An overview of the new Iran visa rules. Planning a trip to Iran as an American? While travel to Iran is possible for U.S. passport holders, it comes with specific visa requirements and restrictions.
For Americans travelling to Iran, it can get a little complicated. So... Can Americans visit Iran?
The answer is yes. But with specific requirements.
Here’s what U.S. citizens need to know before travelling to Iran. By the way - this also applies to British and Canadian citizens, too!
UPDATE: On July 2025, Iran updated its visa rules, especially its visitor visa requirements. These changes affect most nationalities, even those who previously benefited from more relaxed regulations, such as EU Passport Holders and Australians.
So, the following information applies to Americans as well as many other nationalities. Skip to the July 2025 updates here.
So, the following information applies to Americans as well as many other nationalities. Skip to the July 2025 updates here.
Can Americans Travel to Iran?
Iranian Visa Requirements for American Passport Holders
Special Considerations for U.S. Travellers
Best Tips for American Travellers
Is It Worth the Effort?
2025 Iran Visa Update
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Under the New Rules
What’s Next for the Iran Visa?
Can Americans Travel to Iran?
Yes, American citizens can visit Iran.
However, there are special visa requirements and travel restrictions that make planning your trip slightly more complex than for travellers from other countries.
Americans are welcome in Iran, and many travellers report experiencing warm hospitality from locals.
However, due to the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Iran, certain policies apply specifically to U.S. citizens.
Iranian Visa Requirements for American Passport Holders
To enter Iran, American citizens need a visa, which must be arranged before arrival. The same rule applies to Canadian and British passport holders as well.
Here’s an outline of the process:
1. Organized Tours and Approved Guides
American passport holders are required to travel to Iran as part of an organized tour or with an approved private guide. Independent travel is not permitted.
Your tour operator or guide must be officially registered with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and they will assist you with the visa application process.
2. Visa Application Process
The visa process for U.S. citizens involves several steps:
Obtain an Authorization Code: Your tour operator will submit your travel details to the Iranian MFA, who will issue an authorization code. This code is required to apply for your visa.
Submit Your Visa Application: Once you have the authorization code, you can apply for a visa through an Iranian consulate or embassy. You’ll need to provide:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity).
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- Completed visa application form.
- Authorization code from the MFA.
- Travel itinerary arranged by your tour operator.
You can apply for an Iranian visa through the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which operates within the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.
This section serves as Iran’s diplomatic representative in the United States.
3. Visa Processing Time
Visa processing can take anywhere from 4–8 weeks, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
Special Considerations for U.S. Travellers to Iran
Travel Restrictions
While in Iran, U.S. citizens must adhere to the following:
- Stay with your guide or group at all times.
- Follow the planned itinerary approved by the MFA.
- Obtain special permits if visiting restricted areas (handled by your tour operator).
Entry and Exit Points
U.S. citizens typically enter Iran through major international airports, such as Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Overland border crossings may require additional permissions.
Diplomatic Representation
The U.S. does not have a functioning embassy in Iran.
If you need assistance, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran acts as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.
Best Tips for American Travelers
- Plan Ahead
The visa process for U.S. citizens takes time, so start your application early.
- Choose a Reputable Tour Operator
Work with experienced operators familiar with the requirements for U.S. travelers.
- Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly, follow cultural norms, and always adhere to your guide’s instructions.
- Stay Informed
Check travel advisories from the U.S. State Department and keep up-to-date with current policies.
Is It Worth the Effort?
Absolutely! Iran is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant bazaars of Tehran to the ancient ruins of Persepolis and the stunning mosques of Isfahan, the experiences awaiting you are unparalleled.
While the requirements for U.S. citizens may seem stringent, the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people and the chance to explore one of the world’s oldest civilizations make it an adventure worth pursuing.
2025 Iran Visa Update
In July 2025, following the Twelve-Day Iran-Israel War, Iran updated its visa rules, especially its visitor visa requirements.
These changes affect most nationalities, even those who previously benefited from more relaxed regulations, such as EU Passport Holders and Australia.
Here’s what you need to know about the new Iranian visitor and tourist visa requirements, updated in July 2025.
What Has Changed in the Iranian Tourist Visa Requirements?
For years, American, British, and Canadian passport holders have faced more stringent Iranian visa rules than the rest of the world.
Their travel to Iran must be arranged through a registered travel agency, and their visitor visa must be approved in advance by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A visa sticker must be obtained prior in the Iranian Embassies or Consulates in the home country (for the US, the Iranian Interest Section is located within the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C.)
Once in Iran, these travellers must also be accompanied by an approved tour guide at all times.
Other nationalities, however, have enjoyed far more flexibility with their itineraries, and many could apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Iran’s major airports.
For these nationalities, independent travel without a guide was also permitted.
But that has now changed.
In July 2025, following its brief conflict with Israel, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced new visitor visa rules.
These rules now apply to most nationalities, including passport holders from the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and others.
After a one-month suspension of tourism visas post-conflict, the Ministry now requires most travellers to enter Iran as part of a pre-arranged tour package organised through a registered travel agency, pretty much the same rule that already applied to American, British, and Canadian visitors.
This change takes effect immediately.
How to Apply for an Iran Tourist Visa Under the New Rules
To apply for an Iranian tourist visa, all trip details must be pre-arranged with an approved travel agency, which includes travel dates, entry and exit points, full itinerary and proposed accommodation details.
Once confirmed, these details are submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval.
And the visa extension service, which used to be allowed to process once a visitor is in Iran, is now not allowed.
Are There Any Exceptions to these new rules?
Yes, but they are very limited.
Overland travellers using recreational vehicles RV or campers, motorbikes, or bicycles are exempt from joining a group tour.
However, they must still be accompanied by a registered tour guide for the entire duration of their journey through Iran.
While campers may sleep in their own vehicle unit, they must still use registered accommodations when possible, and the guide is required to stay in a hotel.
There are a handful of passport holders from certain countries from mostly Asian countries (Turkiye, Malaysia, China, Japan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore), Africa (Tanzania, Seychelles and Mauritania) and the Americas (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Cuba) and some others who can visit Iran with visa free, with limited days of stay, with no requirements to book a mandatory tour packages.
How to apply for Iran Tourist Visa?
If you are visiting Iran and affected by the new rules due to your nationality, you must apply for the Iran Visitors Visa through registered companies in Iran.
You will have to either join in an organized tour group by these companies, or plan an itinerary to accommodate your needs, but still need to be arranged by them.
After the tour and itinerary is finalised, only registered tour agency can submit your Iran tourist visa to the Ministry for approval.
What’s Next for the Iran Visa?
At the time of writing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still finalising the implementation of these new visa regulations. Further changes or adjustments should be expected as the system evolves.
But for now, this is what we know.
Stay tuned for updates as they’re confirmed, and always check with your travel agency for the latest requirements before booking your trip.
Koryo Tours
Iran Travel Guide
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Halef Gunawan
Halef is Social Media and Marketing Specialist at Koryo Tours
Born and raised in Indonesia, he moved to the U.S. for college and later pursued full-time travel in 2019. Stranded in Sabah, Malaysia, during COVID, he and his partner—along with their German Shepherd, Kana—embraced van life and have been exploring North America since 2020.