Iran entry requirements for Iceland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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

Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs €50–€75. The process is straightforward but you need a few documents ready before you fly.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
You can get a 30-day visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz). The fee is €75–€100 depending on nationality, payable in euros or US dollars. You'll need a passport photo and a confirmed hotel booking — the visa officer will ask for it.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at IKA and other airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Iran ready — they'll check the date matches your visa validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation
You need a confirmed hotel reservation for the entire stay. The visa officer at the airport may ask to see it before issuing the visa on arrival. A booking.com or similar confirmation works fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds for stay
Carry enough cash (euros or US dollars) to cover your stay — credit cards from most countries don't work in Iran due to sanctions. Around $50–$100 per day is a safe estimate. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash is practical.Recommended
Women: dress code applies immediately
From the moment you land, women must wear a headscarf and clothing that covers arms and legs. Pack a scarf in your carry-on.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No cards accepted. Have exact change if possible.

What happens at the border

1
Land at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish airports. You cannot get it at land borders.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa'. Fill out a short application form (name, passport details, hotel address).
3
Pay the fee at the bank counter
Take your form to the bank counter inside the airport. Pay the fee in euros or US dollars. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get your visa
Return to the visa counter with your passport, form, payment receipt, hotel booking, and return ticket. The officer will issue a 30-day visa sticker. Total time: 15–30 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the new visa at immigration. You'll get an entry stamp. Done.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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–€75 (approx. $55–$82 USD)

Apply at Iranian embassy or obtain VoA; extension possible at immigration offices.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)

Requires embassy application; good for multiple visits.

Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost€30–€50 (approx. $33–$55 USD)

For airside transit only; must have onward ticket.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feeFee varies by nationality and duration; payable in euros or US dollars at the airport.€50–€75 (approx. $55–$82 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Can be obtained in advance from an Iranian embassy or via VoA.€50–€75 (approx. $55–$82 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check with embassy.€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; no official cap but may be negotiable.€10–€20 (approx. $11–$22 USD) per day

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

Transit visa required

Iceland passport holders transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa before travel, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy or consulate.

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)RecommendedRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common in rural areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk

Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural regions.

Air pollutionModerate risk

High in Tehran and other cities; limit outdoor activity during smog.

Malaria risk: low

Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southeastern 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 Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani Street, Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Smaller office; may have limited services for extensions.

Practical information for IS 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 = 1,219,377.01 IRR
updated May 19
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, only at these international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival.
The fee is typically €50–€75, depending on your nationality. Pay in euros or US dollars at the airport bank counter. Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You cannot extend it while in Iran.
Yes, you need a confirmed hotel booking for at least the first night. The address must be written on the application form.
No, only cash in euros or US dollars is accepted. No credit or debit cards.
All women entering Iran must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies from the moment you step off the plane.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding. Medical costs in Iran can be high.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.