🇮🇷 Iran Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Eligible Nationalities, Documents & eVisa

Last Updated: 1 September 2026

Iran offers several visa arrangements for foreign travellers, including Visa on Arrival (airport visa), eVisa/pre-approval, visa exemptions for certain nationalities, and special arrangements for specific destinations such as Iran’s free economic zones.

Because Iranian visa rules vary significantly by nationality, travellers should check their eligibility before booking travel. The official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides the country’s visa and consular information.

Important: Iran’s entry and visa procedures can change quickly. Travellers should verify their nationality-specific requirements with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Iranian embassy before travelling.

Quick Facts About Iran Visa on Arrival

Requirement	Details
Country	Iran 🇮🇷
Visa options	Visa on Arrival, eVisa/pre-approval, visa exemption and other visa categories
Visa on Arrival	Available to eligible nationalities
Pre-approval	May be required depending on nationality
Passport validity	Generally should have sufficient validity for the intended stay
Passport pages	Blank pages may be required
Travel insurance	Recommended/required depending on visa conditions
Accommodation	May be requested
Return/onward ticket	May be requested
Main tourist visa process	eVisa / visa authorization
Official authority	Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Does Iran Have Visa on Arrival?

Yes.

Iran provides Visa on Arrival facilities at certain international airports for eligible foreign travellers.

However, Visa on Arrival is not available to every nationality.

For some nationalities, travellers must obtain a visa or visa authorization before travelling to Iran.

Therefore, nationality should always be checked before relying on Visa on Arrival.

Iran Visa on Arrival vs eVisa

Iran’s system can involve an electronic visa application or visa authorization/pre-approval before the traveller reaches Iran.

Depending on nationality, the process may involve:

Completing an online application
Obtaining visa authorization
Travelling to Iran
Collecting the visa at an approved airport or Iranian diplomatic mission

This means that “Visa on Arrival” does not necessarily mean that you can simply arrive at the airport without completing any prior procedure.

Iran eVisa / Online Visa Application

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides an online visa application system for foreign nationals.

Travellers can use the system to begin the visa process and determine the applicable requirements.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides official visa and consular services through its diplomatic missions and online systems.

Iran Visa on Arrival Eligibility

Eligibility depends on the traveller’s passport nationality.

Iran has different arrangements for:

Visa-exempt nationalities
Visa-on-arrival eligible nationalities
Nationalities requiring prior visa authorization
Nationalities requiring an embassy/consular visa
Special passport holders
Travellers entering specific free economic zones

Because the list can change, the traveller should verify eligibility based on the passport they will actually use.

Iran Visa-Free Entry

Chinese passport holders benefit from a visa exemption for Iran under the applicable arrangement.

The Iranian Consulate in Hong Kong states that:

Mainland Chinese passport holders
Hong Kong passport holders
Macao passport holders

can travel to Iran without a tourist/business visa for 21 days per arrival.

Travellers intending to stay longer than 21 days need to use the appropriate visa process.

Iran Visa for UAE Residents

Being a UAE resident does not automatically mean that a traveller can obtain an Iranian Visa on Arrival.

Eligibility is primarily related to the traveller’s passport nationality and the Iranian visa rules applicable to that nationality.

A UAE resident should therefore check:

Passport nationality
UAE residence status
Whether prior visa authorization is required
Whether the nationality is eligible for airport Visa on Arrival
Whether an Iranian embassy/consulate application is required

Iran Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens should check the current Iranian visa procedure before travelling.

Indian passport holders should not assume that UAE residency or another GCC residence permit automatically provides Visa on Arrival eligibility.

The appropriate Iranian visa route should be confirmed through the official Iranian visa system or the relevant Iranian diplomatic mission.

Iran Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani passport holders should verify their current visa requirements before travelling.

Depending on nationality-specific rules, prior visa approval or a visa obtained through an Iranian diplomatic mission may be required.

Iran Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladeshi passport holders should check their eligibility through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa system or the relevant Iranian embassy before travelling.

Visa on Arrival should not be assumed solely on the basis of GCC residency.

Iran Visa for Filipino Citizens

Filipino citizens should verify the current Iranian tourist visa requirements before travelling.

The applicable procedure may depend on nationality and the current Iranian visa authorization requirements.

Iran Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens

Sri Lankan passport holders should check the official Iranian visa system before travelling.

Depending on the applicable nationality rules, travellers may need to obtain prior authorization before travelling to Iran.

Documents Required for Iran Visa on Arrival

Travellers who are eligible for Iran Visa on Arrival should generally be prepared with:

Valid passport
Passport copy
Passport-size photograph
Completed visa/application information
Visa authorization/pre-approval, if applicable
Return or onward ticket
Hotel/accommodation information
Travel itinerary
Travel insurance, where required
Visa fee/payment method
Other supporting documents requested by Iranian immigration authorities

The exact documents can vary according to nationality and visa category.

Iran Passport Requirements

Travellers should have a passport with sufficient validity for their intended stay.

Because passport-validity requirements can vary by visa category and nationality, travellers should confirm the exact requirement before travelling.

It is also recommended to have:

At least one or more blank visa/stamp pages
A clear passport
No damaged pages

Iran Visa on Arrival at Airports

Where available, airport Visa on Arrival is generally associated with international airports handling foreign travellers.

The traveller may need to provide:

Passport
Visa authorization, where required
Photograph
Accommodation details
Travel insurance
Return/onward ticket
Visa fee
Other requested documents

Travellers should confirm the specific airport and current availability before departure.

Iran Tourist Visa Application Process

Step 1 – Check Your Nationality

Determine whether your passport qualifies for:

Visa-free entry
Visa on Arrival
eVisa/pre-approval
Embassy visa

Step 2 – Check Whether Pre-Approval Is Required

Some nationalities may need Iranian visa authorization before travelling.

Step 3 – Complete the Online Application

Provide your personal and passport information through the official Iranian visa system where applicable.

Step 4 – Upload Required Documents

Upload the documents requested by the system.

Step 5 – Obtain Visa Authorization

If applicable, wait for the visa authorization/pre-approval.

Step 6 – Travel to Iran

Carry your passport and all supporting documents.

Step 7 – Obtain the Visa

If eligible for airport Visa on Arrival, complete the visa issuance procedure at the designated airport.

Iran Visa Fees

Visa fees depend on:

Nationality
Visa type
Entry type
Place of visa issuance
Applicable bilateral arrangements

Therefore, there is no single Visa on Arrival fee applicable to every nationality.

Travellers should confirm the current fee before travelling.

Iran Visa Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance may be required as part of the Iranian visa/entry process depending on the traveller’s circumstances.

Travellers should carry proof of valid travel insurance covering Iran where required.

Iran Hotel Booking Requirement

Travellers may be asked to provide:

Hotel reservation
Accommodation address
Host information
Travel itinerary

It is advisable to keep accommodation confirmation available during travel.

Can I Get Iran Visa on Arrival Without Pre-Approval?

This depends on your nationality and the applicable Iranian visa procedure.

For some travellers, an airport visa may be possible.

For others, prior authorization is required.

Therefore, travellers should not book a flight assuming that every nationality can simply obtain an Iranian visa at the airport.

Iran Visa for UAE Residents – Important

If you are applying from the UAE, your passport nationality remains the key factor.

For example, two people living in Dubai may have completely different Iranian visa requirements if they hold different passports.

Therefore, an Iran visa application form should ask:

Nationality
Passport type
Passport expiry date
Country of residence
Residence permit status
Intended travel date
Purpose of travel

rather than relying only on UAE residency.

Iran Free Economic Zones – Special Visa Rules

Iran also has special entry arrangements for certain free economic zones, including:

Kish
Qeshm
Chabahar

Iranian diplomatic information states that foreign nationals can travel to certain Iranian free economic zones under special 14-day visa arrangements.

These rules should not be confused with the standard tourist visa requirements for travelling throughout mainland Iran.

Iran Visa on Arrival vs Visa-Free Entry

Feature	Visa-Free	Visa on Arrival	eVisa / Prior Approval
Visa required	No	Yes	Yes
Application before travel	Usually no	May be required depending on nationality	Yes
Pre-approval	No	May apply	Often applicable
Airport procedure	Immigration only	Visa issuance	Visa/authorization procedure
Eligibility	Selected nationalities	Selected nationalities	Broader range depending on category
Fee	Usually no visa fee	Applicable	Applicable
Passport	Required	Required	Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Iran offer Visa on Arrival?

Yes. Iran offers airport Visa on Arrival to eligible foreign travellers, subject to nationality and current visa rules.

Can every nationality get Iran Visa on Arrival?

No. Visa on Arrival is not available to all nationalities.

Do UAE residents get Iran Visa on Arrival?

Not automatically. Eligibility depends primarily on passport nationality and the applicable Iranian visa rules.

Can Indians get Iran Visa on Arrival?

Indian citizens should check their current nationality-specific requirements before travelling. Prior authorization may be required.

Can Pakistani citizens get Iran Visa on Arrival?

Pakistani citizens should verify their current eligibility through the Iranian visa authorities before travelling.

Can Chinese citizens travel to Iran without a visa?

Yes. Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong and Macao passport holders can currently enter Iran visa-free for up to 21 days per arrival under the applicable arrangement.

How long can Chinese citizens stay in Iran without a visa?

Up to 21 days per arrival, subject to the applicable conditions.

Do I need an Iran visa before travelling?

It depends on your nationality. Some nationalities are visa-exempt, some can obtain a Visa on Arrival, and others need prior visa authorization or a consular visa.

Can I apply for an Iran visa online?

Iran provides an online visa application system through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The exact procedure depends on nationality and visa type.

Can I get an Iran visa at the airport?

Eligible travellers may be able to obtain a Visa on Arrival at designated airports, subject to current rules.

Do I need hotel booking for an Iran visa?

Accommodation details may be requested. Travellers should keep their hotel booking or accommodation information available.

Do I need travel insurance for Iran?

Insurance may be required depending on the applicable visa and entry conditions. Travellers should confirm before departure.

Official Iran Visa Information

For the most accurate and current information, travellers should use Iranian government sources.

Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Official Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Iran Electronic Visa / eVisa Information:
Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Information

Iran Consular Visa Information:
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iranian diplomatic missions provide nationality-specific visa requirements and consular information.

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Destination

ASIA

BEIJING

CHANGSHA

CHENGDU

China

Guangzhou

HONGKONG

NANNING

SHANGHAI

Shaoxing

SHENZHEN

TIANJIN

Wenzhou

🇮🇷 Iran Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Eligible Nationalities, Documents & eVisa