A trip to Iran displays rich Persian history and culture, along with many attractions that make it a favourite destination for travellers. Visitors are eager to try the local cuisine, explore vast landscapes, observe marvellous architecture and more. Iran is famously known as the land of red springs, green summers, yellow falls and white winters. 

Getting to Iran requires proper planning, and to make things easier, Iran is offering Indian tourists a chance to visit the country visa-free!

Read on to know more about Iran visa for Indians.

Yes, Indian tourists who wish to visit Iran must apply for a visa. To do so, you can either apply for a visa on arrival when you land in Iran or avail the e-visa facility online.

Additionally, if you are travelling as a tourist, you can also visit Iran visa-free for up to 30 days. 

Note: Iran has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists, including 32 other countries, as of December 2023. According to Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iranian minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, this move aims to boost tourism with more visitors worldwide and promote international goodwill. 

For how long this exemption will be applicable is not specified. Before you travel to Iran, please check through official agencies for this information. 

If you are visiting Iran as a tourist and still wish to apply for a visa, you can do so as the standard visa application process is still fully functional.

Yes, Indian citizens can apply for a visa on arrival or e-visa to travel to Iran. Indians travelling to Iran for reasons such as tourism, business, education, etc., can apply for a visa on arrival or e-visa and stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days.

*Note: All applicants for Islamic Republic of Iran visas must first register at the e-visa website and submit all the required information. Post this, you will receive a track code (together with the barcode). You are then required to hand over the documents at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi.

Apply for a Visa on Arrival to Iran:

• When applying for a visa on arrival, you are required to complete the application form for an electronic visa (e-visa).
• Then, submit a hard copy of the Grant Notice to the Visa on Arrival counter at the international airport. The notice will be available when your application for a Visa on Arrival is approved.
• Pay the required visa fees (in euros) through the banking terminals at the airport.
• All visitors to Iran must hold a passport or travel document valid for 6 months at the time of departure.

Documents Required to Apply for an E-Visa to Iran:

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months at the time of departure
• Travel itinerary, if you have already made travel arrangements.
• Digital personal photo in accordance with the requirements.
• Digital image of your passport in accordance with the requirements.
• Other information depending on the intended visa types.

Visa fees for an Iranian Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens is €60. You can make the payment either through an online transfer or through bank transfer.

In case of urgent visa issuance, 50% will be added to tariff.

The processing time for Iran's visa is approximately 10 working days.

Indian tourists have many visa options when travelling to Iran:

• Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists - If you are travelling as a tourist, you can avail of visa-free entry.
• Iran has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists from December 2023. Regardless, the standard visa application process is still fully functional.
• Visa on Arrival for Indian Tourists – You can also apply for a visa on arrival when you land in Iran. You will need to produce the necessary documents at international airports. 
• When applying for a visa on arrival, you are required to fill in the application form for an e-visa to Iran. Once this is done, you can submit hard copies of your Grant Notice at the Visa on Arrival counter at the international passport and collect your visa on arrival in Iran. 
• E-Visa for Indian Tourists - You can also apply for an e-visa online through the Iranian government portal.

Keep in mind that some types of visas for some countries should be applied for only in person through the relevant Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Before visiting the Iran Embassy in India, ensure that you have all the necessary documents to experience a smooth application process.