Iran entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major airports in Iran for tourism. It's valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz). Pay the fee in euros or US dollars — around €75–€100 depending on nationality. Have a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance ready; the visa counter checks both before issuing the stamp.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. No blank visa pages are required for the visa-on-arrival sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Imam Khomeini Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed or digital booking showing you leave Iran within 30 days works. If you overstay, the fine is 30,000 Iranian rials per day (about $0.70 USD), payable at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel confirmation for your first night in Iran. The visa-on-arrival counter asks for an address and phone number — a booking.com or direct hotel email works. If you are staying with friends, a letter of invitation from them helps. | Recommended |
| Travel insurance Mandatory insurance | Iran requires all visa-on-arrival applicants to show valid travel insurance covering the entire stay. You can buy a policy at the airport counter for about €15–€20, but it is cheaper to arrange one before you fly. Without proof, the visa officer will not process your stamp. | Required |
Women must wear a headscarf in public
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Pack a scarf in your carry-on.
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your entire trip. You can exchange money at official exchange offices or hotels. ATMs are not usable with foreign cards.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or at other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, or Tabriz. The counter is usually near the passport control area.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to fill out with your personal details, passport info, and the address of your first hotel. Keep it simple — no need to list every city you'll visit.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €50–€100 depending on your nationality and the length of stay. Pay in euros or US dollars — cash only. Have the exact amount ready. Some airports also accept Iranian rials at a poor exchange rate.
4
Submit documents and wait
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The processing time is usually 15–30 minutes. You'll be called when your visa is ready.
5
Collect your passport and proceed to immigration
Once your visa is stamped, collect your passport and go to the immigration counter. Show your return ticket and accommodation confirmation if asked. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa. Requires passport photos and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200–€500 (approx. $220–$550 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€100–€300 (approx. $110–$330 USD)
Requires acceptance letter from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€200–€500 (approx. $220–$550 USD)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
€100–€300 (approx. $110–$330 USD)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500–€2,000 (approx. $550–$2,200 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iranian business or property. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Australia. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained via Iranian embassy or online eVisa system before travel. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check with embassy. | €100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 (approx. $220 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Australian passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in mountainous areas like the Alborz range; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is present in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province and parts of Hormozgan province. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Khomeini St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for travellers in eastern Iran.
Practical information for AU 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 = 1,187,509.33 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
Yes, at all major international airports: Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Australians — you must apply for an e-visa in advance if entering by land.
The fee is typically between €50 and €100, depending on your nationality and the length of stay. Pay in euros or US dollars cash. Some airports also accept Iranian rials but at a poor exchange rate. Have the exact amount ready.
Yes, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Visit the Aliabad Police Department in Tehran or the relevant immigration office in other cities. The extension fee is around €30–€50. You'll need a passport photo and a copy of your entry stamp.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
No, only the first night's accommodation is required. A booking confirmation showing the hotel name and address is sufficient. You can book the rest later.
No, it is not a legal requirement for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Iran can be high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.