Iran entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. It's valid for 30 days and costs about €75, payable in euros or US dollars cash. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your entry date and at least one blank page.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Visa on arrival | You can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (IKA, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan). The fee is about €75–€100, payable in euros or US dollars. You'll need a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket to show at the visa counter.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket when applying for the visa on arrival at the airport. Immigration officers check this before issuing the visa. A printed copy or a digital version on your phone works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Iran. If you're staying with friends or family, bring an invitation letter from them. Immigration may ask for this at the visa counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash in euros or US dollars to cover your stay — around €50–€100 per day. Credit cards from most countries don't work in Iran due to sanctions. A bank statement showing available funds helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Credit and debit cards are not accepted due to international sanctions. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for emergencies.
Women must wear a headscarf in public
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies from the moment you step out of the airport. Pack accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport and head to the visa-on-arrival counter
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. At other major airports like Shiraz or Mashhad, the process is similar. You'll fill out a simple form and pay the visa fee (around €75 in euros or US dollars).
2
Submit your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 10–20 minutes. Keep your return ticket and hotel booking handy in case they ask.
3
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. Then go to the immigration counter for entry stamping. You're in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa. Requires hotel booking and travel insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; embassy application only.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle transit within 14 days
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
For airside or land transit; must have onward ticket.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer and work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Employer handles most paperwork.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
3 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $545 USD) plus investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in approved sectors. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for eligible nationalities. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained via Iranian embassy or eVisa system before travel. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Requires embassy application; validity varies. | €120 (approx. $131 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $327 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Africa passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
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)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 urban areas; higher in rural regions near the Caspian Sea and southeastern borders.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience severe air pollution, especially in winter.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 Fallahi St., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Common for pilgrims; extension requests may take 2–3 days.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 1,245,683.14 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 visa on arrival fee is approximately €75 (or equivalent in US dollars). You must pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted due to sanctions.
Yes, you can extend your visa for up to 30 more days. Visit the police department's foreign affairs office in any major city (e.g., Tehran's office on Valiasr Street). The extension fee is around €15–30, and processing takes 1–3 days.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're entering by land (e.g., from Turkey or Armenia), you must apply for a visa in advance at an Iranian embassy or consulate.
No, you don't need a sponsor or invitation letter for the visa on arrival. Just your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
It's not always checked, but some travellers have been asked to show proof of insurance. It's safer to have it. If you don't, you may be required to buy a local policy at the airport (around €10–15).
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.