Iran entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. It's valid for 30 days and extendable once. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival application | You get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at major Iranian airports (Tehran IKA, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, Kish, Qeshm). Pay the visa fee in euros or US dollars — exact amount depends on your nationality (typically €75–€100 for Portuguese passport holders). You also need valid travel insurance covering the entire stay in Iran.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Iran. Airlines at Lisbon and Porto check this before boarding — they won't let you fly if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at IKA airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel booking for at least the first few nights, or a letter of invitation from an Iranian host. Officers at the visa on arrival counter sometimes ask to see it — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Recommended |
| Travel insurance Valid travel insurance | Iran requires all visa on arrival applicants to hold travel insurance valid for the entire stay. You can buy a policy at the airport if you don't have one, but it's cheaper to arrange it before you fly. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). There are no ATMs or card payment options at the counter. Bring the exact amount to avoid issues.
Women must wear a headscarf
All women, including foreign tourists, must cover their hair with a headscarf in public. This applies from the moment you step off the plane. Have one ready in your carry-on.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). Land at one of these airports.
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 short form (name, passport number, hotel address, purpose of visit).
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €75–€100 (payable in euros or US dollars, cash only). Have the exact amount ready. Keep your receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the dates before leaving the counter. The visa is valid from the date of issue.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and hotel booking. Answer any questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). You'll be stamped in.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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 or via eVisa; requires sponsor or hotel confirmation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Available for frequent travellers; conditions apply.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires employer or university sponsorship; longer processing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feePayable at major airports; valid for 30 days. | €75 (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained via Iranian embassy or eVisa system; valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check with embassy. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 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
No transit visa needed
Portugal 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 a valid Iranian visa may exit the airport.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; present in rural regions during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk 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 re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd., Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for pilgrims and tourists; expect queues.
Practical information for PT 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. It's only available at certain international airports: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). If you arrive by land or sea, you need a visa in advance.
The fee is approximately €75–€100, payable in euros or US dollars cash only. Have the exact amount ready. The fee can change, so check the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 more days. Go to the Aliens Police office in any major city (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, etc.). The extension fee is around €10–€20. Do this before your initial visa expires.
You need to show a confirmed address for your first night. If you're staying with friends or family, have their address and phone number ready. Immigration may call to verify.
If you're transiting through an Iranian airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Yes. You can apply for a tourist visa at an Iranian embassy or consulate before you travel. This is useful if you're arriving by land or want certainty. The process takes 1–2 weeks and costs around €50–€80.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed application form (provided at the counter), a passport photo, your return ticket, and your hotel booking. Have cash ready for the fee.
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.