Iran entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. This is the standard way to enter for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Apply for an Iranian eVisa at e-visa.ir/en/ before travel. The visa on arrival option exists at major airports but the eVisa is more reliable — processing takes 2-5 working days. Print the approval code and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Norwegian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Iran. Airlines at Oslo Gardermoen check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Imam Khomeini Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your Iranian host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros, dollars, or pounds). No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Women must wear a headscarf
All women, including tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf in public. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is also required. Pack accordingly — you'll need it from the moment you step off the plane.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). Smaller airports may not offer it — check before booking.
2
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, fill out the standard Iranian arrival card. You'll need your passport details, hotel address, and flight info.
3
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
Before passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. Join the queue. Hand over your passport, completed form, and passport photo (bring one just in case).
4
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (or equivalent in euros, dollars, or pounds) — paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
5
Receive your visa sticker
After payment, the officer will stamp the visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates and number of entries (usually single entry, 30 days).
6
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport, visa, and return ticket if asked. You'll be stamped in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€75 (approx. $80 USD)
Standard option for longer stays; apply at Iranian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival entry feeFee for single-entry visa on arrival at Iranian airports. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding visa-free or visa stay period. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max cap €200 (approx. $215 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay at immigration office, if allowed. | €15 (approx. $16 USD) per extension |
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
No transit visa needed
Norway passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit over 24 hours, a transit visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran · 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
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 Tehran and industrial cities; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
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 Office for Foreign Nationals)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions; 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 NO 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
The fee is typically €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars, euros, or British pounds). You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. The exact amount depends on your nationality and the current exchange rate set by the Iranian government.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get a single entry for up to 30 days. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Stick to the major airports listed above (IKA, MHD, SYZ, TBZ, IFN, KIH). If you're flying into a smaller airport, get an e-visa or tourist visa from the Iranian embassy in Oslo before you go.
It's not always required, but bring one just in case. Some airports ask for it, others don't. A standard 3.5x4.5 cm photo is fine.
No. Iran is largely a cash economy due to international sanctions. Bring euros, US dollars, or British pounds in cash. Exchange offices at the airport can convert to Iranian rials if needed.
Safety depends on current geopolitical conditions. Check the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice before booking. In general, Iran is safe for tourists in major cities, but avoid border areas and large political gatherings.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Iranian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.