Embassy
Iran visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens need a visa for Iran, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
IRN
Iran
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting Iran on holiday.
- Visa
- Required
- Fee
- Fees depend on nationality and office
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Check your passport stamps
Visa or entry may be refused if the passport contains an Israeli stamp or other countries' border crossing points with Israel (see Israeli stamps). 30 days e-Visa also available.
Special rules for American citizens in Iran
- Iranian visas must be obtained from the Iranian Interests section of the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C. or an Iranian embassy in a third country.
- Independent travelers must be accompanied by an authorized guide at all times.
- Admission refused if passport contains stamps or visas issued by Israel.
- The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention.
What to do
Find Iran's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Iran visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Iran
Check visa-free rules first, then apply if you need a visa.
eVisaOnline visa applicationStart a visa application online, then complete the steps your visa office requests.
- Processing
- 10 days
How to apply
- Prepare your passport, digital photo and supporting papers.
- Fill in the form using English letters; check and submit.
- Verify your email within 3 days.
- Print the submission notice and keep its tracking code.
- Check your status and complete any further steps.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months beyond travel
- Digital photo
- Digital passport identity page
- Trip plan, if already arranged
- Study and work history, if asked
- Papers for your visa type
- Processing counts business days; interviews may add time. Your submission notice is no visa.
- Verify email within 3 days or your application expires; some applicants must apply in person.
Visa on arrivalAirport visa collectionCollect your approved visa at an Iranian international airport if you qualify.
- Fee
- Amount not published
How to apply
- Check that you can collect your visa at the airport.
- Apply online at least 2 days before travel.
- Wait for approval and print the grant notice.
- Show the notice at the airport visa counter.
- Pay in euros through an airport bank terminal.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months at departure
- Printed visa approval notice
- Applying 2 days ahead does not guarantee approval in 2 days.
- The page gives no full list of countries that qualify.
Visa requiredTourist visaA visa for people visiting Iran on holiday.
- Fee
- Fees depend on nationality and office
- Processing
- 10 days
How to apply
- Choose Tourist on the official visa website.
- Upload your photo and passport page; fill in the form.
- Verify your email and print the submission notice.
- Follow your chosen visa office's instructions.
- Attend an interview if asked.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months beyond travel
- Digital photo
- Digital passport identity page
- Completed visa form
- Printed submission notice
- Tourist fees: US passports 75 USD; Canadian 63 USD; UK 225 USD.
- Add insurance: 13 USD per application.
- Add processing and postage: 40 USD per package.
- Standard processing averages 10 business days after documents arrive; urgent averages 2 business days.
- The processing time counts business days.
- Official visa-free lists differ; Bolivia's place on one list is not confirmed.
Sources (10)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Official visa portal and visa-waiver lists
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Online visa application
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Directory of visa categories
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — How to complete the application
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa on Arrival
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Businesses page with a conflicting waiver list
- Iranian Interests Section in Washington — Visa procedures
- Iranian Interests Section in Washington — Form 101 visa instructions, revised October 2025
- Iranian Embassy in New Delhi — Visa application and economic-zone entry
- Iranian Embassy in New Delhi — Visa fees and insurance notice
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Consulate
Consulate of Iran, San Francisco
San Francisco
3400 Washington Street, San Francisco, California 94118
Coming from United States
- Plugs C FAdapter needed
- MoneyIRR ﷼
- Time+15h 30m
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguagePersian
- Emergency110 police115 ambulance
Planning your Iran trip
Best time to go: Spring and autumn are relatively mild in the northwest. Southern summers are very hot, while northwestern winters bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
- MeymandThis ancient village near Shahr-e-Babak in Kerman province has hundreds of homes cut by hand into rock. People still live there.
- Stone engravings around MeymandThe source describes engravings around the village as 10,000 years old.
- The Persian CaravanseraiThis World Heritage Site brings together dozens of historic inns across Iran.
- Iran's tiled mosquesThe source highlights their beauty as one of the country's main attractions.
Scams to watch for in Iran
- Inflated taxi faresDrivers in Isfahan may start by asking for at least twice the usual fare. In Mashhad, taxis inside the bus terminal cost more than those outside. A high opening price can catch visitors who do not know the usual fare.
- Airport shuttle overcharging and luggage extrasShuttle drivers may inflate the fare or demand extra money for luggage even when there is space. Bags that occupy another passenger seat can also lead to an extra charge.
- Pickpocketing in crowdsA thief takes money or belongings from a pocket or bag while you are in a crowd. Busy transport and places of worship need particular care.
About Iran
Iran is an Islamic republic in Western Asia, between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf.
- Capital
- Tehran
- Money
- Iranian rial (﷼)
- Languages
- Persian
- Time zone
- UTC+03:30
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +98
Other Americas passports
Going to Iran
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Iran with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Is entry to Iran restricted for American citizens?
Iranian visas must be obtained from the Iranian Interests section of the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C. or an Iranian embassy in a third country. Independent travelers must be accompanied by an authorized guide at all times.
Do american citizens need a visa for Iran?
American citizens need a visa for Iran, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a Iran visa?
At Iran's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help american citizens enter Iran?
We have no record of Iran relaxing its rules for american citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Can I enter Iran with Israeli stamps in my passport?
Visa or entry may be refused if the passport contains an Israeli stamp or other countries' border crossing points with Israel (see Israeli stamps). 30 days e-Visa also available.
Do iranian citizens need a visa for the United States?
the United States is not letting in iranian citizens at the moment.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to Iran?
Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Peru Venezuela, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Iran are easier for american citizens?
Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka Armenia, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Iran?
Find Iran's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in Iran?
Iranian rial (﷼). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Iran?
Persian.
Reviewed by @snuck