An Iran visa costs between EUR 40 and EUR 150, depending on your nationality, visa type, and where you apply. Tourist visas through an embassy or the e-Visa portal typically cost EUR 40-75, while a visa on arrival at Iranian airports ranges from EUR 30-50. Travel insurance adds another EUR 10-15. Below is a full breakdown so you know exactly what to budget before your trip.
How Much Does an Iran Visa Cost?
The total cost of an Iran visa depends on three main factors: the type of visa you apply for, your nationality, and whether you apply online, at an embassy, or on arrival. Iranian visa fees are denominated in euros, but you can pay in US dollars or other major currencies at embassies and airports.
Here is a quick overview of the standard fee ranges:
| Visa Type | Fee Range (EUR) | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | EUR 40 – 75 | Online (evisa.mfa.ir) |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | EUR 30 – 50 | Iranian international airports |
| Embassy Tourist Visa | EUR 40 – 100 | Iranian embassy or consulate |
| Business Visa | EUR 80 – 150 | Iranian embassy or consulate |
| Transit Visa | EUR 30 – 50 | Iranian embassy or consulate |
| Pilgrimage (Ziarat) Visa | EUR 40 – 60 | Iranian embassy or consulate |
| Mandatory Travel Insurance | EUR 10 – 15 | Included in application or at airport |
These are government-stamped fees. If you use a travel agency or visa processing service, expect an additional service charge of EUR 20-50 on top of the base fee.
Iran e-Visa Fee
The Iran e-Visa is the most convenient option for most travelers. You apply through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at evisa.mfa.ir. The fee for a standard tourist e-Visa is typically EUR 40-75 for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
The e-Visa fee is paid upon arrival in Iran, not during the online application. You submit your application for free and receive a grant notice (approval notification) by email. You then pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars) when you collect the physical visa stamp at the airport or embassy.
Key e-Visa fee points:
- The online application itself is free – no payment required at submission
- The fee is paid in cash upon arrival or at the embassy
- Multiple-entry e-Visas cost more, typically EUR 60-100
- Extensions cost approximately EUR 30 per additional 30-day period
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, see our Iran visa application guide.
Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA) Fee
Travelers from eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at major Iranian international airports, including Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad, and Kish Island. The VOA fee ranges from EUR 30 to 50, making it one of the cheapest options.
| VOA Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee | EUR 30 – 50 |
| Validity | 15-30 days |
| Entry Type | Single entry |
| Payment | Cash only (EUR or USD) |
| Processing Time | 30-60 minutes at airport |
Important restrictions: Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada cannot obtain a VOA. These nationalities must apply in advance through an embassy or the e-Visa portal. Citizens of Bangladesh, Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and a few other countries also need prior approval.
For a full comparison of these two options, read our e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival comparison.
Iran Visa Fee by Nationality
Visa fees vary by nationality due to reciprocal agreements and diplomatic relations. The table below shows typical fees for common nationalities applying for a standard tourist visa:
| Nationality | e-Visa / Embassy Fee (EUR) | VOA Fee (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | EUR 40 – 60 | EUR 30 – 50 | e-Visa or VOA available |
| Pakistani | EUR 40 – 60 | Not eligible | Must apply at embassy |
| Chinese | EUR 40 – 60 | EUR 30 – 50 | 21-day visa-free possible |
| Turkish | Free | Free | Visa-free for 90 days |
| German | EUR 50 – 75 | EUR 30 – 50 | e-Visa recommended |
| French | EUR 50 – 75 | EUR 30 – 50 | e-Visa recommended |
| Australian | EUR 50 – 80 | EUR 30 – 50 | e-Visa or VOA |
| American | EUR 80 – 100 | Not eligible | Must use embassy + MFA reference |
| British | EUR 80 – 100 | Not eligible | Must use embassy + MFA reference |
| Canadian | EUR 80 – 100 | Not eligible | Must use embassy + MFA reference |
US, UK, and Canadian passport holders face higher fees and a more complex process. They must obtain a prior authorization code (MFA reference number) through an approved travel agency before applying at an embassy. The total cost including agency fees can reach EUR 150-200.
If you hold an Indian passport, see our Iran visa guide for Indian citizens for nationality-specific details.
Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
The sticker price of the visa is not the only expense. Budget for these additional costs:
Travel insurance (mandatory): Iran requires all visitors to carry valid travel insurance. If your existing policy does not cover Iran, you can purchase coverage at the airport for approximately EUR 10-15 for a 30-day stay. Some visa applications require proof of insurance upfront.
Agency service fees: If you use a visa agency to handle your application (especially required for US/UK/Canadian citizens), expect to pay EUR 20-50 on top of the government fee.
Photo and document costs: Passport photos for the application typically cost EUR 2-5 at photo shops.
Visa extension in Iran: If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you can extend at the Foreign Affairs Police offices in major cities. The extension fee is approximately EUR 30 per 30-day period. Learn more about this in our Iran visa extension guide.
MFA reference number (for restricted nationalities): US, UK, and Canadian citizens need a reference code from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travel agencies that arrange this typically charge EUR 30-50 for the service.
Iran Visa Fee for Pilgrimage (Ziarat)
Pilgrimage visas for visits to holy sites in Mashhad, Qom, and other religious cities follow a different fee structure. The Ziarat visa costs approximately EUR 40-60 and is typically valid for 30-90 days.
Pilgrimage visa applications often go through specialized travel agencies that handle group bookings. The agency fee can add EUR 20-40 to the base cost. Some nationalities, particularly from countries with large Shia Muslim populations, may qualify for reduced fees or facilitated processing.
How to Pay the Iran Visa Fee
Payment methods for Iran visa fees are limited:
- At embassies: Cash in euros or US dollars (some embassies accept local currency)
- At airports (VOA): Cash only in euros or US dollars – no credit cards accepted
- e-Visa portal: No payment at submission; pay in cash upon arrival
Iran’s banking system is largely disconnected from international networks due to sanctions. ATMs in Iran do not accept foreign cards. Bring enough cash in euros or dollars to cover the visa fee and your initial expenses.
Tips to Minimize Your Iran Visa Cost
- Apply for the e-Visa online – it is free to submit and you pay only upon arrival
- Use a VOA if eligible – it is often the cheapest option at EUR 30-50
- Check if you are visa-exempt – citizens of Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Georgia, Malaysia, Oman, Syria, and Venezuela can enter visa-free for varying periods
- Avoid third-party agencies for simple cases – apply directly through the MFA portal
- Bring cash in euros – exchange rates at Iranian airports are generally fair for euros
For the full list of visa-free nationalities, see our Iran visa-free countries guide.
FAQs About Iran Visa Fees
How much does an Iran visa cost for a US citizen?
US citizens typically pay EUR 80-100 for the government visa fee, plus EUR 30-50 for the mandatory MFA reference number through a travel agency. Total cost including insurance can reach EUR 150-200.
Can I pay the Iran visa fee with a credit card?
No. Iran visa fees must be paid in cash – either in euros or US dollars. Credit cards and international bank transfers are not accepted due to banking sanctions.
Is the Iran visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. If your e-Visa application is rejected, you can reapply, but you will need to pay the fee again upon approval.
Do children pay the same Iran visa fee?
Children under 12 years old typically pay a reduced fee or no fee at all, depending on the nationality and visa type. Check with the specific embassy or the e-Visa portal for age-related fee reductions.
How much is the Iran visa extension fee?
Extending your visa while in Iran costs approximately EUR 30 per additional 30-day period. You can apply for extensions at the Foreign Affairs Police (FAP) offices in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and other major cities.
Is there a fee difference between single-entry and multiple-entry visas?
Yes. Multiple-entry visas typically cost 50-100% more than single-entry visas. A single-entry tourist visa might cost EUR 50, while a multiple-entry version of the same visa could cost EUR 80-100.
What is the cheapest way to get an Iran visa?
The cheapest option is a visa on arrival (VOA) at EUR 30-50, available to citizens of most countries except the US, UK, and Canada. If you are not eligible for VOA, the e-Visa at EUR 40-75 is the next most affordable option.
Do I need to pay for travel insurance separately?
Yes, if your existing travel insurance does not cover Iran. You can purchase mandatory insurance at Iranian airports for approximately EUR 10-15 for 30 days. Some embassies require proof of insurance at the time of application.
