Every child, including infants, must submit an individual Iran eVisa application through the MFA portal. No age-based exemption or family bundle exists. UK families must prepare separate documents, pay per-applicant fees, and coordinate multiple reference numbers.
Each minor applicant requires a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival, a translated birth certificate, and a passport photograph adhering to strict MFA digital image standards. Girls aged 10 and over must wear a headscarf in their visa photo.
UK passport holders are ineligible for a Visa on Arrival and must apply in advance via an organised tour or with an Iranian sponsor. Processing times for UK applicants can exceed 6 weeks, meaning families must coordinate individual submissions well ahead of travel. Last updated: 8 September 2026. Iran’s MFA may change requirements without notice – always verify on the official MFA portal before applying. This article provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal or official immigration advice.
Document Checklist for Minors
A child’s Iran eVisa requires eight specific documents: individual passport, birth certificate, passport photo, parental consent, parent passport scan, proof of relationship, travel insurance, and fee receipt.
- ✅ Individual passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Iran, with 2 blank pages. UK children’s passports are issued for 5 years only – verify expiry before applying.
- ✅ Birth certificate: Translated into English or Persian by a certified translator; FCDO apostille accepted by the London consulate for legalisation.
- ✅ Passport photo: Meeting MFA digital image specifications (see below).
- ✅ Parental consent letter: Provided electronically on the portal, plus a notarised physical copy if travelling with one parent or a guardian.
- ✅ Parent/guardian passport scan: Clear colour scan of the information page (JPEG, 10-500 KB, 800×600 px).
- ✅ Proof of family relationship: Documenting the parent-child link.
- ✅ Travel insurance: Valid in Iran for the duration of the stay.
- ✅ Visa fee payment receipt: Confirming individual fee payment per applicant.
Infants cannot travel on a parent’s passport; each child must hold their own travel document and application.
Passport, Birth Certificate & Photo Rules for Children
A child’s passport must be valid ≥6 months beyond the date of arrival in Iran, with 2 blank pages. UK children’s passports are valid for only 5 years – check expiry before applying. Birth certificates require certified translation into English or Persian; the London consulate accepts an FCDO apostille for legalisation. Sole custody orders, death certificates, or adoption papers may be required depending on family circumstances.
Iran eVisa photo standards for children require a JPEG file between 10 KB and 240 KB, minimum 600×400 px, plain white or off-white background, face covering 70-80% of the photo, taken within the last 6 months. Full specifications are published on the MFA digital image requirements page.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use a JPEG file between 10 KB and 240 KB, minimum 600×400 px | Upload full-length photos or files exceeding 240 KB |
| Use a plain white or off-white background | Wear eyeglasses (except for documented medical reasons) |
| Ensure face covers 70-80% of the photo | Use a photo taken more than 6 months ago |
| Have girls aged 10+ wear a headscarf | Use wireless hands-free devices or accessories |
Do Children Pay an Iran eVisa Fee?
Every child pays an individual Iran eVisa fee – no age-based exemption exists. The MFA portal charges the same service fees for infants, minors, and adults. UK passport holders face an additional surcharge compared with general nationalities. Service fees below are as published on the MFA eVisa portal (evisa.mfa.ir) as of September 2026; UK surcharges confirmed by the Consular Section of the Embassy of Iran in London.
| Age Group | Service Fee (EUR) | Service Fee (GBP, UK) | Urgent Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All ages (general nationalities) | EUR 36.00 | N/A | EUR 54.00 | No age-based exemption |
| All ages (UK/USA/Canada) | N/A | £85 | £128 | Per applicant |
A family of 2 adults + 2 children holding UK passports, applying under normal processing, pays approximately £340 in service fees alone.
How to Apply for Your Child’s eVisa: Step-by-Step
The MFA portal accepts only individual applications; each child requires a separate submission, passport scan, photograph, and unique reference number.
Create an MFA account
Register at evisa.mfa.ir and submit the primary adult application first.
Submit each child separately
Use the same account email, entering parent or guardian details as the applicant’s contact.
Upload passport scan and photo
Per child: JPEG, 10-500 KB, 800×600 px, colour. Personal photograph must meet MFA standards.
Pay the visa fee per applicant
No family bundle option exists – each child requires an individual payment.
Track each reference number
Monitor each application individually through the portal.
Family Group Application Tips
Prepare named document folders beforehand, use a spreadsheet to track reference numbers, and submit all family applications on the same day.
⚠️ Common Family Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the same photo for siblings.
- Mismatched scan quality across applications.
- Forgetting to attach the certified birth certificate.
Each family member receives an individual Visa Grant Notice with a unique authorisation code, issued 1 to 2 days after approval, valid for 1 month from issuance.
Consent Requirements: Travelling with Children in Iran
Iranian border control typically requires the father’s permission for children departing with the mother; absent-father cases demand notarised consent legalised by the London consulate.
| Who is travelling? | Consent required |
|---|---|
| Both parents | Standard eVisa application – no additional consent needed. |
| Only mother | Father’s verbal or physical exit permission required at the Iranian airport. Permission is assumed unless a court ruling prevents travel. |
| Only father | No additional consent required. |
| Grandparent or guardian | Notarised consent plus proof of family relationship. |
What If the Father Cannot Give Consent?
If the father is deceased or absent, provide a sole custody order (UK court) with certified translation and apostille, a death certificate with translation, or an affidavit where the father’s whereabouts are unknown. If the guardian cannot attend in person, documents and signatures must be legalised by a Notary Public. All documents must be legalised by the Consular Section of the Embassy of Iran in London, 50 Kensington Court, W8 5DD – Visa Section open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Children of Iranian fathers must travel on an Iranian passport only. Iran does not recognise dual nationality.
Visa Processing Times: What Families Need to Know
Standard Iran eVisa processing takes 7-10 working days per applicant; urgent processing takes 3-5 working days for an additional fee. UK, USA, and Canada passport holders should expect processing to exceed 6 weeks. Each application is processed independently, so families should submit all forms on the same day to coordinate approval times.
Nowruz holidays (18 March – 5 April) slow processing significantly; Iran’s weekend falls on Friday. Families should apply at least 8 weeks before departure. Security developments in early 2026 may also affect approval rates.
Children of Iranian Mothers: Visa Rules and Nationality Implications
Iran does not recognise dual nationality. A child born to an Iranian mother and foreign father may be treated as an Iranian national under Iranian law, requiring a Type M (Marital) visa. The father’s official permission regarding the children’s trip to Iran is required. British-Iranian dual nationals are considered solely Iranian nationals under Iranian law; UK government representation is highly unlikely to be accepted by Iranian authorities. Consult the Embassy of Iran in London for definitive guidance on complex cases; apply at least 12 weeks ahead.
| Parent configuration | Visa scenario |
|---|---|
| Iranian father + foreign mother | Child must travel on Iranian passport only. |
| Foreign father + Iranian mother | Type M family visa; father’s permission required. Children under 16 reportedly do not require approval (confirm with Embassy). |
| Both parents foreign | Standard eVisa process – Type B tourist visa. |
Travel Insurance & UK-Specific Rules for Families
Travel insurance is mandatory for every Iran eVisa applicant. UK policies accepted by the London consulate are limited to 45 days maximum; families needing longer stays must obtain a separate contract. Confirm with your insurer that a single family policy covers all children on one certificate.
UK passport holders are ineligible for Visa on Arrival and must apply in advance via an organised tour or an Iranian sponsor. The UK surcharge (£85/£128) applies to every child applicant. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Iran – check the latest advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran before making any bookings.
📋 Insurance Checklist for Families
- Policy covers medical, repatriation, and emergency evacuation
- Maximum 45-day coverage per London consulate rules
- Separate contract required for trips exceeding 45 days
- All children listed individually on the policy certificate
FAQ: Iran eVisa Requirements for Children
Do infants need an eVisa to enter Iran?
Yes. Newborns need their own passport and their own application – no age exemption exists. Create one separate submission per infant on the MFA portal.
Can my child travel to Iran on my passport?
No. Each child must have their own individual passport. The MFA eVisa portal requires a separate passport scan per applicant.
What if my child’s passport expires before the trip?
Passports must be valid ≥6 months from arrival. UK child passports (5-year validity) may not meet this – renew if expiry falls within 6 months of travel.
How long does the eVisa take for children?
Standard: 7-10 working days per applicant. Urgent: 3-5 working days. UK passport holders: expect over 6 weeks. Each application is processed independently.
Does my child need travel insurance for an Iran eVisa?
Yes – mandatory for all eVisa categories. London Consulate limit: 45 days for UK policies; longer stays require a separate contract.
What documents are needed for a child travelling without the father?
A notarised parental consent letter, certified and translated birth certificate with apostille, and – depending on circumstances – a sole custody order or death certificate, all legalised by the Iranian Consulate in London. If the guardian cannot attend in person, documents and signatures must be legalised by a Notary Public.
How much does the Iran eVisa cost for children in 2026?
As in the fee table above: £85 normal / £128 urgent (UK) and EUR 36 / EUR 54 (general) per applicant, no child exemption.
Is there a headscarf requirement in the visa photo for my daughter?
Yes. Iran requires a headscarf in visa photographs for all females aged 10 and over. Girls under 10 are exempt.
Do I need a separate eVisa for each child?
Yes. The MFA portal processes only individual applications – each child needs a separate submission, passport scan, photo, and reference number. No family bundle exists.
Can I collect all family visas at the same time?
Each family member receives an individual Visa Grant Notice with a unique authorisation code valid for 1 month. Submitting all applications simultaneously is the best strategy for coordinated approval.
