Iran entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
No visa required
21 days
Max stay
21 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 21 days. This visa-free policy started in 2019 and remains active in 2026. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport and a return ticket.
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 planned departure 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 at Imam Khomeini Airport asks for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they will not accept a verbal explanation. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration 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 statement. Officers rarely check this for Chinese passport holders, but it helps if questioned about your stay. | Recommended |
Women must wear a headscarf in public
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This is strictly enforced in public places.
Cash is king in Iran
International credit/debit cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to exchange for Iranian rials. ATMs only work with local bank cards.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other international airports. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' — since you're visa-free, go directly to immigration.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no visa fee, no forms.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward. Keep your passport handy for random checks.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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–$80 USD (varies by nationality)
Requires invitation code from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a registered travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100–$150 USD
Available for frequent travellers; same invitation code process.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter from an educational institution and proof of financial support.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires work permit from Ministry of Labour and sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for overstaying beyond 21 days; maximum cap may apply. | ~500,000 IRR (~$12 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
China passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit exceeding 24 hours, a transit visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required for stays over 24 hours or leaving the airport.
- Holders of valid US/Schengen/UK visas may be eligible for visa-on-arrival for transit.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most areas; use insect repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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 Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, District 1, near Zand Street
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists; expect queues during peak season.
Practical information for CN 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 = 1,245,683.14 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. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a regular tourist visa before you travel.
No registration is required for visa-free stays. Just keep your passport with you at all times.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies to all entry points — airports and land borders. But note that some land borders may have limited facilities or longer queues.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no official proof of funds requirement for visa-free entry. But having a credit card or cash helps if asked.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism only. Any work or study requires a proper visa.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Iran. Leave before your 21 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.