Iran entry requirements for Nepal passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Nepali passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. You'll receive the visa at the counter after landing. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you must have a few items ready before you arrive.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
You can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Tehran IKA, Shiraz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz). Pay the fee in euros or US dollars — around €50–€75 depending on nationality. Have a confirmed hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa counter checks both.Check visa detailsRequired
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
Return ticket
Immigration at Iranian airports routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry or delayed at the visa counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking
You need a confirmed hotel reservation for the entire stay. The visa on arrival counter and immigration officers both ask for it. A booking from any major site (Booking.com, Agoda) works — print it or have it on your phone.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds
Carry at least $500 in cash (USD or euros) or have a credit card that works in Iran. Most international cards are blocked in Iran, so bring enough cash for your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but it helps if asked.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, non-creased notes to avoid issues.
Women must wear hijab in public
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a scarf and wear loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs. This is strictly enforced. Pack accordingly.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the counter, you'll get a short form. Fill in your details — name, passport number, hotel address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. As of 2026, it's around €75-€100 (or equivalent in USD/EUR). Credit cards are not accepted, so bring crisp, non-creased notes.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-on-arrival. You'll get a small sticker. Check the dates before you leave the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the visa stamp, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. Answer any questions about your stay. Then you're in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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€50 (approx. $54 USD)

Apply at Iranian embassy/consulate in Nepal.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)

Requires strong justification for multiple entries.

student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (approx. $54 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from an Iranian employer and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at airport upon arrival for eligible nationalities.€75 (approx. $80 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $320 USD).€30 (approx. $32 USD) per day
Stay extension (if applicable)Rarely granted for VoA; apply at immigration office.€15 (approx. $16 USD) per extension

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Nepal passport holders can transit airside without a visa if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.

Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk

Low risk in urban areas; use repellent in rural areas.

Air pollutionModerate risk

High in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; prophylaxis not generally 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 Fallahi St., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

For visa extensions and re-entry permits.

Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.

Practical information for NP 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 = 1,319,515.23 IRR
updated May 29
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

The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once at a police station in Iran for an additional 30 days. The extension costs around 300,000 IRR (about $7 USD) and takes a day or two.
Yes, at all major international airports: Tehran (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Nepali passport holders.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Airlines are strict about this because they have to fly you back if you're denied entry. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you'll need a transit visa or a visa on arrival.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 more days. Visit the Aliabad Police Department in Tehran or the local police station in any major city. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee (about 300,000 IRR). It usually takes 1-2 working days.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined about 30,000 IRR per day (less than $1 USD), but it can cause problems at the airport and may affect future travel to Iran. Always extend before your visa expires.
No, not for a standard tourist stay. But if you're staying in a private home (not a hotel), your host must register you with the local police within 24 hours. Hotels do this automatically.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.