Iran Removes Visa Charge for Visiting World Cup Fans

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By Martin Graham | 15th Apr 2022

The Islamic Republic of Iran, who share a border with Qatar, have stepped in to help their neighbours by offering free visas to World Cup fans.

Qatar is preparing as best as they can for the estimated 1.5 million visitors they expect for the World Cup. However, the accommodation on ground is not enough to cater to the estimated crowd that will be hitting the country’s shores later this year.

Iran have now stepped in to offer some succour to their neighbours by offering their country as accommodation for visitors and giving them free visas as long as they can prove that they are attending the World Cup.

This announcement was made by the spokesman of the country’s executive government, Ali Bahadori.

Mr Bahadori wrote on his Twitter: “Another agreement made during the president’s visit to Qatar has been implemented; with the government’s approval today (Friday April 13, 2022), it has been decided that issuance of visas for visitors who seek to travel to Iran during the FIFA World Cup 2022 would be free.

“This ratification can be effective in attracting and encouraging World Cup tourists to travel to Iran and in boosting the tourism industry in the country.”

Qatar is just 140 kilometers away from the southern Iranian coastlines which means visitors can take daily boat trips from Iran to Qatar to experience the matches of the 22nd edition of the World Cup.

Iran and Qatar have previously signed an agreement to allow the visiting fans to come through Qatar, but the free visa will help speed things up and make things easier with the ticket application.

Iran will also be participating in the World Cup, and are in the most political group of the tournament alongside England, USA and either of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.

The Asian nation will be hoping to finally make it out of the group stages in this edition.