Iran entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at most major airports in Iran. This is the simplest way to enter for tourism — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready at the counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Apply for an Iranian eVisa at e-visa.ir/en/ before travel. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you'll receive a reference number to present on arrival. Visa on arrival is available at major airports (IKA, MHD, SYZ) but requires a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport At least 6 months validity | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport will deny boarding if it's shorter. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at IKA and other airports will ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight. Budget airlines like Flydubai and Pegasus enforce this strictly before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation for your entire stay. Immigration may ask for the address and phone number of your first hotel, especially if you're arriving on a visa on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for expenses | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — ATMs are scarce and international cards rarely work in Iran. Budget around $50–100 per day for accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros, US dollars, or British pounds. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee (around €75–€100) plus some extra for incidentals.
Israeli stamps = denied entry
If your passport contains any Israeli stamp, visa, or border crossing mark, you will be refused entry to Iran. Get a new passport before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). Smaller airports may not offer it — check your arrival airport.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. Join the queue. You'll fill out a simple form with your personal details and travel info.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (or equivalent in euros, US dollars, or British pounds). Credit cards are rarely accepted — bring cash in one of those currencies. Keep the receipt.
4
Show your documents
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment receipt, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Stay calm and answer honestly.
5
Get your visa sticker and enter
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. You'll then proceed to passport control for the final stamp. Welcome to Iran.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Iranian embassy in advance. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For multiple visits within validity. Must be arranged before travel.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer and sponsorship from an Iranian employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (university fees apply)
Must be enrolled at an accredited Iranian institution.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Iranian employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years), renewable
Varies (university fees apply)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Iran Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings, health insurance, and a local sponsor. Limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable in cash (EUR or USD) at designated airports. Valid for 30 days. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Stay extension feePer extension of up to 15 days, paid at immigration office. | ~$15 USD (approx. 600,000 IRR) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay, with no official cap; can accumulate significantly. | ~$5 USD (approx. 200,000 IRR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Obtained in advance from Iranian embassy. Valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check with embassy. | €100 (approx. $110 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
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours at Iranian airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay longer than 24 hours, a transit visa is required.
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.
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 good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran have high pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended except for rural regions in the southeast.
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 matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists extending stay. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. Only at major international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). If you're flying into a smaller airport, you'll need to apply for an e-visa in advance.
Expect to pay around €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars or British pounds). The exact amount depends on your nationality and the current exchange rate. Bring cash — credit cards are rarely accepted at the counter.
Usually 20–40 minutes, but it can take longer during peak hours or if there's a queue. Budget at least an hour from landing to exiting the airport.
Yes, but not at the airport. Once in Iran, you can apply for a 30-day extension at a local police office (Police-e Amniat). The process takes a few days and costs around 300,000–500,000 Iranian rials (very cheap).
If you're staying in the international transit area and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or an e-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 travelling to Iran.
No. The visa counter only accepts cash — euros, US dollars, or British pounds. Bring enough to cover the fee. ATMs are available after immigration but may not work with foreign cards.
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.