Exit Visas

Exit visas (khurooji) are needed when a foreigner with a residence permit wishes to leave the country, either temporarily or permanently, and ensures that the individual has settled any legal or financial obligations before departure. This is a concept that many westerners may not be familiar with as they are accustomed to leaving their home countries without prior approval from any authorities. Understanding the process and requirements for obtaining an exit visa is essential in order to ensure a smooth departure.

Types of Exit Visas

Exit and Re-Entry Visa

This type of exit visa allows foreign residents to temporarily leave Iran and return without having to reapply for a new entry visa. It is issued to those students and their families who plan to travel abroad for short periods and return to continue their stay in Iran. There are two types of exit and re-entry visas:

• Single-Entry Exit Visa: Allows the bearer to exit Iran once. If they wish to leave the country again, they would need to apply for another exit visa.
• Multiple-Entry Exit Visa: Permits the bearer to leave and re-enter Iran multiple times within the validity period of the visa.

One-Way Exit Visa

This visa is intended for foreign nationals who plan to leave Iran permanently. It is issued to those who have completed their studies, or are unable to continue their education in Iran, and do not intend to return. Unlike the exit and re-entry visa, the one-way exit visa does not permit the holder to re-enter Iran.

Application Process

The application process for an exit visa involves several steps, including the submission of various documents, and in some cases, obtaining clearance from different authorities.

The first step for a student to apply for an exit visa is to get approval from the school’s Academic Affairs department. This is especially important if the travel plans fall during the term time. Once this leave of absence has been granted, an application form for an exit visa and accompanying documents should be submitted to the school. The documents required are the original passport and a copy of the current residence permit.

The processing time for an exit visa can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and nationality, but on average, it can take between 7—14 days. It is advisable to apply for the exit visa well in advance of the planned departure date to accommodate any unforeseen delays.

Validity Period

The exit visa is typically valid for one month from the date of issuance. This means that the bearer must exit the country within this 30-day period. Failure to do so would require reapplying for a new exit visa, which could involve additional fees and administrative procedures.

Once an exit visa is obtained, foreign resident permit holders can stay outside Iran for up to three or six months, depending on the specific terms of their visa. Unfortunately, the validity dates and the date by which an individual must return to Iran by are normally displayed in the Persian calendar. Careful attention should be paid to these dates so students and their families re-enter within the stipulated time frame and avoid the need to reapply for a new entry visa.

Cost

The cost of an exit visa is less than $1; however, different schools will have different policies, some even waiving the fee altogether. It is recommended to check the latest fees through the school’s administration.