Iran visa policy

The visa policy of Iran is a set of rules describing which travelers may enter Iran and what documents they should prepare for their arrival. It is possible to apply either for a regular visa (with an online registration form) or a visa on arrival (obtainable at selected entry ports). Some foreigners are granted visa-free entry. Currently, Iran e-Visa is not available.

At the moment, citizens of 16 countries are allowed to visit Iran without a visa. Depending on the traveler’s nationality, they will be granted a visa-free stay for a time period from 14 days to even 90 days. All they need to cross the Iranian border is a valid passport.

Remember that free-trade zones of Iran are available without a visa for most travelers as long as their journey does not exceed 14 days. The following free trade zones may be visited without a visa: Arvand, Aras, Chabahar, Maku, Qeshm, Kish, and Anzali.

A convenient way to visit Iran is by obtaining a visa on arrival. It is issued by immigration officers for tourism-related travels while entering Iran. Once approved, it remains valid for 30 days, but you may request a visa extension. The visa on arrival is obtainable only at the selected ports of entry. Keep in mind an online registration is required beforehand.

Nationals of 12 countries must apply for a regular visa at the Embassy if they wish to visit Iran. They may schedule an appointment at the office first or complete an online application form and only collect the approved visa from the Embassy. Depending on your answers in the form, you may also be asked to participate in a consular interview.

Moreover, according to the latest visa policy of Iran, entry and transit are refused for all Israeli nationals, even in the case of not leaving the airport area.

It is crucial to check if you meet the mandatory travel requirements before leaving for Iran. Apart from a valid passport and an approved visa, you may be asked to provide some supporting documentation.

Who can enter Iran?

Iran welcomes all foreign visitors that comply with the imposed travel rules. Citizens of 16 countries may enjoy traveling to Iran without a visa as long as they possess a valid passport and a national ID card. However, other visitors should apply for a suitable visa. Depending on their nationality, they may request a regular visa or a visa on arrival.

Keep in mind that Israeli nationals are prohibited from entering Iran under no circumstances. It applies to both tourism and transit-related travel.

Entry requirements for Iran

Remember to check the current requirements concerning traveling on an Iranian visa. Ensure you have the necessary documents and may enter Iran with no problems.

Documents checklist for entering Iran

While traveling to Iran, you must complete the required documentation. Make sure it will remain valid throughout your entire journey.

• passport that stays valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of travel
• approved Iran visa
• completed COVID-19 self-declaration form
• proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (if applicable)
• proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results (if applicable)

Do not forget that the provided information should be used only as a guide. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, it is advised to always check the current requirements for entry into Iran on the official website as they are subject to change.

Methods of getting a visa to Iran

Currently, foreign travelers can choose between two types of Iran visa applications.

Electronic visa (e-Visa)

At the moment, the Iran e-Visa is not available. However, the visa policy may change over time. Check the current updates regarding electronic visas on the official website.

Visa on arrival (VOA)

An Iranian visa on arrival is a type of Tourist Visa that is issued while entering the country. Once you have presented the immigration officers with sufficient documentation, you will be granted a visa on arrival. However, remember you should fill in an online application form before the journey and have the completed paper on hand.

The approved permit stays valid for 30 days, but you can request a visa extension.

Moreover, a visa on arrival can only be issued at the selected arrival ports:

• Ahvaz International Airport
• Bandar Abbas International Airport
• Imam Khomeini International Airport
• Isfahan International Airport
• Kerman Airport
• Kish International Airport
• Larestan International Airport
• Mashhad International Airport
• Mehrabad International Airport
• Qeshm International Airport
• Shiraz International Airport
• Tabriz International Airport
• Urmia Airport

Regular visa

A regular visa for Iran may be obtained at the Iranian Embassy. It is a type of Tourist Visa that allows for leisure-related travel. To obtain it, you can either schedule a visit at the office and apply for the visa in person or complete the application process online and only collect the approved visa. Keep in mind that the processing of your inquiry may take a few business days.

This type of visa is required from nationals of 12 selected countries.

Countries and regions which require a visa for entry into Iran

Find out what nationalities are eligible for the particular Iran visa and check if you can enter the country visa-free, granted the freedom of movement.

Visa on arrival (VOA)

• Andorra
• United Arab Emirates
• Antigua
• Anguilla
• Albania
• Angola
• Argentina
• American Samoa
• Austria
• Australia
• Aruba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Burkina Faso
• Bulgaria
• Bahrain
• Burundi
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Brunei
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Belarus
• Belize
• Congo
• Switzerland
• Ivory Coast
• Chile
• Cameroon
• Serbia
• Cuba
• Cabo Verde
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Djibouti
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Algeria
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• Eritrea
• Spain
• Ethiopia
• Finland
• Fiji
• France
• Gabon
• Grenada
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Greenland
• Gambia
• Guinea Bissau
• Guinea
• Equatorial Guinea
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Guam
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Croatia
• Haiti
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• India
• Iceland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Kenya
• Kyrgyzstan
• Cambodia
• Kiribati
• Comoros
• North Korea
• South Korea
• Kuwait
• Laos
• Liechtenstein
• Liberia
• Lesotho
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Latvia
• Morocco
• Monaco
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Madagascar
• Macedonia
• Mali
• Myanmar
• Mongolia
• Mauritania
• Montserrat
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Maldives
• Malawi
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Nicaragua
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Nepal
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Panama
• Peru
• New Guinea
• Philippines
• Poland
• Sierra Leone
• San Marino
• Senegal
• Chad
• Togo
• Thailand
• Tajikistan
• Timor Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Tunisia
• Tonga
• Trinidad
• Tuvalu
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• Uganda
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Vanuatu
• Samoa
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Seychelles
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Romania
• Paraguay
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Solomon Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda

Regular visa

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Canada
• Colombia
• United Kingdom
• Jordan
• Sri Lanka
• Libya
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• United States
• Yemen

Visa-free countries

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bolivia
• China
• Egypt
• Georgia
• Hong Kong
• Iraq
• Kazakhstan
• Lebanon
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Oman
• Syria
• Turkey
• Venezuela

Entry requirements for children

Minors need an appropriate Iran visa to be allowed entry to the country. Moreover, children older than 12 must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and take a PCR test within 72 hours before the planned travel. Travelers under the age of 12 do not need to provide any documents on COVID-19.

Transit information

If you plan on passing through Iran on your way to another destination, you should apply for a suitable visa first. A Transit Iran Visa may be obtained online, and it allows you to spend up to 7 days in Iran. The approved online visa must be collected personally from the Embassy.

Important information

• The Iran visa policy distinguishes travelers that can visit the country, the types of visas available for foreigners, and the documents required on arrival. Currently, it is possible to apply for a visa on arrival or a regular visa. Some nationals can enjoy visa-free travel.
• A visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that is issued on arrival by immigration officers. It is required to first complete an online application form and then present the officers with its printed copy. Once approved, it stays valid for 30 days.
• A regular visa is a visa that you apply for in person at the Iranian Embassy. You may fill in the visa application form electronically and collect the authorized Iran visa at the office. It allows for travel related to leisure and tourism.
• Nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, China, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Oman, Syria, Turkey, and Venezuela do not need a visa to visit Iran – they can travel visa-free.
• Israeli citizens are forbidden from entering Iran under no circumstances.