Iran Visa Requirements 2026 — Entry Guide

Iran requires most nationalities to obtain a visa in advance through an embassy, or in some cases via visa on arrival at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. Check current advisories before travel.

Tourist Entry

Iran requires most nationalities to obtain a visa in advance through an embassy, or in some cases via visa on arrival at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. Check current advisories before travel. For detailed and up-to-date requirements, always check the official immigration authority.

Typical Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Official Links

• Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

📋 Complete Visa Categories for Iran

Iran offers a variety of visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available, including requirements, validity, and approximate fees. Always verify current requirements with the official immigration authority before applying, as rules and fees can change.

Note: Fees and requirements may vary by nationality and are subject to change. Some visa categories may have additional sub-types or specific conditions not listed above. Check the official Iran immigration portal or your nearest embassy for the most current information.

⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Iran Visas

Processing times for Iran visa applications vary by visa type, applicant nationality, and time of year. Standard processing is the default timeline, while expedited (express or priority) processing is available for certain visa types at an additional cost. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer than usual. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date to account for potential delays.

All fees are approximate and may be adjusted. Some embassies and consulates charge additional service fees through visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global, TLS Contact). Payment methods vary by location. Keep your payment receipt as proof of fee payment.

🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Iran

Iran does not require mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers from endemic countries. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies (for rural areas). No medical examination is required for tourist visas. Work and student visa applicants may need medical screening. Health insurance is mandatory for all tourist visa applicants and visa on arrival — proof of insurance must be shown. Iran has excellent and affordable healthcare, particularly in Tehran (Milad Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital). Medical tourism is significant in Iran for procedures like cosmetic surgery. Police clearance certificates may be required for work and residence visas. Iran collects biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at all ports of entry. Important note: possession of alcohol and certain medications is illegal in Iran — travelers should verify prohibited substances before travel.

🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Iran

Tourist visas can be extended at the local Police Department (Foreign Affairs Office) for additional 30-day periods, generally up to a total of 90 days. The extension fee is approximately IRR 2,000,000-5,000,000. The process is usually straightforward in major cities (Isfahan, Shiraz, Tehran). Work permits are renewed through the employer before expiry. Overstay penalties include daily fines, potential detention, deportation, and entry bans. Iran is generally lenient about short overstays if you are proactive about extensions. Longer overstays can result in detention and deportation. US, UK, and Canadian citizens face additional restrictions including mandatory guided tours through authorized agencies. Foreign nationals must register within 8 days of arrival if their accommodation does not register them automatically.

❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Iran

Iranian visa refusals may result from: nationality restrictions (US, UK, Canadian citizens face additional scrutiny and cannot travel independently), Israeli passport stamps (entry is denied), incomplete documentation, security concerns, or previous immigration violations. Some nationalities may find their MFA authorization code denied. There is no formal appeals process for tourist visa refusals. Applicants can reapply with stronger documentation or through a different travel agency. Business visa refusals can be reconsidered through the Iranian company sponsor. Iran does not admit holders of Israeli passports and may refuse entry to travelers with evidence of travel to Israel. Engaging an authorized Iranian travel agency is essential for US, UK, and Canadian citizens. Iran's visa policies can change based on diplomatic relations.