Iran Visa from Dubai: Complete Guide 2026

Iran offers several visa options for UAE-based travellers. The right route depends primarily on your passport nationality. Most nationalities have straightforward access through the visa on arrival or e-Visa systems, while a small number of nationalities face additional requirements.

The Iran visa on arrival is the most popular option for Dubai residents, available at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran Mehrabad Airport, Isfahan Airport, Shiraz Airport, Tabriz Airport, and Mashhad Airport. The process involves queuing at the visa counter before immigration, completing a form, providing biometric data, and paying the fee.

Most nationalities common to Dubai are eligible for VOA, including UAE nationals, Indian passport holders, Filipino nationals, most European passport holders (except UK), and many Asian and African nationalities. The VOA allows a stay of up to 30 days and is typically single-entry.

1. 1Arrive at one of Iran's designated international airports with VOA facilities.
2. 2Proceed to the visa on arrival counter before the immigration queues. The counter is clearly signposted.
3. 3Complete the Iran visa application form — available at the counter in English.
4. 4Present your passport (minimum 6 months validity), a passport-sized photograph, proof of accommodation in Iran (hotel booking), return flight ticket, and travel insurance valid for Iran.
5. 5Pay the visa fee in EUR or USD cash. The fee varies by nationality — approximately EUR 50 to EUR 75 for most nationalities.
6. 6Provide biometric data (fingerprints) at the counter.
7. 7Wait for your visa sticker to be processed and affixed to your passport — this typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on queue volume.
8. 8Proceed to immigration with your passport containing the new Iran visa sticker.

The Iran e-Visa system allows eligible nationalities to apply for a tourist visa online before travel, eliminating the need to queue at the airport for a visa on arrival. The official portal is e_visa.mfa.ir, managed by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Processing takes approximately 5 to 7 working days, and the approved e-Visa is sent to your email.

The e-Visa is particularly recommended if you want the certainty of having your visa confirmed before booking non-refundable travel arrangements, or if you are arriving at an Iranian airport that does not offer visa on arrival services. The e-Visa costs approximately EUR 40 to EUR 80, varying by nationality.

1. 1Visit the official Iran e-Visa portal at e_visa.mfa.ir.
2. 2Create an account and select "Tourist Visa" as your application type.
3. 3Complete the online form with your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation details in Iran.
4. 4Upload a digital passport-sized photograph and a scan of your passport biographical page.
5. 5Pay the visa fee online by credit or debit card.
6. 6Submit your application and note your reference number.
7. 7Wait for approval — typically 5 to 7 working days. Check your email (including spam folder) for the approval notification.
8. 8Print the approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport when travelling to Iran.

If your e-Visa application is delayed beyond 10 working days, contact the Iranian Consulate in Dubai or OraVisa for follow-up assistance. Delays are more common during Iranian public holidays and the Nowruz period (March).

Holders of US, UK, and Canadian passports face additional restrictions when applying for an Iran visa. These nationalities are not eligible for the standard visa on arrival or e-Visa and must follow a separate process involving a government-approved tour operator and an authorization code.

If you hold a US, UK, or Canadian passport and wish to visit Iran from Dubai, the process begins with selecting a licensed Iranian tour operator who will arrange your itinerary, apply for your authorization code from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and accompany you throughout your stay. Once the authorization code is issued (typically 2 to 4 weeks), you apply for your visa at the Iranian Consulate in Dubai or your nearest Iranian embassy.

Iran visa fees vary by nationality and application route. Below is a summary of the most common fee ranges for UAE residents applying from Dubai.

The Iranian Consulate General in Dubai is located in the Jumeirah area and handles visa applications for UAE residents. For embassy visa applications, you will need to submit your passport and documents in person and collect your visa once processed. OraVisa can advise on the current consulate requirements and assist with document preparation.

Iran's visa system offers multiple routes with varying eligibility criteria, and the restrictions for certain nationalities add complexity. OraVisa provides Dubai-based travellers with clear guidance on the correct visa route, document preparation, and application support to ensure a smooth process.

• Free eligibility check — we confirm your visa route (VOA, e-Visa, or embassy) based on your nationality
• e-Visa application support — document formatting, form review, and submission guidance
• Embassy visa preparation — complete document checklist and review before consulate submission
• Restricted nationality guidance — we connect US, UK, and Canadian passport holders with licensed tour operators for authorization code applications
• Travel insurance advice — we help you find Iran-compliant travel insurance policies available in Dubai
• Separate visa sheet requests — guidance on requesting your Iran visa on a loose leaf rather than in your passport