Indian passport holders travelling to Iran require a visa to enter the country. But do not miss out on travelling to this exquisite destination that is immersed in some of the most rich and vibrant cultures that are expressed in the architecture and warm hospitality of the locals. Indians are required to obtain the visa regardless of whether they are visiting for the purpose of tourism, leisure, visiting friends or relatives or even for business. This article will provide you with a detailed guide about acquiring an Iran visa for Indians.

Types of Iran Visa

Visa Type	Visa Description	Visa Cost
Tourist visa	This visa is issued for anyone who is visiting Iran either for the purpose of leisure, tourism or visiting friends and family.	Rs. 6,300-9,000
Business visa	This visa is availed for the purpose of business or business-related activity such as meetings, conferences, etc.	Rs. 5,000-9,000
Transit visa	This visa is acquired for the purpose of transit or layover through Iran.	Rs. 2,000-3,000
Work permit visa	This visa is obtained by those who are seeking employment in Iran for at least one year, which can be renewed.	Rs. 19,000-29,000

Who Needs an Iran Travel Visa?

Indian nationals travelling to Iran are required to obtain a visa to enter the country. However, neighbouring country nationals from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain are exempt from needing a visa to enter the country. However, Indians can avail themselves of an e-visa or visa on arrival for Iran.

Note: Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to Iran for up to 15 days only if they travel by air.

Requirements and Validity for Iran Visa from India

In order to apply for an Iran travel visa, there are certain requirements you need to follow and fulfil to ensure the successful processing of your visa application. To help the applicant prepare for the process, here is the list of requirements needed:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of the trip.
An accurately completed visa application form.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of travel itinerary, flight bookings, accommodation and sufficient financial backup to support the trip expenses.
Travel insurance.
Visa payment receipt.

Validity

Tourist visa: 90 days
Visa on Arrival: 30 days (not applicable for business or work)
Business visa: 90 days
Transit visa: 3 days
Work permit visa: duration of the work contract

Application Process for Iran Tourist Visa for Indians

There are different ways to apply for a visa to Iran for Indian passport holders. You can either apply for an e-visa online, apply through an embassy or consulate or apply for a visa on arrival. Here is a step-by-step guide for each of the application processes:

E-visa

Step 1: Visit the official Iran e-visa portal.

Step 2: Fill in the application form completely and accurately by filling in personal information and travel purpose/itinerary.

Step 3: Attach scanned copies of the required documents as specified in the form.

Step 4: Pay the visa processing fee upon submission of the application.

Step 5: Visit the selected embassy or consulate after the processing time to collect the visa.

Embassy or consulate

Step 1: Visit the nearest consulate or embassy applicable for the Iran tourist visa.

Step 2: Ensure to take copies of all the necessary documents mentioned above in the requirements section.

Step 3: Fill out the application form accurately and completely.

Step 4: Submit the application form and documents and pay the visa processing fee.

Step 5: Wait for the processing time and collect the visa at the embassy or consulate.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Step 1: Arrive at the applicable Iran airport along with the necessary documents mentioned in the previous section.

Step 2: Pay the visa on arrival fee at the airport.

Step 3: The visa processing takes a few hours, which you can wait and collect.

Processing Fee and Time for Iran Visa for Indians

The processing time for an e-visa takes about 3-10 days, which includes an Iran tourist visa and costs Rs. 6,300-9,000. By applying through an embassy or consulate, the processing time ranges between 7-14 working days. A transit visa costs Rs. 2,000-3,000, whereas a work permit visa costs Rs. 19,000-29,000 and takes 4-6 weeks to get processed.

Latest Updates about Iran Visa

In February 2024, Iran opened visa-free entry for Indian nationals under certain criteria where it is applicable only for tourism purposes for a duration of 15 days for ordinary Indian passport holders who travel only by air. This can be availed only once in 6 months and the passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry. E-visas and faster visa processing have opened for Iran in the recent years.

Tips for Successful Processing of Iran Travel Visa

While applying for a visa to Iran, it is important to keep certain things in mind to ensure that your visa gets through without any issues. Here are some tips for successful processing of a visa to Iran for Indian nationals:

Double-check all documents for completeness and accuracy.
For work visas, ensure your employer submits all necessary paperwork to the Ministry of Labour.
Apply well in advance to avoid delays.
Keep in mind the possible delays and plan your processing accordingly.
Book refundable tickets to mitigate risks of rejection.

Common Reasons for Rejection of Iran Visa

The rejection rate for Iran visitor visa is relatively low, with only 5% of visas getting rejected. However, visa on arrival have a high rejection rate due to missing pre-approval and insufficient documents. Here are some common reasons for visas getting rejected that you should avoid to not be a part of the 5% of rejected visas:

Missing or incomplete documents.
Insufficient proof of funds or accommodation.
Lack of proper employer authorisation for work visas.
Suspicious travel intent or past visa violations.

Iran is a destination that must not be missed if you are looking for a fun, immersive and cultural trip experience. Now that you are at the end of this article, you know everything there is to know about obtaining an Iran visa for Indians. Plan your trip to Iran now and have a fantastic time there!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Iran?

It depends on the purpose and duration of your visit. For tourism stays of up to 15 days, arriving by air, Indian citizens can enter visa-free. For longer stays or other purposes (business, work, study), a visa is required.

2. How long can I stay in Iran visa-free?

The visa-free entry allows a maximum stay of 15 days. This cannot be extended.

3. What are the requirements for visa-free entry?

Purpose of visit: tourism only. Maximum stay: 15 days. Frequency: Once every six months. Arrival: By air. Passport: Valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry.

4. If I want to stay longer than 15 days, what should I do?

You need to apply for a tourist visa through the Iranian e-visa portal or the Iranian embassy/consulate in India. The tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.

5. How do I apply for an Iran tourist visa?

You can apply online through the official Iranian e-visa portal or in person at the Iranian embassy/consulate in India.

6. How long does it take to process an Iran tourist visa?

Processing times can vary, but it usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

7. Can I get a visa on arrival in Iran?

While some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, it's generally recommended for Indian citizens to apply for a visa in advance, especially if planning to stay longer than 15 days. The recent visa-free entry simplifies travel for shorter tourist stays.