Iran entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Iran in 2026. You must apply for a tourist visa in advance through an Iranian embassy or consulate — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Canadians. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Iran. Apply at the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate — there is no official eVisa portal for Canadian passport holders. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, and you must submit your passport in person or by mail.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 Required | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may also check that your ticket matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Canadians
Unlike many nationalities, Canadians cannot get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. You must apply in advance. Plan for 3-6 weeks processing time.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory, medical costs in Iran can be high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is cheap and worth it.
What happens at the border
1
Get a visa authorization code
Contact the Iranian embassy in Ottawa or a consulate (e.g., in Toronto or Vancouver). They'll issue a visa authorization code after you provide a sponsor or tour operator reference. This can take 1-3 weeks.
2
Submit your visa application
Once you have the authorization code, fill out the visa application form and submit it with your passport, photos, and fee. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. You'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Book a return flight and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations accessible on your phone or printed.
4
Arrive at an Iranian airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Expect a brief interview — answer honestly about your itinerary.
5
Register with local police (if staying long-term)
If you're staying more than 30 days, you must register with the local police station within 8 days of arrival. Your hotel can often help.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~€100 (~$109 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$217 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship, labour ministry approval, and a valid contract. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD) plus university fees
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$163 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees over 55 with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings, health insurance, and no criminal record. Limited availability and subject to approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders, payable at embassy or on arrival. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, subject to approval. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (VoA)Available at major airports for Canadian passport holders, requires pre-approval code. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCapped at €150 (~$163 USD) for extended overstays. | ~€5 (~$5.50 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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain nationalities or if holding a valid visa for Iran.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit without additional visa.
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)Low risk
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in southern provinces (e.g., Sistan-Baluchestan).
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 Office for Foreign Nationals)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency issues; bring passport, photos, and visa application form.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran; expect queues.
Practical information for CA 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
No. Canada is not eligible for Iran's visa-on-arrival program. You must obtain a visa in advance from an Iranian embassy or consulate.
Expect 3-6 weeks total. Getting the visa authorization code takes 1-3 weeks, then visa processing takes another 2-4 weeks. Apply well before your trip.
Fees vary by embassy but typically range from $100 to $150 CAD. Check with the Iranian embassy in Ottawa for the exact amount.
Yes, for a tourist visa you usually need a sponsor in Iran (a tour operator or a local contact). The embassy can provide a list of approved tour operators.
Yes, tourist visas can be extended once for up to 30 days. Visit the Aliabad Police Department in Tehran or the local police station in your city. The fee is about 300,000 IRR (roughly $7 CAD).
Overstays are fined at about 30,000 IRR per day (less than $1 CAD). But it can cause problems with future visas, so avoid it.
If you stay more than 30 days, you must register with the local police within 8 days. Hotels usually handle this for you. For shorter stays, no registration is needed.
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.