Iran entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy, effective in 2026, covers tourism and short business trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iran | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have access to at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Overstaying is serious
The 15-day visa-free period is not extendable. Overstaying even by one day can result in a fine (around 30,000 IRR per day), detention, and a possible ban from re-entering Iran. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Women travellers: dress code
All women, including foreign visitors, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public and cover arms and legs. Loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing is required. This applies from the moment you step out of the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport in Iran
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other international airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visa on Arrival' — but since you're visa-free, go directly to immigration.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the line for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printout), and accommodation proof ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp and proceed
The officer stamps your passport with a 15-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Collect your luggage and exit through customs. Keep your passport accessible for any random checks.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Iranian embassy; requires passport photos and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD
For frequent travellers; requires justification for multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter from a recognized institution and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labour. Sponsored by employer.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Iranian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying beyond 15 days; maximum cap may apply. | ~500,000 IRR (~$12 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days; apply at Iranian embassy. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in IRR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$80 USD (equivalent in IRR) |
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
Bahrain passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of malaria in rural areas; no significant dengue or Zika risk.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran have high air pollution, especially in winter.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 for Aliens Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Reza Street
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Common for pilgrims; process extensions for tourist visas.
Practical information for BH 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. You must leave Iran within 15 days. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban. If you need more time, you must apply for a visa before travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Bahraini passport holders under the visa-free policy. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iranian immigration. Renew your passport before travel. There are no exceptions.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all official land border crossings, not just airports. However, some land borders may have limited facilities — check the specific crossing beforehand. The same 15-day limit applies.
No, the visa-free entry is free of charge. You do not need to pay any fee at immigration. However, if you overstay, fines apply.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. Having these ready speeds up the process.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and short business visits (meetings, conferences). Any work, study, or long-term stay requires a proper visa obtained from an Iranian embassy before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.