Iran entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 16, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran, valid for up to 30 days. You'll need to have your passport ready and pay the visa fee in cash at the airport. This is a straightforward process, but it's worth knowing the details before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisa or Visa on ArrivalYou need a visa to enter Iran, but you can get it online or at the airport. Visa type: eVisa or on arrival | Swiss citizens are eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival for Iran. Maximum stay is 30 days. The eVisa must be obtained before travel via the official Iranian eVisa website; alternatively, a visa on arrival is available at designated Iranian airports. If applying for an eVisa, complete the application at least 2 weeks before departure. For visa on arrival, you must have a confirmed return/onward ticket and a hotel booking or local address. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip. At least 6 months | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow you plan to leave Iran before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Iran within the 30-day allowed stay. This is checked at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHave some money available to cover your expenses. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Iran. Carry a credit card and some cash (e.g., euros or US dollars) to exchange, as international cards often do not work in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected medical costs. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for Iran. Some visa on arrival processes may ask for proof of insurance. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork needed before you land. Not required | Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Swiss citizens. You will complete standard immigration forms upon arrival. | 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.
Visa is not extendable
The e-visa for Iran cannot be extended. Plan your stay carefully and leave before the expiry date to avoid fines and future entry problems.
Women must wear a headscarf
All women, including foreigners, must wear a headscarf in public in Iran. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Dress modestly (loose clothing covering arms and legs) to avoid issues.
US/UK citizens face restrictions
If you hold dual citizenship with the US or UK, or have traveled to those countries recently, you may face additional scrutiny or be denied entry. The e-visa application will ask about this — answer honestly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at major airports including Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad. Follow the signs for 'Visa on Arrival' after landing.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa desk, you'll be given a form to complete. It asks for basic details like your name, passport number, and purpose of visit. Keep it simple — tourism is fine.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the fee in euros or US dollars. The officer will issue a receipt. Make sure you have the exact amount to avoid delays.
4
Get your passport stamped
After payment, the officer will stamp your passport and grant you entry. You'll then proceed to regular immigration and customs.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 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:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80–$150
Requires a letter of invitation from an Iranian company or organization.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$30–$50
For overland transit through Iran; must have confirmed onward travel.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist)Paid online via the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. | $35–$75 (varies by nationality and processing time) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at major airports for many nationalities, but not guaranteed; eVisa recommended. | $50–$75 |
| Visa extensionApply at a local police office (Passport and Immigration Office) in Iran. | Approx. $30–$50 |
| Exit feeSome land border crossings may charge a small exit fee (approx. $5–$10). | Included in airfare 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
Swiss citizens transiting through Iran (even airside) generally require a transit visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry (which is not applicable for Swiss passport holders).
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports with relevant agreements
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in mountainous areas like Damavand; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southern provinces.
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 Department of Aliens Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, District 6, near Zand Blvd
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists visiting Persepolis.
Practical information for CH 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, only at certain international airports. The main ones are Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad. If you arrive by land or at a smaller airport, you'll need to arrange a visa beforehand at an Iranian embassy or consulate.
The fee is typically around €50-€75, but it can vary. It's best to bring both euros and US dollars, and have smaller bills. The exact amount is set by the Iranian government and can change, so check with your nearest Iranian embassy before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival for Swiss citizens is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type at an Iranian embassy before you arrive.
If you're staying in the airport transit area and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
You'll be stuck. There are no ATMs or currency exchange services at the visa-on-arrival desk. Make sure you have the cash before you fly. You can exchange money at the airport after you pass through, but not before you pay for the visa.
Yes, Swiss citizens are eligible for the visa on arrival. However, if you have an Iranian surname or were born in Iran, you might be subject to different rules. In that case, it's safer to contact the Iranian Interests Section in Switzerland before you travel.
The visa on arrival is generally for tourism. If you're traveling for business, you should apply for a business visa at an Iranian embassy before you go. Trying to get a business visa on arrival can lead to delays or denial.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.