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How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in IRAN

Extending your tourist visa in Iran is a straightforward process that can typically be completed within a single morning at the Immigration & Passport Police Head Office in Isfahan. Although this example is for Isfahan, the visa extension procedure is similar at other immigration offices across major Iranian cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad.

The office is located along Rudaki Street, and the opening hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm. We recommend arriving promptly at opening time to avoid long queues and ensure a smoother experience.

Upon arrival, you will pass through a security checkpoint where electronic devices such as phones will be temporarily deposited, and staff will verify that your attire complies with the local dress code policies.

Once inside, head to the second floor, where you will find multiple counters dedicated to various services. Locate the Visa Extension counter and present your passport to request an Iran visa extension for up to 30 additional days. You will receive a form to complete with your personal details.

Next, you will be directed to the Tourism Affairs counter, where an officer will ask several questions to assess your application. Typical questions include:
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  1. Why do you want to extend your visa?
  2. How many additional days do you intend to stay in Iran?
  3. Where are you staying during your extended visit, especially in Isfahan?
  4. Are you visiting for tourism or business purposes?
  5. What is your current occupation?

It is important to provide a valid hotel name or accommodation address in Isfahan (or the city where you apply) as your place of residence. This information is critical for approval. After satisfactory responses and approval, you will proceed with the required paperwork to finalize your visa extension.

Following this, you will go downstairs to the first floor yard to pay the visa extension fee. Payments are typically made by Iranian debit cards. If you do not have a card, staff may assist you in borrowing one, or you will be directed to a nearby bank to complete the payment.

The current visa extension fee is approximately 5,000,000 Iranian Rials (about 5-10 EUR). To simplify payments, consider obtaining a TAP Persia Tourist Card—a prepaid debit card that can be loaded with various major currencies prior to your trip to Iran. This card facilitates convenient payments at immigration offices and almost all locations in Iran.

At this stage, you will also receive a folder containing a checklist of all required documents and two copies of the visa extension application form. Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork ready to avoid delays.

Documents you need to submit with your visa extension application:

1
2 Photocopies of your passport

2
2 Copies of the completed visa extension form

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To get photocopies of your passport and payment receipt, visit the counter located in the yard. The cost for photocopying is approximately 1-3 USD.

Once your documents are processed, you will receive a receipt and be informed to return after 2 to 3 working days to collect your extended visa. During this period, your passport will be retained by the immigration office. Sometimes, if the office is not very busy, they may be able to extend your visa on the same day.

It is essential to plan accordingly and keep your receipt safe, as it is your proof of application and needed to retrieve your passport.

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Tips for Travellers:

  1. You can only get a visa extension if you arrive just a few days before your visa expires. If you come way in advance, you might be sent away. You’re also able to extend your visa twice (this means a maximum of 90 days in Iran) but this is subject to approval.
  2. Dress modestly during your visit. This means no hair peeking out of the headscarf for the ladies.
  3. Bring along your passport. Ladies have to be wearing the headscarf in this photo. If you do not have passport-sized photos, there are usually photography shops near the buildings so ask the locals to give you the location of the nearest shop.
  4. Ensure that you have booked a hotel for the next few days and you can show the confirmation if needed. You can also quote the names of hotels in the other cities you’ve visited previously to further convince the officials.
  5. When asked why you want to stay in Iran longer, share names of the other cities you’d like to visit and how much you’ve fallen in love with the country.
  6. Be prepared for a chaotic visa office that’s full of people. Expect some raised voices and a bit of shoving, but do not be intimidated. Instead, just try and push yourself forward and make sure your voice is heard.
  7. Smile! If you’re nice to the person attending to you, they might offer you extra help or give you what you need faster.

Where to get your visa extended

You can extend your visa at Immigration and Passport Police offices located in major cities throughout Iran. Below is a list of these offices with their addresses and contact details. Be sure to check which office is nearest to you for a convenient visit.

These immigration offices handle visa extensions, passport services, and other related immigration matters, ensuring a streamlined process for tourists and residents alike.

Isfahan

Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Rudaki Bypass
Phone: +9831 3218 4547

Tehran

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Shahid Motahari St, Kooh e Noor St
Phone: +9821 7394 8912

Shiraz

Address:Fars Province, Shiraz, Modarres boulevard
Phone: +9871 3725 0028

Mashhad

Address:Razavi Khorasan Province, Mashhad, Pirouzi Blvd
Phone: +9851 3822 5280

Yazd

Address:Yazd, Ferdowsi Street
Phone: +98903 238 48 50

Qom

Address:Qom, Golha Blvd
Phone: +9825 3772 3838

FAQs

How can I extend my Iran visa?
Google “Immigration and Passport Police” to find the nearest location. Visit the department early in the morning, at least 4 days before the expiration of your visa. Bring 5-15 EUR worth of Rials for various fees.
How long is an Iranian visa valid for?
The validity of your Iranian visa depends on the duration you initially applied for. Typically, you can get a tourist visas for 30 days at first. While in Iran, you can request up to two extensions, each adding additional days to your stay, allowing a maximum total stay of 90 days.
Who can apply to a visa extension?
You are eligible to apply for a visa extension if you entered Iran with a valid visa (i.e., you did not enter visa-free) and wish to extend your stay beyond the original visa duration. Visa extension requests should be submitted close to your current visa’s expiration date at one of the Immigration and Passport Police Offices located in major Iranian cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad.
How can I extend my stay if I’m in Iran without a visa?
If you entered Iran under a visa-free arrangement, then you are not eligible to apply for a visa extension. Your stay is limited strictly to the duration allowed for your nationality under the visa-free policy, and overstaying beyond that period is not permitted.

How many times can I apply for a visa extension?
You can have up to 2 visa extensions, for an additional 60 days. If you extend your visa twice, you can stay in Iran for a total of 90 days.
How much is the visa extension fee?
The visa extension fee is about €5-10. Additional costs for photocopies, photos, or administrative services may apply, so it’s wise to have some extra cash on hand. Payments are usually made at a nearby bank or via a local debit card (You can apply for one through TAP Persia).
How long does it take to get a visa extension?
The visa extension process in Iran usually takes a few hours if you arrive early and have all your documents ready. In some cases, if the office is busy, you might need to return the next day to collect your extended visa. To avoid delays, start the process 3 to 4 days before your current visa expires.

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