Iran entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Qatari passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy is valid through 2026 and covers tourism and short business visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Iran. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iran | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight reservation showing you leave within the 15-day visa-free window. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details and address. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have access to at least $500 USD in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement. Immigration rarely asks for this for short visa-free visits, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
No foreign cards accepted in Iran
Due to international sanctions, Iranian banks do not process Visa, Mastercard, or other foreign credit/debit cards. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your entire stay. You can exchange at official exchange offices or banks.
Women must wear a headscarf in public
All women, including foreign visitors, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies from the moment you step out of the airport. Men should avoid shorts in public.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before leaving Qatar, check your passport validity (6+ months), print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport.
2
Arrive at an Iranian airport
You'll land at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other international airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' — since you're visa-free, go directly to the immigration counters.
3
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (digital or printed), and hotel booking ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
4
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day entry permit. No fee, no form to fill. You'll be through in 5–10 minutes if the queue is short.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa. Requires hotel booking and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~$100 USD
Requires acceptance letter from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship, labour approval, and medical check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$100 USD
For international students enrolled at Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (processing fee)
For retirees aged 60+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings, health insurance, and no criminal record. Limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | IRR 500,000 (~$12 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days or if visa-free is not used. | ~$50 USD (varies by nationality) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (varies) |
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
Qatar passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
- Transit without visa is only for airside stays.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution, especially in winter.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis is generally not 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
Iran Immigration Office (Tehran)
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.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists. Expect longer queues during religious seasons.
Practical information for QA 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
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. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before traveling or leave Iran and re-enter (though re-entry may not reset the 15 days). Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
No. The visa-free entry does not require any arrival declaration or registration. Just keep your passport with you at all times — hotels may ask to photocopy it for their records.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for this rule.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all land borders as well. However, some land crossings (like those in Iraqi Kurdistan) may have additional checks. Always confirm with the nearest Iranian embassy if you're using a less common border.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (euros or US dollars) for your stay — Iranian banks don't accept foreign cards due to sanctions.
It's not always checked, but some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended — medical evacuation or hospital bills can be very expensive.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, short business meetings, or transit. Any form of paid work, study, or long-term activity requires a proper visa. Violating this can lead to deportation and a ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.