UK visa for Iran citizens: Essential guide for 2025

❌We can’t currently accept payments from Iran for this travel document.❌

Please visit the official Iranian Government website to apply for this visa.

What are the current UK visa requirements for Iranians?

Iranian passport holders will need to apply for a visa when travelling to the UK. Typically, the travel document in question will be a UK Standard Visitor Visa (UK SVV). The UK SVV allows for visits of up to 6 months.

What do Iranian nationals need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

For Iranians to apply for a UK SVV, you’ll need valid Iranian passport with at least one blank page. You’ll then need to complete the application form, submit your biometric information, and supporting documents.

What supporting documents do Iranians need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

As an Iranian national, you’ll need to:

• Prove your ties to Iran through an employment letter or details of property ownership.
• Offer evidence of your financial means to support yourself while traveling in the UK, typically through bank statements and payslips.
• Support the reason for visiting the UK by providing your accommodation details and a travel itinerary.

💡iVisa Pro Tip: Connecting flight through Heathrow or Gatwick Airports? Don’t get caught out: Iranians require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) when transiting through all UK airports, even when staying airside for your entire journey.

What CAN Iranians do on a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

When traveling to the UK on an SVV, you are allowed the following activities:

• tourism and holiday activities, like going to a museum or watching a football game
• visiting family or friends
• volunteering at a registered charity up to 30 days
• traveling through the UK in transit to visit another country
• specified business activities like attending an interview or a meeting
• certain paid events for example to perform or deliver a lecture
• as part of a school exchange programme
• to participate in a recreational course of up to 30 days.
• for educational purposes like studying, performing research, sitting an exam, or as an academic
• for medical reasons

What CAN’T Iranians do on a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

While in the UK, you are not allowed to perform certain activities, unless you’re planning a pretty unpleasant meeting with His Majesty’s Border Guards:

• Perform any paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person. Don’t worry, this does not include checking emails or jumping on a quick call.
• Claim benefits from the UK government.
• Live in the UK for extended periods, through successive visits, or “border hops.”
• Fall in love and marry your soulmate… Yup, that’s right. If you plan on saying ‘I do' on UK soil, you'd better have the right paperwork.

How to apply online for a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Iranian citizens

We can’t currently accept payments from Iran for this travel document. Please visit the official Iranian Government website to apply for this visa.

• Government process: Go to the official UK government website and follow the steps. The process includes answering questions, paying the visa fee, making an appointment, and submitting documents.

To apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa, follow the steps below:

1️⃣: Fill out your basic details on the official UK government website. Double-check all information carefully.

2️⃣: Pay the fee online on our secure platform. Schedule an appointment for your interview.

3️⃣: Upload the required documents and attend the mandatory visa interview at the UK Visa Application Center near you.

Tips for Iranians applying for the UK SSV

Applying for a UK Standard Visitors Visa can be tricky, but at iVisa, we have some tips to take the sting out of the application process.

• ⌚ Start early to avoid stress and potential issues
• 📃 Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in English
• 🧑‍💼 Approach your application professionally and meticulously
• 👀 Double-check all information for accuracy
• ✅ Understand and comply with visa conditions

What are the most common reasons for a refusal of a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Iranian citizens?

Common reasons for UK Standard Visitor Visa refusals among Iranian applicants include:

• Insufficient financial proof
• Inadequate evidence of ties to Iran
• Lack of clarity in travel plans
• Incorrect or incomplete application
• Problematic previous immigration history

How long does it take for an Iranian to receive a UK SVV?

The standard processing time for a UK visitor's visa is 3 weeks, but this can change significantly during periods with many applications. Our advice is to apply as early as possible to avoid any nasty surprises.

Can I contact you about the UK SVV?

In case you have any questions about the UK SVV or any other travel document, you can reach out to our customer support team online or WhatsApp.

What are the details of the UK Embassy in Iran?

Embassy Contact: For assistance, contact the British Embassy in Tehran:

• Address: 172 Ferdowsi Avenue, Tehran, 11316-99813, Iran
• UK Government contact form
• Phone: +982164052000
• 📍 View British Embassy Tehran on Google Maps