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Tehran Entry Requirements

Tehran Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Tehran's entry points include Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Mehrabad Airport for domestic flights, and several land border crossings. Immigration formalities typically take 30-45 minutes at IKA, with separate queues for Iranian passport holders and foreign nationals. All visitors must complete entry forms before reaching immigration counters. Before traveling to Tehran, ensure your passport has at least six months validity beyond your planned departure date. The visa-on-arrival process varies significantly by nationality, and some travelers will be denied boarding without proper pre-approval. Tehran's weather varies dramatically by season, with summer temperatures reaching 40°C and winter dropping below freezing, which may affect arrival procedures during peak periods.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa-Free Entry
15 to 90 days depending on nationality

Citizens of select countries can enter Tehran without a visa

Includes
Armenia (90 days) Azerbaijan (15 days) Bolivia (15 days) Egypt (20 days) Georgia (45 days) Lebanon (30 days) Malaysia (15 days) Syria (90 days) Turkey (90 days) Venezuela (15 days)

Visa-free entry is non-extendable and counts toward total days allowed in Iran per year

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
30 days single entry

Visa on arrival available at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport for eligible nationalities

Includes
Australia Brazil China Germany India Indonesia Japan Mexico New Zealand Russia South Korea United Kingdom United States
How to Apply: Apply online 48-72 hours before arrival through evisa.mfa.ir. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Cost: Moderate fee payable in euros at airport

Not available to journalists, NGO workers, or those with Israeli stamps. UK, US, and Canadian citizens require guided tour arrangements

Visa Required
30 days standard, 90 days available

Countries requiring embassy/consulate visa application before travel

How to Apply: Apply through Iranian embassy or consulate in your country. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation, passport photos, and completed application form.

Processing time 2-4 weeks. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, UK, and US citizens must apply through accredited tour operators

Arrival Process

Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport has two terminals. Most international flights arrive at Terminal 1. Immigration procedures are straightforward if you have proper documentation.

1
Health Screening
Pass through temperature scanners and may be asked about recent travel history
2
Immigration Control
Present passport, visa/visa authorization, and completed entry form. Have accommodation address ready
3
Baggage Claim
Collect luggage and proceed to customs declaration area
4
Customs Declaration
Choose green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (items to declare)

Documents to Have Ready

Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
Visa or Visa Authorization
Physical visa or printed e-visa approval
Accommodation Details
Hotel booking confirmation or host address required at immigration
Return/Onward Ticket
May be requested to show exit plans

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete arrival cards before reaching immigration counters to speed processing
Have hotel name and address written in Persian to show taxi drivers after exit
Keep 200,000-500,000 rials for airport taxi to city center (about 45-60 minutes)

Customs & Duty-Free

Iran has strict customs regulations, regarding alcohol and printed materials. Tehran's customs officers frequently inspect luggage, for first-time visitors.

Alcohol
Completely prohibited - zero allowance
Alcohol is illegal in Iran. Possession results in confiscation and possible fines
Tobacco
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g loose tobacco
Must be for personal use only
Currency
Declaration required for amounts over USD 10,000 equivalent
Must declare on entry and exit. Keep declaration receipt
Gifts/Goods
Personal effects up to reasonable amounts
Commercial quantities subject to duty and require permits

Prohibited Items

  • Alcohol and alcohol-containing products - illegal under Islamic law
  • Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including imprisonment
  • Pork products - prohibited under Islamic dietary laws
  • Any materials deemed anti-Islamic or against national security

Restricted Items

  • Satellite equipment - requires special permit from Ministry of Culture
  • More than 30 non-Islamic religious items - requires authorization
  • Professional camera equipment - may require temporary import permit
  • Medications containing codeine or similar substances - requires prescription translation

Health Requirements

Health requirements for Tehran entry are minimal compared to many countries. But certain vaccinations are recommended based on travel history.

Required Vaccinations

  • None required for entry from most countries

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Routine vaccinations up to date

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Many Tehran hospitals require upfront payment for foreign patients.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been lifted as of 2023. Check current entry requirements 48 hours before departure as policies can change rapidly.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
Find your country's embassy or consulate
Check your government's travel advisory website
Immigration Authority
Islamic Republic of Iran Police - Aliens Affairs Office
Visa extensions available at their Tehran office on Valiasr Street
Emergency
Emergency services: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire)
English-speaking operators limited - have Farsi speaker available if possible

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 need parental consent letter if traveling with one parent or alone. Birth certificate required for all minors

Traveling with Pets

Pet import permit required 2 weeks before arrival. Rabies vaccination certificate within 30 days of travel. Quarantine possible for certain countries

Extended Stays

Tourist visas extendable twice for 30 days each at Tehran's Aliens Affairs Office. Requires Iranian sponsor letter and accommodation proof

Know What to Pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.

View Tehran Packing List →

Ready to plan your trip to Tehran?

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