Iran entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran for tourism. Valid for up to 30 days at major airports. 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 at Iranian airports | Latvian passport holders can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish Island airports. Have a confirmed return ticket and a hotel booking — immigration officers at IKA ask for both before issuing the visa. The fee is €75 (or equivalent in euros, cash only — no card accepted at the visa counter).Check visa rules | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed outbound flight required | Immigration at Iranian airports will not issue the visa on arrival without a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Pegasus and Turkish Airlines also check this at departure. A printed itinerary is fine — no need for a paid ticket if you have a refundable booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for at least the first few nights. If staying with a friend, have their contact details and address written down — immigration may call them. Hostel bookings work as long as they show a valid address in Iran. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for the visa fee and stay | Have at least €100 in cash (euros or US dollars) per day of your stay — the visa counter only takes euros, and ATMs in Iran do not accept foreign cards. Credit cards from outside Iran do not work in the country, so bring enough cash for your entire trip. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No cards accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Women must cover hair
All women, including tourists, must wear a headscarf (hijab) in public. Bring one with you in your carry-on — you'll need it before leaving the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other major airports like Shiraz, Isfahan, or Mashhad. Proceed to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the application form
At the counter, you'll get a short form asking for basic info: name, passport details, hotel address, and purpose of visit (tourism). Fill it out in English or Persian.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (varies by nationality and season). Pay in euros or US dollars cash. Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Get your visa sticker
After payment, an officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. This usually takes 10–20 minutes. Then proceed to immigration.
5
Show documents at immigration
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and hotel booking. They may ask a few questions (e.g., how long you're staying). Answer honestly.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags and exit the arrivals hall. Total time from landing to exit: 30–60 minutes.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. €200–€500 USD equivalent)
Requires sponsor in Iran; for employment or study.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200–€500 USD equivalent
Requires a job offer and sponsor in Iran. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries. Must be arranged before travel.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€100–€300 USD equivalent
For enrollment in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~€1,000–€5,000 USD equivalent
For significant investment in Iran (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment varies. Provides residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at the airport upon arrival for most nationalities, including Latvia. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or online eVisa system; varies by nationality. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for some nationalities; requires embassy application. | €100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | €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
Latvia passport holders can transit through Iranian airports without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 1, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khalij-e Fars Blvd, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for LV 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
No, it's only available at major international airports: Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kish Island. Land borders do not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities.
The fee is typically €75–€100, payable in euros or US dollars cash. Exact amount depends on your nationality and season. Have small bills ready.
It's valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once for another 30 days at a police station in Iran (costs about €15).
If you're staying airside and not leaving the airport, no visa is needed. But if you plan to exit the airport, you need a visa — either visa on arrival or a pre-arranged transit visa.
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. Get a new passport before traveling.
No, only cash in euros or US dollars. Credit/debit cards are not accepted due to sanctions. Bring enough cash for the fee and a bit extra.
For a visa on arrival, no sponsor is needed. But you must have a confirmed hotel booking for your first night. If you're staying with friends, get a letter from them with their address and phone number.
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.