Here’s a little trivia question: what continent is Iran in? A lot of people might say it is in Europe, or an Arabic country which is understandable, given its geographical location. This common misconception also happens a lot with Turkey.
Contrary to popular belief, Iran is a country in Western Asia. Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Armenia are bordering this country which was once called Persia. The name might ring a bell to you because of the Persian civilization, one of the greatest empires ever formed in history.
Nowadays, Iran is an Islamic country which a lot of us don’t know much about, save for what makes it to the news reports. because of this, not a lot of people consider this Gulf state as a tourist destination when heading towards this part of the world.
Other articles you can read:
Travel guide to Iran – My 8 Day cultural itinerary visiting Cities of Mashhad, Shiraz, Yazd, Ishfahan and Tehran
7 awesome things to do in Shiraz, Iran
Turkmenistan Visa and border Crossings to Iran and Uzbekistan [Central Asia]
Mongolia Visa for UK Citizens- tips on how British Passport holders Can get a tourist Visa to Mongolia
Pakistan tourist Visa for UK Citizens – Visa guide for British Citizen
But despite everything you read about it, there’s still no denying that Iran has so much to offer anyone who wants to drop by for quick relaxation. If you’re one of them, here are a few tips I can share with you about visiting Iran with your UK passport.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts about Iran
Qualifications for applying for an Iran tourist Visa
Requirements for applying for an Iran tourist Visa
Step-by-step procedure in applying for an Iran tourist Visa
Where to submit You Application for Iran tourist Visa
Frequently Asked questions about Iran
Quick Facts about Iran
Capital: Tehran
Country Code: +99
Languages Spoken: Farsi/Persian, regional languages Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Lori, Mazandarani, Balochi, Arabic, Gilaki
Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
Qualifications for applying for an Iran tourist Visa
By arranging an organized tour related to Iran in the UK
Through getting an invitation from family or host parties in Iran
Please take note that Iran, unlike other countries, is not a place where you can “just visit” whenever you plan to do so. You must get these documents for you to be eligible for a visa application.
Requirements for applying for an Iran tourist Visa
Your original passport which is still valid 6 months from the date the visa will be issued
Completed application form found here
Authorization Number from Iran’s Ministry of foreign Affairs (you’ll get this if you qualify for either of the 2 steps mentioned above)
Two passport-sized photos (must be taken within the last 3 months)
No entry/exit stamps to and from Israel on your passport (Israel no longer stamps your passport as of late and it’s also said that Iran lets people who have this enter their country provided that their last visit was 6 months ago. However, just to be on the safe side, make sure you don’t have one.)
Travel insurance valid for travel in Iran
Visa fee (to be paid for by cash at the Consulate)
A copy of your CV indicating your education, marital status, children (if you have any), any other citizenships, your work background and a list of your social media accounts
A special delivery envelope for returning your passport
Step-by-step procedure in applying for an Iran tourist Visa
1. find a tour company such as visit Our Iran to coordinate with them regarding your tour to their country
2. once you have your tour company, they will help you produce an authorization number from the Ministry of foreign Affairs which you must present upon applying for a visa
3. After getting your Authorization Number, head on over to your nearest Iranian embassy to apply for a visa
4. wait for your turn to be called on queue, submit your papers and pay the visa fee
5. wait for the return of your passport once it’s approved
Where to submit You Application for Iran tourist Visa
An Iranian visa application can be submitted personally to your nearest Iranian Embassy. For UK residents, you may visit their office at:
Consulate department of the embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran
50 Kensington Court
W8 5DD
London
United Kingdom
Visa Processing Hours: Every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2 PM to 5 PM
Frequently Asked questions about Iran
1. how long does it take to process an invitation letter?
It may take the Ministry of foreign Affairs as long as 30 days to process your invitation letter and eventually, provide an authorization number to your tour company.
2. how much does it cost to apply for a tourist visa to Iran?
The standard price of processing a tourist visa for everyone who wishes to travel to Iran is at £68.55.
3. how long does it take to process my tourist visa?
It may take up to 10 working days for the enullnull