Iran Pilgrimage Visa (Ziyarat Visa): A Complete Guide for Religious Travelers in 2025

For many Muslims around the world, visiting the sacred shrines of Iran is a spiritual milestone. From the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad to Fatima Masoumeh’s shrine in Qom, Iran welcomes pilgrims with open arms. To facilitate this religious journey, the government of Iran offers a special visa: the Iran Pilgrimage Visa, also known as the Ziyarat Visa or Type C Visa.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the Iran pilgrimage visa, including eligibility, required documents, fees, processing time, extension rules, and special considerations for travelers from the UK, India, Iraq, and more.

What Is the Iran Pilgrimage Visa?

The Iran pilgrimage visa (Type C) is a short-term visa granted to Muslims who wish to enter Iran specifically for religious tourism and visiting holy shrines. Unlike a tourist visa, the pilgrimage visa is designed exclusively for spiritual and religious purposes.

Who Can Apply for the Iran Pilgrimage Visa?

Any Muslim citizen from a country recognized by the Iranian government can apply for a pilgrimage visa. This includes citizens of:

• Pakistan
• India
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Nigeria
• Bahrain
• Other Muslim-majority countries

📌 Non-Muslim applicants are advised to apply under a regular tourist visa instead.

Major Shrines You Can Visit with a Pilgrimage Visa

A pilgrimage visa grants access to Iran’s most revered Ziyarat destinations, including:

• Imam Reza Shrine – Mashhad
• Fatima Masumeh Shrine – Qom
• Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine – Rey, Tehran
• Imamzadeh Saleh Shrine – Tajrish, Tehran
• Bibi Shahrbanu Shrine – near Tehran

These are not only religious landmarks but also sites of deep cultural and architectural significance.

How to Apply for an Iran Pilgrimage Visa

You can apply for the Iran pilgrimage visa in two ways:

Option 1: Online Application via the MFA Portal

1. Visit evisa.mfa.ir
2. Select “Pilgrimage Visa (Type C)”
3. Upload:
   • Personal photo (follow official photo guide)
   • Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
4. Submit the form and wait for an email from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

Note: Due to recent policy shifts, this method may not always be available. In such cases, use the agency method below.

Option 2: Apply Through a Certified Travel Agency

This is the recommended route for most travelers, especially those from countries like Pakistan, India, and the UK.

Steps:

1. Contact a licensed Iranian travel agency like TAP Persia
2. Submit:
   • Completed visa application form
   • Passport (copy + original)
   • 2 passport-size photos (with hijab for women)
   • Visa fee
3. Wait for the Visa Authorization Code
4. Take the code to your local Iranian consulate/embassy along with supporting documents to collect your visa

Processing time: 5–10 business days (after authorization code is issued)

How to Apply for an Iran Pilgrimage Visa from the UK

British Muslims must follow these steps:

1. Apply via a certified agency or sponsor in Iran
2. Submit documents to the Iranian Embassy in London:
   • Passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
   • Application form
   • Photos (with hijab for women and girls)
   • Proof of hotel reservation
   • Vaccination certificate (if applicable)
3. Pay the consular fee: £75 (subject to change)
4. Allow 7–14 days for processing

📌 Important: Women must wear a headscarf in visa photos and in public spaces while in Iran.

Iran Pilgrimage Visa Fees & Processing Time

Total cost varies depending on your nationality and method of application. Always confirm with the consulate or travel agency.

Visa Duration & Extension Rules

To extend your pilgrimage visa:

• Visit the Police Office of Foreign Aliens in major cities (Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, etc.)
• Apply before visa expiry
• Provide:
  • Valid reason for extension (e.g. unfinished pilgrimage)
  • New hotel booking
  • Extension fee

Be respectful and sincere during the interview process—extensions are not guaranteed.

When to Apply: Peak Pilgrimage Periods

Visa requests spike during:

• Ramadan – especially during Laylat al-Qadr
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
• Birth anniversary of Imam Reza (11th Dhu al-Qa’dah)
• Arbaeen pilgrimage season

📌 Apply 2–3 months in advance to avoid delays.

Travel Tips for Pilgrims

• Dress modestly: Headscarf required for women; long clothing for men and women
• Book accommodations in advance, especially near holy sites
• Use TAP Persia for on-the-ground support, guides, and SIM card assistance
• Avoid political discussions during your stay

How TAP Persia Can Help You

TAP Persia offers full assistance for:

• Pilgrimage visa applications
• Authorization code support
• Flight bookings & airport transfers
• Accommodation near shrines
• City-to-city transportation (Qom, Mashhad, Tehran)
• SIM cards & tourist cards
• 24/7 customer support in English, Urdu, and Arabic

Contact us on WhatsApp for personalized help with your visa process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an Iran pilgrimage visa from Pakistan/India?
Contact an Iran-certified travel agency, apply through the Iran embassy in your country with required documents.

Can I visit Mashhad and Qom on the same visa?
Yes, the pilgrimage visa allows access to all major Ziyarat sites in Iran.

Is the pilgrimage visa different from a tourist visa?
Yes, the purpose must be religious, and you may receive different conditions at immigration.

Can women travel alone for pilgrimage to Iran?
Yes, but solo female travelers should take precautions and follow Iran’s dress code laws.

Is Iran issuing pilgrimage visas in 2025?
Yes. As of 2025, the pilgrimage visa is active and open for application.

Can I join a group pilgrimage with this visa?
Yes, many agencies offer group pilgrimage visa packages with guided tours.

 Final Word

The Iran pilgrimage visa offers Muslim travelers a unique opportunity to connect with the spiritual heart of Shia Islam. From the sacred serenity of Qom to the majestic architecture of Mashhad, your Ziyarat journey is only a few steps away.

Let TAP Persia guide you through the process and make your pilgrimage to Iran a peaceful, memorable experience.