Iran entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders in Iran. The process is straightforward for tourism, but you need documents ready and pay the fee in euros or US dollars. As of 2026, the visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Iran strictly enforces this — airlines check it at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Iranian airports asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone. Without it, you may be refused the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay in Iran. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or a similar site works. If staying with friends, get an invitation letter from them. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars only. No cards, no other currencies. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Women's dress code
All women in Iran must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public, including at the airport. Long sleeves and loose-fitting clothing are also required. Pack accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, or other major airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. At land borders like Bazargan or Astara, go to the immigration office.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for your name, passport details, and address in Iran. Fill it out in English or Farsi.
3
Pay the visa fee
Go to the bank counter inside the terminal and pay the fee in euros or US dollars. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get visa sticker
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment receipt to the immigration officer. They'll process it and stick the visa in your passport. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the visa sticker and your boarding pass. You'll be stamped in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia 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 date
Cost€50–€80 (approx. $55–$88 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa. Requires passport photos and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80–€120 (approx. $88–$132 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity15 days from issue date
Cost€30–€50 (approx. $33–$55 USD)
For travellers passing through Iran to a third country. Requires confirmed onward ticket.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labour. Spouse and children can accompany.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD (based on investment)
For individuals investing at least $250,000 USD in Iran's economy. Includes residency rights for family. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Russia. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or eVisa system; varies by nationality. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at airport immigration on departure. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max cap €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor extending VoA or tourist visa at immigration offices; subject to approval. | €10–€20 (approx. $11–$22 USD) |
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
Russian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. However, some airlines may allow airside transit without a visa for short layovers (under 6 hours) if you do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours (subject to airline approval).
- Diplomatic passport holders may transit without a visa.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
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 safe eating and drinking habits.
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
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but present in rural regions of Sistan and Baluchestan province. Prophylaxis not routinely 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
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 re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand Blvd.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists; process extensions within 1–2 days.
Practical information for RU 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 around €50–€75 (or equivalent in USD) depending on your nationality and processing speed. You pay in cash at the airport bank counter — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy before travel.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a regular visa.
Yes, at most major land borders like Bazargan (from Turkey), Astara (from Azerbaijan), and Mirjaveh (from Pakistan). The process is the same as at airports, but it may take a bit longer.
No, not for standard tourist stays. But if you stay in a private home, the host must register you with the local police within 24 hours. Hotels handle this automatically.
No. Only cash in euros or US dollars is accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee plus any extra for incidentals.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travel.
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.