For the holiday seeker or the businessman on flights to Tehran, there are two visa categories that would be considered useful under Iranian laws. A tourist visa is extended for a ten day period, while business visas are valid for three weeks.
In the past, it was highly recommended that tourist visas were obtained before boarding a flight to Tehran because of the time restrictions. However, the process is now streamlined and the visas can now be obtained in about an hour. To get a tourist visa, you will need the application form, a special authorization number from the Foreign Ministry in Tehran and four passport-sized photographs. Nonetheless, it is still not recommended applying for the visa at such short notice, and it is much better to get the visa at the Iranian Consulate at home at least three months ahead of your scheduled visit. Women should be reminded that they must be photographed wearing a head scarf (or the Hijab) before submitting their paperwork.
For travellers, the same rules apply, except there is an additional requirement of business letter introducing yourself and stating your business in Iran. Business visas can be extended twice without any issues for a period of two weeks. Extensions are handled by provincial police departments, who are generally quite amiable to the extensions.
As in other Arab countries, Iran does not allow individuals with Israeli passports into the country. Travel from cities from border countries is also banned to Israeli nationals. Arabs nationals are not required to have visas, and people from countries other than Israel and the United States are allowed to move freely around the country.
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