Iran entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports for tourism stays up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2024 and is a straightforward process if you have the right documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Iranian airports | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish Island. The visa costs €75–€100 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) and is valid for 30 days. You need a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket to apply at the visa-on-arrival counter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at IKA and other airports will ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or digital copy on your phone works — just have it ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for the entire stay or a letter of invitation from an Iranian host. The visa-on-arrival counter at the airport may ask for this — have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for visa fee and expenses | Carry at least €100–€200 in cash (USD or EUR) to pay the visa-on-arrival fee — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Iran is a cash-based economy, so bring enough euros or dollars for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards don't work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash for your entire trip. You can exchange money at official exchange offices or hotels, but avoid street changers.
Women must cover their hair
All women, including foreign tourists, must wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs from the moment they step off the plane. Have a scarf in your carry-on — you'll need it before immigration.
Israeli stamps = denied entry
If your passport contains any Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp, you will be refused entry to Iran. Get a new passport before traveling if you've been to Israel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Tabriz (TBZ). Land airports only — not at land borders.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After disembarking, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa'. Fill out a simple application form (name, passport number, hotel address).
3
Pay the fee at the bank counter
Take the form to the adjacent bank counter. Pay the visa fee in euros or US dollars. Get a receipt.
4
Submit documents and get your visa
Return to the visa counter with your passport, form, receipt, hotel booking, and return ticket. The officer will issue a 30-day visa sticker. Total time: 20–40 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration line. You'll be stamped in. Keep your hotel address and return ticket handy in case they ask.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€75 (approx. $80 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa system.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity1 month from issue
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
For those transiting through Iran to a third country.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Swiss. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Varies by nationality and processing method; can be obtained via embassy or online. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa before travel, unless they are staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit without additional transit visa.
- Airside transit of less than 24 hours may be allowed without visa if staying in the international zone.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in mountainous areas like Damavand; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southern provinces.
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 Department of Aliens Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, District 6, near Zand Blvd
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists visiting Persepolis.
Practical information for CH 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
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. Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're entering by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, you need to get a visa from an Iranian embassy or consulate before you travel.
The fee is typically between €75 and €100, payable in euros or US dollars. The exact amount depends on your nationality and current exchange rates. Pay at the bank counter inside the airport before you get the visa.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 more days. Go to a police immigration office (like the one on Parvin Street in Tehran) before your initial 30 days expire. The extension fee is around 300,000–500,000 Iranian rials (about $1–$2).
If you're staying airside and not leaving the transit zone, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a transit visa arranged in advance — visa on arrival is not available for transit purposes.
All women entering Iran, regardless of nationality, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. Have a scarf ready in your carry-on — you'll need to put it on before you pass through immigration.
No. The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Iranian banks don't process international credit or debit cards due to sanctions. Bring enough cash for the visa fee and your first few days.
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli visa or stamp in their passport. If you have one, you'll be denied entry. If you've been to Israel, get a new passport before traveling to Iran.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.