Iran Visa for Indians 2026: Fees, Process & Types

An Iran visa is an official travel authorization issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) that permits Indian citizens to enter and remain in Iran for a specific purpose and duration. Iran issues visas in two formats — a sticker visa affixed to the passport at embassies, and an electronic visa issued as a printed document for airport collection. Since November 2025, the Visa Grant Notice (authorization code) system applies to all Indian applicants, meaning you must obtain pre-approval before traveling.

The Iranian e-visa portal at evisa.mfa.ir is the primary application channel for most visa categories. Applicants submit their documents online, receive an authorization code via email, and then collect the actual visa either at an Iranian embassy in India or at the port of entry in Iran. The authorization code is valid for two months from the date of issuance.

Important 2026 Advisory: Processing times have increased due to heightened security screening following the November 2025 policy change. The Iranian MFA now conducts additional verification for Indian applicants, which can extend processing by 2-5 working days beyond standard timelines. Apply at least four weeks before your intended travel date.

Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Iran for any purpose, including tourism, business, transit, study, and work. This became mandatory on November 22, 2025, when the Iranian government officially suspended the visa-free entry facility that had been available since February 2024.

What is Available and Not Available

Iran offers multiple visa categories for Indian citizens depending on the purpose of travel. Each category has specific document requirements, processing procedures, and fee structures established by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tourist vs Business visa at a glance

Tourist visa = leisure, sightseeing, visiting family (requires authorization code + embassy/airport collection). Business visa = meetings, conferences, trade (same process, but requires invitation letter from Iranian company). Both allow up to 30 days stay. The key difference: tourist visa does not permit any business activity, and business visa holders must carry original invitation letters — digital copies are not always accepted at immigration.

Tourist Visa (Most Common)

Best for: Indians traveling to Iran for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. Single entry, valid up to 30 days per visit. Requires hotel booking confirmation, round-trip flight tickets, bank statements for the last 3-6 months, and travel insurance. Extendable through the Iranian Department of Immigration for a total stay of up to 90 days per year.

Business Visa

Best for: Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, or trade events. Does not permit paid employment. Requires a formal invitation letter from an Iranian company (on official letterhead with stamp), company registration documents, and proof of business relationship. Processing follows a similar timeline to tourist visas but may take longer due to additional verification.

Transit Visa

Best for: Indians transiting through Iran to a third country. Valid for 7-14 days. Requires a valid visa for the destination country, confirmed onward flight tickets, and proof of accommodation for the transit period. Available at major international airports and land border crossings.

Student Visa

Best for: Indians enrolled in full-time programs at Iranian educational institutions. Requires an admission letter from a recognized Iranian institution, proof of financial support, and academic transcripts. Students must maintain valid enrollment throughout their stay and register with the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

Work Visa

Best for: Indians with pre-approved employment in Iran. Requires a work contract with an Iranian employer, approval from the Iranian Ministry of Labour, and a medical fitness certificate. The employer must initiate the process with Iranian authorities before the applicant applies at the consulate. Processing takes 4-6 weeks due to inter-ministerial approvals.

Medical Visa

Best for: Indians seeking medical treatment at Iranian hospitals or medical centers. Requires a confirmation letter from an Iranian medical institution, proof of financial capacity to pay for treatment, and medical records from India. Iran is known for affordable medical procedures, particularly in ophthalmology, dental, and cosmetic surgery.

To be eligible for an Iran visa, Indian applicants must meet the following criteria:

·        Valid Indian passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of travel

·        At least 2 blank visa pages in the passport

·        Clear purpose of travel (tourism, business, study, work, or transit)

·        Proof of sufficient financial means to support the entire stay

·        Confirmed return ticket or onward travel arrangements

·        Valid travel insurance covering the entire stay in Iran

·        No criminal record or security concerns

·        Genuine intention to return to India after the visit

Strong ties to India — stable employment, a running business, property, or close family dependents — significantly improve your chances, because they reassure the authorities that you have compelling reasons to come home. Applicants with previous international travel history generally find the process smoother.

Your documents are the foundation of your application — the Iranian authorities judge your case based entirely on the paperwork you submit. Missing, expired, or inconsistent documents are the most common cause of delays and refusals, so assemble everything carefully and cross-check each item before submission.

General Documents (All Visa Types)

1.      Original Indian passport with minimum 6 months validity and at least 2 blank visa pages

2.      Completed visa application form from the Iranian e-visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir)

3.      Two recent passport-size photographs meeting specifications below

4.      Visa Grant Notice (authorization code) — obtained through e-visa portal or travel agency

5.      Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit dates

6.      Confirmed hotel reservation or invitation letter from host in Iran

7.      Bank statements for the last 3-6 months (original with bank seal)

8.      Valid travel insurance covering entire stay duration with minimum €10,000 medical coverage

9.      Cover letter explaining purpose of travel and itinerary

Passport-Size Photograph Specifications

Category-Specific Documents

Tourist Visa:

·        Day-wise travel itinerary

·        Leave approval letter from employer (if employed)

·        Medical test certificates for HIV and Hepatitis (may be required)

Business Visa:

·        Original invitation letter from Iranian company (on official letterhead with stamp)

·        Company registration documents of Iranian host company

·        Company registration documents of Indian employer

·        Business card showing designation and company

Work Visa:

·        Employment contract signed by Iranian employer

·        Approval from Iranian Ministry of Labour

·        Medical fitness certificate from recognized hospital

Student Visa:

·        Admission letter from Iranian educational institution

·        Academic transcripts and certificates

·        Proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses

Official Visa Fees

Additional Charges

Payment Notes

·        Embassy and airport fees must be paid in cash — Euros or US Dollars preferred

·        International bank cards do not work in Iran due to US sanctions

·        E-visa service fee is payable online via credit or debit card on the portal

·        Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome — read our visa rejection guide to avoid common mistakes

·        Carry sufficient cash for your entire stay — ATMs in Iran do not accept foreign cards

Iran's banking system is isolated from international networks due to US sanctions. Indian bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, do not function in Iran. This affects both your application process and your stay.

For your visa application, you need bank statements showing sufficient funds — but you will pay visa fees in cash (Euros or USD). During your stay, you must carry all expenses in cash. Exchange money at official exchange offices (sarafi) in Iran for the best rates. Budget approximately €50-100 per day depending on your travel style.

Most Indian banks can provide forex services for Euros and USD. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank offer competitive exchange rates for Iran-bound travelers. SBI branches can also facilitate foreign exchange, though rates may vary. Carry currency in clean, undamaged notes — Iran exchange offices reject torn or marked bills.

Method 1: E-Visa Application (Recommended)

Step 1: Obtain Authorization Code

Visit the official Iranian e-visa portal at evisa.mfa.ir. Create an account with a valid email address. Fill the online application form with accurate details matching your passport. Upload required documents (passport copy, photo, itinerary). Pay the e-visa service fee of €25-€30 online. Receive verification code via email. Enter verification code to complete submission. Processing time: 3-10 calendar days. You will receive the Visa Grant Notice (authorization code) via email. Print this document — it is mandatory for visa collection.

Step 2: Collect Visa

Choose your collection method:

Embassy (Recommended): Visit the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai with your printed Grant Notice, passport, photographs, and documents. Pay the visa fee of €60 in cash. Processing takes 7-14 working days at the embassy. Collection hours are typically 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday to Friday. For detailed step-by-step tourist visa instructions, see our Iran tourist visa guide.

Airport (VOA): Carry your printed Grant Notice, passport, photographs, and €90 in cash to the Visa on Arrival counter at any Iranian international airport. The process takes 1-3 hours. This option is available but not recommended for Indian travelers due to higher fees and potential delays. For business travelers, refer to our Iran business visa guide for complete requirements.

Step 3: Verify Visa Details

Upon collection, check your visa document carefully — confirm your name, passport number, validity dates, and duration of stay. Iran no longer stamps passports; you receive a printed electronic visa document that you must keep until exit from Iran.

Method 2: Through Licensed Travel Agency

Several licensed Iranian travel agencies can handle the entire authorization code process on your behalf. This is useful if you are unfamiliar with the e-visa portal or prefer professional assistance. The agency charges an additional service fee of ₹3,000-₹8,000 on top of government fees. They will submit your application, track the authorization code, and coordinate with the Iranian MFA.

Important Process Notes

·        Walk-in applications are NOT accepted at the embassy without prior authorization code

·        Authorization code is valid for 2 months — collect your visa within this period

·        Carry all original documents plus one set of photocopies

·        Missing documents will result in application rejection

·        Iran immigration officers may ask for return ticket at port of entry — always carry it

Recommendation: Apply at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date due to increased security screening and processing times.

Iran does not currently require biometric data collection (fingerprints or digital photographs) for Indian visa applicants as of 2026. Only printed passport-size photographs and the signed application form are needed. Biometric requirements may change without notice — check the embassy website or e-visa portal before applying.

A central part of any Iran visa assessment is proving that you can comfortably fund your trip without working illegally or becoming a burden on the host country. For Iran, this means demonstrating access to sufficient money for the entire duration of your stay, supported by credible and verifiable financial documents.

There is no single official figure that guarantees approval, but consulates apply rough daily-funds guidelines and look closely at the stability of your finances over time. A steady, well-maintained balance across six months of statements is far more convincing than a large sum deposited just before you apply.

If someone else is funding your trip — a family member or employer, for instance — you will need to document the sponsorship clearly, including the sponsor's own financial proofs and a notarized affidavit of support. Make sure the relationship and the reason for sponsorship are explained in your cover letter.

Financial Documents (Most Critical)

10.   Submit original bank statements with bank seal — online printouts without seal are not accepted

11.   Maintain a consistent balance of ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 for at least 3-6 months before applying

12.   Avoid sudden large deposits just before application — this raises red flags

13.   Regular salary credits are far more convincing than lump sum deposits

14.   Include ITR for the last 2 years if available — it strengthens your financial profile

Common Rejection Reasons and Solutions

Form Tips and Document Preparation

·        Photographs must be 35mm × 45mm, white background, no glasses, and not older than 3 months

·        Ensure all documents are in English or officially translated to English/Farsi

·        Apply at least 4 weeks before travel to account for potential delays

·        Carry printed copies of all submitted documents when traveling

·        Iran immigration may request proof of accommodation at the port of entry

·        Your cover letter should clearly state your purpose, itinerary, and return plans

·        Iranian e-visa Portal: https://evisa.mfa.ir

·        Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.gov.ir

·        Embassy of Iran in New Delhi: https://iran-embassy.org.in

·        Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai: https://mumbai.mfa.ir

·        Iran Visa on Arrival Information: https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/visa-arrival/

Indian passport holders need a valid visa for Iran — apply through the e-visa portal at evisa.mfa.ir and obtain the authorization code before collecting your visa at the embassy or airport. The embassy fee is €60 and processing takes 2-4 weeks. Prepare documents carefully, carry cash in Euros, and apply at least four weeks before travel.

For expert assistance with your Iran visa application, contact BTWVisas at Pune: +91 020 49027000, Dadar: +91 022 45830600, Thane: +91 022 69814000, or email inquiry@btwvisas.com.