I'm one brazilian guy and I'm planing to visit Iran in january/2009.

Iran has only the embassy in Brazil (in the capital - Brasilia), 1148 km far from my city. I call the embassy and they told me that I can get a visa in one week sending my passport and some papers by mail.

I pay the visa tax (about US$ 105) and sent my passport and all the necessary papers to get a visa. Three weeks after I call, asking why my passport didn't come back:
Embassy: "We lost you address."
Me: "But I wrote my address in 2 formularies"
Embassy: "Give me you address and I will send today with your visa."

OK, I receive my passport with the visa, but my visa ends two months before I arrive in Iran!

I call the Embassy again:
Me: "My visa ends two months before I arrive in Iran. I wrote in the 2 formularies the correct dates"
Embassy: "Send me one fax with your visa and wait the answer tomorrow."

OK, 4 days after and no answer, I call the Embassy again:
Me: "My visa ends two months before I arrive in Iran. I sent one fax and I'm waiting one answer."
Embassy: "Yes, but the are nothing to do. Start the process again, pay de tax, send the papers..., but just 20 days before go to Iran."
Me: "OK, I can pay again, but I have to get others visa and I will travel in the begining of december. Why can't I get the visa now for january?"
Embassy: "Just 20 days before your trip."
Me: "But I wait 22 days for my passport come back and I receive a wrong visa and the embassy lost my address..."
Embassy: "Just 20 days before your trip."
Me: "If I travel to Brasilia, I can get the visa early ou faster?"
Embassy: "Just 20 days before your trip."


So I want to ask for everyone: I just can get a visa to Iran just 20 days before travel?

I thought write one protest by email to the embassy, but I think that will be worst.

I'm woried about to send my passport with others visas just 20 days before travel for the same Embassy and lose my documents. How can I reserve hotels and other necessary things in Iran if I don't know if I will receive the right visa in the right time?

I'm very disappointed. I never had problemas like that to get a visa.

Dear Rodgrigo,

I am very sorry to hear that. The person who did that to you at the Embassy should be fired. (signed) Soheil - an Iranian citizen abroad

wow, rodrigo, that seems like a difficult process.

does anyone know if americans need to get a visa? if so, how hard is it to get one?

Ah what a pain Rodrigo!

I just got denied my Iranian visa yesterday. I'm a British passport holder applying for a visa in London. It took 4 weeks for them to tell me it was rejected, calling every day after three weeks to find out. Much confusion and I'm kind of bummed as I really want to go (travelling overland to India).

Over here, had I been successful, my visa would have been valid for entry for three months from the date of issue, and for a visit duration of up to 21 days.

I've heard British people can get a 7 day visa on arrival in Tehran airport, but does that count for the smaller Imam Khomeini Airport as well? If so, then I'm just going to hitch to Istanbul then fly over the border.

Cheers

Ed