Iran entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can travel to Iran with an e-Visa obtained online before departure or a visa on arrival at select airports, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to meet a few requirements and have the right documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisa or Visa on ArrivalYou must have a valid visa to enter Iran. You can apply online in advance or get one on arrival at certain airports. 30-day stay | Finnish citizens are eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival for Iran, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days. Apply for the eVisa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at designated Iranian airports. The eVisa is not available to all nationalities, but Finnish passport holders are eligible. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Finnish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIranian border officials will stamp your passport, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iran within the 30-day allowed stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry cash or a bank statement to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from unexpected costs. Recommended | Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies 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 Finland 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.
Cash is king in Iran
International cards don't work in Iran. Bring enough euros or USD to cover your entire trip, including the visa fee at the airport. Exchange money at official exchange offices or banks — avoid black market dealers.
E-visa approval is not a guarantee
Your e-visa approval code means you're pre-cleared, but the final decision is made by the immigration officer at the airport. Have all your documents (return ticket, hotel bookings, insurance) ready to show if asked.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an e-Visa online (recommended)
Go to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa website, fill out the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5-7 working days. Once approved, you'll receive a visa reference number to present at the airport.
2
Or get a visa on arrival at the airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad, proceed to the visa-on-arrival office before immigration. Fill out a form, provide your photo, pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR), and wait for processing. This can take 30-60 minutes depending on the queue.
3
Go through immigration
After obtaining your visa (or if you have the e-Visa reference), head to the immigration counter. Present your passport, visa, and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage and proceed through customs. There's usually a green channel for no-declaration items. Keep your passport and visa safe — you'll need them when leaving Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80–€120 (via Iranian embassy)
Requires invitation letter from Iranian company and approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost€30–€50
For overland transit; must show onward ticket and visa for next destination.
student visa
Student Visa (Iran)
1 year, renewable annually
€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Work Visa (Iran)
1 year, renewable
€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from an Iranian employer and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investment Visa (Iran)
3 years, renewable
€500–€1,000 (approx. $550–$1,100 USD) depending on investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in Iran. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran e-Visa (tourist visa on arrival via evisa.mfa.ir)Finnish citizens can apply online; fee payable by card. | €30–€75 (depending on nationality and processing) |
| Iran visa on arrival (if not pre-arranged)Available at major airports; must have confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance. | €75 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 30 days)Apply at police offices in major cities; extension up to 30 days. | €15–€30 (approx.) |
| Airport exit feeSome airlines include it; check with your carrier. | Included in airline ticket or paid at airport (approx. €10) |
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
Finnish citizens transiting through Iran (including airside) generally need a transit visa unless they are eligible for visa on arrival at airports. Airside transit without a visa is only allowed for passengers continuing on the same aircraft within a few hours and not leaving the international zone.
Exceptions & conditions
- Finnish citizens may obtain a visa on arrival at major airports (Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan) for tourism purposes, which can be used for transit if they leave the airport.
- Crew members and diplomatic passport holders are exempt.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) · Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
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)Low risk
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities like Tehran experience severe air pollution, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is limited to rural areas in the south and southeast (e.g., Sistan-Baluchestan province). Prophylaxis not generally 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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Fallahi St., South Kheradmand Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Kashf-e Rud Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for FI 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, including Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz. If you're flying into a smaller airport, you'll need to have the e-Visa beforehand.
The e-Visa fee varies depending on your nationality and processing time. For Finnish citizens, it's typically around €30-€50. You'll pay online during the application. Visa on arrival costs roughly the same, but you'll need to pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the airport.
Processing usually takes 5-7 working days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons. It's best to apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days of arrival. Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties with future travel to Iran.
If you're staying in the airport transit zone and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
You can still apply for a visa on arrival at major airports, but it's riskier. You might be denied if you don't have all the required documents (photo, insurance, return ticket). It's much safer to get the e-Visa beforehand.
Yes, women must wear a headscarf (hijab) and loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs when in public. This is enforced at the airport as soon as you land. Men should also dress modestly (no shorts). It's not a visa requirement, but it's essential for entry and moving around the country.
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.