Iran entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iran. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for Spanish citizens. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the approved e-Visa before you fly. Apply online before travel | Spanish citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian e-Visa website at least 2 weeks before departure. The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Valid for 6 months beyond arrival | Your Spanish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIranian immigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you don't overstay. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iran before your e-Visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be expensive for foreigners; insurance protects you. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory, it is strongly advised to have travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation in Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Spanish citizens entering Iran. | 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.
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa can take up to 2 weeks in busy periods. If you apply too late and your visa isn't approved before your flight, you won't be able to board. Give yourself a buffer of at least 3 weeks.
Women travellers: dress code applies
Iran enforces a strict dress code for women, including headscarves in public. This applies from the moment you land. Pack accordingly — you'll need to cover your hair and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.
No visa extensions — overstaying is serious
The e-visa is not extendable. Overstaying even a day can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Iran. Make sure your departure flight is booked before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to evisa.mfa.ir and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel dates. The form is in English and takes about 20 minutes.
2
Pay the visa fee and wait for approval
The fee is paid online (around €30–€50, depending on nationality and processing speed). Approval typically takes 5–7 working days, but can take longer — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
3
Receive your reference code
Once approved, you'll get a reference code by email. Print it out and keep it with your passport. You'll need this code when you check in for your flight and at Iranian immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport in Iran
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, go to the 'Visa' or 'E-Visa' counter before passport control. Show your reference code and passport. The officer will issue your entry stamp — no extra forms needed.
5
Pass through immigration
After the visa counter, proceed to passport control. The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and let you through. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for hotel check-ins and any domestic flights.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80
Requires invitation letter from Iranian company and MFA approval
Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50
For onward travel to third country; must show confirmed ticket
Journalist visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100
Requires official accreditation from Iranian Ministry of Culture
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $215 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years), renewable
€100 (approx. $107 USD) per year
For students enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Iran. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist) processing feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel | $35 |
| Iran visa stamping fee (at airport upon arrival)For eVisa holders; paid in cash (USD/EUR) at the visa counter | $75 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible, without prior eVisa)Available at major airports; requires pre-approved visa code from Iranian MFA | $75 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at local police office in Iran; max 2 extensions | $50 |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Included in airline ticket for most international flights; otherwise paid at airport | $15 |
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
Spanish citizens transiting through Iran need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. Airside transit without a visa is permitted only at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a valid Iranian visa
- Crew members on duty
- Diplomatic passport holders
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mehrabad International Airport (THR) · 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially during warmer months; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran.
Practical information for ES 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 5–7 working days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. The system will email you the reference code once approved.
The fee is around €30–€50, depending on your nationality and processing speed. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional fees at the airport.
No — the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans, so plan your itinerary carefully.
Yes, it's strongly recommended. While some airlines accept a digital copy, Iranian immigration may ask for a physical printout. Carry a printed copy with your passport to avoid issues.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Turkey, Armenia, and Iraq. However, not all border posts have the e-visa counter — check with the nearest Iranian embassy if you plan to enter overland.
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. Plan your trip to avoid unnecessary exits.
Rejections are rare for Spanish citizens, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the nearest Iranian embassy for assistance. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
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.