Iran entry requirements for Madagascar 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

As a Madagascar passport holder, you can get a visa for Iran either online before you travel or on arrival at certain airports. You'll be allowed to stay for up to 30 days, and the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You must have a valid visa to enter Iran; the e-Visa is the recommended route, but on-arrival is possible at certain airports.
Apply before travel or obtain on arrival
Madagascar passport holders 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 at least 2 weeks before departure, or obtain a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. The visa is not extendable.Required
Passport validityIranian authorities require a passport valid well beyond your intended stay.
At least 6 months beyond your stay
Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Iran. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2026-02-16.Required
Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a blank page; having an extra is safer.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask for proof that you will leave Iran before your visa expires.
Proof of departure from Iran
You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Iran within the 30-day visa validity period.Required
Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps avoid entry issues.
Sufficient money for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statements, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran.Recommended
Travel insuranceMedical care can be costly; insurance protects you.
Medical and travel coverage
Although not mandatory for visa issuance, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies is strongly recommended for Iran.Recommended
Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you are staying.
Hotel booking or host address
Have your hotel booking confirmation or the address of where you will stay in Iran ready to show at immigration.Recommended
Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork beyond the visa and passport is needed.
No separate form required
Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Madagascar passport holders. You will complete standard immigration procedures on 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 — no exceptions
The e-visa is the only way in for Malagasy passport holders, and processing can take up to a month. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Iran requires 6 months of validity beyond your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the border — no exceptions.

What happens at the border

1
Choose your visa method
Decide whether to apply online for an eVisa before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at the airport. The online route is more predictable; the on-arrival route is fine if you're flexible and have time to queue.
2
Apply online (if chosen)
Go to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa website, fill out the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Once approved, you'll receive a visa reference number that you'll present at the airport.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (with 6 months validity), photos, travel insurance, and flight itinerary. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at the airport in Iran
If you have a pre-approved visa, go to the visa collection desk at the airport (usually before immigration) to get your visa stamped. If you're doing visa on arrival, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter, fill out a form, pay the fee (in euros or US dollars, cash), and get your visa.
5
Go through immigration
Present your passport, visa (if already obtained), and any required documents to the immigration officer. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a short interview about your purpose of visit and where you'll stay.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 2026
Download PDF

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 from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$20

For overland transit; must have confirmed onward travel 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 approval from the Ministry of Labour and a work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (university-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Can lead to residency.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iranian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment threshold applies. Provides residency and potential citizenship path.
Other fees
ServiceCost
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 airport tax in ticket price; no separate payment at airport.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

Madagascar passport holders need a transit visa to enter Iran, even for airside transit. However, if you stay airside and do not pass immigration, you may be exempt if you have a confirmed onward ticket and your layover is less than 24 hours. Always confirm with the airline.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and layover under 24 hours may transit airside without a 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk

Major cities like Tehran have severe air pollution, especially in winter; limit outdoor exertion.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic feverLow risk

Rare but present; avoid contact with livestock and ticks.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

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 Fallahi St., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.

Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Kashf-e Rud Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.

Practical information for MG 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police110
Medical115
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, only at major international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, and a few others. If you're flying into a smaller airport, you'll need to get a visa beforehand.
The fee varies by nationality, but for Madagascar passport holders it's typically around €50–€75. You must pay in cash, in euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted.
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. It's best to apply at least a month before your trip to be safe. You'll receive a visa reference number that you'll use at the airport.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days of arrival. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential problems with future visas.
It's a good idea to have a hotel reservation or an address of where you'll be staying. Immigration may ask for it, and you'll need to fill it in on the visa application form.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to check your government's travel advisories before going. Also, be aware that some nationalities face restrictions, but Madagascar passport holders are eligible for the visa on arrival.
You'll be denied entry. Make sure you have the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars) before you land. There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not accept foreign cards due to sanctions, so don't rely on them.

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.