Iran Visa Extension: How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Iran

Whether you can extend your stay in Iran depends on the permission under which you entered. A tourist visa and a visa-free visit are different arrangements; neither should be treated as an automatic right to additional days.

For a stay covered by an Iranian visa, the important date is the end of your authorised stay. An application for an extension is a request for a decision, not an extension in itself.

Do not calculate a new departure date by adding two assumed extensions to your original visa. Use the period actually granted by the authorities.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal, checked on 5 November 2026, describes the 15-day tourism waiver for the ordinary-passport nationalities listed in its “Excluded Citizenship” section as non-extendable and usable once every six months. Other waiver arrangements have their own conditions.

How can I extend my Iran visa?

Visa extensions are handled by the relevant immigration authority inside Iran. The German Foreign Office’s guidance identifies the foreign nationals police as the authority German travellers should approach about extending a visa. It does not promise same-day approval.

While the process can be done pretty easily and quickly, it requires to be a bit prepared ahead of visiting the visa office, in order to know what to expect. Indeed, these police offices are usually quite crowded and chaotic, with rarely anyone speaking English.

That’s why it’s better if you can be accompanied by an Iranian that will help you find your way and translate what’s needed.

Use the sections below to organise the application and the questions to take to the responsible office. The city listings are starting points for locating an office, not confirmation that every listed counter currently handles tourist extensions.

Brief overview of the Iranian tourist visa

Your entry conditions depend on nationality, passport and visa category. The Ministry’s eVisa portal publishes visa information and waiver conditions; a universal 45-day initial stay should not be assumed.

The Ministry’s eVisa portal offers an individual application route. Using an agency is therefore not a universal requirement. Some applicants must instead apply through an Iranian embassy or follow nationality-specific procedures. For agency assistance, SURFIRAN’s visa service explains the information it needs.

Once you received your authorization, you can collect your visa at the Iranian embassy you’ve chosen or at the airport, on arrival. Note that the visa is delivered on a separate sheet of paper so that your passport won’t be stamped.

How Long Can You Extend Your Iranian Tourist Visa?

Holding a tourist visa does not by itself establish entitlement to an extension. Visa-free visitors must use the conditions of their particular waiver rather than the procedure described for visa holders.

The duration and number of extensions depend on the decision made for your case. A 30-day initial visa does not, on its own, establish a 90-day permitted stay.

Approach the competent office before your authorised stay expires and ask when it will accept your application. Do not wait until the final day on the strength of an unverified one-to-four-day filing window.

The Extension Process: A Step by Step Guide

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to go to the nearest Immigration and Passport Office. Be ready to face a crowded and frantic place! However, the process is quite simple and as described below:

1. First, you will have to clear the security check and leave your smartphone or any other electronic devices in a small locker at the entrance (laptops aren’t accepted). Be aware that you won’t be authorized to enter the building with a bag. Also make sure to dress appropriately.
2. Head to the Visa Extension Counter. After checking your passport, the officer will give you two visa extension forms to fill.
3. Then go to the Tourism Affairs counter where you may be asked a few questions in order to know the reason of your extension. Try to be as precise as possible about the expected duration of your extension, where you want to travel (name cities and hotels). The officer may also ask you the name of your current hotel, what is your occupation, and confirm that you are in Iran for tourism purpose only.
4. Get the official payment instructions from the office, including the amount, payment destination and accepted method. Keep the receipt with your application papers.
5. Once you have all the documents required, return them to the Passport Collection Counter.
6. Wait at the Visa Extension Counter while your passport is getting ready and is finally handed over to you with your extension stamp.

Processing Time and Fees

Allow time for the application, payment and collection stages. Neither a complete document pack nor another traveller’s experience establishes that your case will be completed that morning.

Find out the submission and collection arrangements for the office handling your application. If the office retains your passport, ask for a receipt and the collection instructions.

Ask the payment counter for the current official charge in rials, the accepted payment method and a receipt. Keep the extension charge separate from photocopy or photo-service charges; a fixed euro estimate can quickly become misleading.

Comprehensive List of Required Documents for Extension

Prepare your passport, current visa or entry permission, copies and photographs. The list below is a preparation checklist; the responsible office sets the number of copies and the forms required for your case.

• 2 copies of your passport (photo page)
• 2 copies of your current Iran visa
• 2 copies of your payment receipt
• 2 copies of the completed visa extension form
• 2 passport sized photos (women should wear headscarf)

Prepare readable copies before visiting so that you are not dependent on an on-site photocopier or photographer. Keep originals, copies and receipts together in separate sections of your document pack.

Where to Apply for a Visa Extension

You can get your visa extension in most Iranian cities as long as they have an Immigration office. If you want to find the nearest location, search for “Police Department of Alien Affairs” on Google Maps.

Choose the office responsible for your case. Claims that one city is easier than another are anecdotal and are not a sound reason to travel across Iran to seek an extension.

Submission days and counter hours need to come from the office handling the case. A single national timetable is not established by the office listings below.

Extend Iran visa in Tehran

Tehran Central Police Department of Immigration

• Address: Shahid Motahari Street, Kooh e Noor Street, Tehran
• Phone: +98 217 394 8912
• See the location on Google Maps

Extend Iran visa in Isfahan

Isfahan Immigration and Passport Police

• Address: Rudaki Bypass, Isfahan
• Phone: +98 313 218 4547
• See the location on Google Maps

Extend Iran visa in Shiraz

Shiraz Passport Office

• Address: Modarres boulevard, Shiraz
• Phone: +98 713 725 0028
• See the location on Google Maps

Extend Iran visa in Yazd

Yazd Passport and Visa Extension Office

• Address: Ferdowsi Street, Yazd
• Phone: +98 903 238 4850
• See the location on Google Maps

Extend Iran visa in Mashhad

Mashhad Passport and Visa Extension Office

• Address: Pirouzi Blvd
• Phone: +98 513 879 3006
• See the location on Google Maps

Advice for a Smooth Extension Process

Start by reading the expiry and stay conditions on your current permission, then contact the relevant immigration office before that period ends.

Our best advice is to be accompanied by an Iranian, or at least someone speaking Persian. Make sure to gather all the necessary documents and go to the office before the opening hours. Sometimes, people are waiting in line earlier to enter first.

Pay special care to your dressing to be certain to respect modesty and not have your entry be denied. As a reminder, men should not wear shorts and women are required to cover their hair with headscarf and wear loose clothes.

Eventually, be precise about the reasons of your extension and your plan for the rest of your trip. You may also bring with you your current hotel confirmation and any other documents you have concerning the next days of your stay.

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Iran Tourist visa

Iran Visa Extension: Conclusion

An extended trip requires permission covering the extra time. Visa holders should use the decision and dates issued for their case; visitors on a non-extendable waiver should plan to leave within its permitted period.

Iran Visa Extension: FAQ

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