Visa-free, visa on arrival, eVisa or guided tour? Find out how you can enter Iran.
Planning a trip to Iran through Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)? Depending on your nationality, you may be able to enter visa-free, get a visa on arrival, apply for an eVisa in advance, or need a pre-approved guided tour. This guide explains each option, the documents you need, travel insurance and fees, and the restrictions to know before you fly.
روادید · Visa
Islamic Republic of Iran · ایران
Type
Tourist
Port of entry
IKA · Tehran
Duration
Up to 30 days
Issued as
Separate paper / e-visa
Fee: Cash, by nationality
Separate visa paper
Iran issues visas as a separate printed or electronic document rather than a sticker in your passport.
30-day visa on arrival
Many nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at IKA Terminal 1.
Insurance is required
You need travel insurance valid in Iran; it can be bought at the airport.
Pay in cash
Foreign cards do not work in Iran; pay visa fees in cash, usually euros.
Which Iran Visa Do You Need?
Pick the option that fits your passport
How you enter Iran depends on your nationality. Use the tabs below to see the main options for travellers arriving at Tehran IKA.
Visa-free entry
Some nationalities can enter Iran without a visa for a limited stay.
What to know
- In 2024 Iran introduced visa-free entry, generally for up to 15 days and mainly by air, for citizens of around 30 countries, including examples such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, Japan, Brazil and Russia
- Neighbouring countries such as Türkiye, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan have long-standing exemptions, and China has its own visa-free arrangement
- Stay lengths and conditions differ by country
Check the current list with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel, as it changes.
Visa on arrival (VoA)
Many travellers who need a visa can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at IKA Terminal 1.
What to know
- Available to many European, Asian, Latin American, African and Middle Eastern nationalities
- Not available to citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, or to some other nationalities
- Usually issued for 30 days and extendable inside Iran
Check that your nationality is eligible before you fly.
eVisa (apply in advance)
You can apply online through Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal before travelling, then collect the visa at the airport or an embassy.
What to know
- Apply well before your trip, as processing can take several days or longer
- You receive an authorisation or reference number to show on arrival
- Can speed up processing at the airport
Applying in advance is the safest choice if you are unsure about visa on arrival.
Pre-approved guided tour
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada cannot get a visa on arrival.
What to know
- Apply well in advance through a licensed Iranian travel agency
- The visa is tied to a pre-approved tour itinerary
- You are generally required to travel with a licensed guide
Start the process early, as approval can take weeks.
How to Get a Visa on Arrival at IKA
Five stops in the arrivals area of Terminal 1
Insurance counter
Show insurance valid in Iran, or buy a local policy at the counter.
Visa desk
Fill in the form and hand over your passport, insurance and hotel details.
Bank counter
Pay the visa fee in cash and keep the receipt.
Collect your visa
Hand the receipt to the visa officer and receive your visa paper.
Passport control
Proceed to immigration with your passport and visa.
Iran Visa Document Checklist
Have these ready before you fly
Passport valid for 6+ months
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages.
Hotel booking and contact
Have your first hotel's name, address and phone number; officers may call to confirm.
Travel insurance for Iran
A policy that clearly covers Iran, or a local policy bought at the airport.
Cash for the fee
Clean euro or US dollar notes to pay at the airport bank counter.
Return or onward ticket
Proof that you will leave Iran may be requested.
Dress for arrival
Women are expected to cover their hair from the moment they leave the plane.
Travel Insurance and Visa Fees
What you pay and how
Travel insurance
Travel insurance valid in Iran is required. Many international policies exclude Iran or do not name it, so officers may reject a general "worldwide" policy. A local Iranian policy can be bought at the insurance counter in the arrivals area.
Visa fees
Visa fees depend on your nationality and can change. They are paid in cash, usually in euros, at the airport bank counter. Bring clean notes and, ideally, the exact amount.
Entry Restrictions and Warnings
Check these before you book
US, UK and Canadian citizens
No visa on arrival. Apply through a licensed Iranian agency well in advance and travel on an approved guided tour.
Travel to Israel
Iran refuses entry to Israeli passport holders, and travellers whose passports show evidence of travel to Israel may be refused entry.
No passport stamps
Iran generally issues visas on a separate paper and does not stamp foreign passports, but keep the visa paper safe for your whole stay.
Extending Your Iran Visa
If you want to stay longer
Tourist visas can usually be extended inside Iran at the police offices for foreign nationals in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd and Tabriz. Apply a few days before your visa expires, and bring your passport, visa paper, photos and the fee.
Make Your Arrival in Iran Easier
The CIP service at IKA offers dedicated assistance with arrival formalities and baggage, and a pre-booked private transfer gets you straight to your hotel once you are through.
Explore Tehran Airport Services