All nationalities traveling to Iran, except for seven countries, need to arrange an Iran visa in advance or take a risk on getting a 15-day visa on arrival at an airport.

US, Canadian and British citizens need to per-arrange a tour or private guide, or be sponsored by a friend or relative in Iran who will take legal responsibility for them. Israeli passport holders, and anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport, will not get an Iran visa.

Passport-holders of seven countries (Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Egypt and Georgia) get a limited time tourist “visa”on arrival. Syrians get 90 days “visa”, Georgians 45 days visa, Bolivians 30 days “visa”, Egyptians 20 days “visa”and the Lebanese and Azerbaijanis get 15 days “visa”on arrival without needing any authorization letter.