Iran entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free policy is in effect for 2026 and applies to tourism and business visits. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | 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 departure from Iran | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket within the 15-day visa-free period. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Iran. Immigration may ask for your address in the country — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card to show you can cover expenses. Iran is largely a cash economy — bring US dollars or euros to exchange at official rates. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is new
This policy started in 2024 and is still being rolled out. Always double-check with the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate before booking, as rules can change.
Overstaying is expensive
Overstaying even by one day can result in a fine of around 500,000 IRR (about $12 USD) per day, plus potential questioning and a ban on future entry. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the immigration counter
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or other entry points, join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking.
2
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day visa-free entry. No fee, no forms. The stamp is usually valid for 15 days from the date of entry.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 or consulate. Requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Same application process as single entry.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires approval from Ministry of Labour and a work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD)
For students enrolled in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD)
For retirees aged 60+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows residence but not work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days or if visa-free not applicable. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~€10 (~$11 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
Indian passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit with immigration, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Iran may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most areas; use insect repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani Blvd, Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran. Limited English support.
Practical information for IN 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
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 and future entry bans.
The visa-free policy applies at all official entry points, including land borders from Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The same 15-day limit and passport validity rules apply.
No. There is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Indian passport holders under the visa-free scheme. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and short business visits (meetings, conferences). For work, study, or long-term stays, you need a proper visa from an Iranian embassy.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Iranian immigration. Renew your passport before travel. There are no exceptions.
No. It's completely free. No visa fee, no processing fee, no stamp fee. Just walk through immigration.
The visa-free entry is a single-entry permit. If you leave Iran, you cannot re-enter under the same visa-free allowance. You'd need to apply for a new visa or wait for the policy to reset (usually after 90 days).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.