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Japan Visa for Iranian Citizens

Q: How much does a Japan tourist visa cost for Iranian nationals?

The consular fee is roughly the IRR equivalent of US$125 for single entry and US$250 for multiple entry, paid in local currency at the embassy rate. Certified Persian-to-English/Japanese translation of supporting documents is a significant additional cost — plan ahead with a qualified translator.

Q: Why does a Japan visa take so long for Iranians?

Iranian applications undergo an additional security review as standard Japanese procedure, on top of the normal visa assessment. Realistic processing is 10–14 working days minimum and may extend to several weeks. The Embassy of Japan in Tehran is the only channel — there are no regional consulates or VFS offices. Apply well in advance of any planned travel date.

Complete visa guide for Iranian passport holders — requirements, documents, fees, and application process

Iranian citizens need a Japan visa for any visit, including tourism — there is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. Applications are lodged directly at the Embassy of Japan in Tehran; there is no VFS Global intermediary in Iran. Iranian applications undergo additional security review, so realistic processing is 10–14 working days and can extend to several weeks. Student and research visas are historically the dominant category. Persian-language documents must be translated to English or Japanese.

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Visa Required

Yes

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eVisa

Not Available

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Processing Time

10–14 working days

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Embassies

1 locations

Requirements for Iranian Citizens

✓Valid Iranian passport with 2+ blank pages
✓Confirmed round-trip flight
✓Hotel reservation or invitation letter
✓Bank statements (last 6 months)
✓Employment certificate or university enrollment proof
✓Visa application form with photo (4.5cm × 4.5cm)

Short-term visas for Iran visitors

Covers tourism, family visits, business and transit stays of up to 90 days — this nationality must obtain a visa before travelling.

Short-Term Stay (Tourism / Business)

Learn more →

Long-term visas for Iran citizens moving to Japan

Study, work, family reunification, permanent residence and other stays longer than 90 days. These always require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a visa, regardless of visa-free status for tourism.

Where to Apply

🏛️ Embassy & Consulates

Tehran

Japan visa cost for Iranian citizens

Item	Amount	Notes
Consular visa fee — single entry	~IRR equivalent of US$125	Paid in local currency at the embassy rate; 5× worldwide increase from 1 Jul 2026 — confirm the posted local rate
Consular visa fee — multiple entry	~IRR equivalent of US$250
Transit visa	~IRR equivalent of US$6
Certified translation (Persian → EN/JP)	Varies	Mandatory for most supporting documents

Visa pathways for Iranian applicants

Tourist / short-stay visa — how to apply

File directly at the Embassy of Japan in Tehran. Typical documents: valid passport (2 blank pages, 6 months validity), MOFA visa form with 4.5×4.5 cm photo, confirmed round-trip flight, hotel bookings for the full stay, last 6 months of bank statements, employment certificate or university enrollment, and — if visiting relatives — an invitation letter with guarantor documents. Persian documents must be certified-translated to English or Japanese. Realistic processing: 10–14 working days minimum, sometimes longer.

Long-term stay — COE-based (student / research / work)

For study, researcher, or Engineer/Humanities/International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務), the Japanese-side sponsor files a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) first (typically 1–3 months). The applicant converts the COE to a visa at the Embassy in Tehran; expect additional security review before issuance.

MEXT scholarship — the most prominent path

MEXT is the most prominent long-term path for Iranian students, though highly competitive. Applications are submitted to the Embassy of Japan in Tehran's cultural section by the annual deadline; shortlisted candidates take written + interview tests. Successful candidates receive a COE from the placement university and convert to a student visa (留学).

Frequently asked questions — Iranian

Do Iranian citizens need a Japan visa?▾

Yes, every visit. Iran is not on the Japan visa-exempt list, and there is no visa on arrival (see Japan visa on arrival guide). Applications are filed at the Embassy of Japan in Tehran. There is no VFS Global intermediary in Iran.

How much does a Japan tourist visa cost for Iranian nationals?▾

The consular fee is roughly the IRR equivalent of US$125 for single entry and US$250 for multiple entry, paid in local currency at the embassy rate. Certified Persian-to-English/Japanese translation of supporting documents is a significant additional cost — plan ahead with a qualified translator.

Why does a Japan visa take so long for Iranians?▾

Iranian applications undergo an additional security review as standard Japanese procedure, on top of the normal visa assessment. Realistic processing is 10–14 working days minimum and may extend to several weeks. The Embassy of Japan in Tehran is the only channel — there are no regional consulates or VFS offices. Apply well in advance of any planned travel date.

Tips for Iran Applicants

💡Apply at the Embassy of Japan in Tehran
💡Student visa is the most common visa for Iranian nationals
💡MEXT scholarship highly competitive but available
💡Processing times may be longer — apply well in advance
💡All documents must be translated to English or Japanese

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