A friend of our family is seeing an Iranian National, the question has arisen about tourist visa for him whilst they prepare the documentation for getting married.

I have heard from another friend, that it is impossible for an Iranian Citizen to get a tourist visa from the nearby Countries, which I think could be true.

Is there another way he could stay for an extended period before marrying, as we would like to see them live together for a while before making such a big decision.

Is a tourist visa available, without going back to Iran?

Could a Non Immigrant Visa O for friends be issued in Tehran, has anyone heard about this before.

What about an Education Visa from a nearby Country? But would he require a Visa to enter that country?

Thanks in advance for any comments and answers.

Have seen that he could fly to Laos, get a 30day VOA, then he would have to go to the Embassy and get a double entry tourist visa, then fly back.

Is a double entry available in Laos?

Have seen that he could fly to Laos, get a 30day VOA, then he would have to go to the Embassy and get a double entry tourist visa, then fly back.

Is a double entry available in Laos?

Not for Iranian.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane are not issuing Tourist Visa to Iranians.

Suggest you contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Believe Iranian nationals can only apply for a visa in their home country, or the country they are residing in. They go through additional screening.

An Iranian national doesn't qualify for a visa on arrival or visa exempt entry. They need a visa to come to Thailand.

What I have read is that an Iranian can get a Visa on Arrival in Laos, if however he cannot get a Visa at the Embassy then a wasted journey. Will advise him to go home to get another one.

Not sure about the residency requirement. You could contact the Thai embassy in Australia, or in some neighbouring countries.. It seems only the consular sections at Thai embassies are allowed to give a visa to Iranian nationals. I guess if he already had a visa once, it will be easier as the Thai government has a file on him.

are there any news on how to get a tourist visa for iranian citizens?

Gotta be some way to get one fairly easy as many Iranians keep getting arrested trying to bring in drugs

Not that difficult, but one must apply in iran (or country where one lives). There are some extra checks, so it might take a few days for the visa to be issued.

Gotta be some way to get one fairly easy as many Iranians keep getting arrested trying to bring in drugs

Yep, see this all the time. No shortage of fellas willing to work as drug mules - must say something about home.