Iran Passports

Iranian passports are issued to citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whether living in the country or overseas, for the purpose of international travel. The passport can also be used as a proof of Iranian citizenship. The new Iranian passports are usually valid for 10 years. They can be renewed after five years. They have a burgundy cover with the Iranian Coat of Arms emblazoned on it. They are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.

A Henley and Partners study gives Iran a Henley Visa Restrictions Index of 14. This means that with an Iranian passport, Iranian nationals may enjoy traveling to 14 countries and territories for short tourism-related visits visa-free. That’s pretty low when juxtaposed with other countries’. In fact, Iran is also ranked 82nd (out of 83) when it comes to international travel freedom. That is the second lowest score in the study. Here is a list of the countries and territories that you may visit with an Iranian passport even without a visa. Note that some of these actually require a visa but you’ll have to obtain it the moment you arrive.

Armenia (21 days, visa-on-arrival)

Aruba (14 days)

Azerbaijan (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Bahamas (30 days)

Bangladesh (90 days, visa-on-arrival)

Bermuda (90 days)

Canada (180 days, for US residents with Iranian passports)

Cook Islands (31 days)

Costa Rica (30 days)

Dominica (21 days)

Haiti (3 months)

Indonesia (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Jamaica (6 months)

Laos (15 days, visa-on-arrival)

Liechtenstein (90 days)

Macau (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Malaysia (30 days)

Maldives (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Mexico (180 days)

Micronesia (30 days)

Nepal (60 days, visa-on-arrival)

Netherlands Antilles (14 days)

Nicaragua (3 months)

Palau (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Saint Kitts and Nevis (14 days)

Seychelles (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Sri Lanka (30 days, visa-on-arrival)

Switzerland (90 days)

Turkey (3 months)

Remember that having an Iranian passport does not guarantee entry to any of the countries and territories listed above. Immigration officers may deny you access at their discretion.

Types Available

There are two major types of Iranian passports. Choose the one appropriate for you depending on your purpose or position.

• Ordinary passport. Every Iranian national has the right to own an ordinary passport to travel outside the country. This type is issued by any of the passport and identification centers. Iranian citizens abroad can obtain one from any Iranian consular missions in their country of residence.
• Diplomatic and official passports. Diplomatic and service passports are issued to accredited members of any diplomatic mission, high-ranking government officials, employees or members of international organizations (United Nations, Organization of American States, etc), and their family members on their official visits or missions abroad. They are usually exempt from fees. Only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue this type of passport. However, consulates can extend the validity of diplomatic passports for Iranian people living abroad carrying this type.

How to apply

The first thing you will need when applying for an Iranian passport is an application form. You may obtain this from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any passport office throughout the country. If you’re living abroad, you may get a copy from the consular section of any Iranian embassy or consulate. Fill out the form fully, legibly and accurately. Write in capital letters. Any misrepresentation or suppression of the facts may lead to denial of your passport. Incomplete and incorrect applications will not be processed.

Aside from the application form, here are the other documents you are required to submit:

· two pieces of proof of residence (photocopy of utility bills, lease agreement, driver’s license, other documents indicating your mailing address)

· certificate of citizenship or identity

· application processing fee

· four recent identical color passport-size photographs

Write your identification on the back of the pictures. Men should not wear hats or eyeglasses. Women should wear a hejab.

Duplicate Passport

Losing your passport can be a very troublesome event. If, unfortunately, you lose your passport, the first thing to do is to report to the police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Iranian consulate nearest you, if overseas. Then, apply for a duplicate passport. Applications are not usually accepted by mail unless you have approval of the passport issuing office or the consular office. Even so, you may still be required to come in person.

To be issued another passport, submit the following documents:

• a duly accomplished General Form 1, 2
• the original copy of your birth certificate
• clear photocopies of your lost passport’s last page indicating the exit stamp from Iran as well as page 2-9
• a copy of a police report indicating you have lost your passport
• four recent identical color passport-size photographs (with identification on the back; no hat or eyeglasses for men and with vale for women)
• an application letter stating reasons for the loss of your passport
• a letter from your university or college (if a student)
• a letter from your employer (if working)

If you have Iranian companions while traveling, you also need to submit original copies of their birth certificates and passport-style photographs.

Passport Renewal

If you already have a passport and you need a new one, make sure to file your application within one year of your current passport’s expiry or before six months of its expiry. Here are the documents you need to submit.

• accomplished General Form 1, 2
• four recent identical color passport-size photographs (with identification on the back; no hat or eyeglasses for men and with vale for women)
• your current passport with valid visa

If you are a dual citizen or you have citizenship other than Iranian, you also need to submit photocopies of foreign documents and relevant forms as well as clear photocopies of pages 2 to 9 of your current passport and the last page indicating the exit stamp from Iran.

In case there is information in your passport that needs to be changed, such as the marital status and name of spouse, you are required to submit proof like a photocopy of your marriage certificate. You also need to submit your current passport, which you will get once the processing is over.

Additional Information

One of the most unfortunate things that could happen to an Iranian national is losing a passport. Unlike in many Western countries, applying for a duplicate passport in Iran is not as easy as going online, accomplishing forms and waiting for the new passport to be delivered to your home. You have to realize that the Iranian government is so wary and cautious when it comes to international travel. Authorities see to it that you really lost your passport and did not sell it. Forgery is almost a common thing in passport applications in Iran.

If you lose your passport, prepare for a good six months of not just waiting but also filling out several forms and answering interrogations. Passport authorities will not give you a new one until they are comfortable and sure that you have indeed lost it.

Make sure to let them know that it is important for you to obtain a new passport but never show arrogance. You may be a little persistent but stay humble.