Before we start off explaining how to get Iran Visa On Arrival (VOA), known for some as Iran Airport Visa; let us clarify what Visa On Arrival is?

What is Iran Visa On Arrival?

Iran Visa On Arrival is a type of Iran visa issued for citizens of more than 75 countries, meant to expedite the issuance process. It is mostly like… well, just an Iran tourist visa. The difference is how you apply for it, that is, you would pick up your visa from an Iran International airport.
Iran VOA may be mistaken with Iran E-Visa, which on The difference between VOA and E-VISA we have thoroughly explained what their differences are.

Who Can Get Iran Visa On Arrival and Who Cannot?

Iran VOA is mostly for ordinary passport holders; those who come to Iran with the aim of sightseeing. Therefore, tourists with other purposes, such as journalistic or political are not eligible. In addition, citizens of some countries cannot have Iran VOA. Have a look at the table below, see where your country is, if it’s not on the VOA list, you may want to click on Iran E-Visa or Iran visa for USA, UK and Canadian citizens.

Please note that Israeli citizens are not allowed to enter Iran. Additionally, those who have an Israelian stamp on their passport are highly to be rejected when applying for any type of Iran visa.

How much does Iran Visa On Arrival cost?

The prices in 2020 are somewhere between 75 to 150 euros. They differ according to your nationality. It should be noted that the country you’re holding a passport from is the benchmark country.

How can I get Iran Visa On Arrival in 2020?

There are two ways to apply for an Iran Visa On Arrival. One is to apply online, before your arrival. And second is to apply at an Iran International Airport.

Applying online means applying through either an authorized Iran travel agency’s website or Iran MFA’s website. After that, the Grant Notice will be sent to you along with the steps you need to take afterwards.
If you decide to apply at an Iran International Airport, you would prepare all the documents, and the rest will be taken care of at the airport. Here are the steps you need to take for each:

Applying online for Iran Visa On Arrival:

1. Click on Visa Application from fill in the form
2. Wait two or three working days. We will send you the Grant Notice.
3. Make a hardcopy and bring it along with the required documents.
4. At Iran airport, go to the Visa & Passport Office, pay the government fee and enjoy!

Apply at the airport for Iran Visa On Arrival:

1. Prepare the required documents
2. Fly to Iran, go to the Visa & Passport Office at the airport.
3. Fill in the form you will be given and hand them over to the officer.
4. Wait between 2 to 5 hours (you even may get it less than an hour, or more than five hours; it depends on different factor and cannot be said for sure)
5. You will be interviewed by the officer
   Note: He may ask some questions like what’s your purpose? How long are you going to stay? etc.
6. Receive your visa and enjoy!

Should I apply online or go to the airport?

Well, each could have its own pros and cons, but overall, applying online is indeed better. By going straight to the airport you’re taking the risk that you may get rejected. The chance of rejection is rare, but possible. Take a look at our guide on why your Iran visa may get rejected.

Another reason is the interview you may have to take. When you apply online you’ve already gotten the approval when you’re at the airport. But, if not, not only the officer will interview you, but the time you need to spend on that could be overwhelming. There is also the time you must wait in line, the time you must fill in the VOA forms and the time to wait for the issuance.

Having said all that, if, due to any reasons, you find it hard to apply online; no worries, prepare all the documents and fly to Iran. You are not the first one to take this approach and definitely not the last one. You will probably get your visa and will enjoy your trip.

Documents for getting Visa On Arrival?

Documents mentioned below are for tourists who are eligible for VOA. If you are not, you may want to have a look at Iran E-Visa or Iran visa for USA, UK and Canadian.

Required documents to apply online:

1. A hardcopy of the Grant Notice (we will send it to you)
2. Passport with at least six months validity
3. A confirmed return ticket.
4. Visa fee in euro to be paid to the Iran Visa & Passport Office at the airport.
   Note: Credit Cards, due to sanctions, do not work in Iran, so make sure to bring enough cash. You can see Iran tourist card, on which we’ve explained how to have your money in Iran.
5. A PRINTED travel insurance
   Note: The term “Iran” MUST be mentioned in the paper; more general terms such as “Middle East” will not be accepted. If you have more questions, read our article on Iran travel insurance.
6. An invitation letter or a hotel reservation voucher
   Note: The reservation should be in the first city that you’re staying in. The officer may call the hotel to check the reservation.

Required documents to apply at the airport:

1. A form to be filled for your visa
2. Passport with at least six months validity
3. Two photos to be attached to the visa form
4. A confirmed return ticket
5. Visa fee in euro to be paid to the Iran Visa & Passport Office 1
6. A PRINTED travel insurance
   Note: The term “Iran” MUST be mentioned in the paper; more general terms such as “Middle East” will not be accepted and you may end up buying another insurance at the airport. If you have more questions, read our article on Iran travel insurance.
7. An invitation letter or a hotel reservation voucher
   Note: The reservation should be in the first city that you’re staying in. The officer may call the hotel to check the reservation.
8. There could be an interview
   Note: If you have not applied online, you may be asked some questions like the purpose of visiting, cities to want to visit, the length of staying, etc.
   

Which airports issue Iran Visa On Arrival?