Do I Need a Visa to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

Yes, U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Iran. All visitors to Iran must obtain a visa prior to arrival in the country. Visas must be obtained from an Iranian embassy or consulate.

What Types of Visas Can I Get for Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

As a U.S. citizen, you can get a tourist visa, business visa or student visa. You must apply for your visa through an Iranian embassy or consulate in the U.S. or an approved travel agency in your home country. You may need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds for your trip and a valid passport. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days and can be extended once, while business visas are typically valid for 3 months and can be extended up to one year. Student visas are normally valid for 6-12 months and can be extended as needed.

Do I Need an Visa Interview to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

Yes, U.S. citizens will need to arrange a visa interview to obtain a visa to visit Iran. The interview can be requested through the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C. or through a few designated Iranian visa agencies throughout the United States.

What are the Required Documents to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration
2. Valid Iranian visa
3. Evidence of sufficient funds to last the duration of the trip
4. Proof of onward/return travel
5. Evidence of hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a sponsor in Iran
6. Evidence of medical insurance valid in Iran
7. An HIV/AIDS test result less than 3 months old (required for stays longer than 15 days)

What are the Steps to Apply for a Visa to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

1. Check if you are eligible to travel to Iran. U.S. citizens may be subject to additional scrutiny and may not be granted entry into Iran.

2. Obtain a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and two blank pages for stamps.

3. Complete the Iran visa application form, including two passport-size photos, and submit it online or in person to the Iranian Interests Section at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., or the Consulate of Turkey in Los Angeles.

4. Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa requested and the length of stay.

5. Wait for a response from Iranian authorities, which can take up to 10 business days. If approved, you will receive an authorization number, which must be presented to receive your visa upon arrival in Iran.

6. Arrange for an approved tour company or sponsor in Iran before entering the country, since independent travel is not allowed for U.S. citizens.

7. Obtain a visa upon arrival at one of the international airports in Iran, if approved by Iranian authorities.

Are There Special Instructions to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

Yes, there are special instructions for U.S. citizens who wish to visit Iran. All U.S. citizens must apply for and obtain a visa before traveling to Iran. The visa must be obtained from the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, or from the Iranian Consulate in one of the other U.S. cities where it is located: Los Angeles, Houston, or New York City. Additionally, all U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport that has at least 6 months remaining before expiration and two blank visa pages. It is also recommended that U.S. citizens register their travel with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program prior to their departure, and should remain aware of their surroundings at all times while in Iran.

What is the Visa Fee to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

The visa fee for a U.S. citizen to visit Iran is $160.

What is the Processing Time to Get a Visa to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

The processing time for U.S. citizens to get a visa to visit Iran can vary depending on the purpose of your trip and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, it takes about 10-15 business days for a visa application to be processed. However, if you are applying for a tourist visa, it may take longer due to additional security checks.

What to Do in Case of a Visa Denial to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

If your visa application to visit Iran as a U.S. citizen is denied, the best course of action is to contact the Iranian embassy or consulate where you submitted your application to inquire about the reasons for the denial and ensure that all necessary documents were included in your application. You may also wish to consider contacting a lawyer or other expert in Iranian visa applications for help. If you are still unable to obtain a visa after exhausting all options, it is typically not possible for U.S. citizens to visit Iran as a tourist.

What are the Frequently Asked Visa Questions and Answers to Visit Iran as a U.S. Citizen?

Q. Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Iran?

A. Yes, all U.S. citizens must obtain a tourist visa prior to traveling to Iran and they must apply for the visa through a local travel agency or Iranian embassy or consulate. It is not possible to obtain a visa upon arrival in Iran.

Q. How long is the visa valid for?

A. Generally, U.S. citizens are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa, which may be extended for an additional 30 days upon request at the discretion of the Iranian government.

Q. Is it possible to extend my visa while in Iran?

A. Yes, you can request an extension of your visa at any local police station during your stay in Iran. However, it is important to note that the extension is at the discretion of the Iranian government and there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted.

Q. What documents are required for a tourist visa application for U.S. citizens?

A. Typically, you will need to provide several documents when applying for a tourist visa as a U.S. citizen, including a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, two recent passport-sized photographs, and proof of health insurance that covers your stay in Iran. You may also need to show proof of onward travel arrangements and provide additional documents depending on your individual circumstances.