Iran entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 16, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Laos passport holders can enter Iran with a visa on arrival or an e-visa, with a stay of up to 30 days. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to meet a few requirements before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisa or Visa on ArrivalYou must have a valid visa to enter Iran; eVisa is the recommended route, but on-arrival is possible at certain airports. For stays up to 30 days | Laos passport holders are eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival for Iran. Apply for the eVisa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at designated Iranian airports. The visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIranian immigration requires your passport to remain valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Laos passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp or visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may require evidence that you plan to exit Iran before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iran within the 30-day visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds can help if asked by immigration. Sufficient for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statements, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during the 30-day stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival declaration beyond standard immigration forms. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Laos citizens entering Iran. | Not required |
| Visa application photoA photo is typically needed for the visa application or issuance. For eVisa or on-arrival | Have a recent passport-sized photo (e.g., 3x4 cm) ready for the eVisa application or for the visa-on-arrival process at the airport. | 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 critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the e-visa — otherwise you'll be turned away at the border.
E-visa is not extendable
Once you're in Iran, you cannot extend your stay. Plan your itinerary carefully and make sure you leave before the visa expiry date to avoid fines.
What happens at the border
1
Decide: e-visa or visa on arrival
If you prefer to have everything sorted before you fly, apply for an e-visa through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (evisa.mfa.ir). If you're comfortable with a bit of waiting at the airport, you can get a visa on arrival at major airports.
2
Apply for e-visa (optional)
Go to the official e-visa portal, fill in the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 5–7 working days. Once approved, you'll receive a visa reference number.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photo, travel insurance, flight itinerary, and accommodation details. If you're doing visa on arrival, keep these in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at the airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' (to pay the fee). You'll fill out a visa application form, submit your documents, pay the fee, and wait for the visa to be issued. This can take 30–60 minutes.
5
Pass through immigration
Once you have your visa, proceed to immigration control. The officer will stamp your passport and note your entry date. You'll be allowed to stay up to 30 days.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 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:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from Iranian company; can be extended.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$20
For onward travel to a third country; must have confirmed onward ticket.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Iran. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (university-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iran's economy. Minimum investment thresholds apply. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist)Single-entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing takes 7-10 working days. | $35 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at major airports for some nationalities; check eligibility before travel. | $35 |
| Visa extensionUp to 30 days, extendable twice; apply at police offices in major cities. | $15 |
| Airport exit feeNo separate exit fee for most international flights. | 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
Laos passport holders require a transit visa to enter Iran, even for airside transit. Apply in advance at an Iranian embassy or via the eVisa system.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on international flights
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)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., dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban 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 but consider for rural travel in southern 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 Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand Street
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran.
Practical information for LA 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
No, visa on arrival is only available at certain international airports, including Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz (SYZ), Isfahan (IFN), Mashhad (MHD), and Tabriz (TBZ). If you arrive at a land border or a smaller airport, you'll need an e-visa or a visa from an embassy beforehand.
The visa fee is roughly €50–€75, depending on your nationality and the type of visa. For visa on arrival, you'll pay in euros or US dollars. The e-visa fee is similar and paid online. Always carry a bit extra in case the exchange rate is unfavorable.
Typically 5–7 working days. It's best to apply at least two weeks before your trip to allow for any delays. You'll receive a reference number that you can use to track your application.
No, the visa for Laos passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry problems.
Yes, you need to provide an address. If you're staying with friends, ask them for their full address and phone number. If you're not sure, book a refundable hotel for the first few nights and use that address.
You'll be required to purchase insurance at the airport, which is more expensive and may not cover everything. It's much better to buy a policy online before you travel. Many travel insurance providers offer Iran-specific coverage.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay informed about current events and follow local laws and customs. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Also, note that US sanctions can affect banking, so bring enough cash (euros or dollars) to cover your expenses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.