Iran entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran. It's valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once. Check the requirements below before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or other designated airports. Pay the fee in euros or US dollars — have exact change ready. The visa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.Apply online | 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 date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at IKA will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa on arrival process, especially if you are a solo traveler. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards from outside Iran do not work inside the country. A rough guide is $50–100 per day, but immigration rarely asks to see it. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not guaranteed
While most Sri Lankan passport holders get the visa on arrival, immigration officers have the final say. Always have a backup plan — like a return ticket and enough cash for a hotel if you're denied.
Women travellers
Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public at all times. Loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is also required. Pack accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Go to the visa on arrival counter at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or at other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic details: passport info, flight number, accommodation address. Fill it in clearly.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in euros or US dollars. As of 2025, the fee is around €75–€100 for most nationalities. Have the exact amount ready — change may not be available.
4
Get your visa sticker and enter
Once approved, immigration will stick the visa in your passport. You can then proceed to baggage claim and customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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
Cost€50–€100 (~$55–$110 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€200 (~$110–$220 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and work permit from Iranian authorities.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (university sponsorship)
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 work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
Varies (university sponsorship)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For investors who establish a business or invest in Iran. Minimum investment thresholds apply. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Sri Lanka. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you exceed the VoA stay period; no official cap but may be negotiable. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry) via embassyAlternative to VoA, applied in advance at Iranian embassy. | €50 (approx. $54 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for frequent travellers; validity up to 3 months. | €100 (approx. $108 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
Sri Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to leave the airport or if changing airports in Iran. Airside transit without a visa may be allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the same terminal.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may be eligible for visa-free transit 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis 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 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-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 Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Valiasr Square
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in southern Iran.
Practical information for LK 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
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days by visiting an immigration office in Iran.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 days. Go to the immigration office in Tehran or another major city. The extension fee is around €15–€30, and processing takes a few days.
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration will likely deny entry if you don't have one. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa for certain nationalities.
Denials are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged, you have insufficient funds, or you can't show a return ticket. If denied, you'll be sent back on the next flight. Make sure you meet all requirements before you travel.
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at some land borders, like the one from Turkey (Bazargan) or from Armenia (Nordooz). But it's less common — check with the Iranian embassy or consulate before you go.
No, you don't need to register separately. Your visa on arrival covers that. But if you stay longer than 30 days, you must register with the immigration office when you extend your visa.
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.