Iran entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 16, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 days
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 travel to Iran with either a visa on arrival or an e-visa, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You must have a valid visa to enter Iran; you can get it online or upon arrival at certain airports. Apply before travel or obtain on arrival | Zambian passport holders are eligible for an Iran e-Visa or visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. Apply online before departure or obtain at designated Iranian airports. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport; a blank page is needed. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready in case immigration asks for it. Proof of departure from Iran | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Iran within the 30-day visa period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry some cash or a card that works in Iran, as sanctions may affect international card usage. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Zambia passport holders entering Iran. | 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.
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Iran. The e-visa is your only option, and processing can take up to 2 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approved e-visa in hand.
Passport validity is strict
Iranian immigration will refuse entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity left. Check your passport's expiry date now — if it's within 6 months of your planned return, renew it before applying.
E-visa is not extendable
The e-visa is valid for the exact dates you specify in your application. You cannot extend it once in Iran. Plan your trip carefully and make sure your exit date is realistic.
What happens at the border
1
Choose your visa method
Decide whether to apply for an e-visa online (recommended) or get a visa on arrival. The e-visa can be applied for at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and you'll get a reference code to use at the airport. If you go for visa on arrival, you'll handle everything at the airport.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, hotel booking, and flight itinerary. Make photocopies of everything. If you're applying for an e-visa, you'll need to upload scanned copies of these documents.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs. You'll go to a bank counter to pay the fee, then to the visa office where they'll process your application. This can take 30-60 minutes, so be patient.
4
Get your visa stamped
After your visa is approved, you'll get a stamp in your passport and can proceed to immigration control. Keep the visa slip with you for the duration of your stay.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$20
For overland transit through Iran; must show onward travel tickets.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist)Single entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing takes 7-10 working days. | $35 |
| Iran eVisa (extension)For extending stay beyond 30 days; apply at local police or immigration office in Iran. | $15 |
| Airport exit feeMost international airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price. | Included in airfare |
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
Zambian passport holders require a transit visa to enter Iran, even for airside transit. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mehrabad International Airport (THR) · 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 = 1,279,924.33 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, visa on arrival is only available at certain international airports, including Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad. If you're flying into a smaller airport, you'll need to get an e-visa beforehand.
The e-visa application typically takes 5-7 working days to process. It's best to apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive a reference code that you use at the airport to get your visa.
No, the 30-day visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa before you travel.
You'll need to show some form of accommodation. If you're staying with friends or family, they can provide an invitation letter. Otherwise, book a refundable hotel for the first few nights and cancel later.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in euros or US dollars. There's a bank counter at the airport where you can exchange currency, but it's easier to bring the exact amount in cash.
It's not a strict requirement for visa on arrival, but it's highly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and travel insurance will cover you in case of emergencies.
Women travelling alone are allowed, but they must adhere to the dress code (headscarf and modest clothing). It's also recommended to have a hotel booking confirmed, as some hotels may not accept solo female travellers without one.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.