Iran entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Entry not permitted
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
US passport holders need a visa to enter Iran in 2026. Apply online through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you intend to stay in Iran. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Iranian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Iranian airports strictly check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready to show at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always asked, having a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up immigration. If staying with friends or family, carry their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards issued outside Iran do not work inside the country. A bank statement or cash equivalent of roughly $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Israeli travel evidence = automatic denial
If your passport shows any Israeli stamp, visa, or entry/exit mark, you will be refused entry to Iran. Get a new passport before applying for an Iranian visa.
US citizens must have a guide
Independent travel is not allowed for US passport holders. You must arrange a government-approved guide or join an organized tour for your entire stay. Your visa application may require proof of this.
Cash is king at the airport
The visa-on-arrival fee at IKA must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars only. No cards, no local currency. Bring enough to cover the fee (€50-€100) plus some extra for initial expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to e-visa.ir, create an account, fill out the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (€80-€150 depending on nationality and processing time). Wait for approval — this can take 2-6 weeks.
2
Receive your visa approval code
Once approved, you'll get a visa approval code via email. Print this code and keep it with your passport. You'll need it to pick up the visa sticker at the airport upon arrival.
3
Book your travel and accommodation
Book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Save confirmations as PDFs or screenshots on your phone.
4
Arrive at an Iranian airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other international airports, proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter. Present your passport, visa approval code, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa stamp fee (€50-€100 in euros or US dollars — cash only). You'll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Go through immigration
After getting your visa sticker, head to the immigration queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. Once stamped, you're in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $90 USD)
Standard option for US citizens; must apply in advance or get visa on arrival with pre-approval.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€120 (approx. $135 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle use
Cost€30 (approx. $34 USD)
For airside or land transit only; must have confirmed onward ticket.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (approx. $56 USD) processing fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $112 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer and work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Employer handles most paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (via authorized tour operator)Visa fee varies by nationality and processing time; must be arranged through an Iranian travel agency. | €75–€150 (approx. $80–$160 USD) plus tour package cost |
| Visa extension (if permitted)Extensions are rarely granted to US citizens; must be requested at local police offices. | ~€15 (approx. $16 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fineOverstay is strictly penalized; fines are assessed at departure. | ~€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max cap varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
US citizens transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy or consulate.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit without additional transit visa.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mashhad Shahid Hashemi Nejad Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
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.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Especially in Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; 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 Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, District 6, near Zand Street
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the south.
Practical information for US 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
Yes, but only if you have a pre-approved visa code from the e-visa website. You cannot just show up without any application. The visa-on-arrival process at Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) involves paying a fee (€50-€100 in cash, euros or USD) and getting the sticker placed in your passport.
Processing times vary. Typically 2-6 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip. Rush processing is not always available.
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp, visa, or any evidence of travel to Israel. If your passport shows this, you will be denied entry. Get a new passport before applying.
US citizens are generally required to have a government-approved guide or tour for the entire duration of their stay. Independent travel is not permitted. Your visa application may require a tour itinerary. Check with an Iranian travel agency before applying.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the police department (Alien Affairs) in the city you're in. The process takes a few days and costs around €30-€50. Overstaying without permission can lead to fines and deportation.
Your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket (printed or on phone), and proof of accommodation for your first night. The officer may also ask your purpose of visit and where you'll be staying. Answer clearly and politely.
Not always checked at entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies. Some visa applications may require proof of insurance — check the e-visa portal requirements.
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.