Iran entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran, valid for up to 30 days. You'll need to have your paperwork ready and pay the fee at the airport. This is straightforward for most travellers, but there are a few things to prepare in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You need a visa to enter Iran, but you can get it online or at the airport. Apply before travel or obtain on arrival | Dutch 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 before departure, 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/consulate if you prefer certainty. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Netherlands passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer needs a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket. Proof of exit from Iran | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran within the 30-day allowed stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but good to have. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you if you get sick or injured. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not a formal visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for travel to Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Netherlands passport holders entering 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.
Passport validity is critical
Iranian immigration is strict about the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport — no exceptions. Check your passport now, not the night before you fly.
Women travellers and dress code
All women, including foreign visitors, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public and dress modestly (loose clothing covering arms and legs). This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Pack accordingly — you can buy a chador or manteau at the airport if needed.
No visa extensions
The e-visa is not extendable. Overstaying even a day can result in a fine and a ban on future visits. Plan your itinerary carefully and book your outbound flight before you arrive.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at major airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz (SYZ), Mashhad (MHD), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). Land borders are not included.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival bank counter
Before immigration, you'll find a bank counter where you pay the visa fee. Have your passport, insurance, and cash ready. The staff will issue a receipt.
3
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a form asking for personal details, passport info, and your address in Iran. Keep it simple — use your hotel address.
4
Submit documents and get stamped
Hand your passport, receipt, form, and insurance to the immigration officer. They'll process it and stamp your passport. This usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once stamped, you're free to collect your bags and enter Iran. Keep the visa stamp page safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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 date
Cost€80–€120 (approx. $90–$130)
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa (land borders)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost€30–€50 (approx. $35–$55)
For overland transit through Iran; must show onward travel tickets.
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 |
|---|---|
| Iran e-Visa (tourist visa on arrival via evisa.iranvisa.org)Fee varies by nationality and processing time; payable online. | €50–€75 (approx. $55–$85) |
| Iran visa on arrival (for eligible nationalities at major airports)Available for Dutch citizens at IKA, MHD, Shiraz, Tabriz, etc.; must have confirmed hotel booking and return ticket. | €75 (approx. $85) |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 30 days)Apply at local police office (Passport and Immigration Office) in Iran; extension usually granted for 15–30 days. | €30–€50 (approx. $35–$55) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Some land border exits may require a small fee (approx. €5–€10). | Included in airline ticket for most international flights |
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
Transit visa required
Dutch citizens transiting through Iran by air and staying airside do not need a visa if they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit zone. However, if you need to leave the airport or transit overland, you must obtain a transit visa in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a valid Iranian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
- Crew members are exempt.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · 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 = 1,279,924.33 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, only at international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz (SYZ), Mashhad (MHD), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). If you arrive by land, you'll need to arrange a visa in advance at an Iranian embassy.
The fee varies by nationality, but for Dutch citizens it's typically around €50–€75. You pay in cash at the bank counter before immigration. Euros or US dollars are accepted; have smaller bills if possible.
The visa on arrival allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
No, you can get a visa on arrival. However, if you prefer to have everything sorted before you travel, you can apply at the Iranian embassy in The Hague. This is optional and not required.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Iranian authorities require proof of travel insurance. Buy a policy that covers Iran and print the certificate — a digital copy on your phone may not be accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Iran and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Dutch citizens are generally allowed entry. However, always check current travel advisories from the Dutch government, as relations can affect entry rules. Also, if you've visited Israel in the past, you may be denied entry — check with the Iranian embassy if this applies to you.
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.