Iran entry requirements for Sweden passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 16, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 days
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 travel to Iran with a 30-day visa obtained either in advance as an e-visa or on arrival at major international airports. While the visa on arrival is available, it is not guaranteed, so applying for an e-visa beforehand is the more reliable option.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Iran eVisa or Visa on ArrivalYou need a visa to enter Iran, but you can get it online or at the airport.
Apply online or obtain on arrival
Swedish passport holders are eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. Apply for the eVisa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. The eVisa is recommended to avoid delays.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel date.
At least 6 months from arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Iran.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport, so a blank page is necessary.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you will leave before your visa expires.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran within the 30-day allowed stay.Required
Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself.
Sufficient for your stay
You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. This is not always requested but be prepared.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for entry into Iran.Not required
Visa extensionPlan your itinerary to fit within 30 days, as extensions are not available.
Not possible
The 30-day visa cannot be extended. You must leave Iran before the visa expires.Not required
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.
Apply early — no exceptions
The e-visa processing time is not guaranteed. If you apply too close to your travel date, you risk missing your flight. Start at least 3 weeks ahead.
Entry stamp and your next destinations
An Iranian entry stamp in your passport can affect your ability to enter the US (visa waiver program) and some other countries. If this is a concern, consider applying for a new passport after your trip.

What happens at the border

1
Decide: e-visa or visa on arrival
You can apply for an e-visa online through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel, or you can get a visa on arrival at the airport. The e-visa is processed in about 7-10 working days and costs around €30-50, depending on nationality. The visa on arrival costs about €75 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) and is issued at the airport, but it's not guaranteed — you could be refused if your documents aren't in order.
2
If applying for e-visa: submit online application
Go to the official Iranian e-visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir), fill in the application, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. You'll receive a reference number. Once approved, you'll get an e-visa code. Print this code and bring it with you.
3
Arrive at the airport in Iran
When you land at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) in Tehran, or other international airports, follow the signs to the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. This is usually before passport control. Queue up, present your passport, photo, insurance, and accommodation details. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, or sometimes GBP). The officer will issue your visa, and then you proceed to passport control.
4
Passport control and entry
After getting your visa, go through passport control. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. You'll be granted up to 30 days. Make sure you don't overstay — the penalty is heavy.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 2026
Download PDF

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:

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$80–$120

Requires invitation from Iranian company and approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$30–$50

For onward travel to a third country; must have confirmed tickets.

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
ServiceCost
Iran eVisa (tourist)Varies by nationality and processing time; payable online.$35–$75
Iran visa on arrival (if eligible)For eligible nationalities at major airports; subject to approval.$50–$75
Visa extension (per 30 days)Payable at local police offices in Iran; max 2 extensions.$30–$50
Airport exit feeMost international flights include departure tax.Included in ticket

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

Swedish citizens transiting through Iran generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a connecting flight within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Airside transit with confirmed onward ticket and no need to pass immigration may be visa-free for up to 24 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport.
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 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 = 1,279,924.33 IRR
updated Jul 3
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

Visa on arrival is available at major international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, and a few others. It's not available at land borders. If you're flying into a smaller airport, check with your airline or the Iranian embassy.
The fee is around €75 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) for Swedish citizens. It varies slightly depending on the exchange rate. You must pay in cash — no credit cards are accepted (due to sanctions, foreign cards don't work in Iran). Bring crisp, new banknotes.
For most travellers, yes. The e-visa gives you certainty — you know you're approved before you fly. The visa on arrival can be refused if the officer is not satisfied with your documents. Also, the e-visa often has a shorter queue at the airport. The e-visa costs about €30-50 and takes 7-10 working days to process.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines and potential deportation. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not always straightforward — best to plan your trip within 30 days.
If you're transiting and staying in the international zone of the airport without passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have a layover that requires you to enter the country, you'll need a visa. For transit stays longer than a few hours, it's often easier to get the visa on arrival.
Iran does not allow entry to travellers with Israeli stamps or visas in their passports. If you have one, you'll be refused entry. If you've visited Israel, you may need a new passport before travelling to Iran.
Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public at all times, and dress modestly (long sleeves, loose clothing). This applies from the moment you arrive at the airport. It's not a visa requirement, but it's strictly enforced. You'll need to pack appropriate clothing.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.