Iran entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders in Iran in 2026. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) and receive a 30-day stamp. Have your documents ready before you queue.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports including Tehran Imam Khomeini, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Isfahan. The visa costs between €50 and €100 depending on your nationality, payable in euros or US dollars cash. You need a passport photo and a confirmed hotel booking to apply at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Iran strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, the airline will deny boarding and immigration will refuse entry. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket when applying for the visa on arrival. Immigration officers at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport check this before issuing the visa. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Iran. The visa-on-arrival counter asks for the hotel name, address, and booking reference. Hostel or guesthouse bookings are accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry at least €500 or equivalent in US dollars cash — credit cards from outside Iran do not work due to sanctions. ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (€75–€100) plus any unexpected costs. ATMs are available after immigration, but they dispense Iranian rials, which you can't use to pay the visa fee.
Women must wear a headscarf in Iran
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf in public. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs is also required. It's not a visa requirement, but it's strictly enforced by law.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. At other major airports like Mashhad or Shiraz, the process is similar. You'll fill out a short application form and hand over your passport, passport photo, and booking confirmations.
2
Pay the visa fee in cash
The fee is typically around €75–€100 (or equivalent in USD) for a 30-day visa. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa stamp and enter
After payment, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. The whole process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue. Then proceed to passport control for the entry stamp.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
For multiple visits; conditions apply.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (university-sponsored)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for eligible nationalities; subject to change. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply but varies. | 30,000 IRR (approx. $0.70 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Apply at Iranian embassy/consulate before travel; valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $54 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For frequent travelers; validity and conditions vary. | €80 (approx. $86 USD) |
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 need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours (subject to change).
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 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 = 1,319,515.23 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
The fee is typically €75–€100 (or equivalent in USD) for a 30-day single-entry visa. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the port of entry.
No, the visa on arrival for Laos passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at all major international airports: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, Mashhad International Airport (MHD), Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), Isfahan International Airport (IFN), and Tabriz International Airport (TBZ). It's also available at some land borders, but check the specific border crossing beforehand.
Yes, you'll need one passport-sized photo. If you forget, there's usually a photo booth near the visa counter, but it's easier to bring your own. Some officers may accept a photo taken on the spot with a phone, but don't count on it.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A refundable ticket or a bus/train ticket out of Iran may also work, but a flight booking is the safest option.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at several land border crossings, including from Turkey (Bazargan), Armenia (Nordooz), and Iraq (several points). However, the process can be slower and less predictable than at airports. Always check the specific border crossing's current policy before you go.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding. If you don't have it, you might be able to buy a policy at the airport, but it's cheaper and easier to arrange it online before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.