Iran entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa for Iran either online before travel or on arrival at certain airports. You'll get a 30-day stay, and the process is straightforward if you have your documents in order.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You must have a valid visa to enter Iran. Sri Lankan citizens can get one online or upon arrival, but it's safer to arrange it in advance. For Sri Lankan passport holders | You are eligible for an Iran e-Visa or visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. Apply for the e-Visa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at designated Iranian airports. Note: visa on arrival may not be available for all nationalities; check with the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIran requires your passport to be valid for six months beyond your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2027-02-16 if you arrive on 2026-08-16. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the Iranian entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have two or more blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to prove you will leave Iran before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Iran | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Iran within the 30-day allowed stay. Immigration may ask to see this at entry. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially while in Iran. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. This is not always requested, but it's wise to carry cash or a bank statement. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceTravel insurance protects you from unexpected medical or travel costs. Recommended for all visitors | Although not mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies is strongly recommended for your trip to Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra arrival form is needed; just follow the normal entry process. Not required | Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Sri Lankan passport holders. You will complete standard immigration procedures upon arrival. | 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.
Apply early — don't cut it close
E-visa processing can take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight to avoid stress. The official portal is evisa.mfa.ir — use only that site to avoid scams.
No extensions — plan your exit
Your e-visa is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines and trouble at the airport. Make sure your return ticket is before the visa expiry date.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online (recommended)
Go to the official Iranian e-Visa website and fill out the application form. Upload your photo and passport scan, pay the fee, and wait for approval. This is best done at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
2
Get visa on arrival at the airport
If you choose visa on arrival, fly into one of Iran's international airports like Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, or Mashhad. After landing, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter. Fill out the form, pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR), and get your visa stamped. Expect to wait 30-60 minutes.
3
Go through immigration
Present your passport, visa (if obtained online), and any required documents to the immigration officer. They'll check your details and stamp your passport. Keep your visa slip safe — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and proceed through customs. You're now in Iran — enjoy your stay!
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 (eVisa)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company; can be extended.
Transit visa (on arrival)
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$20
For onward travel to a third country; must have confirmed ticket and visa for next destination.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
Varies (university sponsorship)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For investors who establish a business or invest in Iran. 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 |
| Iran eVisa (business)Requires invitation letter from Iranian company. | $50 |
| Visa extension (per 15 days)Available at police offices in major cities; max total stay 90 days per 180-day period. | $15 |
| Airport exit feeMost international airlines include the departure tax in ticket price. | 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Iran, even for transit. However, a transit visa can be obtained on arrival at major airports if you have a confirmed onward ticket and a visa for the next destination.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and a layover of less than 6 hours may remain in the international transit area without a visa, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · 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, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis 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 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-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
Tehran Immigration Office (General Department of Aliens Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Valiasr Square
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran.
Practical information for LK 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, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Isfahan. If you're flying into a smaller airport, you'll need an e-Visa in advance.
The fee varies by nationality and is typically around $50–$80 USD. For visa on arrival, you must pay in cash (USD or EUR). For e-Visa, you pay online with a credit card. Check the official e-Visa site for the exact amount for Sri Lankan citizens.
Processing usually takes 7–10 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some applicants report delays, so don't leave it to the last minute.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran before the 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
For a standard tourist visa, no sponsor is required. However, if you're visiting friends or family, you may need an invitation letter from them. For tourism, just your hotel booking is enough.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to check your government's travel advisories. The visa process is routine, and locals are welcoming. Just respect local laws and customs, especially dress codes.
If you're transiting through Iran without leaving the airport, you don't need a visa for stays under 24 hours. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a transit visa or a tourist visa.
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.