Regulations on Leaving the Country Without a Military Service Completion Card
Leaving the country requires fulfillment of certain conditions, including obtaining a passport. Issuance of a passport, in turn, requires presentation of a military service completion certificate. Therefore, individuals who do not possess a military service completion card and intend to leave the country must comply with government-imposed conditions to obtain an exit permit.
Leaving the Country Without a Military Service Completion Card
Age Requirement for Leaving the Country
Men who are subject to compulsory military service and are over the age of eighteen are required to present a military service completion card in order to leave the country.
Boys under the age of eighteen are not subject to compulsory military service and therefore face no restriction in obtaining a passport or leaving the country.
Conditions for Leaving the Country Without a Military Service Certificate
As noted above, men are generally required to present a military service completion card to leave the country. However, individuals who do not hold such a certificate may still obtain a temporary passport and exit permit, provided they meet the authorities’ conditions. These conditions include the following:
- Absence of Military Service: One of the most important conditions for applicants is that they must not be recorded as absent from military service. Upon reaching the age of eighteen, male citizens are required to report for military service. Failure to do so results in being recorded as absent. In such cases, individuals must justify their absence by submitting valid supporting documents.
- Certificate of Graduation or Enrollment: Applicants who are students, university students, or seminary students must obtain a certificate of enrollment from their educational institution to benefit from the educational exemption and justify the absence of a military service completion card. Graduates may also apply by submitting a graduation certificate and confirming their educational status.
- Provision of Security Deposit: Providing a security deposit is another mandatory condition for individuals subject to military service leaving the country. The deposit may consist of a monetary amount or property pledged to the government. This deposit effectively serves as a substitute for the military service completion card.
- Amount of Security Deposit for Leaving the Country: The required security deposit amount varies by travel purpose. Applicants must consult the relevant legal authorities to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on deposit amounts. Common categories include the following:
- Tourist travel deposit: 600,000,000 rials in cash.
- Religious pilgrimage travel for service obligors: 100,000,000 rials in cash.
- Travel for continuation of studies abroad under educational exemption: 800,000,000 rials in cash.
Required Documents for Obtaining a Passport Without a Military Service Completion Certificate
In addition to meeting the above conditions, applicants must submit the following documents in order to obtain a passport without a military service completion card:
- Original national identification card and birth certificate, along with confirmation from the Civil Registration Organization.
- Certificate of graduation or enrollment.
- Military dispatch notice without absence status.
- Application for exemption, including medical, guardianship, or special cases if applicable.
- Certificate confirming completion of education.
- Savings account booklet issued by designated banks.
To expedite processing, applicants are advised to open a designated account with the bank designated by the authorities. It should be noted that within 24 hours of submitting documents to the General Organization of Public Duties and obtaining the exit permit, applicants must refer to the relevant offices to complete the passport issuance process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Regulations on Leaving the Country Without a Military Service Completion Card
Yes. Individuals without a military service completion card may obtain permission to leave the country under specific conditions, including absence of military service, submission of educational certificates, and provision of a security deposit.
Men over the age of eighteen who are subject to military service are required to present a military service completion card. Boys under eighteen are not subject to this requirement.
The deposit may be paid in cash or by property and varies by travel purpose. Religious travel generally requires a lower deposit, while academic or tourist travel requires higher amounts.
Required documents include national identification documents, certificates of graduation or enrollment, military dispatch notice without absence status, exemption application forms if applicable, educational completion confirmation, and a bank account at a designated bank.
Yes. The General Organization of Public Duties may establish special conditions for religious pilgrimage travel, including specific deposit amounts and time limits. Applicants should consult the relevant authorities for the latest information. Is it possible to leave the country without a military service completion card?
What is the age requirement for leaving the country?
How does the security deposit work for leaving the country without a military service card?
What documents are required to obtain a passport without a military service card?
Are there special rules for religious pilgrimage travel, such as the Arbaeen walk?





What if someone has never been issued a military card because of an administrative mistake?
An administrative issue does not automatically determine whether someone may leave the country. The relevant authorities would need to review the person’s military status and the reason the document was not issued. If this situation applies to you, the details should be reviewed before making travel plans.
Can I travel for work if my military status is still being processed?
That depends on your current legal status and whether any travel restrictions apply. Simply having a pending application does not always answer that question. Reviewing your documentation and the applicable regulations is the best way to determine your options.
Is there a difference between leaving for a vacation and leaving for permanent relocation?
Yes. Different legal requirements may apply depending on the purpose and duration of your travel. Temporary travel and permanent relocation are not always treated the same under the law, so it is important to understand which rules apply to your circumstances.
If I have dual citizenship, do the military rules still apply to me?
Dual citizenship can add another layer of legal considerations, but it does not automatically exempt someone from obligations under the applicable laws of a country. A case specific review is usually necessary before reaching a conclusion.
Can I be stopped at the airport even if I already have a valid passport?
A valid passport alone does not guarantee that there are no legal restrictions on leaving the country. In certain circumstances, travel restrictions may exist for reasons established by law, so it is important to confirm your legal status before departure.
If I receive an exemption later, can I travel right away?
An exemption may affect your legal status, but any related administrative procedures should also be completed before assuming there are no travel restrictions. The timing can vary depending on the circumstances.
Can someone authorize another person to handle their military paperwork while they’re abroad?
That may be possible in certain situations, depending on the applicable legal procedures and the type of documentation involved. The specific requirements should be confirmed before relying on a representative.
If my exit is denied because of my military status, can I challenge that decision?
Depending on the legal basis for the restriction, there may be procedures available to challenge or review the decision. The appropriate course of action will depend on the reason for the restriction and the facts of your case. If you are facing this issue, a private review would be advisable.
Does turning 18 automatically affect my ability to travel overseas?
Reaching military service age can trigger certain legal obligations, but whether it affects international travel depends on your individual status and the applicable laws. It is always wise to verify your position before making travel arrangements.
If I leave the country legally, can military issues cause problems when I try to come back?
That depends on what occurred while you were abroad and whether your legal status changed during that time. If there are unresolved military obligations or other legal issues, they should be addressed before assuming there will be no complications upon your return.