Looking to navigate the Iran visa guide process in Tehran? After experiencing the complexities of obtaining and extending visas in Iran, I’ve created this comprehensive Iran visa guide to help fellow travelers avoid unnecessary stress and delays.
Iran Visa Extension Process
We successfully extended our 10-day Iran visa for an additional 20 days. When applying for your Letter of Invitation (LOI), it’s wise to request more days than you think you’ll need and include major cities in your itinerary, even if you’re unsure about visiting them. No one ever verified our travel plans.
While Iran visa extensions are easier to obtain in tourist-friendly cities like Shiraz, Yazd, or Esfahan, sometimes Tehran is unavoidable. Be prepared for crowds, especially after Nowruz (Persian New Year), when processing times can extend from one day to nearly a week.
| Visa Extension Office Layout | Purpose |
|---|---|
| First room (right) | Photocopies, passport photos, bag storage for females |
| Second room (right) | Bag storage and security check for males |
| Main room (left) | Form collection, screening, and submission |
Step-by-Step Iran Visa Extension Guide
- Purchase two copies of required paperwork (approximately 1000 Rial each)
- Make two photocopies each of your Iran visa (with visible entry date) and passport
- Get passport photos if needed (40,000 Rial) – women must wear headscarves
- Pay 300,000 Rial at the nearby Melli bank (note: they don’t exchange USD)
- Submit all documents to the initial screener who will check everything and direct you to the next window
- Meet with the senior approver who confirms extension days and signs forms
- Return signed forms to the assigned window – you may receive immediate processing or a ticket with a return date
- Collect your passport on the specified date (note: you must collect it yourself)
The visa extension office is located at coordinates N35 43.519 E51 26.754, with the Melli bank approximately at N35 43.547 E51 26.636.
Obtaining an Uzbekistan Visa in Tehran
Getting an Uzbekistan visa in Tehran is straightforward if you’ve arranged a Letter of Invitation (LOI) beforehand. We used StanTours, which provided excellent service.
Important: There’s both an Uzbekistan Embassy and Consulate in Tehran. For visa purposes, you need the Uzbekistan Consulate (N35 48.267 E51 28.534).
Uzbekistan Visa Requirements
- Two passport copies
- Two completed Uzbekistan visa application forms
- Two passport photos
- Your passport
- $60 USD
- LOI reference number (recommended)
The consulate operates from 9:30am to 11:30am but may stay open longer if there’s a queue. Press the third intercom button upon arrival and mention you’re there for a visa. Note that photocopying services aren’t available at the consulate but can be found at nearby newsstands for around 1000 Rial.
Securing a Turkmenistan Transit Visa
The Turkmenistan transit visa is typically the most challenging to obtain. The process takes five days to complete, but they don’t keep your passport during processing.
Pro tip: Apply for authorization in Tehran, then collect your transit visa in Mashhad five days later. This allows you to explore northern Iran while waiting for your visa approval.
Two-Step Turkmenistan Visa Process
Step 1: Apply for Authorization in Tehran
Required documents:
- Uzbekistan visa photocopy
- Iran visa photocopy (with entry date stamp)
- Passport photocopy
Visit the Turkmenistan Embassy in Tehran (N35 48.269 E51 27.148) as early as possible during their 9:30am-11:30am opening hours. Submit your paperwork, request express service, and specify pickup from Mashhad.
Step 2: Collect Transit Visa in Mashhad
In Mashhad, local copy shops can help prepare your application (approximately 20,000 Rial). Visit the Turkmenistan Embassy (N36 17.049 E59 35.958) early – lines can form by 8:00am despite 9:00am opening. Submit $55 USD in pristine condition, your completed form, and passport to receive your transit visa.
You can choose between Bajgiran-Ashgabat or Sarakhs-Sarakhs entry points, but the exit will always be Farab-Karakul.
Final Tips for Your Iran Visa Journey
When dealing with visa applications in Iran, patience is essential. Bringing extra passport photos, photocopies, and pristine USD notes will save you time and stress. For the most current information on visa requirements, check with Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consult reliable travel forums like Caravanistan.
This Iran visa guide should help make your experience smoother than mine was. Safe travels!