Last updated: 10 September 2026. This is an independent tourist information guide, not a government visa service. Always confirm current requirements on evisa.mfa.ir before applying. About the author: Editorial team, travel writers specialising in Middle East visa procedures. Reviewed on 10 September 2026.
The Iran tourist eVisa allows foreign nationals to apply online via evisa.mfa.ir, with processing typically taking 5 to 10 working days. Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the travel date, a digital photo, and a scanned passport copy. UK citizens can apply for the iran evisa for tourists but face additional restrictions, including a mandatory licensed tour guide requirement for the entire stay. The standard Iran tourist eVisa permits a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
Who Is Eligible for the Iran Tourist eVisa?
Most nationalities (UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia) with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned travel date are eligible for the Iran tourist eVisa.
The iran evisa for tourists is available to foreign nationals travelling for tourism. The evisa.mfa.ir portal blocks submission if passport expiry is sooner than 6 months beyond the travel date. Some nationalities must apply in person at the relevant embassy rather than online.
A separate visa-free countries list (27 countries) unilateral waiver allows 15 days (non-extendable, once per 6 months, ordinary passport, tourism only) – distinct from the Iran tourist eVisa’s longer 90-day stay provision. Check the live eligibility list at evisa.mfa.ir.
Iran Tourist eVisa Requirements: Documents You Need
The Iran tourist eVisa requires six core items: a valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital passport photo on a plain light background (≤10 MB), a scanned passport biographical page, a return flight booking, a hotel reservation, and an active email address.
- Passport – minimum 6 months validity beyond planned travel date; the system blocks submission if expiry is sooner
- Digital photograph – plain light background, max 10 MB
- Passport biographical page scan – complete and readable, max 10 MB
- Return flight booking and hotel reservation – required for the itinerary field
- Active email address – authenticated throughout the entire process
- Residence permit copy – optional, max 10 MB, max 1 file
Do I Need Travel Health Insurance for My Iran eVisa Application?
Travel health insurance is generally checked at passport control, not during the Iran tourist eVisa application stage. Purchase a policy from a provider that explicitly covers Iran. Policies can sometimes be purchased at the border upon arrival.
Photo Requirements for Female Applicants
The evisa.mfa.ir portal does not explicitly mandate a headscarf in the photo; standard ICAO biometric rules (plain background, no shadows) govern the upload. For certainty, check the latest guidance at evisa.mfa.ir.
How to Apply for an Iran Tourist eVisa (Step-by-Step)
The iran evisa for tourists application is completed in eight steps on the evisa.mfa.ir portal, from account creation and document upload to receiving a visa grant notice PDF and consulate collection.
Create an account
Visit evisa.mfa.ir and verify your email address.
Fill in personal and trip details
Enter name, occupation, address, and planned date of entry (DD/MM/YYYY).
Upload documents
Upload passport frontpage copy and digital photograph (each ≤10 MB; photo on a plain light background).
Pay the online service fee
Complete the payment during the application on the evisa.mfa.ir portal.
Receive your reference number
Get your visa application reference number upon submission.
Wait for visa grant notice
Receive the authorization code (.pdf), valid for 1 month, issued 1-2 days post-authorization by the MFA, Tehran.
Collect your eVisa
At a consulate or airport: bring your passport, 2 passport-size photos, fee, and printed reference code.
Field note: If collecting at the London Visa Section, bring two passport-size photos and the printed reference code. Keep the same email inbox monitored throughout – the visa grant notice and any follow-up questions are sent there.
How to Track Your Iran eVisa Application Status
Track your Iran tourist eVisa at evisa.mfa.ir using the application reference number (or passport number + date of birth + email).
Can You Enter Iran by Land with an eVisa?
The Iran tourist eVisa grant notice is processed at international airports. Land border eligibility is not guaranteed; check with your specific crossing point or the nearest Iranian consulate (e.g., [email protected] for UK applicants) before travel.
How Much Does the Iran Tourist eVisa Cost?
The Iran tourist eVisa total cost for UK nationals combines an online service fee with a separate consular stamping fee paid at the Iranian consulate in London or at the airport upon arrival.
| Fee Type | When You Pay | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Online service fee | During application | evisa.mfa.ir portal |
| Consular stamping fee | At visa collection | Consulate or airport |
Confirm the exact current GBP consular fee directly with the Visa Section in London: [email protected] or phone +44 (20) 72253000 (Mon-Wed 09:00-12:00; phone inquiries 15:00-17:00, even days: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday).
Payment Methods and Sanctions Limitations
For Iran tourist eVisa applicants, international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) do not function in Iran due to sanctions. Carry USD or EUR cash or obtain a prepaid tourist debit card before departure.
Visa Duration, Validity & Extensions
The Iran tourist eVisa permits a stay of up to 90 days, is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue, and can be extended within Iran at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs in any major city.
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Multiple Entry? | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard tourist eVisa | Up to 90 days | Single-entry | 90 days from issue |
| 27-country visa waiver | 15 days | Single-entry | Once per 6 months |
The visa sticker displays the validity period; entry is denied if validity has expired.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Tourist eVisa
The standard Iran tourist eVisa is single-entry. Travellers planning overland trips to neighbouring countries and returning to Iran must submit a second application, as re-entry is not permitted on the same authorization.
Can You Extend Your Iran Tourist Visa?
Yes, the Iran tourist eVisa is extendable while in Iran. Apply at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs in any major Iranian city. Processing times and costs vary; extensions can extend your total stay beyond the initial 90 days.
Iran Tourist eVisa for UK Citizens: Special Rules
UK passport holders face additional scrutiny and must travel with a mandatory licensed tour guide for their entire stay in Iran – a statutory requirement that applies to British, US, and Canadian nationals.
As of September 2026, UK passport holders still require a licensed tour guide for their entire stay in Iran. The 27-country unilateral visa waiver does not apply to British nationals, so the Iran tourist eVisa route is the standard option. British applicants must arrange a certified guide for their full itinerary and may need to submit a tour voucher during the application.
According to iranianvisa.com (accessed September 2026), UK nationals account for 19.7% of all Iran tourist eVisa applications with a 96% approval rate.
| Facility | Address | Phone | Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embassy | 16 Princes Gate, London – SW7 1PT | +44 (20) 72254200 | [email protected] | Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00 |
| Consular Section | 50 Kensington Court, London – W8 5DD | +44 (20) 72253000 | [email protected] | Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00; phone inquiries 15:00-17:00, even days (Sat, Mon, Wed) |
| Visa Section | 50 Kensington Court, London – W8 5DD | +44 (20) 72253000 | [email protected] | Mon, Tue, Wed 09:00-12:00 |
Dual UK-Iranian Nationality Legal Obligations
Iranian law does not recognise dual nationality. Individuals of Iranian origin holding a UK passport must enter Iran on an Iranian passport and cannot use the Iran tourist eVisa system. Such travellers should apply through the nearest Iranian consulate for an Iranian passport or entry document.
Will an Israeli Stamp in My Passport Affect My Iran eVisa?
Prior Israeli visa stamps or border crossings in a passport can result in Iran tourist eVisa denial, so applicants should renew their passport or obtain a second passport before applying.
Iran may deny the Iran tourist eVisa if your passport contains Israeli visa stamps, border crossing stamps, or Jordanian/Egyptian exit stamps correlating with Israeli entry. To avoid rejection: renew your passport before applying, obtain a second valid passport, or travel to Israel first and then get a fresh passport. Verify current policy with [email protected].
Note: The policy on Israeli stamps is not published as a codified rule. Before renewing your passport, request written confirmation directly from [email protected] and keep the reply with your travel documents.
Iran eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which Should You Choose?
The Iran tourist eVisa applied online in advance is strongly recommended over the visa-on-arrival option because it provides certainty of approval before travel and is available to more nationalities.
| Feature | Iran Tourist eVisa | Visa on Arrival | 27-Country Visa Waiver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Online at evisa.mfa.ir | Pre-register 2 days prior | None required |
| Processing | 5-10 working days | Instant at airport (risk of denial) | Immediate |
| Max stay | Up to 90 days, extendable | Limited nationalities | 15 days, non-extendable, once per 6 months |
| Entry type | Single-entry | Single-entry | Single-entry |
Visa on Arrival is available at all Iranian International Airports. The Iran tourist eVisa is strongly preferred for UK citizens due to the mandatory guide requirement and the certainty of advance approval.
Tips for a Smooth Iran Tourist eVisa Application
Applying at least 3-4 weeks before travel, using a professional passport photo service, keeping the reference number safe, and printing the visa grant notice PDF are the most impactful steps for a successful iran evisa for tourists application.
- Apply 3-4 weeks before travel to accommodate processing delays (standard: 5-10 working days).
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your planned entry date.
- Use a professional passport photo service: plain light background, no glasses, no headwear for men; ≤10 MB.
- Upload a complete, clearly readable scan of your passport’s biographical page (≤10 MB).
- Keep your Iran tourist eVisa application reference number safe – required for tracking and collection.
- Print your visa grant notice (.pdf) before departure; needed at consulate collection or airport entry.
- Book accommodation and flights before applying (return flight + hotel reservation required for the itinerary field).
- UK citizens: arrange a licensed tour guide in advance and carry the tour voucher.
- Carry cash (USD or EUR) – international cards do not function in Iran.
- If staying 30+ days with a local SIM, register your mobile phone’s IMEI at the airport via CEIR to avoid connectivity issues.
FAQ
How long does it take to get an Iran tourist eVisa?
Standard processing for the Iran tourist eVisa is 5-10 working days; some applications are processed in as little as 3 business days. After authorization, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran issues the visa grant notice in 1-2 additional days.
Can UK citizens apply for an Iran tourist eVisa online?
Yes, UK citizens apply for the Iran tourist eVisa online via evisa.mfa.ir. British passport holders account for 19.7% of applications with a 96% approval rate (iranianvisa.com, September 2026). However, they must travel with a licensed tour guide for their entire stay.
How long can I stay in Iran on a tourist eVisa?
The Iran tourist eVisa allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days. The eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, meaning you must enter Iran within this 90-day window. The visa is extendable at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs.
Do I need a tour guide to visit Iran on a UK passport?
Yes, UK passport holders must travel with a mandatory licensed tour guide for their entire stay in Iran. This statutory requirement applies to British, US, and Canadian nationals. You may need to submit a tour voucher as part of your Iran tourist eVisa application.
Is it safe to apply for an Iran eVisa with an Israeli stamp in my passport?
Israeli visa stamps or border crossing stamps may cause Iran tourist eVisa denial or additional vetting. Renew your passport or obtain a second valid passport before applying. Request written confirmation from [email protected] before travelling.
Can I enter Iran by land border with an eVisa?
The Iran tourist eVisa grant notice is primarily processed at international airports. Land border entry eligibility varies by crossing. Confirm with your chosen border checkpoint or the nearest Iranian consulate before travel.
What is the Iran tourist eVisa fee for UK nationals in 2026?
The total cost combines an online service fee with a separate consular stamping fee. The exact current GBP consular fee is not published in standard guidelines. Confirm directly with the Visa Section in London at [email protected] or +44 (20) 72253000.
Do I need to wear a hijab in my eVisa application photo?
The evisa.mfa.ir portal does not explicitly mandate a headscarf. Standard ICAO biometric rules govern the photo upload for the Iran tourist eVisa. Check the latest guidance at evisa.mfa.ir to avoid processing delays.
Can I extend my Iran tourist visa while in the country?
Yes, the Iran tourist eVisa is extendable while in Iran. Apply at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs in any major Iranian city. Processing times and costs vary; extensions can extend your stay beyond the initial 90 days.
Do I need travel health insurance for an Iran eVisa?
Proof of travel health insurance is checked at passport control, not during the Iran tourist eVisa application stage. Purchase a policy from a provider that explicitly covers Iran. Policies can sometimes be purchased at the border.
Can I use my Visa or Mastercard to pay for things in Iran?
No, international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) do not function in Iran due to sanctions. Carry cash (USD or EUR) or obtain a prepaid tourist debit card upon arrival for daily expenses.
Do I need to register my mobile phone in Iran?
If staying 30 days or more in Iran with a local SIM card, register your mobile phone’s IMEI at the airport via the CEIR system. Failing to register may result in connectivity issues during your stay.
Featured Snippet
An Iran tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals to apply online for tourism travel to Iran. To obtain one, you need a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport photo, a scanned passport copy, and a basic travel itinerary. UK citizens can apply via the portal at evisa.mfa.ir, though British passport holders should note the mandatory licensed tour guide requirement. Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, and the visa permits stays of up to 90 days. The total cost combines an online service fee with a separate consular stamping fee.
