Iran entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran or apply for an e-visa beforehand. You'll get 30 days in the country, and the process is straightforward if you have your documents in order.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisa or Visa on ArrivalYou must have a valid visa to enter Iran; you can get it online in advance or upon arrival at certain airports. 30-day stay | Latvian citizens are eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival for Iran. Apply for an 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 validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport; a blank page is needed. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Iran. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iran before your 30-day visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry cash or bank statements to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high medical costs if you get sick or injured. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for travel to Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for entry into 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.
E-visa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Latvian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Iran. You must have an approved e-visa before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in, and without it you'll be refused boarding.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. This is enforced at both airline check-in and Iranian immigration. Renew your passport if it's close to expiring.
E-visa is not extendable
You cannot extend your stay beyond the e-visa's validity. Overstaying leads to fines and potential entry bans. Make sure your travel dates fit within the approved period.
What happens at the border
1
Choose your visa method
Decide whether to get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa online. If you're flying into Tehran Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, or Mashhad, visa on arrival is available. For other entry points, you'll need the e-visa.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (6 months validity, 1 blank page), photo, travel insurance, return ticket, and accommodation details. Have photocopies of everything.
3
Arrive at the airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before passport control. You'll fill out a form, pay the visa fee (usually around €30-€75 depending on nationality), and get your visa sticker. This can take 30-60 minutes.
4
Pass through immigration
After getting your visa, proceed to passport control. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and you're in. Keep your entry stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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 (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80–€150 (via Iranian embassy)
Requires invitation letter from Iranian company and approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€30–€50 (via Iranian embassy or eVisa)
For overland transit; must have confirmed onward travel and valid visa for next destination.
Press visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100–€200 (via Iranian embassy)
Requires accreditation from Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200–€500 USD equivalent
Requires a job offer and sponsor in Iran. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries. Must be arranged before travel.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€100–€300 USD equivalent
For enrollment in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~€1,000–€5,000 USD equivalent
For significant investment in Iran (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment varies. Provides residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa on arrival via evisa.iranvisa.org)Single-entry, valid for 30 days from issue; must be obtained before travel. | €25–€75 (depending on nationality and processing time) |
| Visa on arrival (for eligible nationalities at major airports)Not available for all nationalities; check eligibility before travel. | €50–€75 (payable in euros or USD) |
| Visa extension (at Iran Police Passport and Immigration Office)Extensions up to 30 days, renewable twice; must apply in person. | Approx. €15–€30 (in IRR equivalent) |
| Airport exit fee (included in ticket for most airlines)Some airports may charge a separate fee if not included; check with airline. | Free (usually included) |
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
Latvian citizens transiting through Iran (even airside) generally require a transit visa unless they are eligible for visa on arrival. However, if you stay airside and do not pass immigration, you may not need a visa for up to 24 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) – but this is not guaranteed and subject to airline and airport policy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Turkey, Azerbaijan) may have visa-free transit; Latvians are not exempt.
- If you have a valid Iranian visa (e.g., tourist eVisa), you can transit without a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) · 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)RecommendedRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khalij-e Fars Blvd, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for LV 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
Yes, Latvian citizens can get a visa on arrival at major international airports in Iran, including Tehran Imam Khomeini, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad. You'll need to fill out a form, pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR), and have your documents ready. The process takes about 30-60 minutes.
The visa on arrival fee for Latvian citizens is typically around €30-€75, depending on the season and your nationality. It must be paid in cash (USD or EUR) at the bank counter at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes. If you're arriving at an airport that doesn't offer visa on arrival (like some regional airports), you'll need to apply for an e-visa through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel. The e-visa takes about 7-10 days to process, so plan ahead.
No, the visa on arrival and e-visa for Latvian citizens are not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential problems with future visas.
You can buy travel insurance at the airport in Iran, but it's more expensive and may not cover everything. It's better to arrange insurance before you travel. Make sure it explicitly covers Iran.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but you should check your government's travel advisories before booking. The visa process is straightforward, and locals are welcoming. Just be aware of local laws and customs, especially regarding dress codes and alcohol.
Yes, immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy of your return or onward flight ticket ready. If you don't have one, you might be denied entry.
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.