Iran entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran. This is the standard entry method for tourism and has been available for years. Have your documents ready at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport or other major entry points.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for visa on arrival | Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. Have a printed invitation code or hotel booking confirmation ready — immigration officers at Imam Khomeini International Airport check this before issuing the visa. The visa costs between €50 and €100 depending on your nationality and duration, payable in euros or US dollars cash.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Iran. Airlines at Kotoka International Airport in Accra enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without meeting the 6-month rule. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they may also check that your onward flight leaves within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Iranian immigration often asks for a confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter from a local sponsor. Have a printed copy of your reservation or the invitation code from your host — this is especially common if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card that works internationally — Iran's banking system is isolated, so most foreign cards don't work at ATMs. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your stay, especially if you're staying longer than a week. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee plus any unexpected costs.
Dress code applies immediately
As soon as you step off the plane, you must follow Iran's dress code. Women: headscarf covering hair, loose clothing covering arms and legs. Men: no shorts. Airport staff may remind you before you reach immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major airport
Visa on arrival is available at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, as well as airports in Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz. Smaller airports may not offer it.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. You'll fill out a short form and pay the fee (around €50-€75, depending on nationality). Cash in euros or US dollars is preferred.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Pay the fee. They'll process it in 10-20 minutes.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is a sticker placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to passport control.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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€75 (approx. $82 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or consulate in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $164 USD)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer typically sponsors
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; university handles process
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires labour ministry approval and work permit.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university processes
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies; based on investment amount
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Iran's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival entry feePayable at the airport for most nationalities; subject to change. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)If applying in advance through an embassy. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for some nationalities; check with embassy. | €150 (approx. $164 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | €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
Transit visa required
Ghana passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may be eligible for a visa on arrival for transit purposes.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in most urban areas but present in some rural regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southern 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 Fallahi St., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Vakil Bazaar
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists; process extensions for nearby attractions.
Practical information for GH 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 = 1,319,515.23 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 between €50 and €75, depending on your nationality and the current exchange rate. Pay in euros or US dollars cash. Some airports may accept Iranian rials, but it's safer to bring euros or dollars.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at an immigration office in Iran. The extension costs around €10-€15.
No. It's available at major international airports: Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Tabriz. Land borders and smaller airports do not offer visa on arrival.
Yes, bring one passport-sized photo. If you forget, some airports have photo booths, but it's easier to bring your own.
Women travelling alone are allowed entry. Just have your documents ready. Dress code applies: you must cover your hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 days. Go to the immigration police office in any major city. The process takes a few hours and costs about €10-€15. You'll need your passport, a copy of your visa, and a passport photo.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined per day (around €5-€10 per day) and may face questioning. Avoid it by extending on time or leaving before your visa expires.
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.