{"id":70173,"date":"2024-01-13T11:57:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T11:57:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=70173"},"modified":"2025-01-22T10:01:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T10:01:22","slug":"visa-extension-in-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/visa-extension-in-iran\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran Visa Extension: How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve obtained <\/strong>your Iran visa before arriving<\/strong>, on arrival<\/strong>, or are traveling visa-free<\/strong> and wish to extend your stay beyond the initial 45 days, you’ll be happy to know that obtaining a visa extension is indeed an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extension to your Iranian visa<\/a><\/strong> can be done twice<\/strong>, each for the same number of days as your first visa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means you can stay in Iran for up to 90 days with a 30-day visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re in Iran and didn’t need a visa to enter (visa-free)<\/strong>, and you want to stay longer, it’s possible to extend your visit<\/strong>. Some visitors have successfully gotten an extra 30 days right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I extend my Iran visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can apply for an extension at the Police Department of Aliens Affairs in any major Iranian city. This usually takes just one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s better if you can be accompanied by an Iranian that will help you find your way and translate what\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, you\u2019ll find all the necessary information about visa extension in Iran in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brief overview of the Iranian tourist visa<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Iranian\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Since 2016, the Iranian tourist visa process has been streamlined: your passport will remain free of labels or stamps, as the visa is issued electronically, similar to the provided sample, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

To visit Iran, most travelers are required to apply for a tourist visa, valid for 45 days for tourism purpose only. Recently, the citizens of 33 countries have been exempted from visa; you can check here<\/strong><\/a> if your country is on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get your Iranian visa, you must apply for an authorization code, or Visa Grant Notice, through a registered agency such as SURFIRAN<\/a> <\/strong>or OrientTrips<\/a><\/strong>. After submitting your personal information and, in some cases, an itinerary, it takes about 5 to 7 working days to received your authorization code (currently, it takes about 10 days for German, French and Dutch citizens). Americans, Canadians and British citizens must apply about 3 months in advance as the procedure is different for these nationalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you received your authorization, you can collect your visa at the Iranian embassy<\/strong> you\u2019ve chosen or at the airport, on arrival. Note that the visa is delivered on a separate sheet of paper so that your passport won\u2019t be stamped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Can You Extend Your Iranian Tourist Visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Any traveler that has received a tourist visa is eligible for a visa extension. Likewise, travelers entering Iran on free-visa can also apply for a visa extension<\/strong> in order to stay longer in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can extend your Iranian visa twice, matching its initial duration each time. Thus, a 30-day visa could enable a 90-day stay in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can only apply to your visa extension a few days before your visa\u2019s expiration, usually between 4 to 1 day. It\u2019s thus useless to try getting an extension earlier, as you won\u2019t be authorized to submit an application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Extension Process: A Step by Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Iran
Iran Plan To Lift Visa For Tourists<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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

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  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\u2019t accepted). Be aware that you won\u2019t be authorized to enter the building with a bag. Also make sure to dress appropriately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Head to the Visa Extension Counter. After checking your passport, the officer will give you two visa extension forms to fill.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. After answering these questions, you will go to the payment counter to pay for the extension fee. It\u2019s only possible with an Iranian debit card. If you don\u2019t have one, you will be sent to the nearest Melli Bank to proceed to payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Once you have all the documents required, return them to the Passport Collection Counter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Wait at the Visa Extension Counter while your passport is getting ready and is finally handed over to you with your extension stamp.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Processing Time and Fees<\/h2>\n\n\n
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    \"Iran<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Getting your visa extension must be done a few days before your visa\u2019s expiration only, but if you have all the required documents, the whole process only takes a few hours. Many travelers have been able to collect their visa extension on the same morning they have applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, to stack all the odds in your favor and leave with your visa extension on the same day, make sure to arrive at the opening hours of the Immigration Office, usually at 8 AM. Otherwise, they will keep your passport and you will have to come back on the next working day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The extension fee is about 5.000.000 Rials, which is about 10 euros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Comprehensive List of Required Documents for Extension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When applying for a visa extension, make sure to bring your passport and the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n