Iranian citizens typically need a visa for United Kingdom

As of 2026-08-16

Processing

3-6 weeks

Fee

£135

Max Stay

Per visa conditions

Apply At

VFS Global Tehran (status has changed — verify before travelling) →

Last updated: 2026-08-16 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

United Kingdom Visa Overview for Iranian Citizens

Iranian citizens require a visa to visit United Kingdom. Standard Visitor visa required.. The visa application fee is £135, with standard processing taking 3-6 weeks. Iranian applicants typically apply through UK visa services in Iran have been disrupted since the British Embassy in Tehran temporarily closed in January 2026 — check the current status of the Tehran centre before making plans, as many applicants now apply from a third country such as Turkey or the UAE.

Iranian applicants apply online through GOV.UK and then attend a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre. The Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months for tourism, business visits, or visiting family. Financial documents should demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire stay, and a clear travel history strengthens the application.

Once approved, Iranian passport holders may stay in United Kingdom for Per visa conditions. Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering United Kingdom

Passport valid for the duration of your stay in the UK (the UK does not require 6 months validity, but your passport must not expire during your visit)
Visa grant letter
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation
Evidence of sufficient funds
Approved visa in passport (or printed e-visa approval)

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Available Visa Types for Iranian Citizens

Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, visiting family, business meetings (up to 6 months)

3 weeks£135

Student Visa

For studying at a UK educational institution

3 weeks£558 + £776/yr IHS

Work Visa (Skilled Worker)

For employment with a UK employer

3-8 weeks£819-£1,618

How to Apply

Complete the online visa application at gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa

Pay the visa fee of £135

Book a biometrics appointment at UK visa services in Iran have been disrupted since the British Embassy in Tehran temporarily closed in January 2026 — check the current status of the Tehran centre before making plans, as many applicants now apply from a third country such as Turkey or the UAE

Gather required documents: valid passport, financial statements (bank statements for the last 6 months), proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, employment letter or business registration

Attend the biometrics appointment — submit fingerprints, photo, and supporting documents

Wait for processing (typically 3-6 weeks for standard service, 5 working days for priority)

Receive your eVisa decision — check your status via your UKVI online account at gov.uk/evisa

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Stay Rules & Conditions

Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds
Maximum stay is 6 months per visit
Cannot switch to most other visa types from within the UK
Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — the UK requires validity for the duration of your stay, but airlines may enforce stricter rules
Submitting incomplete documents — missing bank statements, employment letters, or accommodation proof are common reasons for delays or refusal
Not providing 6 months of bank statements — the UK requires evidence of consistent financial history, not just a current balance
Waiting until the last minute to apply — standard processing can take weeks, and peak seasons add further delays

Important Notes for Iranian Applicants

Iranian citizens apply through UK visa services in Iran have been disrupted since the British Embassy in Tehran temporarily closed in January 2026 — check the current status of the Tehran centre before making plans, as many applicants now apply from a third country such as Turkey or the UAE
The visa fee of £135 is typically non-refundable, even if the application is denied
Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks — priority or express services may be available for an additional fee
Visa provision for Iranian passport holders is unusually volatile — confirm the current status directly with the embassy or application centre before paying fees or booking flights
The United States suspended visa issuance for Iranian nationals under Presidential Proclamation 10998 (effective January 2026), and the UAE has restricted entry and transit for Iranian nationals since April 2026 — both with narrow exceptions
Turkey (90 days) and Malaysia (15 days) are visa-free and remain the most accessible destinations — Thailand requires a visa arranged in advance, whatever older guides say about visa on arrival

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Iranian citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?

Yes, Iranian citizens typically need a visa to visit United Kingdom. The visa application fee is £135. Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

How long can Iranian citizens stay in United Kingdom?

With an approved visa, Iranian citizens may stay in United Kingdom for Per visa conditions. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

How long does the United Kingdom visa take to process for Iranian citizens?

Standard processing for Iranian applicants typically takes 3-6 weeks. Priority processing (5 working days) and super-priority processing (next working day) are available for additional fees. Check with the application centre for current wait times.

Where do Iranian citizens apply for a United Kingdom visa?

Iranian citizens typically apply through UK visa services in Iran have been disrupted since the British Embassy in Tehran temporarily closed in January 2026 — check the current status of the Tehran centre before making plans, as many applicants now apply from a third country such as Turkey or the UAE. The application process is online through GOV.UK, followed by a biometrics appointment. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.

What documents do Iranian citizens need for a United Kingdom visa?

Key documents typically include: a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay), passport-size photos, bank statements showing sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and an employment or business letter. Check the official application form for the complete list.

Can Iranian citizens work in United Kingdom on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not permit paid employment in United Kingdom, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.

Can Iranian citizens extend their UK visa?

Standard Visitor visa holders generally cannot extend their stay beyond 6 months or switch to another visa type from within the UK. If you need to stay longer, you would typically need to leave and apply for a new visa from your home country. Overstaying has serious consequences for future UK visa applications.