Iran entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. Valid for up to 30 days, it costs around €75–€100 depending on your nationality. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (IKA, MHD, SYZ, KIH, IFN, TBZ). Pay the fee in euros (€75–€100 depending on nationality) — bring cash. You need a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket to show at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Iran enforces this strictly at the visa-on-arrival counter. Airlines also check it before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a confirmed onward or return flight when applying for the visa on arrival. Immigration at IKA and other airports checks this before issuing the visa. A printed itinerary works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host. The visa-on-arrival counter asks for it. A printout or screenshot on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for visa fee and stay | Bring enough euros or US dollars to cover the visa fee (€75–€100) and your expenses. ATMs in Iran don't accept foreign cards due to sanctions. Carry cash — around €500–€1,000 for a week is safe. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No credit cards, no local currency. Bring enough cash — ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards.
Women must cover their hair
All women, including tourists, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Bring a scarf in your carry-on. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is also required.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). You cannot get it at land borders or smaller airports.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa'. Fill out a simple application form (usually provided at the counter).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted — bring cash. The fee is typically €75–€100. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment receipt, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process it and stamp your passport. This usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration queue. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer honestly and you're through.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor-dependent)
Requires employer or university sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Italy. | €75 (~$80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or online visa service. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for some nationalities; check with embassy. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$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
Italy passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and other major airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in Tehran and industrial cities; limit outdoor activity during peak pollution.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in southeastern 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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency permits.
Isfahan
Isfahan Immigration Office
Kashani St., Isfahan
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in central Iran.
Practical information for IT 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. Visa on arrival is only available at major airports. If you're entering by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, you must get a visa in advance from an Iranian embassy or consulate.
The fee is typically €75–€100 for Italian passport holders. You must pay in cash (euros or US dollars). Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount depends on your nationality and the current exchange rate.
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a regular visa before travel.
No. For Italian passport holders, no sponsor or invitation letter is required for a tourist visa on arrival. You just need a return ticket and accommodation proof.
Children need their own passport and visa. The same rules apply — passport valid for 6+ months. If a child is under 18 and traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent (though not always checked, it's safer).
Yes, but it may cause delays or extra questioning. Iran does not officially ban entry for people with Israeli stamps, but it's best to avoid mentioning Israel. If you have a separate Israeli entry/exit stamp, consider getting a new passport before traveling.
The visa-on-arrival counter operates 24/7 at major airports like IKA. However, during very late hours (midnight to 5 AM), there may be fewer staff and longer waits. Plan accordingly.
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.