Iran entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most Iranian airports and land borders. This is the simplest way to enter Iran for tourism — no advance application needed. As of 2026, the visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days and costs around €50–€100 depending on your nationality.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Iran eVisa | Apply for an Iranian eVisa at e-visa.ir/en before you travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and allows single entry. Processing takes 2–5 working days, and you need to upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport data page.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Bulgarian passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Iran. Airlines check this at check-in, and Iranian immigration will deny entry if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your outbound flight ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Iranian host. Immigration may ask for your accommodation address during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds. Iranian immigration rarely checks this, but it can be requested during the visa issuance process. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee (€50–€100) plus some extra for emergencies.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a regular visa from an Iranian embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival cannot be extended once you're in Iran.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, Shiraz, or other major airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. At land borders like Bazargan or Astara, go to the visa office before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form asking for your name, passport details, and address in Iran. Fill it in English. Keep your passport and return ticket handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €50–€100 (payable in euros, US dollars, or sometimes Iranian rials). Credit cards are rarely accepted — bring cash in euros or dollars. The exact amount depends on your nationality and processing time.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 minutes. You'll be called when your visa is ready. During busy times, it can take up to an hour.
5
Collect your visa and proceed to immigration
Once issued, you'll get a sticker in your passport. Then go to the immigration counter for entry stamping. Show your passport, visa sticker, and return ticket if asked.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via online visa service; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application and strong justification.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
For airside transit only; must have 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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities; includes processing fee. | €75 (~$80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Varies by nationality and processing method; apply via Iranian embassy or eVisa. | €50–€100 (~$55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€200 (~$110–$220 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD); pay at airport immigration before departure. | €10 (~$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
Transit visa required
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa before travel, even if staying airside. The visa allows up to 5 days in the country.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Iran or a residence permit for a neighbouring country may transit without a visa in some cases.
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 (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 = 1,236,451.73 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 fee is typically between €50 and €100. It varies by nationality and processing time. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a regular visa from an Iranian embassy before travel.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and don't leave the transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a regular visa.
Visa on arrival is available at most major land borders, including Bazargan (Turkey), Astara (Azerbaijan), and Mirjaveh (Pakistan). The process is similar — fill a form, pay in cash, wait 15–45 minutes. But not all borders offer it, so check before you go.
No. Only cash is accepted — euros or US dollars are best. Bring enough to cover the fee plus some extra for emergencies. Iranian rials are not accepted for the visa fee.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travel. There are no exceptions.
No. For tourism, you don't need a sponsor. Just a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. For business or work, you'll need a regular visa from an embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.