Iran entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Iran. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or business, and it's been available since 2024. You'll handle the process at the airport when you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Your Nigerian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the day you land in 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 Iranian airports ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, they may deny your visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Iran. Some travellers use booking.com or an invitation letter from an Iranian host. Immigration may call the hotel to verify. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted at the visa desk. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (€75–€100) plus some extra for emergencies.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you think you might need to stay longer than the visa allows, apply for a regular visa at an Iranian embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival cannot be extended.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any international airport in Iran — Imam Khomeini (Tehran), Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, or Tabriz. The visa on arrival desk is in the arrivals hall, before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the desk, you'll get a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and purpose of visit. Keep it simple — tourism or business.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in euros or US dollars. As of 2025, it's around €75–€100 for most nationalities. Have cash — cards may not work. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will process your application and stick the visa into your passport. This usually takes 10–20 minutes. You'll then proceed to immigration.
5
Show documents at immigration
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your hotel booking. Answer any questions briefly. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travelers; same application process.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee
Requires acceptance from an Iranian university.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires labor ministry approval and work permit.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (1–4 years)
€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Iran Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For investors establishing a business or investing in Iran. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at airport upon arrival for eligible nationalities; subject to change. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained through Iranian embassy or online; includes processing fee. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For frequent travellers; validity up to 3 months. | €120 (approx. $131 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $327 USD). | €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
Transit visa required
Nigeria 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 be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 48 hours (subject to approval).
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 (Nigeria is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Risk present in some regions; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Especially in Tehran; limit outdoor activity during high pollution days.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in southern regions.
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
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for NG 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 is typically €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash at the airport desk. Cards are rarely accepted, so bring euros or dollars.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
About 10–20 minutes at the visa desk, plus the usual immigration queue. Total time from landing to exiting the airport is usually 30–60 minutes.
If you're staying in the international transit area and your layover is under 24 hours, you generally don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
You'll be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
No. The visa desk only accepts cash — euros or US dollars. Bring enough to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
No. The visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders does not require a sponsor or invitation letter. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee.
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.