Iran entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders in Iran. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about €50–€75. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you'll need a few documents ready before landing.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Tehran Imam Khomeini, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz). The visa costs €75–€100 (payable in euros or USD) and is valid for 30 days. You must have a confirmed hotel booking and a return ticket before you land — immigration checks both.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Iran. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Iranian airports will ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host for the visa on arrival. Immigration may call the hotel to verify the booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Carry at least €500 in cash (euros or USD) or have a credit card that works internationally. Iranian immigration rarely asks, but you may need cash for the visa fee and local expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no Iranian rials. Bring crisp, undamaged notes. Old or torn bills may be rejected.
Women must cover up
All women in Iran, including foreign tourists, must wear a headscarf in public and cover arms and legs. Loose-fitting clothing is required. Pack accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. At other airports like Mashhad or Shiraz, the process is similar.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Fill it out in English or Persian.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars). The officer will issue a receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–30 minutes. You'll be called when your passport is ready. Check the visa sticker for your allowed stay period.
5
Proceed to immigration
With your visa sticker in hand, go to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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)
Apply at Iranian embassy or via eVisa; requires sponsor.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD)
Limited availability; must justify need for multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (university-sponsored)
Requires acceptance from an Iranian educational institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires approval from the Ministry of Labour and a sponsor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (university-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iran's economy (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment thresholds apply; consult the Iranian embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePaid at the airport for most nationalities; subject to change. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or online; varies by nationality. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for some nationalities; check with embassy. | €100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; 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
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, UK, or Canadian visas may have additional restrictions; check with airline.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use insect repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; 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 permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Reza St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for travellers in northeastern Iran.
Practical information for KR 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €50–€75 for a 30-day visa. You must pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Bring crisp, undamaged notes; old or torn bills may be rejected.
Yes, you can extend your visa for up to 15 additional days. Visit the police department's foreign affairs office in any major city (e.g., Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz). The extension fee is around €10–€15, and processing takes 1–2 days.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, no visa is needed. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a few hours), you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged transit visa.
Visa on arrival is available at most major land borders, including the Turkey-Iran border (Bazargan) and the Armenia-Iran border (Nordooz). The process is similar but may take longer. Have all documents ready.
No. Only cash is accepted at the visa counter. Bring euros or US dollars. Iranian banks are not connected to international banking systems, so your foreign cards won't work anywhere in Iran.
No, women can travel alone and get a visa on arrival without any special requirements. However, all women (including foreigners) must wear a headscarf in public. Loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs is also required.
Overstays are fined at the airport before departure. The fine is approximately €10–€20 per day, payable in cash. It's better to extend your visa at a police office if you know you'll need extra time.
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.