Iran Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
Iran travel insurance for visa applicants If you need a visa
- Who
- Travellers applying for an Iranian visa, since 21 May 2024
- When
- Issued with the visa
Iranian travel insurance is mandatory for visa applicants; Iran Insurance Company issues the policy and emails it within three hours of the visa being issued.
Checked against the official source 2026-10-02
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Visa rules depend on your passport. Many travelers need advance approval. Options and stay length vary. Check the official Iranian immigration website. Only that source tells your story.
A few nationalities skip the visa step entirely.
Rules change. Politics plays a role. Confirm your status with an Iranian embassy or consulate before you fly.
Iran offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system for citizens of many countries.
Cost: Visa fees vary by nationality and are payable online during the application.
Approval is not certain. US, UK, and Canadian citizens must join organized tours with government-approved guides. They cannot use standard tourist eVisas. Licensed tour operators handle their applications.
Some nationalities need traditional visas. They cannot use visa-free entry or eVisas.
Embassy visas take time. Results vary. US, UK, and Canadian applicants face extra steps and required guided tours. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel.
Arrival Process
Land at an international airport, such as Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. Head to immigration. Officers work efficiently. They may ask about your visit.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Customs rules are strict. Duty-free allowances exist. Prohibited items carry heavy penalties.
Prohibited Items
- Any alcoholic beverages - strictly forbidden
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including imprisonment
- Pork products - forbidden for religious reasons
- Firearms and ammunition without special permission
- Pornographic material or media deemed contrary to Islamic values
- Satellite phones and unlicensed communication equipment
- Drones without prior authorization from relevant authorities
Restricted Items
- Keep prescription meds in original containers with doctor's notes. Some Western medicines count as controlled substances here.
- Religious materials (other than Islamic) may be subject to inspection.
- Large quantities of commercial goods require prior import licenses.
- Pets need import permits, health certificates, and vaccination proof from within set timeframes before travel.
Health Requirements
Iran dropped blanket COVID rules. No vaccination or testing required for entry. Standard health precautions still apply. Some vaccination rules depend on your travel history. Check before you go.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever certificate required. Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. No exceptions.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Stay current on routine shots. MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, influenza. These are standard. Do not skip them.
- Get Hepatitis An and Typhoid vaccines. Contaminated food and water are the risks. These diseases are common. Protect yourself.
- Hepatitis B vaccine recommended. Medical procedures or intimate contacts raise your risk. Consider your plans. Act accordingly.
Health Insurance
Buy complete travel health insurance. Medical evacuation coverage is essential. Care in major cities is decent. Costs for foreigners are steep. Evacuation is complicated and costly. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. This is separate from your own policy. Do not confuse the two.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Iran Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children need their own passport. One parent traveling alone? Carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent. Same rule applies if the child travels with non-parents. Immigration may not ask. Have it anyway. Problems avoided.
Bringing cats or dogs? Get an import permit first from the Iranian Veterinary Organization. You will need an international health certificate from your home vet. Rabies vaccination proof required. Administered between 30 days and 12 months before entry. Other standard vaccinations too. Pets get inspected on arrival. Start early.
Need more time? Apply for extension at a BAFIA office before your visa expires. Major cities have these offices. Extensions are not guaranteed. Usually granted in 30-day blocks. Overstay and you pay fines. Leaving becomes difficult. Do not risk it.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Iran Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Iran?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.