Taking carpets, saffron or caviar home from Tehran? Know the customs rules first.
Flying through Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)? This guide covers Iranian customs rules for arriving and departing passengers: personal export allowances for Persian carpets, caviar, saffron and jewellery, currency declaration, prohibited items, the tourist VAT refund and duty-free shopping in Terminal 1.
Commonly cited allowances
Personal limit
Hand-made carpets
~125 g
Sealed caviar
Personal quantity
Saffron
Above ~US$5,000
Declare cash
No alcohol
Importing, exporting or carrying alcohol through Iran is illegal; it is confiscated and penalties apply.
Declare large cash
Declare large amounts of foreign currency on arrival (commonly cited above US$5,000) so you can take it out again.
Carpets within limits
Hand-made carpets for personal use are allowed within the personal allowance; antique carpets need a permit.
Keep your receipts
Keep invoices for carpets, gold, caviar and other valuable purchases to show at customs.
Personal Export Allowances at Tehran IKA
What you can take home from Iran
Iranian customs allows departing passengers to take personal, non-commercial quantities of popular Iranian goods. Anything above the personal allowance is treated as a commercial export and needs licences.
| Item | Personal allowance | Conditions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted carpets | A personal allowance, measured in square metres | Must be non-antique; antique and heritage carpets need a permit. Keep the purchase invoice. | Permitted |
| Iranian caviar | Commonly cited at around 125 g per passenger | In original sealed packaging with the official Shilat (Iranian Fisheries) seal and invoice. | Permitted |
| Saffron | Personal, non-commercial quantities | Larger, commercial quantities need export licensing. Check your destination's import rules too. | Permitted |
| Gold jewellery | Personal, wearable jewellery within limits | Gold bars, bullion and coins in quantity need Central Bank permits. | Restricted |
| Silver items | Personal silverware and crafts within limits | Antique or historic pieces cannot be exported without a permit. | Restricted |
| Antiques | Items of historical value | Need a written permit from the cultural heritage authorities. | Permit only |
Customs and Currency Rules at IKA
Arriving or leaving? Pick your direction
Iran's customs administration (IRICA) checks passengers both on arrival and on departure. The rules you need depend on which way you are travelling.
Declare large cash
Declare foreign currency above the limit (commonly cited as US$5,000) on arrival and keep the stamped form, so you can take unspent cash out again.
Tobacco allowance
Commonly cited as up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars per adult.
Prescription medicine
Carry a prescription, ideally translated into English or Persian, for controlled or strong medicines, in the passenger's name.
Show your declaration
To take out more foreign cash than the limit, show the declaration you made on arrival.
Iranian rials
Taking Iranian banknotes out of the country is restricted. Spend or exchange your rials before you fly.
Keep invoices
Have invoices ready for carpets, gold, caviar and other valuables in case customs asks.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Leave these at home
| Item | Status | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages | Banned | Importing, exporting or carrying alcohol in transit is illegal; it is confiscated, and fines or prosecution can follow. |
| Pork and non-halal meat | Banned | Pork, lard and non-halal meat products are confiscated at customs. |
| Narcotics | Banned | Iran enforces very severe penalties for drug offences, including cannabis. |
| Adult and gambling material | Banned | Pornography, gambling equipment and material considered contrary to public order are prohibited. |
| Drones | Permit required | Drones need prior official approval; unauthorised drones are confiscated on arrival. |
| Antiques and manuscripts | Permit required | Historic items, old coins and manuscripts need a cultural heritage permit to leave Iran. |
| Vapes and e-cigarettes | Restricted | Iran restricts the sale and use of e-cigarettes; check the rules before packing one. |
Iran's Tourist VAT Refund
What to know before you shop
Iran charges value added tax on most retail goods and services. Iran has introduced a VAT refund scheme for non-resident foreign tourists who buy qualifying goods from participating shops and take them out of the country through IKA.
Unlike duty-free shopping after passport control, a VAT refund applies to goods bought from participating shops in cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Tabriz.
Buy at a participating shop
Ask for an official tax-free invoice showing your passport name and number.
Find the customs desk
At Terminal 1, go to the customs desk before checking in your bags.
Show your goods
Present unused goods, invoices, passport and ticket for the customs stamp.
Claim your refund
Go to the designated refund or bank counter with your stamped documents.
Usually qualifies
- Foreign passport holders who are not Iranian residents
- New, unused goods from participating shops
- Goods kept in original packaging for inspection
Does not qualify
- Hotels, restaurants and services
- Food and consumed goods
- Fuel
Duty-Free Shopping at Tehran IKA
Persian treats after passport control
Saffron, sweets and nuts
Export-grade saffron, traditional Persian sweets such as gaz from Isfahan and sohan from Qom, pistachios and dried fruit packed for travel.
Handicrafts and cosmetics
Persian minakari enamel, khatamkari inlaid woodwork and copper crafts, alongside fragrances, cosmetics and travel accessories.
Tehran IKA Terminals and Customs
Tap a terminal
Check your departure terminal with your airline before travelling, especially if you plan to claim a VAT refund or show goods at customs.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 handles most scheduled international flights and houses the main customs offices, currency exchange and duty-free shops.
At this terminal
- Main customs offices
- Currency exchange
- Duty-free shopping
Salam Terminal
The Salam Terminal is used mainly for pilgrimage flights such as Hajj and Umrah and selected charter operations, with its own passport and customs posts.
At this terminal
- Pilgrimage flights
- Selected charters
- Separate customs posts
Before You Fly Home from Tehran
Keep your purchases within personal allowances, carry invoices for carpets and valuables, declare large amounts of cash on arrival, and leave alcohol, pork and drones out of your luggage. With a little preparation, customs at Tehran IKA is straightforward.
