Iran entry requirements for Italy passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need an e-visa to enter Iran. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for Italians. The process is straightforward but requires a few documents and a few days of processing.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Iran e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have an approved e-visa before you fly.
Apply online before travel
Italian citizens must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian e-visa website, typically at least 2 weeks before travel. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry.
At least 6 months beyond arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran.Required
Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a clean page; extra pages are safer.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit travel plans.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iran before your e-visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems at entry.
Sufficient for your stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Iran.Recommended
Travel insuranceMedical care can be costly; insurance protects you.
Recommended for medical coverage
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended for Iran.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Italy 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.
No visa on arrival for Italians
Do not show up at an Iranian airport without an approved e-visa. You will be sent back on the next flight. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity is strict
Iranian immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule without exceptions. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying.
E-visa is not extendable
The e-visa is issued for a fixed period. You cannot extend it in Iran. Plan your trip to fit within the validity dates.

What happens at the border

1
Apply online for the e-visa
Go to evisa.mfa.ir, create an account, and fill out the application form. Upload your photo and passport scan. Double-check all details — mistakes can cause delays.
2
Pay the fee and submit
Pay the visa fee online with a credit/debit card. After submission, you'll get a reference number. Save it — you'll need it to track your application.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 5–7 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Check your email and the e-visa portal for updates.
4
Print your e-visa
Once approved, download and print the e-visa document. Carry it with your passport — you'll need to show it at check-in and to Iranian immigration.
5
Arrive in Iran
At the airport (e.g., Imam Khomeini International in Tehran), go to the foreign passport queue. Present your passport and printed e-visa. Immigration will stamp your passport — no separate visa sticker is issued.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from Iranian company; single-entry.

Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 (approx.)

For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed tickets.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Iran eVisa (tourist)Single-entry, non-refundable; paid online before travel.$75 (approx.)
Iran visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at major airports for some nationalities; not guaranteed for all.$75 (approx.)
Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at local police office in Iran; subject to approval.$30 (approx.)
Airport exit feeNo separate exit fee for most airlines; check with carrier.Included in airfare

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

Italian citizens transiting through Iran (leaving the airport) need a transit visa. Airside transit without a visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the international zone.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic passport holders
  • Crew members on duty
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 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 = 1,279,924.33 IRR
updated Jul 3
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

Processing usually takes 5–7 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. During peak travel seasons (spring and autumn), it can take longer.
The fee is typically around €30–€50, depending on the current rate. You pay online during the application. The fee is non-refundable.
No. Italy is not on the visa-on-arrival list for Iran. You must have an approved e-visa before you arrive. Without it, you'll be denied boarding and entry.
Print it. Airlines and Iranian immigration officials expect a physical copy. You can also show a digital copy on your phone, but printing avoids any issues with dead batteries or screen glare.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your arrival date in Iran.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common issues include incorrect details, poor photo quality, or security concerns. You can reapply, but the fee is not refunded. If you're unsure, contact the Iranian Interests Section in Rome for guidance.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.