Iran entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Iran in 2026. The process is straightforward at major airports, and you'll typically receive a 30-day stay. Just make sure you have the right documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Iranian eVisa at e-visa.ir/en/ at least 2 weeks before departure. The visa on arrival option exists at major airports but requires a confirmed hotel booking and can involve long waits — the eVisa is more reliable. Processing takes 3–7 working days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Thai passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — 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 or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a letter of invitation from a host in Iran. Immigration may ask for this at the visa on arrival counter or during eVisa processing. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card that works in Iran (most international cards are blocked — bring euros or dollars). Immigration rarely asks, but you may need cash for daily expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars only. No credit cards, no Iranian rials. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Passport photo required
Bring a passport-sized photo with you. If you don't have one, some airports have photo booths, but it's easier to bring your own.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other major international airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Issuance' after passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa counter, you'll be given a short application form. Fill it out with your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple and accurate.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in euros or US dollars (cash only). The fee varies by nationality but is typically around €50–€75 for Thai passport holders. Have the exact amount ready.
4
Submit documents and wait
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment, and a passport photo. Wait while they process it — usually 15–30 minutes. They may call your name when it's ready.
5
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, they'll stamp the visa in your passport. You can then proceed to passport control and enter Iran. Your stay is typically 30 days from the date of entry.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost€75 (approx. $80 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; same extension rules.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable in euros or USD at airport; valid for 30 days. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Obtainable in advance from Iranian embassy; same as VoA cost. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for frequent travellers; valid 3 months. | €150 (approx. $160 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstay. | €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
Thailand passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mashhad International Airport (MHD)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk for tourists; use repellent in rural areas.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in Tehran and industrial cities; limit outdoor activity during smog.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist routes.
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
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, photo, and fee.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani St, Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for central Iran visitors.
Practical information for TH 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 = 1,234,244.88 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
You typically get 30 days from the date of entry. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit an immigration office in Iran before your visa expires.
Extensions are not automatic. You can apply at an immigration office in major cities like Tehran, Shiraz, or Isfahan. The process takes a few days and costs around €30–€50. Approval is at the officer's discretion.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're just transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed application form, a passport photo, and proof of accommodation. Have cash in euros or US dollars for the fee. A return ticket may also be requested.
Yes, at some land borders like the Turkey-Iran border (Bazargan) and the Armenia-Iran border (Nordooz). But it's less reliable than at airports — expect longer waits and possible refusal. Flying in is the safest bet.
Not officially required for the visa, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Iran can be high for foreigners. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.