Iran entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iran. The application is done entirely online before you travel, so plan ahead to avoid any last-minute issues.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the approved eVisa before flying to Iran. Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa website, and receive approval before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be available for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Iran, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for South Korean citizens 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.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Iran requires 6 months of passport validity from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Iranian immigration — no exceptions.
Women must wear a headscarf in Iran
All female visitors, regardless of nationality, must cover their hair with a headscarf in public. This is strictly enforced, so pack accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to evisa.mfa.ir, create an account, fill in your personal details, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee (around €30–€50 depending on nationality). Submit at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
Once approved (usually within 3–7 working days), you'll get a PDF with a visa reference number. Print it and keep it with your travel documents.
3
Arrive at an Iranian airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other international airports, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' desk if you haven't already received a stamp. Show your passport, printed e-visa approval, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Register your stay
Within 8 days of arrival, you must register your address with the local police (or your hotel will do it for you). This is a legal requirement for all foreign visitors.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation from an Iranian company; can be extended.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$20
For overland transit; must show onward travel ticket.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires approval from the Ministry of Labour and a sponsor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (university-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iran's economy (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment thresholds apply; consult the Iranian embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist)Single-entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing takes 7-10 working days. | $35 |
| Iran eVisa (business)Requires invitation letter from Iranian company. | $50 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Available at police offices in major cities; max 2 extensions. | $30 |
| Airport exit feeMost international flights include departure tax; verify with airline. | 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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Iran (even airside) must obtain a transit visa in advance. Airside transit without a visa is not permitted.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on international flights
- Diplomatic passport holders with valid diplomatic visa
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mehrabad International Airport (THR) · 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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use insect repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; 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
Tehran Immigration Office (General Department of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Reza St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for travellers in northeastern Iran.
Practical information for KR 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
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
Typically 3–7 working days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies by nationality, but for South Korean passport holders it's usually around €30–€50. You pay online during the application.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the visa expires. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential problems with future visas.
If you're staying in the airport transit zone and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you must have the e-visa.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Iranian immigration is strict — don't rely on getting a visa on arrival without prior approval.
No, it's single-entry only. If you leave Iran and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa.
Immigration officers rarely ask, but it's wise to have a credit card or cash (around $100 per day) to cover your stay if questioned.
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.