Iran entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran. Fly into major airports like Tehran Imam Khomeini and handle the visa paperwork after landing. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and a return ticket ready at the visa counter. The visa costs around €75–€100 (payable in euros or US dollars cash).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like Pegasus and Flydubai enforce this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation for your entire stay. If staying with friends, get a formal invitation letter from them — border officers sometimes ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least €500 or equivalent in US dollars in cash. Credit cards issued outside Iran do not work inside the country — bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No cards, no local currency. Bring enough small bills to avoid issues.
Women must cover hair in public
Iran requires women to wear a headscarf (hijab) in public, including at the airport. Pack one in your carry-on — you'll need it before you leave the arrival hall.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or other major international airports. Follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a form at the visa counter. Fill in your details, including your hotel address and flight info. Keep it simple and accurate.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in euros or US dollars (cash only). As of 2026, the cost is around €75–€100 depending on your nationality. Have exact change if possible.
4
Submit documents and get your visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment receipt, and any supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket). The officer will process and stamp your passport. This usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
With your visa sticker, head to the immigration counters. Show your passport and visa, and you're in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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€50–€75 (approx. $55–$85 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa pre-approval.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires approval from Ministry of Labour and a work permit.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
For international students enrolled in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies based on investment amount
For individuals investing in Iran's economy. Minimum investment threshold applies; consult Iranian embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival; varies by nationality and duration. | €50–€75 (approx. $55–$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Can be obtained via embassy or online pre-approval. | €50–€75 (approx. $55–$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check with embassy. | €100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | €10–€20 (approx. $11–$22 USD) per day |
| Stay extension costExtension possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | €30–€50 (approx. $33–$55 USD) |
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
Ethiopian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply at Iranian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 48 hours.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran have high pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Khomeini St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for ET 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 = 1,331,641.09 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
Yes, at all major international airports including Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Tabriz (TBZ). Smaller airports may not offer it — check before booking.
The fee is typically around €75–€100, payable in euros or US dollars cash. Exact amount depends on your nationality and current rates. Bring small bills for change.
Yes, you need to provide an address for your first night. A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host works. Immigration may call to verify.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration wants proof you'll leave Iran. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding. Better to have it than risk being turned away.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours or if there's a queue. Budget an extra hour after landing to be safe.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.