Iran entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. This is the standard way to enter for tourism, and it's straightforward if you have the right documents ready. As of 2026, the process is well-established and takes about 30-45 minutes at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Land at Imam Khomeini or Mehrabad airports in Tehran, or at Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, or Kish airports. Pay the visa fee in euros (€50–€100 depending on nationality) at the bank counter before immigration. You need a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance — some airlines check for both before boarding.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Spanish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Immigration at IKA airport checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding in Madrid. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Tehran airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Budget airlines like Pegasus and Turkish Airlines also check this at check-in. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay — immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter. A booking.com or similar confirmation with your name and dates printed out works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least €500 in cash (euros or US dollars) — credit cards issued outside Iran do not work inside the country. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash visible in your wallet speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. | 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 enough cash to cover the fee plus some extra for incidentals.
Women must wear a headscarf
All women, including foreign tourists, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public in Iran. Have one ready in your carry-on — you'll need to put it on before leaving the aircraft.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Visa-on-Arrival Counter
After landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad, follow signs to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. You'll find it before passport control.
2
Fill Out the Application Form
You'll be given a short form to fill out with your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Have your hotel address ready.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
The fee is typically around €75-€100 (paid in euros or US dollars, cash only). Exact amount depends on your nationality and season. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit Documents and Get Stamped
Hand over your passport, completed form, fee receipt, and return ticket. The officer will process your visa sticker and stamp you in. This usually takes 10-20 minutes.
5
Proceed to Passport Control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and you're in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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
Cost€75 (approx. $80 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $215 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies (up to 2 years)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€100 (approx. $107 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $215 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years), renewable
€100 (approx. $107 USD) per year
For students enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Iran. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (tourist)Payable at airport for most nationalities; valid for 30 days. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $320 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $32 USD) for 15-day extension |
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
Spain passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit exceeding 24 hours, a transit visa may be 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.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially during warmer months; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran.
Practical information for ES 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
The fee is typically between €75 and €100, paid in cash (euros or US dollars). Exact amount varies slightly by season and airport. Have the exact change if possible.
Yes, at all major international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for Spanish passport holders.
Typically 30-45 minutes from landing to exiting the airport. During peak hours or holidays it can take up to an hour. There's usually a queue at the visa counter.
You only need a confirmed booking for your first night. Immigration may ask for the hotel address, so have it written down or on your phone.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the standard 30 days, you must apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before booking your trip.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and not leaving the transit zone, you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you need a visa on arrival or a regular visa.
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.