Iran entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
21 days
Max stay
21 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Hong Kong passport holders can visit Iran without a visa for up to 21 days. This covers tourism and business visits. As of 2026, just show up at the border with the right documents — no advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs to be valid for the entire 21-day stay. Iran does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines may still ask for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Iran within 21 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers sometimes ask for your first night's address, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have around $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Iran is largely a cash economy, so bring enough US dollars or euros to exchange at the airport or local banks. | Recommended |
Israeli stamps = denied entry
Iran strictly prohibits entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp or visa in their passport. If you have one, get a new passport before traveling.
No visa needed, but be prepared
You don't need to apply for a visa in advance, but immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have them ready on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other international airports. Head to the 'Foreigners' queue at immigration.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. The officer may ask a few questions — keep answers simple and honest.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with a 21-day visa-free entry. No fee, no forms. You're free to go.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity period.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | 500,000 IRR (~$12 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Hong Kong passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
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 for tourists, but use repellent in rural areas.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in mountainous regions like Damavand; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southern provinces.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
Tehran Immigration Office (General Department of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the south.
Practical information for HK 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before travel or leave and re-enter.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Iran. The fine is typically around 30,000 Iranian rials per day (about $0.70 USD), but enforcement varies. Avoid it.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and not leaving the transit zone, you don't need a visa. For stays over 24 hours or leaving the airport, you'll need a transit visa.
Yes, the visa-free entry applies at all land borders, not just airports. Just present your passport and documents at the checkpoint.
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp or visa. If you have one, you'll be denied entry. Get a new passport before traveling.
No, the visa-free entry does not require police registration. Just show up with your documents.
No, it's strictly for tourism and business visits (meetings, conferences). For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.