Iran entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. This has been the case since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival application | You can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (IKA, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan). Have a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking, and passport photo ready. Pay the visa fee in euros or USD — the amount varies by nationality, typically €50–€100.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at IKA airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a letter of invitation from an Iranian host. Immigration may ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. A booking.com reservation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards from outside Iran do not work due to sanctions. A daily budget of $50–$100 per person is reasonable. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash avoids problems. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No credit cards, no ATMs at the desk. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (around €75) plus a buffer.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
You cannot leave Iran and re-enter on the same visa. If you plan to visit neighboring countries and come back, you'll need a multiple-entry visa from an embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into one of Iran's international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Isfahan (IFN), or Tabriz (TBZ). The visa-on-arrival desk is usually near the immigration counters.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the desk, you'll get a short form asking for your name, passport details, and address in Iran. Fill it out in English or Farsi.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (euros or US dollars are accepted). As of 2025, the fee is around €75 for a 30-day visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
An officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check that the dates are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Answer any questions about your trip (purpose, duration). You'll get an entry stamp.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags and walk through customs. You're now in Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15–30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via online portal; requires passport photos and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must be arranged before travel.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity15 days from issue date
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
For those transiting through Iran to a third country; requires confirmed onward ticket.
work visa
Iran Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100–€300 (approx. $110–$330 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
€500–€2,000 (approx. $550–$2,200 USD) depending on investment
For individuals investing in Iranian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment varies (typically $50,000+). May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Netherlands. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Varies by nationality and processing method; can be obtained via embassy or online. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration offices for up to 15–30 days, subject to approval. | €15–€30 (approx. $16–$33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
No transit visa needed
Netherlands passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; present in some rural regions, especially near the Caspian Sea.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard itineraries. Consult a travel clinic for rural travel.
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; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani St., Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran; less crowded than Tehran.
Practical information for NL 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 = 1,228,071.15 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, only at major international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Tabriz (TBZ). Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Dutch passport holders.
As of 2025, the fee is approximately €75 for a 30-day single-entry visa. You must pay in cash (euros or US dollars). Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy before traveling.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. If you need to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a regular visa.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Only cash in euros or US dollars is accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee plus any unexpected costs.
Yes, you need a regular visa obtained from an Iranian embassy before you arrive at the land border. Visa on arrival is only available at airports.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.