You can extend most Iranian visas while inside Iran for up to 90 days total by visiting the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs (Edareh Gozarnameh). The extension costs approximately EUR 30-45 and typically takes 1-2 working days to process. Tourist, business, medical, and transit visas are all eligible for extension, provided you apply before your current visa expires.
This guide explains the full Iran visa extension process – who can extend, where to go, what documents you need, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.
Can You Extend Your Iran Visa?
Most visa types issued by Iran can be extended while you are in the country. However, the rules differ depending on your visa type and nationality:
| Visa Type | Extendable? | Maximum Total Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Type B) | Yes | 90 days | Most common extension request |
| Business/Entry Visa (Type A) | Yes | 90 days | Requires letter from Iranian host |
| Medical Visa (Type C) | Yes | 90 days | Hospital documentation required |
| Transit Visa (Type G) | Yes | 7 days | Very limited extension possible |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Yes | 30 days | Cannot exceed 30-day VOA limit |
| Diplomatic/Service Visa | Case by case | Varies | Handled through MFA directly |
Important: Visa-free entry nationals (citizens of countries that do not need a visa to enter Iran) can stay for the duration allowed without a visa but may apply for an extension if they wish to stay longer. Check our Iran visa types guide for details on each category.
Where to Extend Your Iran Visa
You must visit the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs (known locally as Edareh Gozarnameh – اداره گذرنامه) in person. This office handles all visa extensions and residence permits for foreign nationals in Iran.
Office Locations in Major Cities
| City | Office Location | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tehran | Motahhari Street, near Shariati Ave | Sat-Wed 8:00-13:00 |
| Isfahan | Chahar Bagh-e Abbasi area | Sat-Wed 8:00-13:00 |
| Shiraz | Zand Street area | Sat-Wed 8:00-13:00 |
| Mashhad | Imam Reza Street area | Sat-Wed 8:00-13:00 |
| Tabriz | Central police district | Sat-Wed 8:00-13:00 |
Note: Iranian government offices operate Saturday through Wednesday (Thursday and Friday are the weekend in Iran). Arrive early in the morning – offices can be crowded and processing may take several hours. Some offices close earlier than posted hours on busy days.
How to Find the Office
Local hotel staff and guesthouse owners are the most reliable source for directions, as office locations occasionally change. Taxi drivers generally know the foreign affairs police office by name. Ask for “Edareh Gozarnameh” or “Police-e Khareji” (foreigners’ police).
Step-by-Step: How to Extend Your Iran Visa
The extension process is straightforward if you arrive prepared:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents. Before visiting the office, collect your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents (see requirements below). Make photocopies of your passport photo page and current visa page – most offices have a copy shop nearby, but having them ready saves time.
Step 2: Visit the Office Early. Arrive at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs before 8:00 AM. Take a number and wait for your turn. Bring a book – waits of 1-3 hours are common in Tehran.
Step 3: Submit Your Application. Present your documents to the officer. They will review your passport, verify your current visa status, and issue an extension request form. Fill out the form in the office (some officers will fill it for you).
Step 4: Pay the Extension Fee. The officer will direct you to the on-site payment counter or a nearby bank branch. The extension fee is approximately EUR 30-45 (paid in Iranian rials at the day’s exchange rate). Keep the payment receipt.
Step 5: Wait for Processing. Standard processing takes 1-2 working days. The office will keep your passport during this time and issue a receipt. Some cities (particularly Tehran) may offer same-day processing for an additional fee.
Step 6: Collect Your Passport. Return to the office on the date indicated on your receipt to collect your passport with the extension stamp. Verify the new expiry date before leaving the office.
Required Documents for Iran Visa Extension
Prepare these documents before your visit to avoid multiple trips:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must have at least one blank page for the extension stamp |
| Passport photocopy | Copy of photo page and current Iranian visa page |
| Passport-sized photos | 2 recent color photos (white background, 4×6 cm) |
| Extension fee | Approximately EUR 30-45, paid in rials |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel booking or host’s address in Iran |
| Travel insurance | Must be valid for the extended period |
Additional Documents by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Extra Document Required |
|---|---|
| Business (Type A) | Letter from Iranian host organization confirming continued activities |
| Medical (Type C) | Letter from the treating hospital or clinic |
| Transit (Type G) | Proof of onward travel arrangements |
Iran Visa Extension Fees
The extension fee depends on your visa type and the number of previous extensions:
| Extension | Approximate Fee (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First extension (30 additional days) | 30-45 | Standard processing 1-2 days |
| Second extension (30 additional days) | 30-45 | Same fee, same process |
| Same-day rush processing | Additional 15-20 | Available in Tehran only |
| Late extension (after visa expiry) | Fine of 50-100+ | Overstay penalties apply |
Payment method: Fees are paid in Iranian rials. The exact amount varies slightly by city and is adjusted periodically. The office payment counter accepts cash only. ATMs and exchange offices are usually nearby.
For the latest fee structure, see our Iran visa fee guide.
How Many Times Can You Extend?
Iranian visa extensions follow a clear limit structure:
| Total Stay | Extension Allowed | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day tourist/business visa | Up to 2 extensions of 30 days each | 90 days total |
| 15-day transit visa | Up to 1 extension of 7 days | 22 days total |
| 30-day VOA | Up to 0 extensions in most cases | 30 days total |
The 90-day maximum is firm. Once you have reached 90 days in Iran on any single entry, you must leave the country and re-enter if you wish to stay longer. There is no option to extend beyond 90 days regardless of visa type.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Overstaying your visa in Iran is taken seriously. Penalties include:
- Daily fine: Approximately EUR 5-10 per day of overstay, payable at the airport or border when departing
- Detention risk: In some cases, overstayers may be detained briefly while the situation is resolved
- Future visa complications: An overstay record can result in visa refusal for future applications
- Exit ban: Extreme cases of overstay (months) may result in an exit ban until fines are paid
Always extend before your visa expires. The process is simple and affordable. Overstaying creates unnecessary legal and financial complications.
Iran Visa Extension for Specific Nationalities
US, UK, and Canadian Citizens
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada face additional restrictions when extending their visas in Iran:
- Must extend through their travel agency: Because US, UK, and Canadian citizens are required to travel with a licensed Iranian tour operator, the agency typically handles the extension paperwork
- Guided itinerary required: The extension must align with your pre-approved travel plan
- Longer processing time: Expect 3-5 working days instead of the standard 1-2 days
- Higher fees: Agency service fees add approximately USD 30-50 to the standard extension cost
For detailed guidance, see our Iran visa guide for US citizens.
Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders can extend their visas at the standard foreign affairs police office. The process is the same as for most nationalities. See our Iran visa guide for Indian citizens for nationality-specific requirements.
Afghan Citizens
Afghan nationals in Iran on a valid visa can extend through the same process, though they may face additional security checks that can extend processing time to 5-7 working days.
Tips for a Smooth Iran Visa Extension
Based on common traveler experiences, these tips can help avoid problems:
Apply early. Do not wait until the last day of your visa. Visit the office at least 3-5 days before your visa expires to allow time for processing and any unexpected delays.
Bring extra photos. Offices occasionally request additional photos. Having 4 instead of 2 can save you a trip to a photo studio.
Carry cash in rials. The extension fee must be paid in Iranian rials. Exchange your foreign currency before visiting the office. The office payment counter does not accept foreign currency or credit cards.
Dress appropriately. Iran has a dress code that applies in government offices. Women should wear a headscarf and modest clothing. Men should wear long trousers and a shirt.
Get a hotel receipt. Having a printed hotel booking or receipt with your Iranian address makes the process smoother. If staying with friends, ask them to write a simple letter of invitation with their address and phone number.
Learn basic Farsi phrases. While some officers speak English, knowing a few phrases helps enormously. Key phrases: “Visa extension, please” (Takhir-e viza, lotfan), “How many days?” (Chand rooz?), “Thank you” (Mamnoon/Merci).
Photograph everything. Take photos of your extension stamp, payment receipts, and any documents issued by the office. These serve as backup if your passport is lost or stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iran Visa Extension
Can I extend my Iran visa online?
No. Iran visa extensions must be done in person at the Police Department of Foreign Aliens Affairs. The e-Visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir) handles only initial visa applications, not extensions. You must visit the office physically with your passport.
How long does an Iran visa extension take?
Standard processing takes 1-2 working days. The office keeps your passport during this time and issues a receipt. Same-day processing may be available in Tehran for an additional fee of approximately EUR 15-20. Processing in smaller cities may take longer.
What if my visa has already expired?
You can still apply for an extension, but you will face an overstay fine of approximately EUR 5-10 per day. Visit the foreign affairs police office as soon as possible to minimize penalties. Do not attempt to leave Iran without resolving the overstay, as fines increase and legal complications grow.
Can I extend my visa on arrival (VOA)?
VOA holders may apply for an extension, but the total stay cannot exceed 30 days. Since most VOAs are issued for 15-30 days, extension options are limited. If you need a longer stay, apply for a tourist visa before traveling.
Do I need a travel agency to extend my visa?
Most nationalities can extend their visa independently by visiting the foreign affairs police office directly. However, US, UK, and Canadian citizens must extend through their licensed travel agency as part of their mandatory guided tour arrangement.
Can I leave Iran and re-enter to reset my visa?
Yes. After reaching the 90-day maximum, you must leave Iran. You can then apply for a new visa and re-enter. Some travelers cross into Turkey, Armenia, or the UAE for a few days before returning. However, immigration officers may question frequent re-entries, so plan your re-entry timing carefully.
What happens if I am caught without a valid visa?
Being in Iran without a valid visa or extension is a serious offense. Penalties range from heavy fines to detention and deportation. If your visa has expired, visit the foreign affairs police office immediately to regularize your status rather than waiting to be caught at a checkpoint or the airport.
Is there a limit on how many times I can extend?
You can extend up to 2 times on a standard 30-day visa, reaching a maximum of 90 days total. After 90 days, you must leave the country. There is no exception to this rule regardless of visa type or nationality.
Related Iran Visa Information
Planning your trip to Iran? These guides cover related topics you may need:
- Iran eVisa Complete Guide – How to apply for your initial visa online
- Iran Visa Application Walkthrough – Step-by-step application process
- Iran Visa Fees – Complete cost breakdown by nationality
- Iran Visa Types – All visa categories explained
- Iran eVisa Status Check – Track your application status
