Iran entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs €75–€100. Have your documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Apply for an Iranian eVisa at e-visa.ir/en/ before travel. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval code and bring it to the visa-on-arrival counter at Imam Khomeini or Shiraz airports.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Iranian immigration strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. 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 issuance | You must show a confirmed onward or return flight ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Immigration officers check this before issuing the visa sticker. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from an Iranian host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or credit card for visa fee | The visa-on-arrival fee is €75–€100 (or equivalent in USD/EUR) — bring cash in euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). There are no ATMs or card payment facilities at the visa counter. Bring the exact amount to avoid issues.
Women must cover up
All women, including foreign tourists, must wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs in public. Pack accordingly — you'll need it before you leave the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You can get the visa on arrival at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and a few other major airports. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for German passport holders.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing, follow signs to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. You'll fill out a short form and hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. They'll take your photo and fingerprints.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (payable in euros, US dollars, or sometimes Iranian rials). Have the exact amount in cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa sticker
Processing takes about 15–30 minutes. Once approved, they'll stick the visa in your passport and you can proceed to immigration.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions about your trip. After that, you're free to enter.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Can be obtained from Iranian embassy or online; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD)
Requires justification; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (approx. €200–€500 USD equivalent)
Requires employer or university sponsorship; allows longer stay.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€300 USD equivalent (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 USD equivalent (university fees separate)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 USD equivalent (plus proof of pension)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay but not employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Germany. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Varies by nationality and processing method; can be obtained through Iranian embassies or online. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; requires justification for multiple entries. | €100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | €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
No transit visa needed
Germany passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in most urban areas but present in rural regions, especially 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 in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in southern provinces (e.g., Sistan-Baluchestan).
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 Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani Blvd., Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran; less crowded than Tehran.
Practical information for DE 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 = 1,219,377.01 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. The visa on arrival is only available at major airports. If you're entering by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, you need to apply for a visa in advance at an Iranian embassy.
The fee is approximately €75–€100, depending on your nationality and the current exchange rate. You must pay in cash (euros or US dollars are preferred). Credit cards are not accepted.
It's valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at an Iranian immigration office (police e-foreign office) in any major city. The extension fee is around €15–€30.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. It's valid for 30 days and costs about the same. Processing takes 5–10 working days. Some travellers prefer this to avoid queues at the airport.
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp or visa in their passport. If you have one, you'll be denied entry. If you've visited Israel, get a new passport before travelling to Iran.
Yes. All women, including foreign tourists, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public. You don't need to wear it at the visa counter, but you'll need it before you leave the airport. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is also required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.