Iran entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need an e-visa to enter Iran. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for Australians. The process is straightforward but requires some planning, so start at least a few weeks ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival as an Australian citizen; you must have the e-Visa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa website, and allow at least 7-10 business days for processing. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure the page is free of any markings. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIranian immigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran. The ticket must be for a date within your permitted stay (typically 30 days). | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof of funds avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Iran. A credit card or bank statement showing access to at least USD 100 per day is generally acceptable. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from high medical costs if you get sick or injured. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended. Iran has limited medical facilities in some areas. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any separate arrival declaration. Not required | Iran does not require an arrival declaration form for Australian passport holders. | Not required |
Active conflict — commercial flights suspended
Iran is currently in an active military conflict with the US (escalated July 2026, strikes near Tehran and Semnan province). Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport has suspended all scheduled commercial flights, and aviation authorities (EASA) advise against operating in Iranian airspace at all. Do not plan travel to Iran right now — check your government's official travel advisory and live flight status before making any arrangements. The visa information on this page describes the standard peacetime policy and may not be practically usable at the moment.
No visa-on-arrival for Australians
Don't assume you can get a visa at the airport. Iran does not offer visa-on-arrival to Australian passport holders. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's shorter, you'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Iranian immigration.
Check travel advisories
The security situation in Iran can change quickly. Check the Australian government's Smartraveller website for the latest advice before you book anything.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Iranian e-visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir). Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload a digital passport-style photo and a scan of your passport's bio page. Pay the fee (around USD 50–80, depending on nationality) and submit.
2
Wait for approval and receive reference code
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, but can take longer — apply at least 3 weeks before departure. You'll receive an email with your visa reference code once approved. Print this email or save it on your phone.
3
Travel to Iran and go through immigration
At the airport (most likely Imam Khomeini International in Tehran), proceed to the visa-on-arrival desk if you're using the e-visa — but note that for Australians, the e-visa is pre-approved, so you'll go directly to passport control. Present your passport, reference code, and return ticket. Immigration will stamp your passport and let you through. Have your accommodation address handy in case they ask.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (eVisa)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80–€150 (approx. AUD 130–240)
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa (for overland travel)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost€30–€50 (approx. AUD 50–80)
Available for those transiting through Iran to a third country; must have onward tickets.
Press visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost€100–€200 (approx. AUD 160–320)
Requires accreditation from the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist) – single entryPayable online; non-refundable. Australian passport holders are eligible. | €35–€75 (approx. AUD 55–120) depending on nationality and processing |
| Iran eVisa (tourist) – multiple entryAvailable for certain nationalities; check on application. | €75–€150 (approx. AUD 120–240) |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)Not guaranteed for all nationalities; Australians may use eVisa instead. | €50–€100 (approx. AUD 80–160) in cash (EUR/USD) |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 30 days)Apply at a local police office (Passport and Immigration Office) in major cities. | Approx. 300,000–500,000 IRR (AUD 10–20) per month |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Some land border exits may require a small cash fee (approx. 50,000 IRR). | Included in airline ticket for most international flights |
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
Transit visa required
Australian citizens transiting through Iran (including airside) generally need a visa. However, if you stay airside and do not pass through immigration, you may be allowed without a visa for up to 24 hours at major airports, but this is not guaranteed. Check with the airline and Iranian authorities before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports with bilateral agreements
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may be allowed airside transit without a visa for up to 24 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) – subject to airline confirmation.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · 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 = 1,279,924.33 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
No. Australians are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain an e-visa before you travel. The e-visa is the only option.
Typically 5–10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the time of year and your nationality. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee is around USD 50–80, depending on your nationality and processing speed. You'll pay online when you submit the application.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
Yes, you'll need to provide details of your planned entry and exit dates, as well as your intended cities and accommodation. You don't need to book flights in advance, but you should have a rough plan.
Rejections are rare but can happen. If rejected, you'll receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply, but it's best to contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for guidance before doing so.
The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution due to the volatile security situation in the region. Check the latest travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.