Iran entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most Iranian airports and land borders. This is the standard way to enter Iran for tourism in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with the right documents and you'll be issued a 30-day visa at the counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iranian airports | Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, as well as at Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish Island airports. The visa costs €75–€100 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) and is valid for 30 days. Have a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance ready — immigration officers often ask for both before issuing the visa.Check visa rules | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Iran enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. Two blank pages are also required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a confirmed onward or return flight ticket when applying for the visa on arrival. Immigration officers at IKA check this before issuing the visa — a printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Iran. If staying with friends or family, bring a notarized invitation letter from them. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter routinely ask for this. | Recommended |
| Travel insurance Medical and travel insurance covering Iran | Iran requires all visa-on-arrival applicants to have valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation. You can buy a policy at the airport upon arrival (around €15–€20), but having one in advance saves time. | Required |
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough euros, dollars, or pounds in cash to cover your entire trip. You can exchange at banks or exchange offices (sarrafi) in major cities.
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 trousers and a long-sleeved top are fine. You'll see local women in chadors, but tourists are not expected to wear one.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Landing Visa'. This is before passport control. You'll fill out a short form and hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
2
Pay the visa fee
The officer will tell you the fee (usually €75–€100). Pay in cash — euros, dollars, or pounds. They'll give you a receipt. Keep it.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 minutes depending on the queue. You'll be called when your passport is ready. The visa sticker will be placed inside.
4
Proceed to passport control
With your visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. You're now legally in Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3–6 months
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities; subject to change. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. | 500,000 IRR (approx. $12 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or eVisa system; varies by nationality. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for some nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Zambia passport holders transiting through Iran airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit exceeding 24 hours, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; present in rural regions near the Caspian Sea and southeastern borders.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food, practice good hygiene.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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 Office for Foreign Nationals)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khalij-e Fars Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists; expect queues.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 1,326,119.94 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, at all major international airports: Tehran (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, Kish, and Qeshm. Land borders also issue visas on arrival, but airports are more straightforward.
The fee is typically €75–€100 (or equivalent in USD or GBP). It varies slightly by nationality and can change. Always carry a bit extra in cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
It's usually issued for 30 days. You can extend it once at a police office in Iran for an additional 30 days (fee around €10–€15).
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport or have a layover longer than 6 hours, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, Iran offers an e-visa (www.evisa.mfa.ir) for some nationalities, but Zambians are not currently eligible. The visa on arrival is your only option.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration wants proof you're leaving. A bus or train ticket out of Iran to a neighbouring country also works.
Yes, Iran is generally safe for tourists. Petty crime is low. The main challenge is the cash economy — bring enough euros or dollars. Also, women must wear a headscarf in public (hijab) and cover arms and legs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.