Iran entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter Iran in 2026. Apply online for an e-visa at least 4 weeks before travel. Once approved, you get a visa authorisation code to collect your visa on arrival or at an Iranian embassy.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for an Iranian tourist eVisa at e-visa.ir/en/ before departure. Processing takes 7–14 working days, and you need to upload a scanned passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. The visa is valid for 30 days from issue, and you must enter Iran within 90 days of approval.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your UK passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you enter Iran. Airlines check this at check-in, and Iranian immigration enforces it strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. If you plan to leave overland, carry a bus or train booking confirmation instead. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need to show a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a notarised invitation letter from an Iranian host (called a 'letter of invitation' issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Hostels and guesthouses in Tehran and Shiraz will email you a booking confirmation — print it out. | Recommended |
| Travel insurance Mandatory for visa approval | Iran requires all foreign visitors to have travel medical insurance covering the entire stay. Your eVisa application will ask for proof of insurance — buy a policy from a provider like World Nomads or AXA that explicitly covers Iran. Keep a copy of the certificate with your passport. | Required |
Israeli stamps or visas = automatic denial
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with evidence of travel to Israel. If you have an Israeli stamp or visa in your passport, you must get a new passport before applying for an Iranian visa.
Women must wear a headscarf in public
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. This is strictly enforced in public places, including airports and hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to e-visa.ir and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. You'll receive a visa authorisation code by email.
2
Collect your visa on arrival (or at an embassy)
If you're flying into Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Shiraz, or Mashhad, you can collect your visa on arrival using your authorisation code. Go to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration, pay the fee (around €50–€75, depending on nationality), and get your sticker. Alternatively, pick it up from an Iranian embassy before you travel.
3
Prepare your documents for immigration
Have your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. At the immigration desk, hand over your passport and answer any questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). The officer will stamp you in.
4
Enter Iran and register with the police (if staying long-term)
For stays over 30 days, you must register with the local police station within 8 days of arrival. Most hotels do this for you automatically, but if you're staying with friends or in a private home, you need to do it yourself.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; requires invitation or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer or university sponsorship; longer processing.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Iran. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~$100–$300 USD (university-sponsored)
For international students enrolled at an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD)
For individuals investing in Iranian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa fee varies by nationality and processing method; apply through Iranian embassy or eVisa. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (VoA)Available at major airports for eligible nationalities; requires pre-approved visa code or hotel booking. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply but varies. | €5–€10 per day (approx. $5.50–$11 USD) |
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
UK passport holders transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa before travel, even if staying airside. Apply at the Iranian embassy or via eVisa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Iranian visa may transit without additional transit visa.
- Crew members on international flights may be exempt.
Transit hubsTehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mashhad Shahid Hashemi Nejad 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of travellers' diarrhoea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of malaria in rural areas; no significant dengue or Zika risk.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High air pollution in major cities like Tehran can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis not routinely 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
Tehran Immigration Office (General Department 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; less crowded than Tehran.
Practical information for GB 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
Typically 2–4 weeks, but it can take longer during peak seasons or if your application needs extra checks. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll get a visa authorisation code by email once approved.
No, you must apply online at e-visa.ir and receive a visa authorisation code before you travel. The visa-on-arrival process at the airport uses that code — you can't just show up without it.
The visa fee is around €50–€75, payable at the airport when you collect your visa. It varies slightly by nationality and processing time. Pay in euros or US dollars — bring cash, as cards may not work.
No, independent travel is allowed for British passport holders. You don't need a guide or a tour company. Just have your visa and accommodation sorted.
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 applying for an Iranian visa.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa once for up to 30 days. Go to the police immigration office in any major city (e.g., Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan). The fee is around €10–€15, and it usually takes a day or two.
No, hotels handle registration automatically. Only if you're staying in a private home or with friends for more than 30 days do you need to register at the local police station within 8 days of arrival.
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.