Iran Medical Visa & Travel Guide: A Step-by-Step Process for Patients

Ata Safarnezhad 24 November 2025

Planning a medical trip to Iran requires navigating a clear administrative process designed to facilitate your entry and treatment. Unlike a standard tourist visa, the medical visa (designated as Type T) is streamlined for patients, but success hinges on following a specific sequence of steps correctly. This process begins not with a direct application to an embassy, but with securing an official approval from your chosen Iranian medical facility.

This definitive guide breaks down the entire journey into manageable stages, providing the clarity and confidence you need. We will walk you through obtaining the critical Authorization Code, completing the Iran e-visa for patients, assembling the necessary paperwork, and handling the practical aspects of your trip. From understanding the Iran treatment visa requirements to navigating Tehran’s main airport upon arrival, this content ensures you are fully prepared for the administrative side of your medical travel.

Understanding the Iran Medical Visa (Type T)

The Iran Medical Visa is a special entry permit for foreign nationals traveling to Iran for the primary purpose of receiving medical treatment, surgical procedures, or wellness therapies. Its main advantage is that the application is initiated and supported by an accredited Iranian hospital or medical tourism facilitator, which often leads to a more predictable and faster approval process compared to other visa types. This official backing signals to the authorities that your visit is legitimate and pre-arranged.

This visa is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of patients, recognizing that medical travel operates on a different timeline and with different priorities than tourism. The process is built around ensuring your chosen healthcare provider has formally accepted you as a patient, which forms the foundation of your entire application. It is crucial not to book flights or make non-refundable travel plans until you have successfully completed the visa process.

The Core of Your Application: The Medical Authorization Code

The single most important prerequisite for your visa application is the Medical Authorization Code. This is not the visa itself but rather an official approval number issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Your chosen clinic or hospital applies for this code on your behalf, effectively vouching for your visit. Without this code, you cannot proceed to the next stage of applying for the e-visa.

This system ensures that all medical visitors are formally registered with a recognized healthcare institution before they even apply for their visa. It adds a layer of security and legitimacy to the process, making the subsequent steps much smoother. The Authorization Code is the key that unlocks the rest of the application.

What is a Medical Authorization Code?

A Medical Authorization Code is a unique reference number that confirms the Iranian government has reviewed and approved the purpose of your medical visit. When your chosen hospital submits your details to the MFA, they are providing an official invitation letter for medical treatment in a digital format. Once the MFA approves this request, they generate the code and send it back to the hospital, who will then forward it to you.

This code is electronically linked to your passport information in the government’s system. When you later apply for your e-visa online or visit an embassy, the officials will use this code to retrieve your approved file, verifying that your medical trip has been pre-authorized.

How to Get Your Medical Authorization Code

Obtaining this code is a straightforward process managed by your healthcare provider in Iran. While you provide the necessary information, the clinic handles the official submission. Understanding how to get medical visa for Iran begins with this foundational step.

1. Select Your Medical Provider: Your first step is to choose an accredited hospital, specialized clinic, or a reputable medical tourism facilitator in Iran. Engage in consultations to confirm your treatment plan and receive a formal acceptance.
2. Submit Required Documents: You will need to send a clear, scanned copy of your passport’s information page and your relevant medical records to the international patient department of the clinic. These records should substantiate the need for your planned treatment.
3. Clinic Submits the Application: The clinic’s staff will then use your documents to fill out the official application and submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran. They act as your official sponsor for the purpose of medical treatment.
4. Receive Your Code: The processing time for the Authorization Code can vary but typically takes between 7 to 14 business days. Once approved, the clinic will send you the code via email, and you can immediately proceed with the formal e-visa application.

Applying for the E-Visa: From Code to Approval

Once you have your Medical Authorization Code, you can formally apply for your visa through Iran’s official e-visa portal. This online system is the most efficient method for most applicants. Your Authorization Code is the most critical piece of information you will enter, as it pulls up your pre-approved file.

The e-visa application is a process of confirming your identity, providing your travel details, and paying the visa fee. Because your medical purpose has already been vetted during the Authorization Code stage, this part of the process is primarily administrative.

Step-by-Step E-Visa Application Process

The official Iranian e-visa website is the designated platform for your application. The user interface is available in English and guides you through the necessary steps.

• Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official Iranian e-visa website (e_visa.mfa.ir). Be cautious of unofficial third-party sites that may charge extra fees.
• Start a New Application: Select the option to create a new visa application and choose your visa type as “Treatment” (Type T).
• Enter Your Authorization Code: You will be prompted to enter your Medical Authorization Code. This is a critical step that links your application to your pre-approval.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal information, including your full name, passport details, address, and occupation. Ensure that all information matches your passport exactly to avoid delays.
• Upload Digital Documents: You will be required to upload a digital copy of your passport’s main page and a recent, passport-style digital photograph that meets the specified dimensions and requirements.
• Select Visa Collection Point: Choose the Iranian embassy, consulate, or international airport (e.g., IKA in Tehran) where you wish to have your visa issued or stamped into your passport.
• Pay the Visa Fee: The final step is to pay the visa fee online using an accepted payment method. The fee varies depending on your nationality. Upon successful payment, you will receive a confirmation and a tracking code for your application.

Essential Documents for Iran Medical Visa Application

Having your documents for Iran medical visa in order is crucial for a smooth application. For the e-visa stage, you primarily need digital copies.

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran.
• Digital Passport Scan: A high-quality color scan of the main information page of your passport.
• Digital Personal Photo: A recent, clear, passport-sized photograph with a plain white background, adhering to the specifications on the e-visa website.
• Medical Authorization Code: The code provided to you by your Iranian hospital or facilitator.

Preparing for Your Journey: Travel Logistics for Medical Tourists Iran

With your visa approval in hand, you can confidently move on to arranging the travel logistics for medical tourists Iran. Proper planning at this stage ensures your journey is comfortable and stress-free, allowing you to focus on your health.

Booking Flights to Tehran (IKA)

It is strongly advised to book your flights only after you have received the official e-visa confirmation. Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran is the primary international gateway to Iran.

• Airline Choice: Several international airlines operate flights to IKA. Check which airlines serve your country of origin and compare prices and schedules.
• Flexibility: Consider booking a ticket with some flexibility, as medical timelines can sometimes shift.
• Baggage Allowance: Confirm the airline’s baggage allowance, especially if you need to travel with medical supplies or expect to return with post-treatment necessities.

Arranging Travel Insurance for a Medical Trip

Standard travel insurance may not cover trips taken for the purpose of receiving medical treatment. You must secure a specialized travel insurance for medical trip policy.

• Coverage Verification: Ensure the policy is valid for travel to Iran.
• Medical Complications: The policy must explicitly cover complications arising from your planned medical procedure, both during and after treatment.
• Repatriation: Check that the insurance includes medical evacuation and repatriation coverage in case of a serious, unforeseen emergency.

Accommodation and Ground Transportation

Many top-tier Iranian hospitals offer services to help international patients arrange accommodation and airport transfers. This can be a highly convenient option, as they often have partnerships with nearby hotels or provide dedicated guest house facilities. If you are arranging your own lodging, look for hotels with good accessibility to your chosen clinic to minimize travel time for appointments.

Your Arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

Knowing what to expect upon arrival can greatly reduce travel anxiety. The airport guide IKA for medical tourists focuses on the immigration and customs process. The airport is modern and has clear signage in both Persian and English.

Navigating Immigration and Visa Stamping

If you opted for a “visa on arrival” using your e-visa confirmation, you will be directed to the Visa Office before proceeding to the main immigration counters. Present your passport and the e-visa grant notice. The officer will verify your details in the system, stamp the visa into your passport, and you can then proceed to the immigration queue. Have the contact details of your hospital’s international patient coordinator readily available in case officials have any questions.

Customs and Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration, you will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Afterwards, you will pass through customs. You are generally required to declare currency exceeding a certain amount and high-value electronics. It is prohibited to bring alcohol or pork products into the country. If you are carrying a large supply of personal prescription medication, it is wise to have a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note with you.

During and After Your Treatment in Iran

Your primary focus in Iran will be your health and recovery. However, it is important to be aware of the administrative requirements related to your stay, particularly if your recovery takes longer than initially planned.

Extending a Medical Visa in Iran

The initial validity of a medical visa is typically 30 days. If your treatment and recovery period requires you to stay longer, it is possible to apply for an extension. The process for extending a medical visa in Iran must be initiated before your current visa expires.

To do this, you will need an official letter from your treating physician or hospital stating the medical necessity of your extended stay. With this letter and your passport, you must visit the Police Office of Foreign Aliens in the city where you are staying. They will process your application, and if approved, your visa will be extended, usually for another 30 or 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Can a companion or family member travel with me on the same medical visa?

A companion cannot be included on your medical visa. They must apply for their own visa separately. However, when a patient is approved for a medical visa, it significantly strengthens the application for a companion’s tourist visa, as their purpose of travel is clearly to support the patient. Your medical facilitator can often assist in sponsoring your companion’s visa application simultaneously.

2) What is the initial validity of an Iranian medical visa?

An Iranian medical visa (Type T) is typically issued with an initial validity of 30 days. This period is usually sufficient for most common medical and surgical procedures, including the initial consultation and a brief recovery period. If your treatment plan requires a longer stay, you must apply for an extension before the initial 30 days expire.

3) What currency should I bring for my initial expenses upon arrival?

Due to international banking restrictions, foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) do not work in Iran. It is essential to bring sufficient cash in a major currency like Euros or US Dollars to cover your expenses. You can exchange this cash for Iranian Rials (IRR) at official exchange offices located at the airport or throughout major cities.

4) Is my personal medical information kept private during the visa application process?

Yes. The medical information you share with your chosen hospital is for the purpose of verifying the need for treatment and is handled under patient confidentiality rules. When the hospital applies for your Authorization Code, they provide the necessary justification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the process respects medical privacy standards.

5) What happens if my e-visa application is rejected after I received an Authorization Code?

It is extremely rare for an e-visa application to be rejected after a valid Medical Authorization Code has been issued. A rejection at this stage is almost always due to errors or discrepancies in the application form, such as entering passport information that does not match the scanned document, or uploading a photo that does not meet the requirements. In such cases, you should contact your medical facilitator immediately to identify and rectify the error for re-application.

Conclusion

The process of securing a medical visa for Iran is systematic and designed with the patient’s journey in mind. By understanding that the process begins with obtaining an Authorization Code from your chosen medical provider, you can approach the subsequent steps with clarity and purpose. This crucial first step, handled by your clinic, validates your visit and paves the way for a smooth e-visa application. By following this step-by-step guide—from securing the code and gathering documents to booking flights and preparing for arrival—you transform a potentially complex bureaucratic process into a manageable checklist. This preparation ensures that the administrative aspects of your travel are handled efficiently, allowing you to focus