Italy and Iran discuss easier visas for traders; no rule changes announced

Italian and Iranian officials met in Tehran on 10 November 2026 to discuss making it easier for traders and businesspeople to obtain visas, alongside plans for joint trade events. The meeting produced no announced change to visa rules, fees or processing times.

Key facts

• The meeting was between Samad Hassanzadeh, President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), and Paola Amadei, Italy's Ambassador in Tehran.
• Both sides discussed facilitating visa issuance for traders and businesspeople of the two countries.
• No new visa rules, fees, eligibility criteria or start dates were announced.
• Italy's ambassador said follow-ups on visas had been carried out and "good measures have been taken".
• More than 100 people received full Italian government scholarships this year and departed for Italy.

What was said about visas for traders?

Hassanzadeh said that, alongside efforts to deepen trade relations, visa issuance should be facilitated for traders of both countries so that economic actors can travel more freely. He also called for more trade delegations from Italy to visit Iran.

Amadei said follow-ups on visa issuance had been carried out and that good measures had been taken. Her one practical instruction was that applicants must provide their information accurately when completing the relevant forms. She did not announce any change to visa categories, requirements, fees or processing times.

What did Italy say about student visas?

The ambassador said the number of Iranian students in Italy has increased. She also said the Italian government has awarded full scholarships that are not linked to a university, and that more than 100 people received such a scholarship this year and left for Italy.

Why are the two sides discussing this now?

The meeting focused on preserving and strengthening trade relations despite restrictions caused by sanctions. Ahmad Pourfallah, President of the Iran-Italy Joint Chamber of Commerce, described Italy as Iran's first European trade partner and said both sides hope to deepen relations if sanctions are removed.

Amadei said Italian companies can work with Iranian partners in areas not subject to sanctions, and noted that the Italian Trade Agency office in Tehran provides information to traders and economic actors of both countries.

What this means for travellers

No visa procedure has changed as a result of this meeting. Traders and businesspeople applying for Italian visas should complete the relevant forms with accurate personal information, which the ambassador identified as the key requirement.

No date has been announced for follow-up steps. Amadei said targeted visits to Iranian provinces form part of her work programme, and Hassanzadeh invited her to visit provinces to see local economic capacities.