Waiver Visa Requirements Post-Iran Travel

If you are a citizen of the US, UK, Canada, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan, Colombia, Bangladesh, or Somalia, you will need to get your passport stamped when visiting Iran. For citizens of other countries, Iran will not stamp your visa in your passport and will instead issue a paper visa.

If you have travelled to Iran after March 1, 2011, you will no longer be eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and will need to apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. This visa will last for 10 years and will cost $160. It is recommended that you apply for your visa at least 3 months before you want to travel to the US.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America's closest allies. It utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors from entering the United States. This includes regular, national-level risk assessments of VWP countries' security standards and operations, as well as comprehensive vetting of individual VWP travellers prior to their departure for the United States, upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry, and during any subsequent air travel within the country.

To be eligible for the VWP, countries must meet various requirements, including enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States, issuing e-passports, timely reporting of lost and stolen passports, and maintaining high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

It is important to note that under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travellers who are nationals of VWP countries and have travelled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, are no longer eligible for the VWP and must obtain a visa prior to travelling to the United States.

ESTA status

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines eligibility for the VWP. All prospective VWP travellers must obtain pre-travel authorisation via ESTA before travelling to the US.

If you have travelled to Iran on or after 1 March 2011, you will need to apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate and will not be eligible for the VWP. However, this does not bar you from entering the US.

The ESTA application asks about past criminal history, medical history, and rejected visa applications. It is important to answer these questions accurately. If your application is rejected, you can reapply after 24 hours.

Visa requirements for US, UK, Canada, and other citizens

Visa requirements for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

US, UK, and Canadian citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Iran. The process for obtaining a visa takes around eight weeks. The visa is valid for up to 30 days, with the possibility of two additional 30-day extensions, for a total of 90 days.

US, UK, and Canadian citizens must plan and book their trip with a certified local travel agency in Iran. The agency must submit the applicant's day-by-day itinerary to the foreign ministry for approval before the visa can be issued.

US and Canadian spouses of Iranian citizens can obtain family visas of up to 90 days to visit and stay in the country without the need for an agency. Their passports will be stamped with a sticker visa and entry/exit stamps.

US, UK, and Canadian citizens are required to be escorted by a government-approved guide at all times and are banned from independent travel due to the closure of Iranian foreign missions in these countries.

Visa requirements for citizens of other countries

Citizens of Russia travelling in a tour group together with a representative of the tour group operator may enter Iran without a visa, for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for entry to Iran for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for entry to Iran for stays of up to 15 days within any 6 months:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nationals of other countries must apply for an e-Visa, on the basis of which a visa on arrival will be issued for a maximum of 30 days. The stay can be extended twice for 30 days, for a total of up to 90 days.

The e-Visa does not apply to nationals of the following countries, who are ineligible and must obtain a visa in advance at an Iranian embassy or consulate:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Canada
• Colombia
• Jordan
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• United Kingdom
• United States

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The B1/B2 visitor visa

The B1 visa is used for short business trips, including conferences, meetings, and contract negotiations. The B2 visa is for tourism, vacation, visiting friends and family, certain medical treatments, and participation in social events or contests without pay. In most cases, the B1 and B2 visas are issued together.

To apply for a B1/B2 visa, you must complete the Online Non-Immigrant Application (Form DS-160), upload a digital photograph, and attend a visa interview. Additional documentation may be required, including a valid passport, proof of funds for the trip, and proof of binding ties to your home country. The average wait time for a B1/B2 visa interview appointment varies between 2 months and 2+ years, depending on the embassy or consulate.

It's important to note that the B1/B2 visa does not permit visitors to work or be employed in the United States. It is intended for temporary and occasional visits and should not be used as a way to live long-term in the U.S. or spend the majority of your time in the country. Misusing the visa could lead to denial of entry or future visa issues.

The impact of a trip to Iran on future US travel

If you are planning a trip to Iran and are concerned about how this might impact your future travel to the US, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it is important to understand that the relations between Iran and the US are tense, and this can affect travel between the two countries.

The main consequence of visiting Iran and then wanting to go to the US is the loss of eligibility to enter the US through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to enter the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you have travelled to Iran or certain other countries after March 1, 2011, you will need to apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate before travelling to the US. This is a hassle, but it is unlikely that you will be barred from entering the US solely because you have visited Iran.

When applying for a US visa after visiting Iran, you may experience increased scrutiny and longer wait times for visa interviews. You may also be subject to additional questioning at the US border about the purpose of your trip to Iran and your reasons for visiting the US. It is important to be honest and cooperative during these interactions.

In addition, if you are a dual citizen of the US and Iran, or if you have an Iranian passport, there are further considerations. Iranian-US dual nationals may be subject to additional restrictions and are treated as Iranian citizens by the Iranian government. They may face challenges when trying to depart Iran and may be required to perform military service.

Finally, it is worth noting that the US-Iran relationship is dynamic and can change over time, so it is important to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and restrictions before planning any travel between the two countries.

Frequently asked questions