The recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel has left a significant mark on the Iranian tourism industry. In the aftermath of this short yet impactful war, many airlines canceled or limited flights to Iran, and the number of potential tourists dropped drastically. Thousands of tourism workers, from travel agencies and tour guides to hotel owners, were forced to shut down their businesses or change careers.

In response to the unstable situation and in an effort to rebuild trust, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran has introduced a new visa rule aimed at ensuring the safety of travelers while reviving the tourism economy. If you are planning to travel to Iran, here’s everything you need to know about the updated Iran visa regulations and how TAP Persia can assist you every step of the way.

Iran Visa Update Today – What Has Changed?

Before the war, most nationalities—except for a few like the US, UK, and Canada—could easily obtain a tourist visa within 3-5 business days. Visitors had the flexibility to plan their own itineraries, stay in hotels, hostels, or with locals, and travel freely across the country without the need for a tour guide.

However, after a one-month suspension of visa processing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now requires all tourists to enter Iran as part of a pre-arranged tour package, whether solo or with a group (if traveling with family or friends). This must be organized through a registered travel agency. As the top-rated agency in Iran with over 1,250 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, TAP Persia is fully licensed and ready to handle this process for you.

Key Updates to the Iran Visa Rule (August 2025)

1. Mandatory Tour Package

One of the most significant changes is that travelers are no longer permitted to travel to Iran on their own and they can only apply for a visa by booking a pre-arranged tour package with an Iranian travel agency. TAP Persia offers a variety of tour packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the options include:

• Escort-Guided Tours (Ideal for Couples and Families) – A dedicated guide will accompany you throughout your trip, ensuring you have a personalized experience. We’ll recommend and book the best boutique and traditional hotels to give you a true taste of Iran.
• Local-Guided Tours (Perfect for Solo Travelers and Budget-Conscious Travelers) – In this model, you will have a local guide in each city, offering a more authentic experience. Local guides have deeper knowledge of their region and, since they stay in their own homes, this tour type is more affordable. We will add more affordable hotels for you to minimize the cost.
• Group Tours (Great for Families or Groups of Friends) – These tours operate on fixed dates with a pre-set itinerary. Group members share the costs for the guide, transportation, and accommodations. If you have travel companions, this option is ideal for splitting costs and enjoying the journey together.
• Find Your Travel Mate – If you prefer to join a tour with other like-minded travelers, you can fill out our customized tour form, and we will connect you with potential travel mates to help reduce your costs while still enjoying a personalized itinerary.

TAP Persia offers flexibility to help you choose the best tour that matches your needs, allowing you to select the right experience and even change your plans if needed.

2. Fixed Travel Details

To apply for an Iranian visa, all trip details, such as travel dates, entry/exit points, and the itinerary, must be set with the travel agency before applying. However, TAP Persia offers flexibility to modify these details later, ensuring your trip can adapt to any unforeseen changes, without any extra charges.

3. Accommodation Booking by Travel Agency

Under the new regulations, staying with locals or using hosts is no longer allowed, and couch-surfing is prohibited. Overland travelers using campers, bikes, or bicycles are required to stay in registered accommodations, with the exception of travelers entering Iran with their campers. In this case, you may stay in your camper without the need to book additional accommodations. However, your guide must still stay in a hotel.

Travel agencies are now responsible for booking all accommodations, offering options ranging from budget to luxury stays. Once your visa is approved, the agency must submit your accommodation details to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you choose TAP Persia, you can still select your preferred accommodations from a wide range of options, ensuring your stay aligns with your preferences and budget.

4. Licensed Guides Are Mandatory

Under the new regulations, all travelers must be accompanied by a licensed escort or local guides throughout their trip. If you choose the local guide option, you will have a guide in each city, who will accompany you during your stay and then take you to the next city, where a new guide will continue your journey.

All TAP Persia guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about providing an exceptional experience. You can read positive reviews from previous travelers on TAP Persia’s TripAdvisor to learn more about the quality of our guides.

5. Self-Driving Travelers Welcome

For travelers bringing their own vehicle (motorbike, car, bicycle, etc.), it is still possible to travel to Iran, but a licensed guide must accompany you throughout the trip. You must also provide documentation for your vehicle, including vehicle ID, insurance, photos, and any necessary international permits (e.g., CDP). But since the cost of having a full-time guide and booking registered accommodations can be relatively high for solo travelers, we highly recommend sharing your trip with friends or fellow travelers who plan to visit Iran around the same time and along a similar route. This way, you can split the expenses for the guide, transportation, and even accommodations—making your overland journey more affordable and just as enjoyable.

With TAP Persia, you still maintain the freedom to choose your stops, and we’ll take care of the paperwork, route planning, and accommodation bookings—based entirely on your preferences and travel style.

6. Visa Extensions Are Limited

Visa extensions are no longer as straightforward and now require pre-approval. If you wish to extend your tour, TAP Persia will handle the extension request on your behalf through our tour guide. We will also assist you in finding the nearest Passport and Immigration Police Office to complete the process.

7. Resume File Requirement

Travelers must now provide more detailed personal information, including travel history, social media accounts, education, and professional records. This information helps speed up the visa processing and assures the Ministry that the traveler’s intentions are strictly for tourism.

8. Tour Contract Requirement

A formal contract must be signed between the traveler and the agency, outlining all the details of the tour package, including the itinerary, costs, inclusions, and exclusions. The contract must also cover relevant political and safety regulations in Iran.

9. Processing Time: 2–3 Weeks

With all the necessary documentation, the visa processing time will take approximately 2-3 weeks (excluding weekends and national holidays). It is essential to plan your trip in advance and apply for your visa early to avoid delays.

New Iran Visa Policy – Why This New Rule is a Good Thing?

While the new Iran visa rule may seem restrictive at first glance, it brings numerous benefits:

• Increased traveler safety
• Better coordination for tours and accommodations
• Peace of mind with expert support
• Revitalization of the local tourism economy

It ensures a more organized and secure experience for travelers, while also empowering local businesses and tour operators.

Step-by-Step Guide to Iran Visa Application

To simplify the process of obtaining your Iran Visa, we have outlined a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and efficient experience:

1. Understand the New Visa Policy (Traveling with pre-arranged tour)
   Start by familiarizing yourself with the updated Iran visa policy. All essential information regarding the new regulations can be found on our website.
2. Finalize Your Custom Tour Package
   Fill out the customized tour package form, and we will prepare a detailed itinerary based on your preferences. We’ll then refine it to match your exact interests. Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly via WhatsApp (+989103004875 | +989134148570) with any questions, and we will create a tailored tour package based on your preferences and budget. Once your tour is customized, you can proceed with the visa application.
3. Submit Your Application on Our Website
   Visit our website to complete the Iran visa application form. After submitting your application, securely pay the TAP Persia visa processing fee via credit card.
4. Wait for Visa Approval
   Once we receive approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we will notify you to finalize the payment for your tour package. After that, you can collect your visa at your chosen embassy/consulate or upon arrival at the airport. The government visa fee will be due at this time.
5. Travel with Confidence
   After your visa is approved, you can travel throughout Iran according to the itinerary we’ve arranged for you, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.

By following these steps, you can rest assured that your Iran Visa application will be handled professionally and efficiently.

No Deposit Required Before Visa Approval

You don’t need to pay any deposit for your tour package until your visa has been approved. The only payment required before approval is the visa processing fee. Once your visa is approved, you will be required to settle the tour package cost to confirm your booking.

This streamlined process ensures you can apply for your Iran Visa and secure your tour with peace of mind, knowing that every step is handled by experts.

How TAP Persia Can Help You

At TAP Persia, we are committed to helping you navigate this new visa rule with ease. With over 1,250 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, we pride ourselves on being the most trusted and reliable travel agency in Iran. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you in customizing your trip, offering flexibility, and ensuring that all the details of your journey are handled seamlessly.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury tour, an economy option, or a customized itinerary, TAP Persia will make sure your Iran tour is unforgettable, safe, and stress-free. We take care of everything from accommodation bookings to guided tours, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Why Choose TAP Persia?

Choosing TAP Persia for your Iran Visa application means you are selecting a travel agency with years of experience and expertise. We take care of all the bureaucratic details for you, ensuring that your journey is smooth from start to finish. Our flexibility, excellent customer service, and commitment to delivering tailored trips make us the top choice for travelers looking to explore Iran.

Travel to Iran with confidence and peace of mind. Our team is here to help you create a personalized Iran Tour based on your interests, budget, and preferences. Reach out to TAP Persia today, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Travel to Iran, Worry-Free

Despite recent challenges, Iran remains a beautiful, historic, and welcoming destination. With the new visa rules in place, the path to travel to Iran is now safer and more structured. TAP Persia is here to help you make the most of it—customized trips, secure visa processing, and unforgettable memories await you.

Have questions about the new Iran visa rule or want to start planning your trip? Contact TAP Persia now via WhatsApp (+989103004875 | +989134148570)—our team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step.

FAQs:

What is the new Iran visa rule in 2025?

As of 2025, travelers can only enter Iran as part of a prearranged tour package through a registered travel agency like TAP Persia. Independent travel is no longer allowed.

Can I still travel to Iran on my own?

No. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs now requires that all visa applicants be part of a guided tour. However, TAP Persia offers flexible packages to match your travel style.

How long does it take to get an Iran visa now?

Visa processing takes 2–3 weeks (excluding Thursdays, Fridays, and national holidays). It’s recommended to apply well in advance.

Do I have to follow a fixed itinerary in Iran?

Yes, your entry/exit dates, border crossings, and cities must be pre-arranged. However, TAP Persia can help adjust your itinerary even after visa approval if needed.

Can I choose my own hotels?

Yes. With TAP Persia, you can recommend or book accommodations online. We will then submit the hotel vouchers to the Ministry on your behalf.

Is it possible to travel to Iran with my own car or motorcycle?

Due to the new Iran visa rules, all overland travelers—including cyclists, motorcyclists, and those traveling by car or camper—must be accompanied by a licensed guide throughout their entire trip and must stay in registered accommodations. Camping or staying with locals is no longer allowed, and all routes and hotels must be pre-approved before applying for the visa.

Because of these changes, long trips of 20–30 days are no longer cost-effective, as you’ll need to cover the guide’s daily fees and accommodation bookings for the full duration. We recommend shortening your trip to 10–15 days to keep the experience both affordable and enriching. At TAP Persia, we’ll help you design a customized itinerary that balances adventure with budget—while ensuring full compliance with the new rules.

What documents are needed for the new Iran visa?

Besides your passport and photo, you’ll need a Resume File including travel history, education, work background, and social media accounts. TAP Persia will guide you step-by-step.

Can I extend my Iran visa during my trip?

Visa extensions are no longer as simple as before and cannot be done independently without extending your tour. If you wish to extend your tour, TAP Persia will handle the visa extension request on your behalf through our tour guide. We will also assist you in locating the nearest Passport and Immigration Police Office to complete the process.

How Can I Reduce Travel Costs with the New Regulation?

To help reduce your travel costs, we highly recommend sharing your trip with friends or fellow travelers who plan to visit Iran around the same time and along a similar route. You can join Iran travel groups on social media to connect with others and find a travel mate, making it easier to share expenses and enjoy a more affordable journey.