Iran entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran, valid for up to 30 days. You can also apply for an e-visa before you travel, but the on-arrival option is the most straightforward for most visitors. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and you have a blank page for the visa sticker.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You must have a valid visa to enter Iran; you can get it online or upon arrival at certain airports. Apply in advance or obtain on arrival | Ethiopian passport holders are eligible for an Iran e-Visa or visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. Apply online before travel or obtain at designated Iranian airports. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned arrival. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport; a blank page is needed. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready in case immigration asks for it. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iran within 30 days. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry some cash and have a bank card; immigration may ask for proof. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Ethiopia passport holders 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 — no visa on arrival
Ethiopian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iran. The e-visa must be approved before you fly. Give yourself at least a week, and don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approval.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. If it's shorter, you'll be turned away at the border — even if your e-visa is approved. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into one of the international airports that offer visa on arrival, such as Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, or Tabriz. Follow the signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Issuance' — they are usually before the main immigration counters.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa on arrival desk, pick up a form, fill in your details (name, passport number, address in Iran, etc.), and attach your passport photos. Keep it simple and accurate — any mistakes can cause delays.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around €30–€50 (or equivalent in US dollars or Iranian rials). Pay at the bank counter or the designated cashier near the visa office. Keep the receipt — you'll need it.
4
Submit your documents and wait
Hand over your passport, form, photos, and payment receipt to the visa officer. They will process your application, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how busy it is. Be patient — there's no fast-track.
5
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once approved, the officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. Then you can proceed to the regular immigration counters, where your passport will be checked again, and you'll be officially admitted to Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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 (eVisa)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company; can be extended.
Transit visa (on arrival)
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$20
For those transiting through Iran to a third country; must have onward ticket.
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 |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist)Single entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing takes 7-10 working days. | $35 |
| Iran eVisa (business)Requires invitation letter from Iranian company. | $50 |
| Visa extension (per month)Can be extended up to 3 months at local police offices in major cities. | $30 |
| Airport visa (on arrival)Available at major airports for Ethiopian citizens; requires confirmed hotel booking and return ticket. | $50 |
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 citizens require a transit visa to enter Iran, even for airside transit. The visa can be obtained on arrival at major airports, but it is recommended to apply in advance via the eVisa system.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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 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 = 1,279,924.33 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, visa on arrival is only available at certain international airports. The main ones are Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad. If you fly into a smaller airport, you'll need to have an e-visa or a visa from an embassy beforehand.
The fee is typically around €30–€50, but it can vary. It's usually paid in euros or US dollars, and sometimes in Iranian rials. Bring cash in a major currency to avoid exchange issues.
The visa on arrival allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you plan to stay longer, you'll need to leave Iran and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
On arrival is enough for Ethiopian citizens. The e-visa is an option if you want to have approval in advance, but it's not mandatory. If you prefer the e-visa, you can apply through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, but the on-arrival process is straightforward and widely used.
You might still get the visa, but you could be asked to provide an address in Iran. If you don't have a booking, you can write the name and address of a hostel or guesthouse you plan to stay at. It's safer to have a reservation, even if it's just for the first night.
As of 2026, there are no specific restrictions for Ethiopian citizens beyond the standard visa requirements. However, always check for any travel advisories or updates from the Iranian government before your trip, as policies can change.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you would have to leave Iran and re-enter to get a new visa, or apply for a different type of visa (like a tourist visa) from an Iranian embassy before you travel.
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.