Iranian Absent conscripts, whether inside or outside the country, are subject to the same regulations. Absence refers to a situation where an individual has spent time in limbo without completing military service or pursuing education. This period can range from one month to several years or more. To determine a conscript’s status, their latest situation and the duration of their absence must first be assessed.
Absent conscripts of any age and from any part of the world have the right to return to the country and even leave again. If they have had at least three years of continuous residency abroad, confirmed by an Iranian embassy or consulate, they can enter Iran with an absent conscript stamp and travel permit from the embassy. Their stay in Iran is limited to a maximum of 90 days, after which they can leave the country without any issues, even without bail.
The number of entries and exits to Iran for absent conscripts is limited to a maximum of twice a year, and their stay is limited to 90 days. Exceeding this limit or staying in Iran for more than 90 days will result in a travel ban, and the individual will be required to resolve their military service status. Otherwise, even if they were born abroad and are traveling to Iran for the first time, they will not be allowed to leave.
Conditions for the Travel of Non-Absent Conscripts (with Educational Exemption)
Non-absent conscripts are individuals who have left the country with an educational exemption. If they left the country before the age of 18 and before becoming conscripted, they can obtain an educational exemption for their diploma or other levels of education. In this case, the individual can leave the country without any issues and will have no travel restrictions.
It’s important that after obtaining a student visa and leaving the country, you register your educational documents and status in the Mikhak system so that your educational status is verified for the conscription organization.
For the entry and exit of students abroad, a bail of currently 40 million Tomans is required and does not need to be renewed for each entry and exit. Even if the bail amount increases in future years, there will be no need to increase the bail amount.
How to Obtain a Permit to Enter Iran for Conscripts Abroad
To enter Iran, absent conscripts must visit an Iranian consulate abroad with their passport to determine their exact entry date. If their residency period exceeds three years, the embassy will grant them a travel permit with an absent conscript stamp. Otherwise, they will be allowed to enter the country but will not be able to leave again.
After entering Iran, they can stay in the country for 90 days or, under special circumstances, divide this period between two trips. Beyond these conditions, the individual will be banned from leaving and must somehow obtain an exemption to be allowed to leave Iran again.
Non-absent conscripts who have left the country with the approval of the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Science through the student affairs department abroad and by presenting a student visa only need to enter the Mikhak system and obtain a tracking code. This serves as a certificate of enrollment for the Iranian embassy. In this case, with the approval of the Iranian embassy, consulate, or interests section abroad, they can obtain a travel permit without any time limit on their stay in Iran or the number of trips.
Permitted Travel Time to Iran for Absent and Non-Absent Conscripts
The travel time to Iran for conscripts varies depending on their circumstances:
- Non-absent conscripts: These individuals have no restrictions on the number of entries and exits to the country and can even stay in Iran for an extended period and study remotely.
- Absent conscripts: These individuals, with more than three years of continuous residency in a country and approval from the Iranian embassy, can stay in Iran for a maximum of 90 days per year. This stay can be taken in one or two trips.
Important Notes Regarding the Travel of Conscripts Abroad
All the mentioned cases were regarding entry and exit with an Iranian passport. Individuals with dual citizenship or those who have left with an Iranian passport and intend to return with a foreign passport must apply for a visa at the Iranian embassy like any foreign national.
Some websites and news have discussed the removal of the three-year absence requirement for conscripts abroad, but this is not true, and the law regarding the travel of absent conscripts remains the same.
To travel to Iran, absent conscripts must have been present in their country of residence for at least nine months of each year for the Iranian embassy or consulate to confirm this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the exit permit for conscripts abroad issued?
For absent conscripts, after the embassy confirms their residency period abroad, an absent conscript stamp is placed on their passport. For students abroad, the exit permit is issued using an educational exemption.
What are the conditions for the entry of conscripts abroad?
The entry conditions vary depending on the conscript’s status (absent or non-absent), as explained in the guide on passport renewal for conscripts abroad.
What is the passport status of conscripts abroad?
Conscripts can obtain or renew their passports through Iranian embassies abroad, subject to the conditions outlined in the guide on passport renewal for conscripts abroad.
