Iran, a country in South-West Asia, attracts tourists with a variety of recreational opportunities. Travelers are eager to get acquainted with the ancient culture of Iran, because many ancient cities have been preserved in the country. The most famous of them is Persepolis. A good beach holiday is organized on the coast of the Caspian Sea and on the island of Kish in the Persian Gulf. In colorful oriental bazaars, tourists admire the famous handmade Persian carpets and can purchase them.
Obtaining a visa at the airport upon arrival
Iranians upon arrival only issue a tourist visa valid for 30 days. It is possible to extend it for another 15 days by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran).
To obtain a visa on arrival, Russians need to collect the necessary documents. It is also advisable to request a reference code in advance - travel agencies provide assistance in this matter by sending a request to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To freely leave the territory of the Russian Federation, check on the website nevylet.rf that there is no ban on traveling abroad.
What documents are needed?
Iran
Russian citizens arriving at Iran International Airport must provide the following documents to border control officers to obtain a visa on the spot:
- a completed application form (the form will be issued by border guards at the airport);
- a foreign passport, the validity of which will last longer than six months from the date of entry into the Republic;
- passport photo;
- hotel reservation or invitation from a resident of Iran (the veracity of the information provided can be verified by authorized checkpoint employees);
- tickets for the return journey or to another country;
- medical insurance (if you don’t have it, you will have to purchase a medical policy on the spot).
There is an easier way to cross the Iranian border - purchase a reference code in advance.
If you have a reference code for obtaining a visa at the border, the list of documents is significantly smaller, the time required for registration is reduced, and the likelihood of receiving a visa upon arrival increases.
In addition, if you have a reference code, the time for issuing a visa at a diplomatic mission is also reduced by 2-3 times.
What is a reference code? How to get it?
This is an individual set of numbers that is assigned to the applicant after submitting a request to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Then the reference must be provided either at the border to obtain a visa sticker, or at the diplomatic mission at the time of submitting the visa application.
You can submit a request for a reference yourself by filling out a form on the E-visa website or seek help from a travel agency accredited by the Iranian Embassy in the Russian Federation. The reference code costs $30. The response is usually sent to the applicant’s email no later than 7 days.
Attention! Without a reference, there is a high probability that a visa upon arrival may not be issued.
Moreover, documents submitted at the border are still sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and waiting for a response can take several hours.
If you have a reference, you will additionally only need to provide an international passport, a photograph and pay a fee (40-70 euros). They may rarely be asked to prove their financial solvency for the period of residence in the country.
Kish Island - local Cote d'Azur
The main resort of the country, a free economic zone. This is a small island where you can see the Iranian coast on one side and Dubai skyscrapers on the other.
Do Russians need a visa to Iran to visit it? No, this is the only way to enter the country visa-free.
There is only one minus: hotels of any star rating do not have their own private beaches. All of them are public, which means they are separate for men and women. For the latter, a swimming place is allocated at the very edge of the beach area.
Main types of visas
Tourist
A category of entry permits, which is intended for those wishing to visit the country for the purpose of recreation, sightseeing, and getting to know the local culture. The tourist category also includes a pilgrimage type of visa.
Guestbook
Issued to those traveling to the Iranian state to visit relatives, acquaintances, friends, as well as participants in seminars, conferences, and other cultural events. The visitor must provide an invitation appropriate to the purpose of the trip (either from an individual or an organization).
Working
Required by foreign citizens who intend to find employment in local companies. To the main package of papers you need to add a work permit from the Ministry of Labor of the Iranian Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as an invitation from the employing company and a health report.
Transit visa
All visitors will need it if their route to another country lies through Iran. The visa is valid for 48 hours. The traveler must have, in addition to the basic documents for a visa, tickets to a third country and permission to enter that country, if necessary.
Types of Iranian visas
Appearance of an Iranian visa.
The country offers several types of entry permits for Russian travelers.
Tourist visa
A common one is a tourist visa to Iran, it is issued for 2 weeks. You need to confirm your solvency: you can present a statement from your bank account.
Visitor visa
Another popular type is the guest room.
To complete it, you must provide a complete package of documents and wait for a request from the consulate. Usually it arrives in 10-20 days.
A visitor visa is issued for the period specified in the invitation notice.
student visa
Prospective students wishing to study in Iran can apply for a student permit.
It is issued strictly with the permission of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if the student has an invitation from an Iranian university.
Transit visa
A transit visa to Iran is another type of document that Russians use. It is issued for a period of up to two days and strictly upon invitation from the country. This invitation is sent to the consular office.
To obtain entry permission, the embassy representative must show air tickets, a copy of the document, indicate the destination and the same documents as for a tourist visa. Additionally, a permit to drive a vehicle may be required (if the tourist travels in his own car).
Work Visa
A work visa to Iran is also relevant among Russians. It is issued to applicants wishing to conduct business or scientific activities in the Republic.
It is issued upon a special invitation received from the Iranian side or with permission from the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
An Iranian visa can be obtained from embassies, consulates or visa centers.
How much does a visa to Iran cost?
Mashhad, Iran
Consular fee for a tourist visa - 40 dollars, transit - 35. For a visitor single-entry visa - 70 dollars, multiple-entry - 105. The cost of a business visa for 3 months is 150 dollars.
The standard period for receiving a ready answer for a single-entry visa is 3 days, for a multiple-entry visa – up to 10 days. Embassy employees issue an urgent entry permit on the next working day after documents are accepted for consideration (the cost is half as expensive).
What documents are needed to obtain a visa?
When applying for a visa at the diplomatic mission, the consular officer must provide:
- International passport. Requirements for the document: validity period of more than six months, presence of at least two blank pages for pasting in a visa permit;
- An application form legibly completed and signed by the applicant;
- Photos (2 pcs.). Requirements for the photo: size 3x4 cm, color image, close-up of the face, no smile;
- Hotel reservation for the entire period of stay in the Iranian state;
- Receipt for repayment of the visa fee;
- Reference code;
- Medical insurance.
Applying for a medical policy for traveling abroad is available on the Cherehapa instant insurance website.
It is desirable that the country listed on the agreement is Iran, and not the category “the whole world.” It is recommended to clarify this point in advance with the insurance company employees before ordering the service.
Iranian visa for a child
If you want to travel with children, you need to know how to get a visa to Iran for a child.
For this:
- They take the child’s passport or birth certificate.
- You also need a passport of either the young traveler or his parent.
- You need 2 photographs – 3.5-4.5 cm in size.
- They take a certificate from the place of study (school or university).
- The student ID is scanned and presented along with other documents.
- Take out health insurance.
- If a child is traveling with accompanying persons, the documents must be accompanied by a certificate of employment of one parent, photocopies of adult passports, and evidence that they are solvent.
Iran Customs Regulations
Isfahan, Iran
It is prohibited to export currency in the amount of more than 5 thousand dollars from the Iranian Republic, and local currency - more than 500 thousand rials. Funds permitted for import/export are subject to mandatory declaration.
It is allowed to carry cigarettes, perfume, video cameras, and cameras for personal use.
It is prohibited to bring to Iran:
- alcoholic drinks of any strength;
- antiques, if it is established that more than half a century has passed since their manufacture;
- any products of a pornographic nature;
- weapons of all types, ammunition.
Iranians impose the highest penalty for drug importation - the death penalty.
What do you need to know before traveling to Iran?
The Islamic State puts forward certain requirements for visiting guests:
- women must wear closed clothing - no short sleeves, deep necklines, short skirts or shorts;
- It is prohibited to drink alcoholic beverages in public places. Violators of this rule are required to pay a fine;
- if the traveler has previously visited Israel, then more than a year must have passed since this trip. It is also advisable to exclude the presence of any Israeli paraphernalia or inscriptions in Hebrew.
Meanwhile, Iranians are friendly people and welcome tourists. The main thing is to respect local rules, customs and traditions.
Local customs and visa rules
Iran has strict laws. Don't forget that this is a Muslim country. Women and men are prohibited from appearing on the street in provocative clothing. This includes not only transparent blouses and tight dresses, but also shorts of any length, sleeveless T-shirts, tank tops, etc. A woman should cover her arms, legs and head with clothes. You don't have to cover your face.
If you are wearing trousers, the top of the outfit should reach at least to the knees. That is, you will have to wear a long tunic or something similar. In rare cases, inappropriate appearance may result in denial of entry. Therefore, we recommend choosing clothes for your trip in advance.
Upon arrival, you must have your return tickets in hand. Otherwise you will be sent home.
At the moment, entry into Iran with a stamp indicating a visit to Israel is not possible. The ban was introduced at the state level. However, you can get to Iran if at least a year has passed since your trip to Israel. But such tourists will still be treated with caution. Be prepared for thorough searches and many questions.
