If you are planning to reach Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan overland, you have two options where to apply and collect your Iranian Visa: Consulate General of Iran in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah. I chose the first one.
In terms of procedure, you have again two possible ways:
1. Pre-arrange the authorization at Iranian MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and get an E-visa to be then converted into an official one on your passport;
OR
2. Go directly to the consulate and apply from there.
Let’s vet the pros and cons of both.
1) PRE-ARRANGED AUTHORIZATION
This is the commonest, handiest and quickest way. You have to apply for a MFA authorization code through one of the licensed travel agencies. Me, for example, I singled out Key2Persia, which I had already successfully experimented two years earlier. They are fast and reliable. You get quick support and your code within one or two days. You just have to follow these steps:
- Fill out the application form on their website.
- Send them an email confirming you have done so, attaching a passport copy and a recent picture. Furthermore, inform them that you intend to use public transportation, bicycle or hitchhiking to cross the border. Their visa only covers those alternatives.
- Wait for their reply, generally within 24 hours.
- Follow their instructions about payment. In particular, since you are not allowed to transfer funds to Iran through banks, you will be requested to use a Paypal account. The service fee is 35 USD.
- Send them another email after completing the payment.
Within one working day or two (max 3 working days) you should receive by email your electronic e-visa. With that you can the following day reach the Iranian Consulate to transform it into a paper visa on your passport. You don’t need to print out anything. I got easily accepted my digital pdf document in my phone. You will be only required one “borrowable” picture (returned to you after the visa is printed) and 60 USD (for most of nationalities) to pay directly there at the cashier’s (no bank transfer involved luckily). Everything accomplished in 1 hour at this address:
ROAD 30M/DISTRICT MNARA 204/ALLEY 30 / NO 3, ERBIL
Country-Area-Code: 964
Tel.: 0662222444-2557444-2528444
Consular Section: 9647704011005
E-mail: iranconsulate.ebl@mfa.gov.ir
Although it is advisable to go there between 9 and 12 am (Saturday to Wednesday), you may also approach them between 3 and 4 pm, when people go and collect visas.
No travel insurance was requested at that time.
PROS: Since you can specify where you wish to pick up your visa, it is very practical for overland travellers moving from one country to another. In addition, it is by far faster than requesting authorization directly at the diplomatic offices. In the end, the 35 USD spent for the service are easily paid off by less time (and money) consumed while waiting for the visa.
CONS: There is a 35 USD agency fee and you must have or open a Paypal account.
2) DIRECT APPLICATION AT THE CONSULATE
Although I didn’t follow this pattern, I received a report from another traveller doing so. He had to wait almost 2 weeks to eventually obtain the visa.
PROS: You save 35 USD agency fee and don’t need to have or open a Paypal account.
CONS: Much longer paperwork and waiting time. Hence perhaps you might end up spending more for food and accommodation while waiting for the visa than for the agency fare itself. It could be interesting in case you are planning to stay at least 2 weeks around the city anyway.
To sum up, I believe that the agency method is still recommended for practicality and fastness. You might indeed save hassle and time there. Feel free, however, to add your very welcome comments below!
