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Iran Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa Required

U.S. citizens need a Tourist visa for Iran and must book through a licensed Iranian travel agency with an approved guide for the entire trip; fee is roughly $100-165 plus mandatory tour costs, with processing taking 2-4 weeks.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
  • No evidence of prior travel to or stamps from Israel
  • Signed visa application form, 2 passport photos (women must wear a headscarf in the photo)
  • A government-approved private tour itinerary covering the entire stay - independent travel is not permitted for US passport holders
  • Mandatory travel health insurance valid in Iran (often sold at the airport/border if not pre-arranged)
  • No biometrics required for the visa itself

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa - typically 30 days, single entry, extendable once inside Iran at the Bureau of Aliens Affairs; obtained via an MFA authorization code ("grant number") issued to your booked tour agency
  • Transit Visa - 5-7 days for onward travel
  • Business Visa - requires an invitation letter from an Iranian sponsoring company
  • US citizens are generally restricted to escorted Tourist visas with a licensed guide

How to apply

  • Book a tour with a licensed Iranian agency; the agency applies for your Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorization code (grant number), which takes about 10-20 business days
  • Once granted, submit the code plus passport, photos, application form, and insurance proof to the Iranian interests section (the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC handles US consular affairs for Iran), or collect the visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport if your agency arranges it
  • A licensed guide must accompany you for the entire visit

Fees & processing time

  • Visa stamping fee for US citizens is typically $100-165, among the highest of any nationality due to reciprocity
  • The MFA authorization code is usually bundled into the agency's service fee (approx $30-60)
  • Mandatory tour package costs are separate
  • Total processing from authorization request to visa in hand: 2-4 weeks
  • No expedited or same-day option for US citizens

Tips for United States travelers

  • Start the agency booking and authorization process at least 4-6 weeks before travel
  • Applications are commonly delayed or rejected if the itinerary looks like independent travel - keep your guide's details explicit in the booking
  • Avoid any Israel-related stamps or evidence of prior Israel travel in your passport
  • Carry printed proof of your tour booking and insurance at all border crossings
  • Extensions beyond 30 days are possible in-country through your tour agency but require continued guide supervision

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.