After eVisa approval, the question “where do I collect my Iran visa” has three answers: an international airport visa desk, an Iranian embassy or consulate, or a land border crossing. Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), printed authorization code, a passport photo, and EUR or USD cash for the fee. At Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, the Iran visa collection process takes 15 to 60 minutes.
British travellers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their travel date and contains no Israeli entry or exit stamps. No credit or debit cards are accepted at any Iran visa collection point due to international sanctions; pay the consular fee in clean, uncreased EUR or USD cash notes.
Last updated: 8 September 2026. Visa fees and requirements may change; verify with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at evisa.mfa.ir before travel.
How to Collect Your Iran Visa: Three Pickup Methods
To answer “where do I collect my Iran visa”, choose from three collection routes: an airport visa desk, an embassy or consulate, or a land border. All require the printed MFA authorization code and visa fee in EUR or USD cash. No cards are accepted at any Iran visa collection point due to international sanctions.
After submitting the visa application form on evisa.mfa.ir, track your application at evisatraveller.mfa.ir. MFA processing takes 3 to 7 business days; apply 3 to 4 weeks before departure. The authorization code is valid for 1 month from issue.
Airport collection is same-day; embassy collection takes 1 to 10 working days; land border timing varies. Dual National applicants must declare nationality based on the passport they carry, to avoid invalidation due to mismatch between nationality on the visa and on the passport.
Can I Change My Visa Collection Location After Approval?
The collection location (Place of Issue) is fixed at application. To request a change, contact the MFA consular department; approval is not guaranteed and may incur an additional fee. The authorization code can be forwarded to another consulate for an extra charge. If uncertain, select airport pickup for maximum flexibility when you collect your Iran visa.
Collecting Your Iran Visa at the Airport (Visa on Arrival)
To collect your Iran visa at the airport, use the Visa on Arrival (VOA) counter available at all Iranian international airports, including Tehran IKA, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad. Apply via the visa application form on evisa.mfa.ir at least 2 days before travel. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Somalia must collect at an embassy instead.
At Tehran IKA Terminal 1, proceed to the visa counter in the arrivals hall before immigration gates. Follow signs to “Visa” or “VOA.” The Iran visa collection process takes 15 to 60 minutes; the sticker is placed immediately. The counter operates 24 hours.
Apply online
Submit the visa application form on evisa.mfa.ir at least 2 days before travel.
Find the visa counter
At IKA Terminal 1, proceed to the visa counter in the arrivals hall, before the immigration gates.
Present your documents
Show your passport, printed authorization code, passport photo, and visa fee in EUR or USD cash.
Receive your visa sticker
The officer verifies your eVisa status and places the visa sticker in your passport on the spot.
What Does the Iran Visa Look Like? (Sticker vs PDF)
The physical sticker in your passport is the entry permit. The PDF e-Visa printed on A4 paper is proof of approval to collect, not the Iran visa itself. An Iranian stamp or sticker may affect future US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) eligibility.
Travel Insurance Requirements at Visa Collection
Iran requires valid travel insurance. An insurance desk at IKA offers local policies at 10 to 20 EUR for a 30-day stay. Bring printed international insurance covering Iran in English to avoid purchasing duplicate coverage.
What If Your Visa Is Questioned at the Border?
Present all printed documents and request the shift supervisor. Contact MFA eVisa support: France (+33) 140 697 960, Oman (+968) 24 696 944, UAE (+9714) 34 449 76. If travelling with a tour operator, contact them to liaise with MFA on your behalf. Do not leave the airport without resolution.
Collecting Your Iran Visa at the Embassy or Consulate
For those asking where do I collect my Iran visa in person, Iranian embassies and consulates process Iran visa collections within 1 to 10 working days after verifying your authorization code. The London embassy requires first-time British applicants to provide biometric data in person; this data is stored for 1 year. The Iranian Embassy in London is located at 16 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1PT (external reference: en.london.mfa.ir).
Repeat London applicants can use CIBTvisas mail-in (0844 800 4650, 09:00 to 17:00) or IranianVisa.com for postal collection. Include a CIBTvisas Order Form if using the CIBTvisas mail-in service.
For UK applicants already in Iran, the Tehran VFS Global Centre is at 4th Floor, Heravi Centre, Mosavi Street (Golestan 5), Heravi Square, Tehran. Open Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 to 13:00. Key 2026 closures: 01-Jan (New Year), 11-Feb (Islamic Revolution), 22 to 24-Mar (Nowruz), 01 to 02-Apr (Republic Day/Nature Day), 25-Jun (Ashoura), 04-Aug (Arbaeen), 13-Aug (Imam Reza), 30-Aug (Prophet’s Birth). Optional services are paid in cash EUR.
Visa Fees and How to Pay
The Iran visa collection process involves two charges. A service fee of 29 EUR is paid online in advance (e.g., via 1stQuest). The consular fee is paid in cash at the embassy or airport counter. For example, Indian citizens pay 50 EUR at the airport or 60 EUR at an embassy.
Accepted currencies are EUR and USD. Notes must be clean, uncreased, and ideally post-2006 series; damaged or heavily soiled notes may be refused. No credit or debit cards function at counters due to international sanctions. Bring the exact amount, as counters may not provide change.
Collecting Your Iran Visa at a Land Border Crossing
Active land borders for Iran visa collection include Bazargan (Turkey), Norduz (Armenia), Astara (Azerbaijan), and Mehran (Iraq). The same MFA authorization code is required to collect your Iran visa at these crossings. Expect limited hours (Bazargan 08:00 to 17:00) and fewer staff, leading to unpredictable queues.
Present your printed authorization code, passport, photographs, and visa fee in EUR or USD cash. There are no ATMs accepting foreign cards at border posts. Carry a printed accommodation confirmation for your first night, as officers may request it. If entering from Turkey, the border town on the Turkish side is Dogubayazit.
Documents You Need to Collect Your Iran Visa
The Iran visa collection process requires the following documents at your chosen collection point. Missing any item may result in delays or refusal to issue the visa sticker.
- Valid passport – minimum 6 months validity beyond travel date; at least 1 blank visa page; free of Israeli entry or exit stamps.
- Printed eVisa authorization code – PDF on A4 paper; keep a backup digital copy. Digital copies on screen alone may not be accepted.
- Two passport-size photographs – 35mm x 45mm; white or plain light background; full frontal view; neutral expression; no spectacles; headwear for religious purposes only; taken within last 3 months; on high-quality photo paper; not affixed to anything.
- Visa fee in cash – EUR or USD only; clean, uncreased notes; exact amount recommended.
- Printed travel insurance confirmation – must cover Iran; English-language document preferred.
- Printed return or onward flight ticket – recommended; officers may request proof of onward travel.
- Printed hotel reservation or accommodation proof – carry confirmation for at least the first night.
- CIBTvisas Order Form – required if using CIBTvisas mail-in service for London embassy submission.
How Long Is Your Visa Valid After Collection?
The authorization code (visa grant notice) is valid for 1 month from issue. The physical tourist visa sticker is valid for entry within 3 months from the date of issue. Duration of stay: up to 30 days for Visa on Arrival, up to 90 days for a pre-approved tourist visa via embassy. The Iran visa can be extended at any major city via the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs.
Special Rules for British, American & Canadian Passport Holders
British, American, and Canadian passport holders must travel with an organized guided tour and be accompanied by an authorized tour guide for their entire stay in Iran, even if travelling solo, to collect and use an Iran visa. UK citizens represent 19.7% of total Iran visa applications, with an approximate 90% to 96% approval rate based on commercial agency data. First-time applicants at the Iranian Embassy in London must provide biometric data in person, stored for 1 year.
For authoritative guidance, UK travellers should consult the FCDO travel advice for Iran at gov.uk as an external source. Visa-on-arrival rules may change without notice; check the latest updates at evisatraveller.mfa.ir before your trip.
Do You Need a Visa? (Visa-Free Entry Rules)
A total of 27 countries are eligible for 15-day visa-free entry to Iran with an ordinary passport. This exemption is non-extendable, permits tourism only, and can be used once every 6 months. UK, US, and Canadian citizens are NOT eligible and must complete the standard eVisa application to receive their Iran visa.
How to Track Your Iran eVisa Application Status
Track your Iran eVisa status at evisatraveller.mfa.ir/en/request/status/. Enter your application reference number (e.g., ABCDEFGHIJKLM123Q4), passport number, or email address, plus the mandatory security code. MFA processing takes 3 to 7 business days; apply 3 to 4 weeks before departure. If status shows “pending” after 10+ business days, contact eVisa support: France (+33) 140 697 960, Oman (+968) 24 696 944, UAE (+9714) 34 449 76 before you collect your Iran visa.
Visa Collection FAQ
Where exactly is the visa desk at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport?
Terminal 1, arrivals hall, before immigration gates. Follow “Visa” or “VOA” signs. Open 24 hours to match flight arrivals.
Can I collect my Iran visa at the airport without a prior eVisa application?
No. Since 2017, all Visa on Arrival applicants must apply via evisa.mfa.ir at least 2 days before travel. Walk-up arrivals without pre-approval are not accepted.
How much does it cost to collect my Iran visa at the airport?
Visa fee varies by nationality (e.g., 50 EUR for Indian citizens). A separate agency service fee (e.g., 29 EUR via 1stQuest) is paid online before arrival. Bring exact cash.
What payment methods are accepted at Iran visa counters?
Cash only: EUR or USD. Notes must be clean and uncreased. No credit or debit cards accepted due to international sanctions. Bring exact amount.
How long does the airport visa collection process take?
Typically 15 to 60 minutes depending on flight volume and queue length. Early-morning arrivals at Tehran IKA tend to have shorter queues.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Iran?
Yes. Local policies cost 10 to 20 EUR for 30 days at IKA, or bring printed international insurance covering Iran in English.
Can I collect my Iran visa at any Iranian airport?
Yes, at all designated Iranian international airports including Tehran IKA, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad. Smaller regional airports may not offer visa collection.
What happens if my eVisa authorization code expires before I collect?
You cannot collect a visa with an expired code. The authorization letter is valid for 1 month from issue. If it expires, submit a new eVisa application.
Do British passport holders need a guide to collect their Iran visa?
British citizens do not need a guide for the collection step. However, they must travel with an organised, authorised tour and be accompanied by an authorised guide for their entire stay in Iran.
Is the Iran visa sticker in my passport a problem for future US/ESTA travel?
An Iranian stamp or sticker may affect your eligibility for the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Consider this before collecting your visa, as there is no option to avoid the physical sticker.
