Iran

When traveling internationally, Iranian citizens must apply for a visa, either in person applications, eVisa, ETA, or Visa on Arrival (VOA). For some destinations, they can travel travel visa-free.

Iranian citizens can apply for an eVisa or ETA to 57 countries. Both the eVisa and ETA can be applied and received online.

A VOA is available for 26 countries. For traditional sticker or stamped visas, Iranian citizens have to visit the respective country’s embassy or consulate. In some cases, you can apply for an appointment online before visiting the embassy or consulate. This opportunity depends on the specific country’s visa application policy.

For Iranian nationals, the basic entry requirement for traveling with or without a visa is having a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the intended entry date.

With a global passport ranking of 87, Iranian passport holders can visit 12 countries without a visa.

Visa requirements vary by country, so it is advisable to check the specific visa requirements of the destination country before starting the application process.

An eVisa is a digital visa that is applied and issued online. It does not require you to visit the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Once issued, it can be stored on a smartphone or printed and presented at the airport during travel.

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a travel permit that allows you to enter a destination country without getting a visa in advance. Instead, the visa is issued upon arrival by the immigration.

Like an eVisa, an ETA can be applied for online and is delivered to your email. However, while an eVisa allows you to travel at any time within its validity period, an ETA has a specific timeframe. You must arrive at the destination country’s immigration within this period to receive your visa.

If the timeframe expires, the ETA becomes invalid, and you will need to apply for a new one.

The countries that offer an eVisa and ETA for Iranian citizens are as follows:

A Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a type of visa that allows travelers to apply for and get a visa after arriving at the airport or at the border of the destination country.

Immigration authorities can change the VoA policies anytime. So it is advisable to check the most up-to-date regulations for your destination country before traveling.

The following countries currently offer VoA facilities for Iranian citizens:

With a global passport ranking of 87, Iranians get visa-free entry for a limited time to 12 countries.

Here is a list of countries Iranian citizens can visit visa-free:

Iranian citizens are required to get a sticker visa to travel to 115 countries worldwide. Visa applications can be applied either online or offline, depending on the policies of the destination country.

For some countries, the online visa application can be completed remotely without the need to visit an office. You can also mail your passport to the embassy or consulate. This convenience varies based on the destination country’s visa procedures.

Offline applications, however, require your physical presence at the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit. During this process, you will need to submit your visa application form, supporting documents, and passport.

The duration of stay and validity of the visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the visa you intend to apply for before beginning the application process.

Below is a list of countries that require Iranian citizens to get a visa:

Iranian citizens can enjoy visa-free transit for 24 hours while traveling through the following country. It is best to check with the authorities and airport lists of the countries where you can transit freely, as it is only available in international airports.

Specific visa requirements are the same across most countries. Iranian citizens traveling abroad must generally meet the following requirements:

• Valid Passport: A valid Iranian passport with a minimum of six (6) months of remaining validity from the intended date of entry into the destination country.
• Visa Application Form: A visa application form (completed with information) that can be submitted online or in person at the destination country’s embassy or consulate. The form requires personal information, travel details, supporting documents, and sometimes the purpose of the visit.
• Photograph: One or more recent passport-size color photographs (taken within the last three months) with a white background, clearly showing the applicant’s face from all angles.
• Flight Ticket Booking: Proof of travel, including confirmed inbound and outbound flight tickets, may be required by some countries.
• Proof of Accommodation: Documents providing the place you will stay, such as hotel, hostel reservations, or the address of friends or family. You must provide proof of booking or a verifiable address on your visa application form.

Due to diplomatic relations, security concerns, and ongoing political issues, Iranian citizens face restrictions on traveling to several countries. As of recently, Iranian nationals are unable to visit nations such as the United States, Israel, and Canada without a visa. They also face a lot of difficulties while acquiring a visa.

Furthermore, many European Union countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, have strict visa policies in place for Iranian travelers.​

With an Iranian passport, you can travel to 210 countries worldwide.  The Iranian passport ranks 87 globally, allowing citizens visa-free access to 12 countries.

Iranian citizens can travel to 12 countries without requiring a visa. These countries include

1. Armenia
2. Dominica
3. Georgia
4. Haiti
5. Iraq
6. Kazakhstan
7. Malaysia
8. Micronesia
9. Qatar
10. Tajikistan
11. Turkiye
12. Venezuela

Yes, an Iranian can hold three passports, but this depends on the laws of the countries involved. While Iranian law allows only one Iranian passport, Iran does not officially recognize dual or multiple citizenship. However, Iranians who acquire other nationalities can hold passports from those countries in addition to their Iranian passport.

It’s important to note that within Iran, dual or multiple citizens are treated solely as Iranian nationals and must use their Iranian passports to enter or exit the country. Whether an Iranian can hold three passports also depends on the policies of the other countries granting citizenship, as some restrict dual or multiple nationalities.

The best way for an Iranian to prove citizenship is by presenting official documents such as a valid Iranian passport, which is widely recognized internationally, or a Shenasnameh (birth certificate) that provides detailed personal and family information. The Kart-e Melli (national ID card) is also an essential document for verifying citizenship within Iran and accessing government services.

Iran does not officially recognize dual citizenship. However, Iranians who acquire another nationality are not required to renounce their Iranian citizenship. While they can hold another country’s passport, they are still considered Iranian citizens under Iranian law.