Iran entry requirements for India passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 16, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 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 travel to Iran with a 30-day visa, available either as an e-Visa applied for online before departure or on arrival at select Iranian airports. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to meet specific requirements and have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You must have a valid visa to enter Iran; you can get it online or upon arrival at certain airports. Apply in advance or obtain on arrival | Indian passport holders are eligible for an Iran e-Visa or visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. Apply online before travel or obtain at designated Iranian airports. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for half a year beyond your arrival. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see that you plan to leave Iran before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Iran within the 30-day visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself financially while in Iran. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high costs if you get sick or injured. Recommended coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for India passport holders entering 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.
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa system can be slow, especially during Iranian holidays. Start your application at least 3 weeks before your planned arrival. Last-minute applications can leave you stranded.
Women and dress code
Iran enforces a strict dress code for women, including headscarves in public. This doesn't affect your visa, but be prepared to comply from the moment you land at the airport.
No visa, no boarding
Airlines will not let you board a flight to Iran without an approved e-visa. Even if you think you can sort it out on arrival, you won't get past check-in. Always carry the printed confirmation.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online (recommended)
Go to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa website (evisa.mfa.ir), fill out the application form, upload your photo and passport copy, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5-7 working days. Once approved, you'll receive a visa reference number or a PDF. Print it out.
2
Or get a visa on arrival at the airport
If you skip the e-Visa, you can get a visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, and a few other international airports. Go to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration, fill out the form, pay the fee (in USD or EUR), and wait for processing. Have your photo, insurance, and return ticket ready. This can take 30-60 minutes depending on the queue.
3
Prepare your documents for immigration
When you land, have your passport, visa (or visa reference number), return ticket, and accommodation details ready. Immigration officers may ask questions about your itinerary. Answer clearly and politely.
4
Get your passport stamped
After the officer approves, they will stamp your passport with the entry date and the 30-day validity. Keep the stamp intact — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Exit Iran before 30 days
Make sure you leave Iran before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans. If you need more time, note that the visa is not extendable, so plan accordingly.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 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:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80–$150 (varies)
Requires invitation letter from Iranian company and approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$30–$50
For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed onward ticket.
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 |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist) – single entryPaid online via Iran's MFA evisa portal; non-refundable. | $35–$75 (varies by nationality and processing time) |
| Iran visa on arrival (at airports) – if not pre-approvedAvailable at major international airports; requires prior hotel booking and travel insurance. | $50–$75 (approx., in euros or USD) |
| Visa extension (for tourists)Apply at local police/immigration offices in major cities; usually granted for 15–30 days. | Approx. $15–$30 (in IRR equivalent) |
| Airport exit feeNo separate cash payment at most airports; check with airline. | Included in air ticket (most airlines) |
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
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders transiting through Iran (even airside) generally need a transit visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry (e.g., for certain nationalities). Airside transit without a visa is not permitted for Indian nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports with 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 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 = 1,279,924.33 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
No, only at certain international airports: Imam Khomeini International (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, and a few others. If you're flying into a smaller airport, you must get an e-Visa beforehand.
The e-Visa fee is around $50-75 depending on your nationality and processing speed. The visa-on-arrival fee is similar, but you'll need to pay in USD or EUR cash. Exact amounts vary, so check the official e-Visa site or ask your airline.
Typically 5-7 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to avoid delays. Sometimes it can take longer, especially during holidays.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry problems.
For a standard tourist visa, no. The e-Visa application doesn't require a sponsor. However, you'll need to provide your accommodation details and a return ticket.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, and Indians are welcomed. However, always check your government's travel advisories before booking. Be aware of local laws and customs, especially dress codes for women.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa — either e-Visa or on-arrival, depending on the airport and your layover time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.