Iran entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026 and covers tourism and short business visits. No advance application or fee is required — just show up at the border with a valid passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have access to enough money for your stay — around $50–$100 per day in cash (USD or EUR) or a card that works internationally. ATMs are scarce and foreign cards often do not work in Iran. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Iran, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before traveling.
No visa fee for UAE passport holders
Unlike many other nationalities, UAE citizens do not pay any visa fee on arrival. The 15-day stay is completely free.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying even one day can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Iran. Set a reminder to leave before day 15.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket and first-night hotel booking. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport to stay connected.
2
Arrive at an Iranian airport or land border
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visa on Arrival' — but since you're visa-free, go directly to immigration. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days.
3
Receive your entry stamp and proceed
After the stamp, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There is no visa fee to pay. You're free to stay up to 15 days from the entry date.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostApproximately €50–€80 (~$55–$90 USD)
Requires application at Iranian embassy or via eVisa; suitable for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostApproximately €80–€120 (~$90–$135 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must be arranged before travel.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer typically sponsors
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApproximately €50–€100 (~$55–$110 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
Approximately €50–€100 (~$55–$110 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in Iranian universities or language programs. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers most fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires Ministry of Labour approval and contract. Spouses may accompany.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies based on investment amount
For individuals investing in Iranian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment thresholds apply. Can lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayFines are low but must be paid at departure; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately 30,000 IRR (~$0.70 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days or if visa-free is not used. | Approximately €50–€80 (~$55–$90 USD) depending on nationality |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity varies. | Approximately €80–€120 (~$90–$135 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iran
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa for up to 15 days visa-free, but must have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the airport transit zone if not entering the country.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; present in some rural regions, especially near the Caspian Sea.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
Tehran Immigration Office (General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Kashf-e Rud Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Useful for travellers visiting holy sites; extension services available.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalTehran
LanguagePersian (Farsi)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIranian rial (IRR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,319,515.23 IRR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3:30
vs New York+7h30m
vs Los Angeles+10h30m
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a regular tourist visa before travel or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
No special registration is required for UAE passport holders on a visa-free visit. However, if you stay in a private home, your host should register you with the local police within 24 hours — this is their responsibility, not yours.
The same visa-free rules apply at all official land borders (e.g., from Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan). Just present your passport and return ticket. Border crossings can be slower than airports — allow extra time.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, short business meetings, or visiting family. Any paid work, study, or long-term activity requires a proper visa obtained in advance from an Iranian embassy.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately 30,000 Iranian rials per day (around $0.70 USD at official rates, but the actual fine is calculated in a different currency — expect around $10–15 per day). You may also be banned from re-entering Iran for a period. Always leave on time.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport transit zone, no visa is needed. But if you plan to exit the airport (even for a few hours), you need the visa-free entry or a proper visa. For transit stays over 24 hours, you must clear immigration.
Most tourist areas are open, but some border regions (e.g., near Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan) and military zones require special permits. Stick to well-known cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd. If you plan to visit remote areas, check with a local travel agency.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.