Iran entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iran. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for French citizens. The process is straightforward, but give yourself at least a week before your departure date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran e-VisaYou cannot enter Iran without an approved e-Visa. Apply online before travel | French passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa website. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high medical costs if you get sick or injured. Recommended | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into 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.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Iranian immigration will refuse entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. Double-check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before applying for the e-visa.
Women must wear a headscarf in public
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Pack accordingly.
E-visa is not extendable
Once you're in Iran, you cannot extend your e-visa. Plan your itinerary carefully and make sure your departure flight is booked before you arrive. Overstaying can lead to fines and deportation.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Iranian e-visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir). Create an account, fill in the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. The application is in English and takes about 20 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 5–7 working days, but can take longer during peak times. You'll receive a notification by email when your visa is approved. Check your spam folder regularly.
3
Print your e-visa confirmation
Once approved, log back into the portal and download/print the e-visa confirmation page. Keep a physical copy with you — you'll need to show it at check-in and at Iranian immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport in Iran
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other international airports, go to the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket. Immigration will stamp your passport and let you through. The process is usually quick — 15–30 minutes.
5
Register your stay (if applicable)
If you're staying in a hotel, they'll register you automatically. If you're staying with friends or family, you must register with the local police station within 48 hours of arrival. This is a legal requirement.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Iran eVisa (standard tourist)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€30–€75 (approx. $35–$85)
Single-entry; can be extended once for 15–30 days at a local police office.
Iran visa on arrival (VOA) at major airports
Max stay30 days
ValidityValid for entry within 30 days of approval
Cost€50–€75 (approx. $55–$85)
Available for French citizens at Tehran (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish airports; requires confirmed hotel booking and return ticket.
Iran business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
ValidityTypically 3 months
Cost€60–€100 (approx. $65–$110)
Requires an invitation letter from an Iranian company approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; can be single or multiple entry.
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 |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa) processing feeFee varies by nationality and processing time; paid online via the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. | €30–€75 (approx. $35–$85) |
| Iran visa stamping fee (on arrival at airport)Paid in cash (EUR, USD, or GBP) at the visa-on-arrival counter; exact amount depends on nationality and duration. | €50–€75 (approx. $55–$85) |
| Iran visa extension (up to 30 days)Payable at the local police office (Aliabad) in Tehran or at provincial offices; requires passport photos and a valid visa. | Approx. €30–€40 (approx. $35–$45) |
| Iran airport exit feeSome airports may charge a small departure tax (approx. €5–€10) if not included; check with your airline. | Included in airfare for most international flights |
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
French citizens transiting through Iran generally need a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within a short window. A transit visa (valid for 5 days) can be obtained online or on arrival at major airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours who do not leave the international transit area do not need a visa.
- Crew members on international flights are exempt.
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports may be exempt under bilateral agreements.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · 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 = 1,279,924.33 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 up to 2 weeks during busy periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. The portal will show your application status.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and processing speed, but for French citizens it's usually around €30–€50. You pay online when you submit the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
No, not for French citizens. The e-visa is mandatory. You must have it approved before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before you fly.
Yes, print it. While some officers accept digital copies, the official requirement is a printed confirmation. It's also useful if your phone dies or you lose signal.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of arrival in Iran, not your departure date.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines and potential travel bans.
The French government advises caution due to regional tensions. Check the latest travel advisory from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking. Many tourists visit without incident, but it's important to stay informed and avoid any demonstrations or sensitive areas.
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.