Iran entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Zimbabwean passport holders can visit Iran without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa-free entry is for tourism only, confirmed for 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iran | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Iran. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement ready. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover your expenses for the 15-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't fly.
15 days is not extendable
The visa-free stay is fixed at 15 days. No extensions are possible. Plan your trip accordingly or apply for a regular visa if you need more time.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Also arrange travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM.
2
Arrive at an Iranian airport
You'll land at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visa on Arrival' — but since you're visa-free, go directly to the immigration counters.
3
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 15-day entry permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Iran. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for hotel check-ins.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~€80 (~$88 USD)
For frequent travellers; same application process.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and work permit from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer. Requires work permit from Ministry of Labour and sponsor. Allows family accompaniment.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying beyond 15 days; maximum cap may apply. | ~500,000 IRR (~$12 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days; apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa. | ~€50 (~$55 USD) plus processing fee |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and stay duration vary. | ~€80 (~$88 USD) plus processing fee |
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
No transit visa needed
Zimbabwe passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit with immigration, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit with immigration.
- Transit without visa is only for airside stays 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; some rural regions have seasonal risk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High pollution in Tehran and industrial cities; may affect respiratory health.
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 Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and application form.
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 ZW 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 = 1,236,451.73 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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 15 days. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to apply for a regular visa before travel.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry by Iranian immigration. Renew your passport first.
No, there is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Zimbabwean passport holders under the visa-free program. Just the immigration stamp at the airport.
Yes, the visa-free entry applies at all official border crossings — airports and land borders. However, most travellers arrive by air. At land borders, the same 15-day limit applies.
Overstaying is taken seriously in Iran. You'll likely be fined (around 30,000–50,000 Iranian rials per day, but rates vary) and could face detention or a ban. Leave on time.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you must use the visa-free entry (15 days) or get a transit visa.
Not strictly mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding. Without it, you risk being denied boarding or facing high medical costs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.