Iran entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most Iranian airports. This is the simplest way to enter Iran for tourism, and you don't need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iranian airports | You can get a visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish airports. Have a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both. The visa costs €75–€100 (payable in euros, dollars, or pounds) and is valid for 30 days.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at IKA routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | You need a confirmed hotel booking for the entire stay. The visa officer at the airport may call the hotel to verify the reservation. A booking.com or similar confirmation with the hotel's phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry at least €500 or equivalent in cash (euros, dollars, or pounds). Credit cards issued outside Iran do not work in the country — bring enough cash for your entire trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (€75–€100) plus some extra for incidentals.
Women: dress code starts at the plane door
As soon as you step off the aircraft, women must have their hair covered and wear modest clothing (long sleeves, loose trousers or long skirt). Have a scarf ready in your hand luggage — don't wait until you reach immigration.
eSIM saves time
Get an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates the moment you land, so you have internet immediately for maps, translation, and contacting your hotel. No need to queue at the airport SIM counter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into one of Iran's international airports that offer visa on arrival: Imam Khomeini (IKA, Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, or Kish Island. Do not try this at land borders — it only works at airports.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After disembarking, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Issuance'. There will be a dedicated counter before immigration. Join the queue.
3
Fill out the application form
You'll be given a short form asking for your name, passport details, flight number, and address in Iran. Fill it in clearly. Keep your passport and return ticket ready.
4
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (payable in euros, US dollars, or sometimes Iranian rials). Have cash in euros or dollars — cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
5
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. It's usually valid for 30 days. Check the dates before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration queue. Present your passport, visa, and return ticket if asked. You'll be stamped in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa. Requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. €200–€500 USD)
Requires employer or university sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200–€500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€100–€300 USD (university fees vary)
For international students enrolled at an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
3 years, renewable
~€1,000–€5,000 USD (investment amount varies)
For foreign investors who invest a minimum amount (e.g., €50,000) in an Iranian business or property. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including France. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or eVisa system; varies by nationality. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for some nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
France passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
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 yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
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
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas but present in rural regions of Sistan and Baluchestan province. Prophylaxis not routinely 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 Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. 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. Expect queues.
Practical information for FR 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 = 1,187,509.33 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
The fee is typically €75–€100, depending on your nationality and the length of stay. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Iranian rials are accepted but the exchange rate may not be favourable.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you plan to enter Iran by land from Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Pakistan, you need to apply for an e-visa in advance through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
It's usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once at a police office in Iran for an additional 30 days (fee around €30).
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and not leaving the transit zone, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or an e-visa.
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp or visa in their passport. If you have one, you'll be denied entry. French citizens with dual Israeli nationality should not use their Israeli passport to enter Iran.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 days. Go to the police office (Alien Affairs) in any major city — Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, etc. The fee is about €30, and the process takes a few hours.
Yes, as soon as you step off the plane, women must cover their hair with a scarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies in the airport too. Have a scarf ready in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.