Iran entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iran. You can apply online before you travel — it's a straightforward process, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Bulgarian citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa website, typically at least 2 weeks before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Iran. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Iran within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can support yourself financially. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you if you get sick or have an accident while abroad. Recommended coverage | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is strongly recommended for travel to Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Bulgaria citizens entering Iran. | 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.
Plan ahead — e-visa processing takes time
Don't leave your e-visa application to the last minute. Processing can take up to 10 working days, and delays happen. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.
Entry via land borders
The e-visa is primarily for air arrivals. If you plan to enter Iran overland (e.g., from Turkey or Armenia), check with the nearest Iranian embassy — the e-visa may not be valid at all land crossings.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to evisa.mfa.ir, fill in the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 7–10 working days, so apply well in advance.
2
Receive your reference code
Once approved, you'll get a reference code by email. Print it out — you'll need it at the visa-on-arrival counter when you land.
3
Arrive at an Iranian international airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Head to the visa-on-arrival counter, present your passport and reference code, pay the visa stamp fee (if applicable), and get your entry stamp.
4
Pass through immigration
After getting your stamp, proceed to passport control. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask. The process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation from an Iranian company; can be extended up to 30 days.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$20
For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed onward ticket.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language program. Requires acceptance letter from an accredited institution and proof of financial support.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires work permit approval from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
€500–€1,000 (approx. $550–$1,100 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Iranian business or property. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist)Single entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing takes 7-10 working days. | $35 |
| Iran eVisa (business)Requires invitation letter from Iranian company; single entry. | $50 |
| Visa extension (tourist)Up to 30 days, applied at police offices in major cities; subject to approval. | $15 |
| Airport exit feeMost international airlines include the departure tax in ticket price; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Bulgarian citizens need a transit visa to leave the airport or stay in Iran for more than 24 hours. A visa is not required for airside transit if you stay within the international zone and your connecting flight is within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mehrabad International Airport (THR) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and avoid street food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels in Tehran and other cities; wear masks on poor air quality days.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is limited to rural areas in the south and east; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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 matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Reza Street
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists; expect queues.
Practical information for BG 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
The e-visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must enter Iran within that window. The maximum stay is usually 30 days, but check your visa stamp for the exact dates.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave Iran and re-apply, or apply for a different type of visa before you travel.
The fee varies by nationality and is set by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It's usually around €30–€50. You'll pay online during the application, and there may be an additional stamp fee at the airport.
Processing typically takes 7–10 working days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to be safe.
In some cases, yes — citizens of many countries can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. However, for Bulgarian passport holders, the e-visa is the standard route. It's safer to apply online to avoid delays or refusal at the border.
For a standard tourist e-visa, no sponsor is required. You just need your passport, photo, and travel details. If you're visiting for business, you may need an invitation from an Iranian company.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll face fines, possible detention, and a ban on re-entering Iran. Keep track of your visa expiry date and leave on time.
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.