United States Visa RequirementsFor Iran passport holders
Iranian passport holders require a US B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. There is no US Embassy in Iran, meaning applicants must apply at a US Embassy in a third country. The process is difficult and involves significant scrutiny.
Iran passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
To apply for a US B-1/B-2 visa from Iran: 1) There is no US Embassy in Iran. You must apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in a third country. Identify an accessible location: common choices include the US Embassy in Ankara or Istanbul (Turkey), Tbilisi (Georgia), or Yerevan (Armenia). 2) Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online at ceac.state.gov. 3) Pay the application fee of USD $185 (MRV fee). 4) Schedule a visa interview appointment at your chosen US Embassy through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). 5) Attend the interview with all required documents: valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee payment receipt, passport-size photo, bank statements, employment letter or business documents, ties to Iran (family, property), and purpose of visit details. 6) Visa officers may request additional documentation or issue a 221(g) notice requiring further administrative processing, which can take months. 7) If approved, the visa is stamped in your passport.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Iran to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since the Iranian hostage crisis and the severing of ties in 1980. There is no US Embassy or Consulate in Iran, which means Iranian nationals must travel to a third country to apply for a US visa. In February 2026, the United States launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran alongside Israel, known as Operation Epic Fury (February 28, 2026), targeting military infrastructure and leadership. This has further complicated the already extremely difficult path for Iranian nationals seeking US visas. Swiss consular services, which previously provided limited US consular assistance in Iran, have also been suspended following the embassy evacuation.
Practical Tips
Do not travel to the third country to apply for the visa without first confirming appointment availability, as waits for interview slots at some embassies can be months long. Some US Embassies in third countries have more availability than others; check multiple locations. Be completely honest in all application materials and during the interview. Having a US-resident close family member write a support letter helps demonstrate legitimate purpose. The US entry requirement remains strict even after visa approval; CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers make final entry decisions at the port of entry. As of March 2026, the geopolitical situation between the US and Iran is at its most severe in decades following Operation Epic Fury. Expect significantly heightened scrutiny, extended administrative processing (SAO), and very low approval rates for Iranian applicants in the current climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Iranian passport holders need a visa for the United States?
Yes, Iranian nationals require a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the US. There is no US Embassy in Iran, so applicants must travel to a third country such as Turkey, Georgia, or Armenia to apply in person.
How much does a US visa cost for Iranians?
The US nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) is USD $185. This fee is non-refundable even if the visa is refused. Additional fees may apply in some cases.
Where do Iranians apply for a US visa?
Since there is no US Embassy in Iran, Iranians must apply at a US Embassy in a third country. Common options include US Embassies in Ankara or Istanbul (Turkey), Tbilisi (Georgia), or Yerevan (Armenia). Check appointment availability at each location before making travel plans.
Why is the US visa so difficult for Iranian passport holders?
The US and Iran have had no diplomatic relations since 1980. Iranian applicants face heightened security scrutiny and some applications are subject to Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) procedures that can delay decisions by months or years. Demonstrating strong ties to Iran and a legitimate, clear purpose of travel improves approval chances, but denials remain common.