Type H — Media (Press) Visa

The Type H Media (Press) Visa is a specialized entry permit strictly reserved for foreign media professionals intending to conduct professional work within Iran. This category encompasses a wide range of individuals, including journalists, reporters, radio and television broadcasters, digital content creators, and film production crews. It is illegal for foreign nationals to perform journalistic or media-related work while holding a standard tourist visa; therefore, the Type H visa is the only legal pathway for those traveling to Iran to document, report, or film for professional purposes.

The application process for a Press Visa is significantly more rigorous than for standard visas, as it requires vetting by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Media and Public Diplomacy Center. Applicants typically need to coordinate through a media-assisting agency or their own media corporation to secure the necessary authorization code before they can proceed to an Iranian consulate. This visa ensures that the activities of foreign media are monitored and authorized by the state, and it is often accompanied by the requirement to obtain a specific press card upon arrival to facilitate movement and filming within the country.