Hi Perdie,
That's very helpful and comforting to know.
Do you know if they called any of your accommodation to check your booking? I have bookings in Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz, and am concerned that if one of them doesn't answer the phone I wont be issued a visa.
Thanks again for sharing.
James.
Hi James
I received my visa easily on arrival in Tehran airport.
Wasn't asked for my hotel booking confirmation, i just put the name of the hotel on the visa form. Not sure if they rang, but I don't think they did... Whole process took about 20 minutes.
For others wondering, I wasn't asked for a photo (they actually copied my photo off my passport for the visa). I did have a photo with me but I didn't have a headscarf on, wasn't asked for it anyway.
Dont stress about the visa. Its really straightforward. I was worried about it, as I only had 2 nights in a hotel booked for my 13 day trip. I didn't have a photo with a headscarf. I had travel insurance, but unless it specifically mentions Iran they won't accept it, its only $18US for the health cover and I'm happy to be covered properly there anyway.
Have a great trip. Its a fantastic place!!!
Thanks so much Tiger,
Very much appreciated.
Glad you had a good time, very excited to get there myself.
Thanks again,
James.
Hi all,
I have just got back my Iran, and will share with you my experience.
The VOA was very straight forward and nothing to be worried about at all. The only thing is that it is chaotic. Once you've got all your docs in, stand back and watch the madness. They will call your name out when your visa is ready.
If you want to save time, try and get off the plane first to be the first in line and avoid all the tour groups that hand in 50 passports at a time. I got mine in first and it took about 20 minutes.
First, go to the visa on arrival window. The guy will give you a form to fill in and will also write the cost of the visa on the form. Fill the form and take it to the payment window, which is right next the visa window, pay the money, then take it back to the man at the visa window and wait.
Second, once you have your visa, go to the immigration line and proceed as normal. The guy didn't even look at me, just stamped it and let me through.
At no point in time was I asked any questions about anything. On the visa form, I wrote "teacher", despite being a journalist / ngo worker. Again, no problems.
If you can, try and get Iranian Riel ahead of your arrival. The money exchange window was ridiculous. Took me at least half an hour.
All in all it was very easy. Don't listen to reports of it being intimidating or risky to get VOA. The guy was grumpy, impatient, but also very helpful and kind of funny. Just give him a smile and have everything organized and he will give you no hassle.
On another note, Iranians were easily the most hospitable and friendly people I have ever come across. To the point that it was almost too much. Truly lovely people and a beautiful and surprising country.
It's also very cheap. I spent about USD 700 in about ten days, including visa, accommodation, food etc.
The one thing I found truly confusing was the way they deal with money. Everything is quoted in "toman". Which is just a way of measuring amounts of Riel. For example, if something costs 500, 000 Riel, they will ask you for 50, 000 Toman.
Basically, just add a zero to every number you are quoted.
Anyway, hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you would like any more information.
Thanks to all who helped me before my trip.
Safe travels.
Jimmy.
for an Australian citizen cost me $165 USD.
Hi Jimmy,
Did you get an authorization code from the MFA/consulate before leaving the country for your VOA or did you just get there with all the necessary requirement and they let you in? I've had some people tell me you should get an authorization code before leaving but it sounds so complicated and want to know if it's actually necessary.
Thanks!
forget the authorization code... buy your ticket and get the VOA upon landing (a half hour process)... I did it in November, I understand not much has changed since... (I felt sorry for the exuberant fee for my fellow Aussie passengers, but the process for them was the same...) no worries...
also (if you haven't yet) seek out and join the "See You in Iran" Facebook page for a wealth of info... have a good trip!
Sorry for the late reply. No need for any code, just turn up. It's really easy and the staff are helpful if not for being a little grumpy. No issues at all.
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