Iran entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Iran visa on arrival | Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Tehran IKA, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad). Have a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance ready — immigration officers at IKA check both before issuing the visa. The visa costs between €50 and €100 depending on nationality and processing time.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines at Entebbe check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration at IKA asks to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. Budget airlines like Flydubai and Qatar Airways also check this at check-in. A printed itinerary works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay or a letter of invitation from an Iranian host. Officers at the visa on arrival counter at IKA ask for this — a simple Booking.com confirmation printed out is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for visa fee and expenses | Bring at least €100 in cash (EUR or USD) to pay the visa on arrival fee — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Have another $200–$300 for daily expenses since international cards don't work in Iran. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards don't work in Iran. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash for your entire stay. Exchange at banks or official exchange offices — avoid street changers.
Women: dress code applies immediately
From the moment you step off the plane, women must wear a headscarf (hijab) and clothing that covers arms and legs. Loose-fitting, non-revealing clothes are expected. Men should avoid shorts in public.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any Iranian international airport — Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, or Tabriz. The visa-on-arrival counter is in the arrivals hall before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa counter, you'll get a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Take the form to the bank counter inside the arrivals area. Pay the fee in euros or US dollars. Get a receipt.
4
Submit documents and get visa
Hand your passport, the completed form, and the payment receipt to the immigration officer. They'll issue a 30-day visa sticker on the spot. The whole process takes 20–40 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration queue. Show your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking if asked. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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€50–€100 (approx. $57–$114 USD)
Requires invitation code or hotel booking. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $114–$171 USD)
For frequent travellers; subject to approval.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and work permit from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $57–$114 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires work permit and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
€50–€100 (approx. $57–$114 USD)
For international students enrolled at an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Can lead to residency.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iran's economy (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment thresholds apply. Offers residency path.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at airport upon arrival for eligible nationalities. | €75 (approx. $85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained via Iranian embassy or eVisa system. | €50–€100 (approx. $57–$114 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check with embassy. | €100–€150 (approx. $114–$171 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration office before departure. | €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
Transit visa required
Uganda passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 48 hours.
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 (e.g., Uganda).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Risk is low in most urban areas but present in rural regions; use repellent.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution; limit outdoor exertion.
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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Kashf-e Rud Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for UG 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 = 1,331,641.09 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 €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars). It varies slightly by nationality and can change, so bring a bit extra. Pay at the bank counter inside the airport arrivals hall — cards are not accepted, only cash.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get 30 days from the date of entry. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type 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 plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're entering Iran by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Armenia, you must have a visa issued in advance from an Iranian embassy or consulate.
No, your hotel will handle that automatically. They'll take a copy of your passport and visa. If you're staying with friends or family, they need to register you at the local police station within 24 hours.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisories before booking. Women must wear a headscarf in public (hijab) and dress modestly. Avoid political gatherings and protests. Always carry your passport with you.
No, international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough cash in euros or US dollars to cover your entire trip. You can exchange at banks or exchange offices in major cities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.