Iran entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Iran. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for Kiwis, so get this sorted well ahead of your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival as a New Zealand citizen; you must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Iran. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa website at least 2-4 weeks before your planned travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Iran. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for the eVisa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival; without a blank page you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It's wise to have 2 blank pages to accommodate any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and Iranian immigration may ask to see your outbound ticket. Proof of departure from Iran | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Iran before your eVisa expires. The eVisa is not extendable, so your departure date must be within the visa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself; having proof avoids delays. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. The amount is not fixed but should be proportionate to your planned length of stay. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from high medical costs if you get sick or injured. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended. Iran's healthcare system may require upfront payment for foreigners. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork needed beyond the usual entry forms. Not required | Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for New Zealand citizens. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms on arrival. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificatesHealth requirements can change; verify with a travel clinic. Check current health requirements | As of 2026, Iran does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. However, check for any other recommended vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A, typhoid) from your health provider before travel. | Recommended |
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.
No visa-on-arrival for Kiwis
New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iran. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Women travellers: dress code
Iran enforces a strict dress code for women, including headscarves and modest clothing. This applies from the moment you land at the airport. Pack accordingly to avoid issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Iran eVisa portal (evisa.mfa.ir) and fill out the application form. Upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around USD 30-50, depending on nationality). You'll get a reference number.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Wait for the approval email. This can take 5-7 working days, but sometimes longer. Once approved, you'll get a barcoded visa document or an approval code. Print it out — you'll need it at the airport.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' desk (even though you have an eVisa, this is where you get your passport stamped). Present your passport, printed eVisa, and your return ticket.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. Make sure the stamp is clear and the dates are correct before you leave the desk.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost€80–€120 (approx. NZ$140–$210)
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost€30–€50 (approx. NZ$50–$90)
For those passing through Iran to a third country; must have confirmed onward ticket.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years), renewable
Varies (university fees apply)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings, health insurance, and a local sponsor. Limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa on arrival via evisa)Fee payable online in euros; actual amount confirmed during application. | €35–€75 (approx. NZ$60–NZ$130) depending on nationality and processing |
| Iran visa on arrival (if eligible and not pre-approved)Only available at certain airports; must have confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance. | €75 (approx. NZ$130) for most nationalities |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 30 days)Apply at a local police office in Iran; extension usually granted for up to 30 additional days. | Approx. NZ$50–NZ$100 (fee varies) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Some land border exits may require a small cash fee (approx. NZ$10–20). | Included in airline ticket for most international flights |
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
New Zealand passport holders must obtain a transit visa in advance if they plan to leave the airport transit zone or stay more than a few hours. Airside transit without a visa is permitted for up to 24 hours at major airports, provided you remain in the international transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Turkey, Azerbaijan) may have visa-free transit, but New Zealand passport holders are not exempt.
- If you have a valid Iranian visa (e.g., tourist or business), you do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran have high pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended except for rural regions in the southeast.
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 and Foreign Immigrants)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists extending stay. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for NZ 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
Typically 5-7 working days, but it can take longer depending on the time of year and your nationality. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to be safe. You'll receive an email with your approval.
The fee is around USD 30-50, depending on your nationality. It's payable online during the application. Some nationalities may have different fees — check the official portal for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days of entry. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential problems with future visas.
Yes, if you're leaving the airport, you need an eVisa. If you're staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need one. Check with your airline if you're unsure.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for New Zealand passport holders, so don't risk it.
No, it's single-entry only. If you leave Iran and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Yes, you'll need to provide the address of where you'll be staying. If you're staying with friends, you can provide their address, but it's safer to have a hotel booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.