Iran entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Russian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Iran. The application is done online before you travel, and the visa is linked to your passport electronically. Plan ahead — processing takes about 7 days, and you'll need to show the approved e-visa at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (Tourist Visa)You cannot enter Iran without an approved eVisa – start the application early. Apply online before travel | Russian citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa website at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and allows a single entry. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIran enforces a strict 6-month passport validity rule – check your expiry date now. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2027-02-06 if you plan to arrive on 2026-08-06. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officers need a clean page to stamp your passport – count your blank pages. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues at border control. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIranian immigration may ask to see your exit ticket – have it ready. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Iran before your eVisa expires. The ticket must be in your name and match your travel dates. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps avoid entry delays. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Iran, typically at least $100 USD per day of your visit. This can be cash, bank statements, or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from high medical costs if you get sick or injured. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory for Russian citizens, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended. Iran's healthcare system may require upfront payment for foreigners. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival forms – just present your eVisa and passport. Not required | Iran does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Russian citizens. The eVisa and passport are sufficient for entry. | Not required |
Active conflict — commercial flights suspended
Iran is currently in an active military conflict with the US (escalated July 2026, strikes near Tehran and Semnan province). Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport has suspended all scheduled commercial flights, and aviation authorities (EASA) advise against operating in Iranian airspace at all. Do not plan travel to Iran right now — check your government's official travel advisory and live flight status before making any arrangements. The visa information on this page describes the standard peacetime policy and may not be practically usable at the moment.
E-visa is not extendable
The e-visa allows a fixed stay (usually 30 days) and cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible trouble at departure. Plan your itinerary to leave before the expiry date.
Apply early — processing can vary
While the official processing time is 7 days, it can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
No visa sticker — it's electronic
Your e-visa is linked to your passport. At immigration, you'll get an entry stamp, but no visa sticker. Keep the stamp page safe — you'll need it when you leave.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to evisa.mfa.ir, create an account, and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport-style photo (white background) and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €40–€60, depending on nationality) by credit card. You'll get a tracking reference.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 7 days. Check the status online using your reference number. If approved, you'll receive an e-visa approval notice with a barcode. Print it or save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, or other international airports like Shiraz or Mashhad, go to the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport, the e-visa approval notice, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport — no visa sticker is placed.
4
Enter Iran
After the stamp, you're in. Your stay is limited to the number of days on your e-visa (typically 30 days). Keep the entry stamp page safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80
Requires invitation letter from Iranian company
Transit visa (land/air)
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$30
For onward travel to third country
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in an Iranian university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labour. Spouse and children can accompany.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD (based on investment)
For individuals investing at least $250,000 USD in Iran's economy. Includes residency rights for family. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist) processing feeNon-refundable, paid online at evisa.mfa.ir | $35 |
| Iran visa stamping fee (at airport/consulate)Payable in cash (USD/EUR) upon visa issuance | $50 |
| Iran airport exit taxIncluded in most airline tickets; verify at departure | $30 |
| Visa extension fee (per 30 days)Payable at Iran Police Foreign Nationals Affairs office | $50 |
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
Russian citizens transiting through Iran must obtain a transit visa in advance, even for airside connections. Apply at an Iranian embassy or via the eVisa portal.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic passports
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mehrabad International Airport (THR) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
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 safe eating and drinking habits.
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
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but present in rural regions of Sistan and Baluchestan province. 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.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, near Zand Blvd.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for tourists; process extensions within 1–2 days.
Practical information for RU 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
Officially 7 days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You can track the status on evisa.mfa.ir with your reference number.
The fee varies by nationality but is typically around €40–€60. You pay online by credit card. There's no extra charge at the airport.
No — the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your entry stamp. Overstaying can result in fines and problems with future visas.
It's not strictly required — the visa is electronic — but having a printout or a clear digital copy speeds up the process. Immigration officers can look you up by passport number, but showing the reference avoids delays.
Yes, the e-visa is valid at all official border crossings, including land borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. However, some land crossings are less busy and officers may be less familiar with e-visas — carry your printout and be patient.
You'll be denied entry. Iranian immigration enforces the 6-month rule strictly. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Not for the e-visa, but it's highly recommended. Medical costs for foreigners are paid upfront, and standard policies often exclude Iran. Check your policy covers Iran or buy a separate one.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.