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.

No, Indian tourists who wish to visit Iran for less than a month do not need a visa. However, if you plan to visit Iran and stay there for more than 30 days, you must apply for an Iran visa from India.

Note: As of December 2023, Iran has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists, including 32 other countries. 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. The time for which 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.

• Educational & cultural faculty members and researchers.

• Common Carriers, transporting goods and people.

• Officials, political, and economic members, art and sports teams, international organizations and specialists.

• Internationally Recognized merchants and experts.

• The United Nations employees and affiliates.

• Relatives of the foreign citizens residing in 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.

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.

• You must have cash; international credit/debit cards don’t work in Iran.

• Some social media and websites are blocked; use a VPN if needed.

• Public displays of affection are discouraged, and alcohol is prohibited.

• Iran is generally safe for tourists, but stay updated on travel advisories.

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Snapp are common for travel.

Can I Extend My Stay in Iran While I'm in the Country?

Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Immigration Police in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, or Shiraz. You’ll need:

• A valid reason for extension (tourism, business, etc.).

• Your passport and current visa.

• A fee payment (varies by duration and visa type).

Extensions are usually granted for 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines or travel restrictions.

Why Should I Buy Travel Insurance for Iran?

Now that you have all the information about getting a Visa for Iran, we come to the most important part: Travel Insurance. We know most of you don’t even consider it an important part of your travelling checklist, but believe us, you need one in Iran. Bangkok is one of the top ten scam cities in the world, so, well, anything can happen!

You should have an Iran travel insurance policy to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances such as:

• Huge foreign country’s medical bills

• Protection of your luggage

• Safety in case of emergency medical situations

Travelling to Iran has become much easier since the relaxation of visa requirements for Indians. Even if you wish to apply for a visa, you can experience a hassle-free process through their official website. You can enjoy your trip to the beautiful country of Iran now that you know all the necessary visa requirements.