Iran visa for Indians: cost, documents and processing time (2026)
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, visa cascade timing, immigration walkthroughs, and the unglamorous logistics that separate a smooth trip from a stranded one.) · Published · 11 min read
Iran is one of those genuinely extraordinary destinations that most Indian travellers never seriously consider — and the visa process is partly why. The good news is that Indians can typically get an Iran visa on arrival at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, or apply online for an e-visa. The fees are relatively modest. The catch is that processing times and requirements can be unpredictable, and the geopolitical situation means you should check current advisories before booking.
TL;DR — can Indians get an Iran visa easily?
Yes, with caveats. Indians are typically eligible for an Iran visa on arrival (VOA) at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran and at a handful of other international entry points. There is also an e-visa (eVisa) option online. The visa on arrival fee is around USD 30–75 (paid in hard currency — EUR or USD, not INR), and you typically get a 30-day stay. Processing at the airport is usually 30–90 minutes if you have all your documents ready. The e-visa takes around 3–7 days. The one thing I would say upfront: check current travel advisories from the Government of India (mea.gov.in) and verify the latest entry rules on the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal before booking — Iran's visa rules and diplomatic situation can shift, and this is a destination where you want current information.
What visa options are available for Indians visiting Iran?
There are essentially three routes:
- Visa on arrival (VOA): Available at Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), Mashhad airport, and certain other entry points. You queue at the immigration desk, pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD), and your passport is stamped. Most Indian tourists use this route. It is generally straightforward, but the queue can be long during busy periods (Nowruz holiday, summer), and occasionally VOA is suspended or restricted with little public notice — always have a backup plan.
- E-visa (online): Applied through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. You submit your details online, get a pre-approval code, and then collect the actual stamp at the port of entry. This is useful if you want to skip at least some of the arrival queue paperwork. Processing typically takes 3–7 days for Indian applicants, but can vary.
- Embassy visa (from Indian consular jurisdiction): Iranian embassies are in New Delhi; consulates are in Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. This is the traditional route and is useful if you want a multi-entry visa or plan to enter by land. Embassy processing for Indian passport holders is typically 5–10 working days, though this can stretch.
For most Indian first-time visitors doing a straightforward tourist trip, the visa on arrival at Tehran is the simplest option. The e-visa gives you a bit more peace of mind before you get on the plane. The embassy route makes more sense for frequent travellers or those entering overland from Pakistan or Turkey.
What documents do you need for an Iran visa from India?
- Valid Indian passport — at least six months' validity beyond your return date. Iran immigration is strict about this.
- Passport-size photograph — recent, white background. Women must have their head covered in the photo (even Indian passport holders).
- Hotel booking or invitation letter — a confirmed hotel booking for at least your first few nights, or an invitation letter from an Iranian host registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for visitor visa category).
- Travel itinerary — a rough plan of where you intend to visit. You do not need a day-by-day itinerary, but having a typed list of cities and expected stay durations is useful at immigration.
- Travel insurance — Iranian authorities typically ask for proof of insurance covering your entire stay. It must cover medical emergencies and ideally repatriation. Note that international insurance providers sometimes exclude Iran due to sanctions, so read the policy wording carefully. A few Iran-specialist travel insurance providers serve this gap.
- Cash in USD or EUR — for the VOA fee, paid at the airport. Iran cannot process international card payments for visa fees due to financial sanctions.
- Return ticket or onward travel documentation.
One thing that catches people out: Iran does not accept credit or debit cards for any payments on the ground (shopping, restaurants, hotels) due to SWIFT sanctions. You will need to carry all your Iran spending money in cash — EUR or USD to exchange on arrival. Budget for this carefully, because you cannot top up from an ATM once you are there.
How much does an Iran visa cost for Indians?
The visa on arrival fee is typically around EUR 30–75 (roughly ₹2,700–6,700 at recent exchange rates), paid in cash. Embassy visa fees from India are in a similar range, plus any VFS or processing fees charged locally. Fees are set in hard currency (EUR or USD) and the INR equivalent shifts with exchange rates.
The e-visa has an online processing fee — check the current amount on the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, as this can change.
Iran is notably affordable once you are inside the country. The Iranian Rial has depreciated significantly; USD and EUR go a long way. Budget travellers can cover accommodation, food, and local transport in Iran quite cheaply relative to many international destinations — which is part of the appeal for adventurous Indian travellers.
How long does Iran visa processing take for Indians?
For the visa on arrival: budget 30–90 minutes at Tehran airport immigration. The process involves filling a form, paying the fee, and waiting for your passport to be processed. Off-peak arrivals (late night flights, non-holiday periods) are usually faster.
For the e-visa: typically 3–7 business days for an initial decision, but some Indian applicants report it taking longer. There are occasional reports of approvals being delayed or pre-approval codes not arriving, which can cause travel plan disruptions. Apply well in advance — at least 2 weeks before travel if using this route.
For an embassy visa from New Delhi or Mumbai: typically 5–10 working days, sometimes longer. Contact the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi or the consulate in your city for current processing times before applying.
Are there any restrictions or things to know before visiting Iran?
A few things that are specific to Iran and different from most other destinations Indian travellers visit:
- Dress code: Iran has a mandatory hijab (head covering) requirement for all women in public, regardless of nationality. Female Indian travellers must cover their hair in public spaces. The rules around dress have been variably enforced in recent years, but as of 2026 the legal requirement remains. Men should avoid shorts in public.
- No alcohol: Iran is a dry country. Alcohol is illegal for non-Muslims and Muslims alike in public. This is strictly enforced.
- Photography restrictions: Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or anything that could be construed as sensitive infrastructure. This applies broadly in the Middle East but is especially important in Iran.
- Financial logistics: As noted above — carry all spending cash in EUR or USD. Exchange it at the airport or at authorised exchange shops (sarafi). Keep receipts.
- Travel advisory: The Indian government's MEA maintains travel advisories for countries with elevated risk. Check mea.gov.in before booking — Iran periodically appears on advisory lists due to regional tensions. Travel insurance that covers political disruption is worth considering.
None of this should put you off if you have done your research. Iran is genuinely one of the most historically rich destinations in the world — Persepolis, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tehran's bazaars — and Indian travellers who have been there often say it is unlike anywhere else they have visited. Just go in with open eyes.
Flights from India to Iran — what to expect
Direct flights between India and Iran operate from several cities. Mahan Air flies from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Tehran (IKA). Iran Air also operates routes. Flights are typically 3.5–4.5 hours from western/northern India. Budget roughly ₹18,000–35,000 for a return economy ticket, though prices vary widely by season and advance booking. Compare current fares on FlightGPT before confirming your dates. Peak periods (Iranian New Year/Nowruz in late March, summer) see higher prices and fuller flights.
One important practical note: if your Indian bank card is tied to Visa or Mastercard, it will not process on Iranian airline websites due to sanctions. Book through a third-party aggregator or pay for your flights in India before departure.
Bottom line
Iran is a destination that rewards the effort. The visa process for Indians is manageable — visa on arrival is the most practical route for most first-time visitors. Carry your fee in cash (EUR/USD), have your insurance and hotel booking ready, and budget for an all-cash trip inside the country. Check the FlightGPT visa tool for the latest Iran entry status, and always cross-reference with the MEA travel advisory before finalising bookings. Also worth reading: Uzbekistan visa for Indians if you are exploring Central Asia as part of the same trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians get Iran visa on arrival?
Yes — as of 2026, Indian passport holders are generally eligible for a visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran and at certain other international entry points. The fee is around EUR 30–75 in cash. Availability can be restricted without much notice, so have a pre-applied e-visa as a backup option, and check current rules on the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before travel.
How much does the Iran visa cost for Indians?
The visa on arrival fee is typically around EUR 30–75 (roughly ₹2,700–6,700 at recent exchange rates), paid in cash in EUR or USD at the airport. Embassy visas from India cost a similar amount plus any processing fees. Fees are set in hard currency, not INR, so the rupee equivalent changes with exchange rates.
Can I use my credit card or ATM in Iran?
No — international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) do not work in Iran due to SWIFT sanctions. You must carry all your spending money in cash, ideally in EUR or USD, and exchange it on arrival or at authorised exchange shops. There is no practical way to access more cash once you are in the country, so plan your budget carefully before departure.
Do I need travel insurance for an Iran visa?
Yes — Iranian immigration typically requires proof of travel insurance covering your stay, including medical emergencies. Note that many standard international travel insurance policies exclude Iran due to sanctions. Some specialist providers cover Iran; check the policy exclusions carefully. Budget roughly ₹2,000–5,000 for a week of Iran-covering specialist insurance, though prices vary by provider and trip length.
How long can Indians stay in Iran on a tourist visa?
A standard tourist visa — whether on arrival, e-visa, or embassy-issued — typically allows a stay of 30 days. Extensions are possible inside Iran through the Alien Affairs Office (Amakin), typically granting another 30 days, but the process requires visiting a government office and is not always smooth. Plan your itinerary within the initial 30-day window to be safe.