Iran entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Japanese passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism and business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Iran. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iran | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have access to around $500–$1,000 USD in cash or a credit card statement. Immigration rarely checks this for Japanese passport holders, but it helps to have it handy. | Recommended |
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 — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers at IKA often ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Most flights from Japan land at IKA in Tehran. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' — there are separate queues for visa-free and visa holders. The visa-free queue is usually faster.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return ticket and hotel booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day entry stamp. No visa fee is charged.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large amounts of currency (over €10,000 or equivalent). Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD
Requires application at Iranian embassy/consulate; may need sponsor letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD
Suitable for frequent travellers; subject to embassy approval.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and work permit from Iranian authorities.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostVaries (university-sponsored)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires work permit and sponsor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
Varies (university-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Can lead to residency.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For retirees with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Limited availability and may need local sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 15 days incurs a daily fine; exact amount may vary and can be negotiated at departure. | ~$30 USD per day (estimated, no official cap) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days or if visa-free is not used. Apply at Iranian embassy/consulate. | ~$80 USD (varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions depend on embassy approval. | ~$120 USD (varies by embassy) |
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
No transit visa needed
Japanese passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa for up to 48 hours if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 48 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and other major airports.
- If leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use 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 most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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 Fallahi St., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran; expect possible language barriers.
Practical information for JP 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 = 1,187,509.33 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. The visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 15 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy before travel.
You need to apply for a tourist visa at the Iranian embassy in Tokyo or another Iranian consulate before you travel. The visa-free entry is strictly limited to 15 days.
No. The visa-free entry does not require any additional registration. Your passport stamp is sufficient. However, if you change hotels, keep your accommodation receipts handy.
The visa-free policy applies at all international airports (Tehran IKA, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, etc.) and at land borders. However, it's best to fly into a major airport for the smoothest experience.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined approximately 30,000 Iranian rials per day (about $0.70 USD) and could face questioning, a ban, or deportation. Always leave on time.
If you are transiting through Iran and staying airside (not passing immigration), you do not need a visa. If you need to enter the country (e.g., to catch a connecting flight the next day), the visa-free policy applies for up to 15 days.
No, it is not mandatory at immigration. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Iran can be high and your Japanese health insurance won't cover you abroad.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.