Iran entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
German passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iran. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for tourism. The process is straightforward but requires some planning, so start at least a few weeks ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran e-VisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply online before travel | German citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa website, typically at least 2 weeks before travel. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it must be valid for 6 months after you arrive. At least 6 months from arrival | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a ticket out of Iran ready – they want to see you're not staying forever. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iran before your e-Visa expires. Immigration may ask to see this at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry some proof that you can pay for your trip, like bank statements or cash. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Iran, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceNot required, but if you get sick or injured, insurance can save you a lot of money. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for travel to Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you go. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for entry into Iran beyond the standard immigration and customs forms provided on 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.
Start early — processing can be slow
The e-visa can take up to 3 weeks, and the website occasionally has glitches. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa approved.
Women must cover their hair
Iran requires women to wear a headscarf in public, including at the airport. Men should avoid shorts. Dress conservatively to avoid issues at immigration.
No visa extensions — overstay is serious
The e-visa is not extendable. Overstaying even a day can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Iran. Set a reminder for your departure date.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to evisa.mfa.ir, create an account, fill in the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 7–10 working days, but can take longer, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
You'll get an email with a barcoded visa document. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at Iranian immigration.
3
Arrive at an Iranian airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other international airports like Shiraz or Mashhad. Head to the 'Foreigners' queue at immigration, present your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket. The officer will scan the barcode and stamp your passport.
4
Register your stay
Within 8 days of arrival, you must register your presence with the local police (Alien Registration Office) if you're staying in a private residence. Hotels usually do this for you automatically — just ask at reception.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80–€120 (approx. $90–$135)
Requires an invitation letter from an Iranian company approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; allows multiple entries.
Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost€30–€50 (approx. $35–$55)
For overland transit through Iran; must show onward travel tickets and valid visa for next destination.
Press visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110)
Requires accreditation from Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance; not for tourism.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€300 USD equivalent (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 USD equivalent (university fees separate)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 USD equivalent (plus proof of pension)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa) processing feeVaries by nationality and processing time; paid online via Iran's MFA evisa portal. | €30–€75 (approx. $35–$85) |
| Iran visa stamping fee (on arrival at airport)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, GBP) at the airport visa-on-arrival counter; exact amount depends on nationality and duration. | €50–€75 (approx. $55–$85) |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond initial 30 days)Must be done in person at a local police office (Alien Affairs) in Iran; fees vary by duration and city. | Approx. €10–€20 (375,000–750,000 IRR) |
| Airport exit feeNo separate exit fee for most international departures; some land border exits may require a small tax. | Included in airline ticket |
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
German citizens do not need a visa for airside transit through Iranian airports if they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. For land transit or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a valid Iranian visa or residence permit
- Passengers who are nationals of countries with visa-free access to Iran (not applicable to Germany)
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in most 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
High in major cities like Tehran; 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 Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani Blvd., Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran; less crowded than Tehran.
Practical information for DE 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
Typically 7–10 working days, but it can take up to 3 weeks during busy periods. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe. You'll get an email when it's approved.
The fee varies by nationality and is set by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For German citizens, it's usually around €50–€80, paid online during the application. There may be an additional bank fee.
No — for German passport holders, the e-visa is the only option for tourism. There's no visa-on-arrival at Iranian airports for German citizens. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly.
If you're staying in a hotel, the hotel registers you automatically. If you're staying in a private home, you must go to the local police station (Alien Registration Office) within 8 days of arrival. Failure to register can cause problems when you leave.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iranian immigration. There's no flexibility on this rule. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
No — the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the visa expires. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible detention. Plan your trip within the visa's validity.
No — it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Iran and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa. Make sure your itinerary doesn't require re-entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.