Iran entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. It's valid for 30 days and can be extended once. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you'll need a few documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) or other designated airports. Pay the fee in euros or US dollars — have exact cash ready. The visa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | 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 Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at IKIA routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Have your hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry enough cash (euros or US dollars) to cover your stay — around €50–€100 per day is a safe range. Credit cards issued outside Iran do not work inside the country, so cash is your only option. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros, US dollars, or British pounds. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring at least €100 in cash to be safe.
Visa on arrival only at airports
Do not try to get a visa on arrival at land borders (e.g., from Turkey or Armenia). It is only available at the airports listed above. If arriving by land, you need a visa in advance from an Iranian embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport in Iran
Visa on arrival is available at Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kish Island airports. Do not try this at land borders — it's only for air arrivals.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After passport control but before baggage claim, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. Join the queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (or equivalent in euros, dollars, or pounds). Credit cards are not accepted — bring cash in a major currency. You'll get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the dates before you leave the counter. If you need more time, you can extend once at a police office in Iran.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer calmly. Then collect your bags and exit.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $90 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€120 (approx. $135 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost€30 (approx. $34 USD)
For airside or land transit; must have onward ticket.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (approx. $56 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $112 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer and work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Employer handles most paperwork.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $560 USD) plus investment
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in an Iranian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport upon arrival; subject to change. | €75 (approx. $85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of IRR 30,000,000 (approx. $700 USD). | IRR 300,000 (approx. $7 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or eVisa system. | €80 (approx. $90 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 3 months, max stay 30 days per entry. | €120 (approx. $135 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to leave the airport or change terminals in Iran. Airside transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the international zone.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
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 urban areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in Tehran and industrial cities; limit outdoor activity during smog.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; 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 Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for KE 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
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, only at certain international airports: Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Kenyan passport holders.
Around €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars, euros, or British pounds). You must pay in cash — credit/debit cards are not accepted. Bring the exact amount if possible.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 15 more days. Visit a police immigration office in any major city (e.g., Tehran's police office near Valiasr Square). The fee is about €10–€15, and processing takes a few hours.
No, only the first night's accommodation is required. Immigration wants to know where you're staying initially. You can book the rest later.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. A confirmed onward or return ticket is mandatory. If your plans are flexible, book a refundable ticket and cancel later.
Not for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iran can be high — a hospital stay for a minor issue can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that.
No. Only cash in major currencies (euros, US dollars, British pounds) is accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee plus some extra for emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.