Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Online Visa Application

Country forums / Middle East / Iran

Hi There,
I would like to visit Iran for some weeks so I've just submitted
an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and I received the
VISA APPLICATION SUBMISSION NOTICE.
My question is:
?Do I still need to pass by a visa agent before going to the consulate?
Thanks very much.

What passport are you using?

Nearly every Iranian consulate requires you to obtain an authorisation code before you submit the visa application.

Which website did you use? There are many that say they offer an 'evisa' but these are simply fronts for visa agencies. If you used one of these and paid a fee then you have applied for an authorisation code from that agency.

On the other hand, the 'evisa' page on the mfa.ir website does not ask for a fee but it simply generates an application form and does not submit the application. You must take that form to a consulate to get the visa, and you will need to get an authorisation code before you do that.

However, if you have a Belgian passport and you will fly into Iran you can get a visa on arrival without the need for code.

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Thanks for answering,
I have a peruvian passport and I used the 'evisa' page on the mfa.ir website.
It automatically generated a document that I have to bring to the belgium
consulate.
I would like to make this procedure in advance and I am not sure if a have to pass
by a visa agent.
Thanks again

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With a passport from Peru you can also get a visa on arrival if you fly into Iran. Otherwise, you should apply for an authorisation code before you go to the consulate. Look through the 'Recommended visa agents' thread at the top of the Iran forum for suggestions on which agencies to use. The general consensus is to avoid that agency with the most obvious name for Iranian visas.

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As far as I know, the work which an agency in Iran would do for you organising a LOI, can be bypassed by applying for the e-visa online, through the link mentioned on the Iranian Embassy's website (at least here in the Netherlands). What I have gathered is that you scan copies of your passport and photo (specific requirements are given) and then after you have run through the procedures, you have to wait until they email you a printable page on which your photo has been scanned. This is an electronic equivalent of the LOI which you would normally be sent by the agency in Iran. With this printout, passport, copy of your health-insurance you can then go to the embassy in your country and follow the procedures (payment) to get the visa put in your passport.

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