Iran entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. Valid for up to 30 days, it costs around €75–€100 depending on your nationality. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iranian eVisa at e-visa.ir/en/ at least 2 weeks before departure. The visa is issued for tourism purposes and allows a stay of up to 30 days. You'll need a digital photo, passport scan, and a valid credit card for the fee (around €50–€80 depending on nationality).Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Tehran and other airports enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a letter of invitation from your host in Iran. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least €500 in cash (or equivalent in US dollars or euros) to show you can cover your stay. Credit cards from most countries don't work in Iran due to sanctions, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No credit cards, no local currency. Bring enough cash — ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards.
Women must cover their hair
All women, including tourists, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Bring a scarf in your carry-on. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is also required.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). You cannot get it at land borders or smaller airports.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa'. Fill out a simple application form (usually provided at the counter).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted — bring cash. The fee is typically €75–€100. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment receipt, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process it and stamp your passport. This usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration queue. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer honestly and you're through.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor-dependent)
Requires employer or university sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Italy. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or online before travel. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration offices for up to 30 days. | €15 (approx. $16 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €150 (approx. $165 USD). | €5 (approx. $5.50 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
No transit visa needed
Italy passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and other major airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
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 industrial cities; limit outdoor activity during peak pollution.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended only 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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency permits.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani St., Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran.
Practical information for IT 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 = 1,284,082.16 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. Visa on arrival is only available at major airports. If you're entering by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, you must get a visa in advance from an Iranian embassy or consulate.
The fee is typically €75–€100 for Italian passport holders. You must pay in cash (euros or US dollars). Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount depends on your nationality and the current exchange rate.
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a regular visa before travel.
No. For Italian passport holders, no sponsor or invitation letter is required for a tourist visa on arrival. You just need a return ticket and accommodation proof.
Children need their own passport and visa. The same rules apply — passport valid for 6+ months. If a child is under 18 and traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent (though not always checked, it's safer).
Yes, but it may cause delays or extra questioning. Iran does not officially ban entry for people with Israeli stamps, but it's best to avoid mentioning Israel. If you have a separate Israeli entry/exit stamp, consider getting a new passport before traveling.
The visa-on-arrival counter operates 24/7 at major airports like IKA. However, during very late hours (midnight to 5 AM), there may be fewer staff and longer waits. Plan accordingly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.