Iran Visa For US Citizens 2025 – An Ultimate Guide
Iranian visa requirements for American citizens
Traveling to Iran as a US citizen offers an opportunity to experience a country rich in cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. However, the first step in this journey involves understanding and navigating the visa acquisition process.
This article provides a detailed guide to help US passport holders smoothly secure their Iran visa.
Step 1: Obtaining a Travel Authorization Number
The initial phase in the visa process involves securing a travel authorization number from a licensed Iranian tour operator. This is an essential requirement and serves as a pre-approval for your visa application.
Required Documents:
- Passport Scan: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Detailed Tour Itinerary: Provided by your chosen tour operator, this itinerary should outline your travel plans within Iran.
- Personal Information: A document listing your full name, birth date, and other personal details.
- Professional Resume: This document provides an overview of your employment history.
Step 2: Understanding the Processing Time
The visa application for US citizens typically takes about 45 working days to process. Be aware that this timeframe can fluctuate based on Iranian holidays and the specifics of your application. Planning ahead is crucial to avoid any last-minute issues.
Step 3: Completing the Visa Application
Once you’ve received your visa authorization code, the next steps vary depending on your location in the US.
For Non-DC Residents:
Gather Required Documents: These include the visa application forms, authorization code, a recent passport photo, and your actual passport.
- Fee Payment: Prepare a $120 USD money order covering the visa processing fee and return mailing costs.
- Mailing Your Application: Send your application package to the Iranian Interests Section at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC. The address is 1250 23rd St. N.W. Suite # 200, Washington, DC 20037. Standard processing takes 2-3 weeks, with an option for expedited processing at an additional cost.
For DC Area Residents:
Residents near Washington DC have the option to deliver their documents in person to the Pakistani Embassy.
The required documents are the same, but the fee is reduced to $90 USD as no mailing is involved. The embassy accepts submissions on weekdays during specific hours.
Step 4: Visa Processing Time
After submitting your paperwork, expect a typical processing time of about 45 working days. It’s important to factor this into your travel planning to ensure everything aligns smoothly.
