Iran entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Iran; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Americans. You'll need to arrange your visa through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and you must be part of an organized tour or have a local sponsor. Start the process at least two months in advance—this can't be handled at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (entry permit)You cannot enter Iran without an approved visa; start this process well in advance. Visa required for US citizens | US citizens must obtain a visa before travel. Apply through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' e-visa portal or at an Iranian embassy/consulate. Approval is not guaranteed and processing can take several weeks. | Required |
| Passport validityIran enforces a 6-month validity rule; a passport that expires earlier may be rejected. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa officer needs a clean page to affix the visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the Iranian visa stamp. Ensure the page is free of any markings. | Required |
| Visa application form and documentsIncomplete applications are often delayed or rejected. Online or embassy submission | Complete the online visa application, upload a digital passport photo, and provide a copy of your passport bio page. Additional documents (e.g., itinerary, invitation letter) may be requested by the Iranian mission. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIranian authorities expect visitors to have a clear departure plan. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Iran before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see this at arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems at immigration. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned itinerary. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical facilities may be limited; insurance protects you financially. Recommended for US citizens | While not mandatory for visa issuance, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is strongly advised. US citizens have no consular access in Iran, so insurance is critical. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra paperwork needed before you land. Not required | Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for US citizens. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms upon arrival. | 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.
US citizens face detention risk
The US State Department warns that US citizens in Iran are at risk of arbitrary arrest and detention, especially if you have any ties to the US government or military. Even dual nationals are not exempt. Travel only if you fully understand this risk.
No visa on arrival—don't try
Iran does not offer visa on arrival for US passport holders. Arriving without a pre-arranged visa means immediate deportation. Plan ahead.
Iranian Interests Section handles US visas
Since the US and Iran don't have formal diplomatic relations, you'll deal with the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C. They're located at 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW. You can also pick up your visa at an Iranian embassy in a third country, but the D.C. office is the most common route for US citizens.
What happens at the border
1
Find an approved travel agency
Search for an Iranian travel agency that specializes in US citizen tours. They'll handle the visa process and provide your sponsor reference. Expect to pay around $50–$100 for their services.
2
Submit your visa application
Fill out the online form at evisa.mfa.ir, upload your passport scan, photo, and insurance. Your agency will submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
3
Get your visa approval code
Once approved, you'll receive a visa approval code (a long number). You'll need this to pick up your visa at the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C., or at an Iranian embassy in a third country (like Turkey or the UAE).
4
Pick up your visa
Bring your passport, approval code, photos, and fee to the Iranian Interests Section (2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007) or the chosen embassy. The visa fee for US citizens is around $150–$200. You'll get a stamped visa in your passport.
5
Arrive in Iran
At the airport (usually Imam Khomeini International in Tehran), go to the 'Visa' or 'Foreigners' queue. Show your passport with the visa, and expect fingerprinting and a photo. Have your sponsor's contact info ready in case they ask.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Iran business visa (single-entry)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$100–$200 (varies by processing and nationality)
Requires a letter of invitation from an Iranian company or organization, approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Iran transit visa (single-entry)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50–$100
For travelers passing through Iran to a third country; must have confirmed onward travel and valid visa for destination.
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 |
|---|---|
| Iran tourist visa (single-entry, issued on arrival or via e-visa)US citizens must have a pre-arranged visa; on-arrival visas are not available for US passport holders. | $75–$150 (varies by nationality and processing) |
| Iran visa extension (up to 30 days)Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration office; must apply before current visa expires. | Approx. $30–$50 (paid in IRR at local police or immigration office) |
| Iran exit fee (departure tax)Some land border exits may require cash payment in IRR. | Included in airline ticket for most international flights; otherwise approx. $15–$30 |
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 must obtain a transit visa in advance from an Iranian embassy or consulate. On-arrival transit visas are not available for US passport holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- US citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival at any Iranian airport, including for transit purposes.
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 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 = 1,279,924.33 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. US passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must have a pre-arranged visa from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.
Expect 2–4 weeks from application to visa in hand. It can take longer if there are background checks or delays. Start at least 2 months before your planned departure.
The visa fee for US citizens is typically $150–$200, plus any service fees from your travel agency (usually $50–$100). Total cost is around $200–$300.
Yes. US citizens are required to travel with an organized tour or have a local sponsor who is responsible for you. You can't just wander independently—your agency will arrange guides and accommodations.
No. The visa is not extendable for US citizens. You must leave by the date on your visa. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and future entry bans.
You'll be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There's no way to get a visa at the airport. Don't try it—it's a waste of money and time.
The US State Department has a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Iran due to the risk of arbitrary detention. That said, thousands of US citizens visit each year on organized tours without incident. Understand the risks and follow your guide's advice strictly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.