Iran entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Iran in 2026. Apply online for an e-visa at least a month before travel; approval isn't guaranteed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Iran. Apply through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal at mfa.ir/en/visa. Processing takes 5–10 business days, and you'll need a sponsor or tour agency reference.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you risk being refused entry and put on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your Iranian host ready. Immigration may ask for your address in Iran — having a printed confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards from outside Iran don't work due to sanctions. Around $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark for basic expenses. | Recommended |
Women must cover their hair in public
From the moment you step off the plane, you must wear a headscarf (hijab) and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Loose, long clothing is best. This is strictly enforced — you can be fined or detained for non-compliance.
Cash is king in Iran
International credit and debit cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your entire trip. You can exchange at official bureaux de change in major cities. ATMs only work with Iranian bank cards.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://e-visa.ir/en/, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €30–€50 depending on nationality). Processing takes 7–14 days, sometimes longer.
2
Receive your visa approval code
Once approved, you'll get a reference number by email. Print it or save it on your phone. Without this code, you cannot board your flight to Iran.
3
Arrive at an Iranian airport or land border
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or at land borders like Bazargan (Turkey), you go to the visa-on-arrival counter. Show your passport, approval code, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa stamp fee (cash only — euros or dollars accepted). Get your passport stamped and enter.
4
Register with the police within 8 days
If you're staying more than 8 days, you must register at a local police station (or your hotel will do it for you). This is a legal requirement — skip it and you could face fines or deportation.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires invitation code from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; same invitation code required.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $217 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD) plus university fees
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $217 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) plus tuition
For international students enrolled at an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $163 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance. Allows long-term stay but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by nationality; payable at Iranian embassy or on arrival. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (VoA)Available at major airports; requires prior approval code. | €75–€100 (approx. $82–$109 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration office before departure. | 30,000 IRR (approx. $0.70 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Colombian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at an Iranian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport (MHD) · 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
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in some rural regions; use repellent.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended 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
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani St, Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran.
Practical information for CO 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. Since 2023, Iran requires all travellers to obtain an e-visa approval code before travel. You apply online, get the code, then present it at the airport to receive the visa sticker. Without the code, you won't be allowed to board your flight.
The e-visa application fee is around €30–€50. The visa stamp fee at the airport is about €75–€100 (payable in euros or US dollars cash). Total cost is roughly €105–€150.
Typically 7–14 days, but it can take up to 30 days during busy periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip.
For a standard tourist visa, no. You just need a hotel booking or a confirmed address for your first night. If you're visiting family or for business, you may need an invitation letter from your host.
Yes, tourist visas can be extended once for up to 15 days. Go to the Foreign Aliens Police office in any major city (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz) at least a week before your visa expires. The fee is around €10–€15.
Overstays are fined per day — roughly €5–€10 per day. If you overstay more than a few days, you may be banned from re-entering Iran for a period. Always extend or leave on time.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, the US State Department and many European governments advise against travel to areas near the borders with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Stick to major cities and tourist routes. Women must wear a headscarf in public at all times.
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.