Iran entry requirements for Iraq passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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

Iraqi passport holders can enter Iran without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This policy covers tourism and short business visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready.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 where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have at least $500 USD in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Iran is a cash-heavy economy — bring enough US dollars or euros to exchange.Recommended
Visa-free entry is for 30 days only
You cannot extend this stay. If you need more time, you must leave Iran and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Iran. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents before departure
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and at least one blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or save digital copies of all confirmations.
2
Arrive at an Iranian airport or land border
Most Iraqi travellers fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or cross via land borders like Shalamcheh. At immigration, present your passport and any requested documents.
3
Receive your visa-free entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No visa application or fee is required. You may be asked about your purpose of visit and accommodation.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs. Declare any items if required. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost~$50 USD (varies by nationality)

For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Iranian embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter from an Iranian institution and proof of funds.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labour.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying the 30-day limit; maximum cap may apply.~500,000 IRR per day (~$12 USD)

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

Iraqi passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa for up to 14 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the airport.

Airside transitAllowed up to 336h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 14 days.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.

Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria)Low risk

Risk is low in most urban areas; present in some rural regions.

Altitude sicknessLow risk

Possible in mountainous areas like Damavand; acclimatize gradually.

Malaria risk: low

Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended 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
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.

Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Popular for pilgrims; bring passport and photos.

Practical information for IQ 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
updated May 29
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
Police110
Medical115
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, Iraqi passport holders can enter Iran visa-free for up to 30 days. This applies to tourism and short business trips. No visa application or fee is required.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a proper visa before travel or leave and re-enter.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not always required but is strongly recommended.
Yes, several land border crossings are open for visa-free entry, including Shalamcheh (near Basra) and Mehran. The same 30-day visa-free rule applies. Check current border status before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Iranian immigration. Renew your passport before travel to avoid problems.
It is not always checked at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iran can be high, and insurance covering medical evacuation is a smart precaution.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work, study, or long-term stays, you must apply for the appropriate visa before travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.