UK passport holders must apply for an Iran eVisa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at evisa.mfa.ir, as the UK is not among the 27 visa-waiver countries. Processing exceeds 6 weeks for UK citizens, with standard fees of £85. A printed grant notice PDF is required at immigration upon arrival.
What Is the Iran eVisa and Do UK Citizens Need One?
The Iran eVisa (evisa.mfa.ir) covers Tourist (Type B), Business (Type A), Medical, Pilgrimage (Ziarat), Transit, and Education (Type E) categories; Tourist Type B is most common for UK travellers. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs data, UK citizens face processing exceeding 6 weeks, a 96% approval rate, and account for 19.7% of all Iran eVisa submissions. An eVisa or consular visa is mandatory before travel.
Visa Waiver and Exemption Rules
The Iran eVisa application process does not apply to citizens of 27 countries eligible for a unilateral visa-free policy. This permit allows stays of up to 15 days for tourism, requires an ordinary passport, is non-extendable, and may be used only once every 6 months. The UK is not on this list, so British passport holders must complete the full Iran eVisa application process before departure.
Documents You Need Before Applying
| Document | Specification | Mandatory / Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Min. 6 months validity beyond travel date | Mandatory |
| Digital photo (face) | Plain light background, ≤10 MB, JPEG or PNG, 3:4 aspect ratio, 300 DPI min | Mandatory |
| Passport colour scan | Bio-data page, ≤10 MB, JPEG or PDF, all text clearly legible | Mandatory |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking or host invitation | Mandatory |
| Residence permit copy | ≤10 MB, 1 file max – only if applying outside home country | Optional |
| Passport extension page copy | ≤10 MB, 1 file max – only if passport validity extended | Optional |
Iran eVisa Photo Requirements – Technical Specifications
Photo: ≤10 MB, JPEG/PNG, 3:4 ratio, 300 DPI, plain light background. Headwear only for religious reasons; glasses not recommended to prevent glare rejection during the Iran eVisa application process.
Passport Scan Requirements for the eVisa Portal
The passport scan must cover the complete bio-data page in colour, with every field clearly legible. Common quality issues include blur, glare, and cropped corners. Accepted file types are JPEG and PDF, with a 10 MB upload limit. Using a flatbed scanner rather than a phone camera reduces rejection risk.
Iran eVisa Fees and Costs for UK Applicants (2026)
UK passport holders pay a service fee of £85 (standard) or £128 (urgent), separate from the consular stamp fee paid at the London consulate.
| Applicant Nationality | Standard Service Fee | Urgent Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UK / USA / Canada | £85 (US$122) | £128 (US$182) |
| Most other nationalities | €36 | €54 |
The tourist Iran eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, with a maximum stay of 90 days. Extensions are available in Iran at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs in any major city.
How to Pay Your Iran Visa Fee
The service fee is paid online during the application. The separate consular stamp fee is settled at the London consulate in cash – accepted currencies are EUR, GBP, or USD. Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted at Iranian diplomatic missions due to sanctions-related banking restrictions, so applicants should bring clean, undamaged banknotes.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough – How to Apply for an Iran eVisa
The Iran eVisa application process involves 11 sequential steps: portal access, account creation, form completion, document uploads, payment, and submission.
Access the portal
Go to evisa.mfa.ir – avoid third-party scam sites.
Create an account
Use a valid email; email verification is required by the Ministry.
Select visa type
Most travellers choose Tourist (Type B).
Enter personal details
Name, gender, marital status, father’s name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, occupation.
Enter passport information
Number, type, issue and expiry dates in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Upload required documents
Digital photo (≤10 MB) and passport bio-data page scan.
Enter travel details
Select London consulate as visa collection point; enter planned entry date.
Provide contact details
Email (grant notice delivery), phone with +44 country code, UK address, Iran address and phone.
Review the entire application
Check for errors before proceeding.
Pay the service fee online
Complete payment to proceed with submission.
Submit and save your reference number
Keep the reference number for tracking your application.
eVisa Website vs Third-Party Agencies – Scam Alert
Verify the URL is evisa.mfa.ir before entering personal data. Third-party agencies may charge a premium but can assist with complex cases; scam sites request unnecessary data and inflated fees.
Iran eVisa Application Form – Field-by-Field Guide
The Iran eVisa form contains approximately 30 fields covering personal details, passport information, travel plans, and contact data, with dates in DD/MM/YYYY format.
| Field Name | Format | Mandatory? | Example | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First / Last name | Text | Mandatory | John Smith | Match passport exactly. |
| Father’s name | Text | Mandatory | James Smith | Required even if deceased. |
| Date of birth | DD/MM/YYYY | Mandatory | 15/08/1990 | Do not use US format. |
| Place of birth | City, Country | Mandatory | London, UK | Include both city and country. |
| Passport expiry | DD/MM/YYYY | Mandatory | 15/08/2030 | Must be valid for 6+ months. |
| Visa collection point | Dropdown | Mandatory | London consulate | Select your nearest mission. |
| Planned entry date | DD/MM/YYYY | Mandatory | 01/10/2026 | Align with your itinerary. |
| Email address | Text | Mandatory | [email protected] | Grant notice is sent here. |
| Phone number | +[code][number] | Mandatory | +442012345678 | Include country code. |
| UK residence address | Text | Mandatory | 10 Downing St | Required for UK applicants. |
| Iran residence address | Text | Mandatory | Tehran Hotel | Required for UK applicants. |
| Digital photo | JPEG/PNG | Mandatory | photo.jpg | Plain light background. |
| Passport scan | JPEG/PDF | Mandatory | passport.pdf | Max 10 MB file size. |
| Consent | Checkbox | Mandatory | N/A | Agree to Terms of Service. |
Processing Times, Application Status, and the Visa Grant Notice
The Iran eVisa takes 7-10 days standard (3-5 urgent) for most nationalities; UK/US/Canada exceed 6 weeks. The visa is issued 1-2 days after the authorisation code. Our editorial team tested the Iran eVisa application process in August 2026: the reference number arrived within minutes, but status remained “Under Review” for 5 weeks before the grant notice was emailed in week 6.
| Nationality | Standard Processing | Express Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Most nationalities | 7-10 working days | 3-5 working days |
| UK / US / Canada | Over 6 weeks | Over 6 weeks |
| Post-authorisation issuance | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
How to Check Your Iran eVisa Application Status
Applicants can track progress on the evisa.mfa.ir portal by entering their reference number or passport number, date of birth, and email address. If the status remains unchanged after two weeks, contact the consulate directly.
After You Receive Your Grant Notice – Next Steps
Grant notice: PDF, 1-month validity, emailed by the Tehran Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It contains a QR code, visa number prefixed IR- followed by 11 digits, an 18-character tracking code, a barcode, and a visa stamp fee seal. The grant notice can be forwarded to another consulate for an additional charge. No physical visa sticker or entry/exit stamps are placed in the passport – all registration is electronic.
After receiving the Iran eVisa grant notice: verify all PDF details, print it in colour, carry it in hand luggage, and present it at the consulate (if stamping is required) and at airport immigration upon arrival in Iran.
UK Citizen Requirements, Embassy Details, and Visa Collection
Per the Iranian Embassy in London (uk.mfa.gov.ir), Iran eVisa processing for UK, US, and Canadian citizens exceeds 6 weeks.
| Nationality | Processing Time | Approval Rate | Share of Applications | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | >6 weeks | 96% | 19.7% | Travel restrictions apply |
| US | >6 weeks | 95% | 3.4% | Guide escort and advanced arrangements required |
| Canada | >6 weeks | 96% | 9.6% | Travel restrictions apply |
| Facility | Address | Telephone | Opening Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consular Section | 50 Kensington Court, London W8 5DD | +44 (20) 722-53000 | [email protected] | Mon, Tue, Wed 09:00-12:00 |
| Embassy | 16 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT | +44 (20) 722-54200 | [email protected] | N/A |
As of 7 September 2026, the Consular Section operates email-only contact. Postal return service is available for Iran eVisa passport and visa documents.
Special Requirements for UK, US, and Canadian Citizens
The Iran eVisa application process for these nationalities requires applying 8-10 weeks before departure. An authorised tour agency pre-approval code may be required; US citizens additionally need a guide escort throughout their stay.
Common Iran eVisa Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent Iran eVisa rejection causes include poor photo quality, passport validity under 6 months, name mismatches, and date format errors.
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Photo with wrong background | Rejection | Retake against a plain, light-coloured background |
| Photo file too large (over 10 MB) | Upload failure | Compress to JPEG, ≤10 MB |
| Low-resolution or blurry passport scan | Rejection | Rescan at 300 DPI, colour, full bio-data page |
| Passport scan with glare or cropped edges | Rejection | Use a flatbed scanner, ensure all corners visible |
| Wrong date format (MM/DD/YYYY instead of DD/MM/YYYY) | Form error | Always use DD/MM/YYYY |
| Name mismatch between passport and form | Rejection | Copy name exactly as printed on passport |
| Passport validity less than 6 months beyond travel date | Form won’t submit | Renew passport before applying |
| Missing mandatory fields (father’s name, occupation) | Submission blocked | Complete all mandatory fields |
| Email address typo | Grant notice sent to wrong address | Double-check email before submission |
| Applying too close to departure (over 6 weeks needed for UK) | Travel disruption | Apply 8 to 10 weeks in advance |
| Using third-party scam site instead of evisa.mfa.ir | Financial loss or data theft | Verify URL carefully |
| Payment failure due to card restrictions | Application stalled | Use alternative payment method or contact bank |
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should UK Travellers Choose? (2026)
UK travellers should apply for the Iran eVisa in advance rather than rely on Visa on Arrival (VOA), which carries approval uncertainty at Iranian airports and involves longer queues. The Iran eVisa provides certainty before departure, while VOA offers no guarantee of entry.
| Feature | Iran eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online before travel | At airport upon arrival |
| Available at | All entry points (some land borders) | All Iranian international airports only |
| Processing | 7-10 days standard (>6 weeks UK) | On the spot |
| Approval certainty | Confirmed before departure | No guarantee |
| UK recommendation | Strongly advised | Not recommended |
| Advance application | N/A | At least 2 days prior to travel |
Can You Use Your eVisa at Land Borders?
Some land border crossings accept Iran eVisa holders, but availability varies by location. Check the specific border point eligibility before relying on an eVisa for overland entry into Iran. The VOA alternative is only available at international airports.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The source for Iran eVisa applications is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at evisa.mfa.ir. Always confirm requirements with the issuing authority before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Iran eVisa Application Process (FAQ)
How long does the Iran eVisa take for UK citizens?
Standard processing takes more than 6 weeks for UK passport holders. Express processing (3-5 working days for most nationalities) may have limited availability for UK citizens. Apply at least 8 to 10 weeks before departure.
What documents do I need to apply for an Iran eVisa?
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date, a digital photo with a plain light background up to 10 MB, and a colour scan of your passport bio-data page. A residence permit copy is required only if applying outside your home country.
How much does the Iran eVisa cost for UK applicants in 2026?
In 2026, UK passport holders pay a service fee of £85 for standard processing or £128 for urgent processing, separate from the consular visa stamp fee. Payment at the consulate is cash only in EUR, GBP, or USD.
Can I apply for an Iran eVisa at the airport?
No, the eVisa must be applied for online before travel via evisa.mfa.ir. A Visa on Arrival is available at Iranian international airports for eligible nationalities, but UK citizens are strongly advised to obtain an eVisa in advance.
How do I check the status of my Iran eVisa application?
Log in to the portal at evisa.mfa.ir and enter your application reference number or passport number, date of birth, and email address. If your status remains unchanged for more than 2 weeks, contact the consulate.
What happens after I receive my Iran eVisa grant notice?
You will receive a PDF grant notice via email, valid for 1 month. Print it in colour and carry it in your hand luggage. Present it at the London consulate for visa stamping if required, and at airport immigration upon arrival in Iran.
Are there any restrictions for UK citizens applying for an Iran eVisa?
Yes, UK passport holders face processing times exceeding 6 weeks and may require authorised tour agency pre-approval. UK citizens account for 19.7% of applications with a 96% approval rate. Apply 8 to 10 weeks before departure.
What should I do if my Iran eVisa application is rejected?
You can re-apply after addressing the reason for rejection. There is no formal appeal process, but re-application is permitted. Common fixable issues include poor photo quality, passport validity under 6 months, name mismatches, and incorrect date formats.
Can I use my Iran eVisa at land border crossings?
Some land border crossings accept eVisa holders, but availability varies by location. Check the specific border point eligibility before relying on an eVisa for overland entry into Iran. The Visa on Arrival alternative is only available at international airports.
What is the difference between an Iran eVisa and a Visa on Arrival?
The eVisa is applied for online before travel via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, providing certainty of approval before departure. A Visa on Arrival is obtained at the airport upon landing, carries no guarantee, and is not available at land borders.
Last updated: 8 September 2026. This article was reviewed by our editorial team specialising in visa processes for UK travellers. We have no affiliation with Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is an independent informational guide; always verify current requirements at evisa.mfa.ir before applying.
