Iran entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or short visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at major airports like Tehran Imam Khomeini.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Visa on arrival | Iran offers visa on arrival at major airports for Madagascar passport holders. You can apply at the airport upon arrival, but pre-approval via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (mfa.ir/en/visa) is recommended to avoid delays. Have a printed hotel booking and passport photo ready.Check visa on arrival | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Iran | Immigration at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready — they check this before issuing the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You need a confirmed hotel booking for the entire stay or a letter of invitation from your host in Iran. Immigration may ask for this during the visa on arrival process — have a printed copy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or credit card for your stay | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — Iran's banking system is largely disconnected from international cards. Around $500–$1,000 for a week is reasonable, but have at least $100 per day available. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you need to stay longer than the visa allows, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel. No extensions are possible.
Cash only for visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or US dollars) at the airport. Have exact change if possible — not all counters have change.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or other major airports. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa counter, you'll get a short form. Fill in your details — name, passport number, hotel address, return flight info. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (usually euros or US dollars). The cost varies by nationality — expect around €50–€100. Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your visa sticker
An officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before you leave the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and hotel booking. Answer any questions about your trip. Then you're in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 (approx. $55–$110 USD)
Requires embassy application or eVisa; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100–€150 (approx. $110–$165 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply at Iranian embassy.
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 work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies (university-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Can lead to residency.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Iranian businesses or real estate. Minimum investment threshold applies. Provides residency and potential citizenship path.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for most nationalities; exact amount may vary. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day beyond authorized stay; maximum cap may apply. | IRR 500,000 (approx. $12 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry option for frequent travellers; validity up to 3 months. | €150 (approx. $160 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
Madagascar passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Iran, even if staying airside. Apply at an Iranian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours under certain conditions.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities like Tehran have severe air pollution, especially in winter; limit outdoor exertion.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic feverLow risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with livestock and ticks.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 Fallahi St., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Kashf-e Rud Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for MG 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 fee varies by nationality but is typically around €50–€100. Pay in cash (euros or US dollars) at the airport. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, you need a confirmed booking for your first night in Iran. A booking confirmation email with the hotel address is sufficient.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling to Iran.
It's available at major international airports like Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan. Smaller airports may not offer it — check before you book.
Yes, you must have a booked return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it.
It's not always required, but strongly recommended. Hospital stays can cost hundreds per day, and insurance covers that.
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.