How to Get a Visa to United States 🇺🇸 for Iran 🇮🇷 Citizens
📅 Max stay: 180 days 💰 Fee: Varies ⏱ Processing: There is no U.S. embassy in Iran; applications are made in third countries and are affected by the entry suspension ✅ No bookings needed
The essentials in 30 seconds: 🇨🇳 Yes — you need to apply for a visa. Visa type: B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (subject to entry suspension). Max stay: 180 days. Total time: Uncertain — most tourist applications are currently barred.
📅 Last verified: 2026-07-03
📋 Gather these documents first
Check each off as you gather it.
🪜 The steps
1 Check whether the entry suspension applies to you
The June 2025 Presidential Proclamation suspends U.S. entry for most Iranian nationals. A narrow set of exceptions exists (e.g. certain dual nationals travelling on another passport, lawful permanent residents, and specific case-by-case waivers). General World Cup spectators are not exempt. Confirm your status before spending on an application.
2 If eligible, complete the DS-160 online
Iranian applicants who fall under an exception complete the DS-160 at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and apply at a U.S. embassy in a third country (there is no U.S. embassy in Iran).
3 Apply in a third country
Common processing posts for Iranian applicants include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Yerevan, Ankara and Naples. Book the interview there, pay the fee, and attend in person with fingerprints.
Processing time
Standard: There is no U.S. embassy in Iran; applications are made in third countries and are affected by the entry suspension
Expedite: FIFA PASS applies to eligible ticket holders, but cannot override the entry suspension
Fees
The standard B-1/B-2 application (MRV) fee is USD 185 (2026), but note that entry of Iranian nationals is currently suspended, so a fee paid does not mean a visa can be issued. Verify your situation with a U.S. embassy in a third country before paying.
Where to apply
- The United States has no embassy in Iran. Iranian applicants normally apply at U.S. embassies in third countries such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Yerevan, Ankara or Naples — but see the entry-suspension note below.
Frequently asked questions
Can Iranian citizens attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States?
For most Iranian fans, no. Iran is not in the Visa Waiver Program, and the June 2025 Presidential Proclamation currently suspends U.S. entry for Iranian nationals — including B-1/B-2 tourists. Only narrow, case-by-case exceptions apply, and general spectators are not covered.
Iran’s national team may play — does the ban apply to the players?
The proclamation includes an exception for athletes, their teams and immediate relatives travelling for a major sporting event such as the World Cup, decided by the Secretary of State. That exception does not extend to ordinary fans.
I am a dual national — can I still go?
Possibly. Dual nationals who hold a passport from a country not subject to the suspension may be able to travel on that other passport (via ESTA if it is a Visa Waiver country, or with a B-1/B-2 visa otherwise). Check your specific situation carefully.
Does FIFA PASS help Iranian fans?
FIFA PASS only speeds up interview scheduling for eligible applicants; it cannot override the entry suspension. If the suspension applies to you, a FIFA PASS appointment will not result in a tourist visa.
Where would an eligible Iranian applicant apply?
There is no U.S. embassy in Iran. Eligible applicants apply at a U.S. embassy in a third country such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Yerevan, Ankara or Naples.
Which U.S. cities host World Cup matches?
The United States hosts 11 of the 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities: Atlanta, Boston (Foxborough), Dallas (Arlington), Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Inglewood), Miami, New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford), Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara) and Seattle. Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) and Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) host the rest.