Iran Visa for Indians

On February 6, 2024, Iran announced a new visa policy that allows Indian citizens with ordinary passports to visit Iran for up to 15 days visa-free. This visa-free travel program for Indian tourists offers a convenient way to explore the country, but it comes with four specific conditions:**

• Indian tourists are allowed a maximum stay of 15 days. There is no option to extend this visa-free visit.

• This visa-free entry is valid only once every six months. So, if you visit Iran today, you will need to wait at least six months before vacationing there again visa-free.

• This perk is only applicable to tourists. If your trip involves business activities, like conferences or meetings, you will need to secure a visa through the usual channels.

• This visa-free entry applies only to those arriving by aeroplane. If you are planning to enter Iran by land or sea, you will still need to obtain a visa beforehand.

• Now, if your stay is planned for more than 15 days, you will have to meet certain requirements to apply for an Iranian visa from India.

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months during your intended stay in Iran.

Sufficient Funds: You may need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iran.

Onward Travel Ticket: Demonstration of an onward or return ticket may be required. So, keep your travel documents handy.

Purpose of Visit: Be prepared to explain the purpose of your trip to Iran. This could involve business documents, conference invitations, or a detailed travel itinerary for tourism.

Accommodation: Proof of pre-booked accommodation for your stay may be requested.

Health Insurance: Although it is not mandated by law, having robust health insurance coverage could be helpful in a country you are unfamiliar with.

Yes, Indians in Iran have the option of a visa-on-arrival.

For tourist visits, Indian citizens can now take advantage of a new visa-free program. This eliminates the need for a pre-arranged visa application if you meet the program's conditions (discussed previously).

While the visa-free program is the simpler option, obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for those who do not qualify or prefer this method is still possible. The visas for Indians travelling to Iran are available upon arrival for tourism and temporary visits.

However, for other types of visits, a visa must be obtained before travelling. Regardless of the purpose, an online visa application is still required.

No, Iran is not currently part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area encompasses a group of European countries that have eliminated border controls amongst themselves.

So, as an Indian traveller to Iran, you will not have to acquire a Schengen visa before embarking on your Iranian vacation.

Entry Visas:

This visa type is for foreign citizens who possess an invitation letter from ministries, governmental organisations, and private or public sectors. It is intended for negotiations, contract signings, machinery setups, and similar purposes.

This category includes educational and cultural faculty members, researchers, common carriers, officials, political and economic members, art and sports teams, international organisations, specialists, United Nations employees and affiliates, and relatives of foreign citizens residing in Iran.

Applicants need a valid invitation and must submit a visa application. An interview at the consulate may be required.

Tourist Visa (visa-free):

An Iran tourist visa for Indian citizens is for foreign citizens planning to visit Iran for tourism purposes. Tourists must apply for this visa type if the stay is for more than 15 days. If it is less than 15 days, then Indians will not require a visa. Also, an interview at the consulate may be necessary.

Diplomatic Visa:

This category encompasses temporary employees of diplomatic and consular offices, international organisation offices in Iran, and temporary guests of diplomats or official employees residing in Iran.

It also includes diplomatic or official passport holders attending conferences, apprenticeships, cultural and educational programs, or travelling for tourist or pilgrimage purposes. Applicants must hold an official or diplomatic passport and submit a visa application.

Pilgrimage Visa:

This visa is for foreign Muslims intending to pilgrimage to holy places in Iran. Muslim tourists must apply for this visa type, and an interview at the consulate may be required.

Education Visa:

This visa is for foreign students or religious scholars planning to study in Iran. School students, researchers, or students must provide a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status from the science ministry, education ministry, or an accredited academic institution. A visa application is required.

Temporary Work Visa:

This visa is intended for foreign citizens intending to work in Iran, including skilled workers, specialists in medical or industrial fields, and engineers. Applicants need to obtain a labour certificate from a sponsor employer in Iran approved by the labour ministry and submit a visa application.

Transit Visa:

This visa allows foreign citizens to pass through Iran with no intention of staying. It's suitable for drivers, tourists, and merchants. Applicants must declare their visa destination and submit a visa application.

Media Visa:

This visa is meant for foreign media members, including reporters, producers, and cameramen, travelling to Iran for professional purposes. Applicants must submit a visa application and obtain a Media & Public Diplomacy Centre permit.

Investment Visa:

This visa is for foreign investors with an approved investment permit from the Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran. Merchants and investors must submit an approval letter along with a visa application.

Marital Visa:

This visa is designed for foreign men married to Iranian women and their offspring. If the marriage hasn't been registered within the Iranian legal system yet, applicants may apply for an Entry Visa (Relatives).

Medical Visa:

For foreign citizens seeking medical treatment in Iran, provided they have received an approval letter from one of the authorised medical centres. Patients with physical illnesses must submit a visa application.

Below is the comprehensive list of all the required documents for visa submission for your Iran trip from India:

• Completed and signed visa application form.

• An Original Passport with a validity of at least six months and a minimum of three blank pages, including all old passports, if applicable.

• Two scanned recent colour photographs.

• Personal covering letter explaining the purpose of travel.

• Original bank statement, updated and stamped with the bank seal.

• Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of stay.

• Proof of return flight tickets.

• Day-wise itinerary detailing all aspects of the trip.

• Approval for the visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran (Visa Grant Notice).

In order to successfully acquire an Iranian e-visa from India, you need to fulfil certain criteria:

• Ensure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months from your departure date.

• All details on your application form must match those in your passport.

• The Iran e-visa permits a stay of up to 90 days in the country.

• Choose between a single or dual entry option for your Iran e-visa.

• Visa fees are non-refundable, even in the event of rejection.

• While the Iran visa can be extended, the total stay cannot exceed 90 days.

• You must present a printed copy of your e-visa upon entry into Iran.

• The cost of an Iran visa for Indian nationals is ₹6300 for a single entry and ₹9000 for a dual entry visa.

You can apply for an Iranian e-visa through the government website. Here is a **Step-by-Step application process:

Step 1: Visit the official Iran government's e-visa portal.

Step 2: Start the application process by clicking on "Apply Now." Review the "Important Notice" and proceed by clicking "Start a Visa Application."

Step 3: Complete the eligibility page by selecting your visa type, nationality, passport type and passport issuance location. Save your entries and proceed.

Step 4: Input your personal information, including name, surname, place of birth, etc. Upload your photo as instructed.

Step 5: Provide your phone number, email, and residential address.

Step 6: Input your passport details, including type, number, and expiration date. Upload a copy of your passport adhering to specified dimensions and size limitations.

Step 7: Submit your travel particulars, such as entry and departure dates and the number of entries required.

Step 8: Review all provided information and ensure accuracy. Click "Save and Proceed" to submit your application.

Step 9: Upon submission, you will receive an email confirmation. Verify your email and print the provided form containing your application number.

The processing time for Iran visas in India can vary depending on the type of visa applied for and the current workload at the Iranian embassy/consulate.

If you need a visa beforehand (e.g., for a business trip or longer stay), processing times can typically range from 5-10 working days, depending on the source.

So, it is better to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date, especially if you require a visa beforehand (outside the visa-free program).

Here is the fee structure for an Iran visa from India:

Disclaimer: These fees are in accordance with current details available on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government portal. However, please note that the fee amounts are subject to change. Always check current visa fee rates from the official embassy website before proceeding.

Is a Travel Insurance Plan Mandatory When Visiting Iran?

• Travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Iran from India, but it is highly recommended. While Iran offers quality healthcare services, including in major cities like Tehran and Isfahan, medical facilities may be limited in more remote areas.

• Travel insurance provides financial protection against unexpected emergencies such as illness, accidents, or trip cancellations. Additionally, it may cover medical evacuation to a higher-standard facility if needed.

• Considering the potential costs of healthcare abroad and unforeseen circumstances during travel, having travel insurance can offer peace of mind. Furthermore, some tour operators and visa agencies may require proof of travel insurance as a condition of booking or obtaining a visa.

• Therefore, while it is not compulsory, securing travel insurance is a prudent decision to ensure a smooth and worry-free trip to Iran from India.

Benefits of Getting Iran Travel Insurance from Tata AIG

• Choosing travel insurance plans from Tata AIG for a trip to Iran offers a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience and provide peace of mind. Tata AIG's travel insurance plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of travellers, offering comprehensive coverage for various travel-related risks.

• One of the primary advantages is the extensive medical coverage provided by Tata AIG. This ensures that you are financially protected in case of unexpected illnesses or accidents while travelling in Iran. Coverage includes hospitalisation, medical treatment, and emergency medical evacuation if necessary.

• Moreover, our flight ticket insurance typically offers coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays, reimbursing you for any non-refundable expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations or natural disasters.

• Additionally, our international travel insurance plans often include coverage for loss or theft of baggage and personal belongings, providing compensation for any losses suffered during your trip.

• Furthermore, our team offers assistance services such as emergency medical assistance, legal assistance, and concierge services, ensuring you receive support and guidance whenever needed during your travels in Iran.

• With our reliable travel insurance online coverage, you can explore Iran with confidence, knowing that you are protected against unforeseen events that may disrupt your travel plans.