Iran entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports and land borders in Iran. It's valid for 30 days and costs €75–€100, depending on your nationality. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Iran visa on arrival | Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (IKA, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, Kish, Qeshm). You need a confirmed hotel booking, a return ticket, and pay the visa fee in euros or USD — around €50–€100 depending on nationality. The process takes 30–60 minutes at the airport counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration at Iranian airports routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | You need a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay in Iran. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival desk may ask to see it — have a printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least €500 or equivalent in cash (USD or euros) to show you can support yourself during your stay. Credit cards from most countries do not work in Iran due to sanctions, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no ATMs at the counter. Bring enough to cover the fee (around €100) plus some extra for incidentals.
Israeli stamps = denied entry
If your passport shows any evidence of travel to Israel, you will be refused entry. This includes stamps from Jordan or Egypt that suggest overland border crossings. Get a new passport before travelling to Iran.
Women must wear hijab
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Pack accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At other airports like Shiraz or Mashhad, the process is similar. You'll fill out a short form and pay the fee in euros or US dollars (cash only).
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee (around €75–€100). Keep the receipt — you'll need it later.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 minutes. You'll be called when your passport is ready. Then proceed to immigration control for the entry stamp.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Requires embassy application and justification for multiple entries.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
For land or air transit; requires onward ticket and visa for next destination.
student visa
Student Visa (Iran)
1 year, renewable annually
€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Work Visa (Iran)
1 year, renewable
€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from an Iranian employer and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investment Visa (Iran)
3 years, renewable
€500–€1,000 (approx. $550–$1,100 USD) depending on investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in Iran. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Finland. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Varies by nationality and processing method; can be obtained through embassy or online. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Limited availability; requires strong justification and embassy approval. | €100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €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
Finland passport holders transiting through Iran generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid visa for a third country and your layover is under 24 hours, you may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival at some airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen area may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) for up to 5 days.
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)Low risk
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities like Tehran experience severe air pollution, especially in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is limited to rural areas in the south and southeast (e.g., Sistan-Baluchestan province). Prophylaxis not generally 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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Fallahi St., South Kheradmand Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Kashf-e Rud Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for FI 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
Yes, at all major international airports: Tehran (IKA), Shiraz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders also offer it, but airports are the most straightforward.
The fee is around €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars). You must pay in cash — no cards accepted. The exact amount depends on your nationality and is set by Iranian authorities.
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 before travel.
You'll need at least a first-night booking. Immigration may ask for the address. If you're staying with friends, have their address and phone number ready. Some travellers use Booking.com with free cancellation to satisfy this requirement.
Yes, bring one passport-sized photo. If you forget, there's usually a photo booth at the airport, but it's easier to have one ready.
Not officially, but some airlines require it before boarding. Even if not, it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Iran can be high for foreigners.
No. If your passport shows any evidence of travel to Israel (stamps, visas, or even entry/exit stamps from neighbouring countries that suggest it), you will be denied entry. Get a new passport if needed.
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.