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Iran Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa Required

United States citizens need a visa to Iran — apply online at https://e_visa.mfa.ir/; visa fee starts from USD 75 and processing typically takes 3–7 working days.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Iran requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and to have at least one blank page.
  • Specific forms: For an e-Visa, complete the online application at https://e_visa.mfa.ir/ and print the confirmation; if applying via sticker visa through a consulate, you may be directed to fill the local mission's visa form (often labeled VAF1A or equivalent) and follow the consulate's document checklist.
  • Financial proof: Provide evidence you can fund your stay (no published fixed daily minimum). Acceptable documents include recent bank statements (shown in English or with an attached translation), pay slips, or a sponsor letter if someone is hosting you.
  • Accommodation and return ticket requirements: Have hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Iran and proof of onward/return travel (round-trip air/rail tickets).
  • Photo spec: One recent passport photo sized 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white or light background; full-face forward; no hats or sunglasses; no heavy editing; align with typical passport standards.
  • Biometrics: Some applicants may be asked to provide biometrics at the consulate or visa center; if requested, follow the instructions provided by the processing center.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for the visa itself but strongly recommended; ensure your policy covers you for Iran during your travel dates.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa
  • Official name: Tourist Visa
  • Validity: up to 3 months from issue date
  • Max stay: up to 30 days per entry
  • Entry: Single-entry
  • Approx fee: USD 75
  • Business visa
  • Official name: Business Visa
  • Validity: up to 6 months
  • Max stay: up to 30 days per entry
  • Entry: Single-entry (some cases may be issued as multiple-entry with consular approval)
  • Approx fee: USD 100
  • Student visa
  • Official name: Study Visa
  • Validity: initial 3–6 months, extendable for duration of study
  • Max stay: aligned with study program; typically multiple-entry if issued for education
  • Entry: Multiple-entry (subject to consular approval)
  • Approx fee: USD 120
  • Work visa
  • Official name: Work Visa
  • Validity: 6 months to 1 year (extendable)
  • Max stay: generally up to 90 days per entry, with extensions possible
  • Entry: Multiple-entry (work permit dependent)
  • Approx fee: USD 150

How to apply

  • How to apply online (e-Visa): https://e_visa.mfa.ir/
  • Steps: Create an account, log in, select visa type, enter personal and travel details, upload required documents (passport data page scan, photo, itinerary, invitation or host letter if required), pay the visa fee online, receive e-visa approval by email, print the e-visa and present on entry.
  • Fee (local currency shown at payment; USD amount shown in the portal): typically starts from USD 75 for tourist visas; other visa types vary by category.
  • Processing time: usually 3–7 working days; approvals are delivered by email and/or shown in the account.
  • How approval arrives: e-visa approval is sent by the portal via email and accessible in your account; print the document to present at border control.
  • Visa on arrival
  • Not available for United States citizens in general; most US travelers must obtain an e-visa or a sticker visa through a consulate abroad. If a consulate offers a local on-arrival option, follow that consulate's instructions and pay any applicable fees.
  • Sticker visa (through embassy/consulate)
  • How to apply: Submit your application to the Iranian embassy/consulate that handles US applicants (note: the United States does not maintain a resident Iranian embassy; US applicants typically go through an Iranian mission via the Iranian Interests Section or a consulate abroad). Complete the consulate's visa form (often VAF1A or equivalent) and provide the required documents.
  • Documents checklist: passport, photos, passport data page copy, printed visa application form (VAF1A or consulate form), invitation letter or hotel bookings, financial documents, and any additional documents requested by the consulate.
  • Fee and payment: pay the visa fee as instructed by the consulate (cash in USD or local currency; some missions accept card or bank transfer per local practice).
  • Timelines: typical processing 7–14 working days; expedited service may be available at an added fee (often around USD 50–100); interview may be required at the consulate in some cases.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fees (approximate USD, per visa type): Tourist 75; Business 100; Student 120; Work 150
  • Local currency equivalents: shown at payment on the official portal or consulate site and vary with exchange rates; USD amounts above provide a reference.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not typically applicable for Iran visa applications in the US context; if a third-party center is used in your country, check their fee schedule.
  • Total cost estimate: base visa fee plus any service or priority fees charged by the processing channel used (online e-Visa typically includes all fees in a single payment).
  • Standard processing time: e-Visa 3–7 working days; sticker visa via embassy/consulate 7–14 working days.
  • Express/priority option: may be available for an additional fee (often USD 50–100) depending on the mission and country; confirm on the official portal or with the consulate.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Plan well in advance: apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel; some cases may take longer, especially around holidays or security checks.
  • Common rejection reasons for United States applicants: incomplete or inconsistent application data, missing required documents (invitation letter or host information where required), passport data mismatch, insufficient funds proof, security concerns raised by consulate, or prior visa refusals that complicate the review.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: There is no standard VFS/BLS processing for Iran in the US; most US applicants use the official e-Visa platform or apply through an Iranian mission abroad (verify current path on the official MFA Iran portal). Always use official channels to avoid counterfeit processing.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Iran (often Level 4 Do Not Travel as of recent years) and follow your country's guidance; verify current advisories before planning the trip.
  • Extension options inside Iran: Visa extensions are possible in some cases at MOFA or local immigration authorities; extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days and depend on the purpose and status of your visa. Apply before your current visa expires; approval is not guaranteed and processing times vary.

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.