Iran Visa for Medical Tourism: Everything You Need to Know
Iran has emerged as a premier destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices. Whether seeking advanced medical treatments, cosmetic procedures, or wellness therapies, Iran provides world-class medical care. Iran has streamlined its visa process for medical tourists to facilitate this growing sector. Here’s an in-depth look at the visa requirements and procedures for those planning to visit Iran for medical reasons.
Understanding Iran's Visa System
Iran offers various types of visas, including tourist, business, student, and medical visas. For medical tourists, the most relevant option is the electronic visa (e-Visa), which simplifies the application process significantly. The e-Visa allows eligible visitors to apply online and receive their visa without the need to visit an Iranian embassy or consulate.
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
The e-Visa is a convenient option for medical tourists as it allows them to apply online and receive their visa electronically. This system is designed to expedite the visa application process and make it more accessible for travelers. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days, with the possibility of extension if additional medical treatments are required.
Visa Waiver Rules
Certain foreign nationals can visit Iran without obtaining a visa through conventional procedures, thanks to visa waiver agreements. This includes citizens of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, Georgia, Armenia, Egypt, China, Iraq, Oman, and Kazakhstan. These travelers can enter Iran and stay for a specified period without a visa, making it easier for them to seek medical treatment in the country.
Visa on Arrival
For nationals of Lebanon, Venezuela, and Malaysia, Iran offers the option to obtain a visa upon entry at designated points. This visa on arrival (VOA) is issued following established rules and conditions and allows these travelers to enter Iran without prior visa arrangements.
Visa-Free Entry for Short Stays
Ordinary passport holders from 28 countries can stay in Iran for up to 15 days for tourism purposes once every six months. This visa-free entry is non-extendable and applies to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Qatar, State of Kuwait, Republic of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tunisia, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Zimbabwe, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Cambodia, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Federative Republic of Brazil, Republic of Peru, Republic of Cuba, United Mexican States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Serbia, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Belarus, and Republic of India (only by air).
Iran Treatment Visa (T-Visa)
The Iran T-Visa is specifically designed for medical tourists who seek medical treatment within the country. This type of visa streamlines the process for those traveling to Iran for medical purposes, allowing them to stay for the duration required to complete their treatments.
The T-Visa typically offers a validity period that can be extended if further medical care is necessary, ensuring that patients can complete their treatments without the need to return home prematurely. This visa is part of Iran’s efforts to promote its burgeoning medical tourism sector by making access to high-quality healthcare more accessible to international patients.
Iran Medical Visa
A medical visa is a special visa for a country that is infected with a disease and the treatment costs are very high, or a country that does not have the equipment or science to treat that disease, applies for the issuance of that visa.
For this purpose, after researching with the destination country (the country where they intend to be treated), they apply for a visa for that country. A medical visa is a type of visa that is issued to a person in a short period of time and for a specific period.
Required Documents for Iran Medical Visa
Regardless of the type of visa you are applying for, certain documents are essential for the application process. These typically include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Personal photo scan
- Acceptance letter from the IPD unit of the hospital
- Required medical documents
- A doctor’s letter confirming that the said person needs treatment.
What is IPD license?
What is an IPD license? It is a type of license that a number of hospitals have. In fact, the international department of the hospital issues a letter confirming the acceptance of the patient’s treatment. This acceptance letter, which is known as IPD, is written by the hospital for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and it mentions that a person with the specified characteristics needs treatment in this hospital. Medical documents and explanations about the disease are also attached to the letter. The first condition for admitting a patient is to have a letter from the hospital. In this way, the patient registers his request with one of the companies that are active in the field of health tourism. The relevant company enters into negotiations with the hospital on behalf of the patient and receives the patient’s acceptance letter. The patient took the letter to the Iranian embassy in his country and thus a health visa is issued to him.
The list of hospitals that issue IPD letters and accept patients in the international department is as follows:
- Jam Hospital, Tehran
- Heart center of Tehran
- Shariati Hospital, Tehran
- Atiye Hospital, Tehran
- Irfan Hospital, Tehran
- Takht Jamshid Karaj Hospital
- Noor Karaj Hospital
- Ghaem Gilan Hospital
- Aria Gilan Hospital
- Ordibehesht Shiraz Hospital
- Apadana Hospital, Ahvaz
- Bo Ali Hospital, Hamedan
- Imam Reza (AS) Mashhad Hospital
- Imam Ali (AS) Kermanshah Hospital
- Mehrgan Hospital, Kerman
Iran Medical visa validity period
The Medical visa is valid for one month (30 days). In this way, after issuing the visa, you have up to 1 month to enter Iran and start your treatment. Your stay in Iran is up to 30 days. That means you have up to 30 days to stay in Iran for treatment.
Final Thoughts
Iran’s streamlined visa processes, including the e-Visa and visa waiver rules, make it an attractive destination for medical tourists. By understanding the visa requirements and preparing the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to receive top-notch medical care in Iran. Whether you’re seeking advanced medical treatments or cosmetic procedures, Iran offers a combination of quality healthcare and cultural richness that can enhance your medical tourism experience.