Iran entry requirements for Belgium 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

Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran, valid for a stay of up to 30 days. You'll need to have your passport ready and pay the visa fee in cash at the airport. This is a straightforward process for most travellers, but there are a few things to prepare beforehand.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Iran eVisa or visa on arrivalYou must have a valid visa to enter Iran. You can apply online in advance or get one upon arrival at certain airports.
Visa type: eVisa or on arrival
Belgian citizens are eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. Apply for an eVisa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at designated Iranian airports. Note: eVisa eligibility is confirmed for Belgian passport holders.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire soon after your trip, as Iranian authorities require a minimum validity period.
At least 6 months
Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran.Required
Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for immigration officials to stamp your passport upon arrival.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp or visa sticker.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may require evidence that you plan to exit Iran before your visa expires.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iran within the 30-day allowed stay.Required
Proof of fundsAlthough not always checked, having proof of financial means can help avoid issues at entry.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iran.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Belgium citizens 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.
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards don't work in Iran. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your visa fee and initial expenses. You can exchange money at official bureaux de change.
Women travellers — dress code
Iran enforces a strict dress code for women, including headscarves and modest clothing. This applies from the moment you land, even at the airport. Pack accordingly.
Overstaying is serious
The e-visa is not extendable. Overstaying can result in heavy fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Iran. Keep track of your exit date.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at an international airport in Iran
Visa on arrival is available at major airports including Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Make sure you arrive at one of these airports — land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Belgian citizens.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival bank counter
Before immigration, look for a bank counter (often called 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank Melli'). Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros or USD). Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the immigration officer.
3
Fill out the visa application form
Complete a simple form with your personal details, passport info, and address in Iran. You may also be asked for your hotel booking details.
4
Submit your passport and documents
Hand your passport, the bank receipt, the form, and your photo (if requested) to the immigration officer. They will process your visa on the spot — this usually takes 15-30 minutes.
5
Receive your visa and enter Iran
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport. You can then proceed through immigration and collect your luggage. Your 30-day stay starts from the date of entry.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 2026
Download PDF

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$100

Requires invitation letter from Iranian company and MFA approval.

Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50

For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed tickets.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Iran eVisa (tourist)Single-entry, non-refundable; paid online via MFA Iran.$75
Iran visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at major airports for some nationalities; subject to approval.$75
Visa extension (per 30 days)Payable at local police offices in Iran; extendable up to 2 times.$30
Airport exit feeMost international flights include departure tax; no separate payment.Included in airfare

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
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

Belgian citizens transiting through Iran (even airside) generally require a transit visa unless they remain in the international zone for less than 24 hours and do not pass through immigration. However, Iranian authorities often require a visa for any entry into the country, including airside transit, so check with the nearest Iranian embassy.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for under 24 hours may not need a visa, but this is not guaranteed.
  • Crew members on international flights are exempt.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk

Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions during warmer months.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.

Air pollutionModerate risk

High levels in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.

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 Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, District 6, near Zand Street
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00

Smaller office; expect longer processing times.

Practical information for BE 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police110
Medical115
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Visa on arrival is only available at certain international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz (SYZ), Isfahan (IFN), Mashhad (MHD), and a few others. If you arrive by land (e.g., from Turkey or Armenia), you must have a visa issued in advance from an Iranian embassy or consulate.
The fee is typically around €75-€100, but it can vary. You must pay in cash (Euros or US dollars are accepted). The exact amount is set by the Iranian government and can change, so bring a bit extra just in case.
Usually 15-30 minutes, but it can take longer if there are many arrivals. The process involves paying at the bank counter, filling out a form, and waiting for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. Be patient — it's not a fast-track process.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy or consulate before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines and problems with future travel to Iran.
It's not always required, but immigration may ask for an address in Iran. If you don't have a hotel, you can provide the address of a friend or family member you're staying with. Having a printed confirmation makes the process smoother.
Belgian citizens are generally welcome, but you should be aware that Iran has strict laws regarding dress code (women must wear a headscarf) and alcohol (banned). Also, if you've visited Israel in the past, you may be denied entry — check with the Iranian embassy if you have concerns.
No. Iranian banks are not connected to international credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard). You must pay in cash. Bring Euros or US dollars and exchange them at the airport bank counter if needed.

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.