Iran entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. This policy started in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swedish passport holders can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (IKA, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan). You need a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket — the visa officer will check both. The fee is €75–€100 (payable in euros or USD, not Iranian rials).Pre-register for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months 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. No blank visa pages are required for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed outbound flight booking | Immigration at IKA airport asks for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or a digital booking confirmation on your phone works. Without one, you will be sent back to the airline counter to buy a ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | You must show a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Iran. A booking.com or similar confirmation with your name and dates printed out is fine. Hostel dorms or private apartments also work — just have the address and contact number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least €500 or equivalent in cash (euros or USD) — credit cards from Swedish banks do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Immigration rarely asks to see it, but you need cash for the visa fee and daily expenses. ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No credit cards, no ATM withdrawals. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for expenses.
Women must wear a headscarf
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf in public. This applies from the moment you step out of the airport. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is also required.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). You cannot get it at land borders.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Fill out the application form (usually available in English). Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (exact amount varies by nationality and season). Pay in euros, US dollars, or Iranian rials. Credit cards are not accepted — bring cash.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. It's usually valid for 30 days. You can then proceed to passport control and enter Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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 15–30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Requires prior application at Iranian embassy or online; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits; must be arranged before travel.
Long-stay visa (e.g., cultural or research)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. €200–€500 USD)
For specific purposes like study, work, or research; requires sponsor and approval.
work visa
Iran Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
€200–€500 (approx. $220–$550 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years), renewable
€100–€300 (approx. $110–$330 USD) plus university fees
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD)
For individuals investing in Iran's economy, such as in businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePaid at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Sweden. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or online visa service; 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) |
| Stay extension feePaid at immigration office; typically allows 15–30 extra days. | €15–€30 (approx. $16–$33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
Swedish passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if they stay airside and do not pass through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours at major airports if staying airside.
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 48 hours with prior approval.
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 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 (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use insect repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Especially in Tehran and large cities; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southern provinces.
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 Directorate 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.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists; extensions usually processed within a day.
Practical information for SE 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 = 1,284,082.16 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. Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're entering by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, you must get a visa in advance from an Iranian embassy.
Usually 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at an immigration office in Iran. The extension costs around €30–€50.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Iranian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport, you need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
No. Iranian banks don't accept international credit cards. Bring cash in euros or US dollars. There are exchange offices at the airport.
You'll be fined approximately €10–€20 per day of overstay. Pay at the immigration office before leaving. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
No. For Swedish passport holders, no sponsor or invitation letter is required for the visa on arrival. Just your passport, ticket, and accommodation proof.
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.