,000 (subject to exchange rate).
  • Business visa — Official name: Iran Business Visa; validity: 3 months from issue; max stay: up to 30 days; entry: Single-entry or multiple-entry depending on approval; approximate fee: USD 70–110; local currency: variable.
  • Student visa — Official name: Iran Student Visa; validity: duration of study program; max stay: multiple-entry possible; approximate fee: USD 60–120; local currency: variable.
  • Work visa — Official name: Iran Work Visa; validity: tied to the employment period; max stay: usually multiple-entry up to 90 days per entry with renewal; approximate fee: USD 100–150; local currency: variable.
  • Medical visa — Official name: Iran Medical Visa; validity: up to around 60 days; entry: Single-entry; approximate fee: USD 60–90; local currency: variable.
  • Journalist/Media visa — Official name: Iran Journalist Visa; validity: up to 1 year; entry: Multiple-entry depending on approval; approximate fee: USD 70–150; local currency: variable.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Go to https://e_visa.mfa.ir/ and start a new application; select China as your nationality and choose the visa type you need; upload required documents (passport data page scan, a photo, travel itinerary, accommodation/invitation details); pay the visa fee on the portal using a supported payment method; wait for the decision, which will be issued through the portal and email; print the eVisa authorization and present it at border control; the eVisa, when approved, serves as your entry visa.
  • Processing time: Typically 3–5 working days; in peak travel periods or due to incomplete documents, processing can take up to 7–10 days.
  • Approval notice: The eVisa authorization is delivered via the applicant’s portal account and by email; you must have a printed copy to present on arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 60 for the standard Iran Tourist Visa (eVisa) for China passport holders; Local currency equivalent is subject to the current exchange rate (check the portal for the exact IRR amount before payment).
  • Note: There is no separate VFS/BLS service fee for the eVisa itself; if an embassy or consulate is used for any step, standard service charges from the institution may apply.
  • Total cost estimate: Roughly USD 60 for the visa plus any card processing fees; travel insurance and accommodation bookings may incur separate costs.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days; express/priority options are not publicly advertised for the eVisa; expedited processing may be possible only through direct embassy channels.
  • Express/priority option: Not generally available through the official eVisa portal; contact the Iran mission if urgent.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply in advance: Start the online eVisa application at least 2–3 weeks before planned travel to allow time for processing and any document corrections.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: passport validity issues (not meeting the 6-month rule or blank pages), mismatched personal details between the passport and the eVisa application, missing required documents (passport scan, photo, proof of accommodation or invitation), unclear travel plans, or payment problems.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: For the Iran eVisa, the process is online via the official portal; there is typically no separate VFS/BLS submission. If you need a stamping visa via an embassy that requires in-person submission, follow the mission’s instructions there.
  • Travel advisories: Check both China and Iran government advisories and the Iranian MFA travel notices for any safety or entry restrictions; border conditions can change rapidly in Iran.
  • Extension options inside Iran: Extensions of visa stay may be possible at the Bureau for Aliens and Foreigners' Affairs (BAFAA) or local police offices before your visa expiry; extension rules, durations, and fees vary by case and location.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.