How to Travel to Iran Visa-Free

Iran is a country of immense beauty, charm, and ancient-world mystery. Travel to Iran is increasing steadily and more people are choosing to visit the country.

Iran's long history, its unique culture and its wide range of climates make traveling to the country an unforgettable experience. From Caspian Sea in the north to Persian Gulf in the south, Iran is filled with numerous tourist attractions–mostly untouched. The country also hosts 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Like any other country, Iran has its own set of requirements regarding foreign travelers. If you are planning to visit Iran you need to consider a few points.

Getting an Iran visa is the first step of your plan. However, you have a chance to visit Iran without getting a visa. If you prefer to pass the visa issuance process, you can plan a trip to Iran's visa-free destinations.

Which countries can go to Iran without a visa?

Currently, nationals from Bolivia, Venezuela, Serbia, Malaysia, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt are eligible to enter Iran without visa. Regulations might change through the time. Iran might add more to the list of Iran visa-free nationals in the future.

Travelers from the visa-free nations can visit Iran for the following number of days:

• Armenia (90 Days),
• Azerbaijan (30 Days),
• Bolivia (30 Days),
• Egypt (20 Days),
• Georgia (45 Days),
• Lebanon (30 Days),
• Malaysia (15 Days),
• Serbia (30 Days),
• Turkey (90 Days), and
• Venezuela (15 Days).

Travelers from a visa-free country only need valid passport from their country of origin. Be aware that the passport must not have a stamp from Israel or exit stamps at Egyptian or Jordanian border crossings into or out of Israel, otherwise they will not be allowed to enter the country.

Iran Visa on Arrival

Iran allows nationals of more than 50 countries to gain a 30-day visa on arrival at any of these airports: Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and airports located in cities of Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Ahvaz, Kish, Qeshm, Kerman, Urmia, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr. Costs vary depending on the country the traveler comes from.

Countries that can apply for an Iran visa on arrival include:

Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea. Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

However, citizens of some countries must obtain a visa in advance.

Getting an Iran visa from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Somalia, USA, and UK is only possible through embassies and consulates.

Travelers from countries that are not eligible to gain a visa at the airport will need to obtain it from an Iranian embassy ahead of time. Prices vary for travelers depending on their nationality.

You can secure your visa and get your authorization code within two working days with 1stQuest.

Free Zones in Iran

Iran has seven free zones. Visitors can enter Iranian FTZs but are prohibited from moving to other areas of the country.

Visitors to the free zones do not need an Iran visa or Iran e-visa. Travelers can enter the free trade zones and stay up to two weeks. Stays can be extended for longer. The seven free zones are Kish Island, Qeshm Island, Anzali Port, Arvand Free Zone, Aras Free Zone, Chabahar Free Trade Zone, and Maku.

The process for gaining an Iran visa is different for each nationality. It is advised that people from the USA, Canada, and UK consider a minimum of six weeks for their visa to be processed.

American, British, and Canadian nationals can enter Iran only if they are accompanied by an authorized tour guide. This, however, does not mean that your tour guide will watchdog you during the trip. You will have your free time to find things on your own and negotiate every aspect of your travel to customize your visit.

Hiring an authorized tour guide is easy and cheap through 1stQuest. Our tour guide service fee starts from 45 EUR per day.

Travelers from VOA eligible nations can obtain their visa once they land in the country. Visitors must simply pay for the Iran visa fee at the airport.

The cost of visas differs depending on the country a traveler comes from and they are allowed to stay for 15 to 90 days depending on their nationality.

For VOA travelers, they will need to provide:

• Onwards transport information such as confirmed roundtrip flight documents,
• Confirmed itinerary, or the first few nights booked at a licensed hotel, and

• Medical/travel insurance for Iran documents.

In addition, travelers should have passport photos with them for their visa and proof of finances for their trip.

In November 2018, the foreign ministry began offering Iran e-visa to foreigners. The e-visa eases your trip. Iran e-visa applications are expected to be processed quicker.

Iran e-visa application forms should be submitted at least 48-hours before the trip.

Iran Travel Insurance

Travelers to Iran are also required to have valid travel insurance. Travelers without travel insurance or the proper documentation for it will be denied entry into the country.

You need a travel insurance policy if you are planning to get a visa on arrival or go the traditional route of securing a visa at an Iranian embassy in your homeland. But if you are from one of the visa-free countries, you do not need to get insurance to enter Iran

Secure your trip and be ready for the unexpected with 1stQuest travel insurance.

The cost of travel insurance depends on the traveler and the country they come from.