Iran entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an e-visa to travel to Iran for tourism. You must apply online before you fly — there's no visa-on-arrival for Irish citizens. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival as an Irish citizen; you must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Irish citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa website, typically 1-2 months before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and must be used within the dates specified on the approval notice. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Ensure it meets this requirement before booking flights. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps or errors. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIranian immigration may ask to see your exit plans to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iran before your eVisa expires. Keep a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient money for your stay | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your intended stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, meals, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be costly, and insurance gives peace of mind. Medical and evacuation cover | While not a visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for Iran. Ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork needed beyond the usual entry forms. Not required | Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Irish citizens. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms on arrival. | 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.
Visa is not extendable
The e-visa grants a 30-day stay and cannot be extended. Overstaying, even by a day, can lead to fines and complications. Make sure your departure flight is booked before you arrive.
Print everything
Carry printed copies of your Visa Grant Notice, return ticket, and hotel bookings. Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted at check-in or immigration. Keep them in your hand luggage.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to evisa.mfa.ir, create an account, and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee (around €50–€80, depending on nationality) by credit card. After submitting, you'll get a tracking reference.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Check your email and the portal regularly. Once approved, you'll receive the Visa Grant Notice as a PDF — print it out.
3
Fly to Iran
At the airport, show your printed Visa Grant Notice at check-in. On arrival in Iran (typically Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran), go to the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'E-Visa' desk, present your passport, the notice, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.
4
Enter and enjoy your stay
After the stamp, you'll pass through passport control and collect your bags. Keep the stamped entry slip with your passport — you'll need it when you leave. The visa is not extendable, so make sure you leave before the 30 days are up.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (eVisa)
Max stay30 days (extendable up to 90 days)
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $60–$120) depending on processing speed
Requires a letter of invitation from an Iranian company or organization. Can be extended in Iran.
Transit visa (land or air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost€15–€30 (approx. $18–$36)
For travelers passing through Iran to a third country. Must have confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for destination if required.
Press visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $60–$120)
For journalists and media professionals. Requires accreditation from the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $54 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $162 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires labor ministry approval and contract.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) plus investment
For investors committing at least $50,000 USD in an Iranian business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa) application feePaid online via the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Non-refundable. | €15–€50 (approx. $18–$60) depending on nationality and processing speed |
| Iran visa stamp/issuance fee at airport upon arrivalOnly if you opt for visa-on-arrival instead of pre-approved eVisa. Credit cards not accepted. | €15–€50 (approx. $18–$60) – same as eVisa fee, paid in cash (EUR, USD, GBP) at the visa-on-arrival counter |
| Iranian travel insurance (mandatory for visa)Must be purchased from an Iranian insurer or a recognized provider; often included in tour packages. | €10–€20 (approx. $12–$24) for a 30-day policy |
| Visa extension fee (for stays beyond 30 days)Extensions are granted in 15-day increments, up to a total of 90 days in Iran per year. Apply at the Aliabad Police Office in Tehran or provincial police offices. | €30–€50 (approx. $35–$60) per extension |
| Airport exit fee (departure tax)No separate cash payment required at most airports. Some land border crossings may charge a small exit fee (approx. €5). | Included in airline ticket 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
No transit visa needed
Irish passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit (staying in the international transit area) at Iranian airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration. If you wish to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a transit visa or a tourist visa in advance.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a layover longer than 24 hours, you must obtain a transit visa or leave the airport.
- If you are traveling to or from Israel, you may be denied entry or transit.
- If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport, you may be refused entry.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk for tourists, but present in some rural areas.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; 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
Tehran Immigration Office (General Department of Aliens Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists visiting holy sites.
Practical information for IE 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 5–10 working days, but it can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe. You can track the status on the e-visa portal using your reference number.
The fee is around €50–€80, depending on your nationality and the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online via credit card during the application. There may be an additional fee if you need to use a visa agency.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the 30-day validity expires. Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties with future Iranian visas.
If you're staying in the airport transit zone and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the e-visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline. The notice is required to prove you have a valid visa. If you lose it, you can reprint it from the e-visa portal, but you must have a physical copy with you.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Iran and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa. Plan your itinerary so you don't need to exit and re-enter.
Rejections are rare but can happen if there are issues with your photo or passport details. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again. If you're unsure why it was rejected, contact the Iranian Interests Section in your country for guidance.
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.