Tehran Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), particularly if traveling with only one parent or with non-parents. Birth certificates may be requested. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. Iranian dress code applies to girls from age 9 (headscarf required). For divorced parents or custody situations, additional documentation may be required. Iranian children with foreign nationality may face restrictions leaving Iran without both parents' consent.

Pets can be imported to Iran but require extensive documentation. Must have: valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), import permit from Iranian Veterinary Organization (obtain in advance), and microchip identification. Only limited number of pets permitted (typically 2 per person). Certain breeds may be restricted. Airlines have specific pet policies. Upon arrival, pets may be inspected and quarantined if documentation is insufficient. Contact Iranian embassy for current requirements well in advance. Note that attitudes toward pets differ in Iran and accommodations accepting pets are limited.

Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible and must be applied for at the immigration office in Tehran BEFORE your current visa expires. Bring passport, passport photos, hotel registration, proof of financial means, and reason for extension. Extensions typically granted for 30 days at a time, up to 3 months total tourist stay. Processing takes 3-7 days. For longer stays, consider applying for different visa types: student visa (requires university enrollment), business visa (requires Iranian company sponsorship), work visa (requires work permit and employer sponsorship), or journalist visa (requires special authorization). Overstaying your visa results in fines, detention, and future entry bans. If planning extended stay, consult Iranian embassy about appropriate visa type before initial travel.

If you hold Iranian citizenship (even if born abroad or naturalized elsewhere), Iranian law requires you to enter and exit Iran using an Iranian passport. Dual nationality is not officially recognized by Iran. Iranian dual nationals may face: inability to access consular assistance from their other country, mandatory military service requirements for men, restrictions on leaving Iran without clearance, extended questioning at immigration, and potential security scrutiny. Women married to Iranian men may face restrictions on leaving with children. Dual nationals should carefully research their specific situation and consult with their foreign embassy (outside Iran) before travel. Men of military age (18-40) should verify military service status before entering.

Journalists, photographers, filmmakers, and media professionals require special journalist visas and cannot enter on tourist visas. Must apply through Iranian embassy with: letter from media organization, detailed assignment description, equipment list, and itinerary. Process takes several weeks to months. Journalist activities on tourist visas are illegal and can result in arrest and espionage charges. All media work requires government authorization and minder accompaniment. Even social media influencers and bloggers should consider journalist visa if documenting their trip professionally. Penalties for unauthorized journalism are severe.

Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada face additional restrictions and cannot obtain visa on arrival or e-visa. Must apply through embassy well in advance (6-8 weeks minimum). Typically required to: travel with approved tour operator, have pre-arranged guided tours for entire stay, provide detailed day-by-day itinerary, and may require government-appointed guide. Tours must be booked through licensed Iranian tour operators. Independent travel is generally not permitted. Background checks are extensive and some applications are denied. These citizens face heightened scrutiny at immigration and during their stay. Photography restrictions are stricter. Register with your protecting power embassy (Swiss for US, Italian for Canada) upon arrival.

Israeli passport holders are NOT permitted to enter Iran under any circumstances. Additionally, travelers with Israeli stamps in their passport or any evidence of travel to Israel (border stamps from Jordan/Egypt land borders with Israel, Israeli currency, Hebrew writing, etc.) will be denied entry. If you have traveled to Israel, obtain a new passport before applying for Iranian visa. Border officials thoroughly check for evidence of Israel connections. This policy is strictly enforced without exception. Travelers with Jewish surnames or birth in Israel (but holding other passports) may face additional questioning but are not automatically denied if they have no Israeli citizenship or travel history.

Women can travel alone to Iran, though it's less common culturally. Must comply strictly with dress code: headscarf (hijab) covering hair at all times in public, long loose clothing covering arms to wrists and legs to ankles, avoiding tight or revealing clothing. Women may face more questions at immigration about travel purpose and accommodations. Solo female travelers should: book reputable accommodations, avoid traveling at night alone, be prepared for attention and curiosity (usually friendly), understand cultural norms about gender interaction, and consider joining group tours for certain activities. Women's-only areas available on public transportation. Generally safe, but cultural awareness is essential. Some activities and locations may be restricted or segregated by gender.