Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA: IKA, ICAO: OIIE) is the main international airport serving Tehran. It is about 30 kilometres southwest of the city centre and handles the capital’s international flights.
Two terminals are in use: Terminal 1, the main terminal, and the Salam Terminal (also called Terminal 2), which opened in 2019 and also handles pilgrimage flights. A third terminal, Iranshahr, has been planned for years. Ask your airline which terminal your flight uses.
Most domestic flights use Mehrabad Airport (THR), which is inside the city. IKA is mainly for international flights. Always check the airport name on your ticket, especially if you are connecting between the two.
Many travellers aim to arrive about 3 hours before an international departure, and follow their airline’s advice. Allow extra time for the road journey from the city and for queues at busy night-time and early-morning periods.
IKA handles flights throughout the day and night, and many international flights arrive or depart after dark. Individual shops, desks and offices may keep shorter hours, so check before you rely on a specific service.
Yes. IKA offers a CIP (Commercially Important Person) service with its own lounge facility. One source says the service is available only to passengers using Terminal 1, not the Salam Terminal.
CIP packages typically include being met at the aircraft, a private car transfer, expedited passport control and baggage handling, and a lounge with refreshments and Wi-Fi. The exact services depend on the package you book.
CIP is not restricted to a particular airline or cabin class, but it needs a booking in advance and is tied to Terminal 1. Some departures may be excluded, so confirm your flight is eligible.
Options include the nearby airport hotels, which offer short stays, and any rest facilities offered by the CIP provider. Availability and times vary, so ask when you book.
CIP service must be booked in advance. Contact the CIP provider, your airline or your travel agent for availability and prices, and confirm that your flight and terminal are eligible before you arrive.
Most do. Depending on your nationality you may enter visa-free, collect a visa on arrival (VOA), or need an approved e-visa before you travel. Rules change often, so check with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa service or an Iranian embassy before you fly.
Visa on arrival is offered at selected Iranian airports, including IKA, for eligible nationalities. Many travellers still apply online first and collect their visa with an approval notice, because it reduces the risk of being turned away at check-in.
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada cannot get a visa on arrival, and lists often exclude several other nationalities as well. These travellers need approval and a visa before flying, and some must travel with a registered tour operator. Confirm the current rules for your passport.
Most guides say valid travel insurance covering Iran is required, and that you can buy a policy at the airport if you do not have one, although airport policies have limited cover. Rules can change, so confirm when you apply for your visa.
Yes. You apply online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa service and receive a visa grant notice by email once approved. Processing times vary, so apply well before you travel.
Generally no. Because of international sanctions, foreign-issued cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express do not work in Iran, including at airport shops, restaurants and taxis. Bring enough cash.
Bring cash in a major currency, usually euros or US dollars, and exchange it for Iranian currency at an authorised exchange counter in the airport or in the city.
Yes. Authorised exchange counters operate in the arrivals and departures areas of the terminals. Check what currencies they accept and keep your exchange receipts.
Foreign visitors can buy prepaid tourist cards that work with Iran’s domestic payment network. Where and how they are sold changes, so ask at the airport, your hotel or your tour agency.
The official currency is the rial (IRR). Everyday prices are often quoted in tomans, where 1 toman equals 10 rials. Always check whether a price is in rials or tomans before you pay or exchange money.
IKA is about 30 kilometres southwest of the city centre. The drive usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and can be much longer in rush hour or if your hotel is in north Tehran.
Options include official airport taxis outside the terminal, ride-hailing apps such as Snapp and Tapsi, the metro, shuttle buses and pre-booked private transfers. Taxis are the quickest option if you are short of time.
Yes. Imam Khomeini Airport station is on a branch of Metro Line 1 (formerly called Line 8). To reach central Tehran you usually change to the main Line 1 at Shahed–Bagher Shahr. Train times and late-evening service vary, so check the last train before you rely on it.
Official taxis wait outside the terminal at fixed rates, and the fare depends on the type of car. Avoid unofficial offers inside the terminal, and confirm the fare before you get in.
The road journey takes roughly an hour or more, depending on traffic, and can be done by taxi or private car. Shuttle buses between the two airports have been reported, but schedules are unclear. Allow at least 4 to 5 hours between an international arrival and a domestic departure.
Visitors are expected to follow Iranian dress rules as soon as they arrive. Women should cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose clothing covering their arms and legs. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless tops and shorts.
No. Importing alcohol is prohibited. It can be confiscated and may lead to fines or prosecution, so do not pack it in checked or carry-on bags.
Alcohol, illegal drugs and goods that break Iranian law are prohibited. Commercial goods must be declared. Check the Iran Customs Administration rules before you pack.
You can bring foreign currency, bank documents and bearer securities up to 10,000 euros (or the equivalent) without declaring them. Larger amounts must be declared. When leaving, the limit is generally 5,000 euros or the equivalent unless you declared more on arrival.
Yes. Prayer rooms are reported in the departure, arrival and transit areas. Ask any information desk if you cannot find one.
Report it to your airline’s baggage desk in the baggage claim area before you leave. Staff will give you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number.
Ask at an information desk or an airport security desk, who can direct you to the right office. Contact your airline directly if you left something on a flight.
Baggage wrapping is commonly offered at international airports, including in the departure area. Ask at an information desk or check-in for the nearest service and price.
An airport directory lists a left-luggage service on the west side of the Terminal 1 entrance hall, but guides do not all agree. Ask an information desk whether it is open, and check the price, hours and collection deadline before you hand over your bags.
The usual international rules apply: liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in a clear plastic bag. Check your airline for any extra restrictions.
Yes. Two airport hotels sit opposite Terminal 1, connected to the airport by a pedestrian bridge according to some guides. They are the former Novotel and Ibis hotels, now operating under the Rexan and Remis names. They offer short stays and a free airport shuttle. Confirm names and availability when you book.
It depends on your nationality, your ticket and your airline. If you must change terminals or re-check bags, you may need to clear immigration. Ask your airline whether you need a transit visa or entry permission before you travel.
Only if you are eligible to enter Iran, either visa-free or with a visa on arrival or an approved visa. Allow time for the 45 to 60 minute trip each way, plus immigration and security when you return.
There is public seating in the halls and gate areas, but dedicated rest zones are limited. For a proper rest, consider the airport hotels or the CIP service.
There is no single rule, so check the minimum connection time with your airline. As a guide, allow several hours for an international connection on separate tickets, and at least 4 to 5 hours if you must switch to Mehrabad for a domestic flight.
Wi-Fi is reported in the arrival and departure areas. Access may require registration with a mobile number, and speed can vary.
Tourist SIM cards from local operators such as Irancell and MCI are commonly sold in the arrivals area. Bring your passport and some cash.
First-aid services are reported to be available 24 hours a day. If you feel unwell, ask airport staff or an information desk for help.
Request wheelchair or mobility assistance from your airline before you travel. Ramps, lifts and accessible toilets are generally provided in major terminals, but ask when you arrive.
Smoking is not allowed in the main public halls. Designated smoking areas may be available, so look for signs or ask staff.
Duty-free shops typically sell perfume, cosmetics, electronics, handicrafts and Iranian specialities such as saffron, pistachios, dates and sweets. Stock varies by terminal.
No. Alcohol is not sold in Iranian duty-free shops.
Carpet shops exist at the airport, but check the details carefully. Ask for an official invoice, make sure the carpet is not an antique, and check the size limits for export with customs. Guides quote different limits, so confirm before you buy.
Terminal 1 has cafés, snack counters and restaurants serving Persian dishes such as kebab, as well as fast food, tea and juices. Choice varies by terminal and time of day.
Airport customs guidance allows up to 150 grams of saffron per passenger, and up to 125 grams of caviar with a fisheries licence. Some older guides quote 100 grams of saffron, so check the current limit at customs before you leave.