Iran entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders can enter Iran without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement, effective since 2024, covers tourism and business visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the 15 days you plan to stay in 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 officers at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free stay limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. If you are staying with friends, a simple printed invitation with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing $300–$500 in cash or a card with available credit is sufficient. | Recommended |
Visa-free only by air
The visa-free entry for Saudi passport holders is only valid when arriving by plane at an international airport. Land borders (from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Turkmenistan) require a pre-arranged visa.
No extension possible
You cannot extend the 15-day visa-free stay. If you need more time, apply for a regular tourist visa at an Iranian embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an Iranian airport
Fly into any international airport in Iran — Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), or Isfahan (IFN). The visa-free entry is only available by air, not by land borders.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue at immigration. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee, no form to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration required. You're free to enter.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in IRR)
Apply at Iranian embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in IRR)
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in Iranian universities. Requires acceptance letter from a recognized institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Iranian company. Requires work permit from Ministry of Labour. Sponsored by employer.
investor visa
Iran Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
Varies based on investment amount
For investors with significant capital in Iran. Minimum investment threshold applies. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day over the 15-day limit; no official cap but may be negotiable. | 500,000 IRR (~$12 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 15 days or if visa is preferred; apply at Iranian embassy. | ~$50–$75 USD (varies by nationality and processing) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and stay duration depend on embassy. | ~$100–$150 USD (varies) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders can transit through Iran without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or airside transit exceeding 24 hours, a transit visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required for stays over 24 hours or leaving 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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of malaria in rural areas; no significant dengue or Zika risk.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Tehran experience high air pollution, especially in winter.
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 Office for Aliens Affairs)
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Imam Reza St.
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Popular for pilgrims; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for SA 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 15 days, you must apply for a regular tourist visa before travel through an Iranian embassy or consulate.
No. The visa-free arrangement for Saudi passport holders is only valid for air arrivals. If you arrive by land at any border crossing, you will need a pre-arranged visa.
No. There is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Saudi passport holders under the visa-free program. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. Working, studying, or any paid activity requires the appropriate visa.
No. The visa-free entry is completely free. You don't pay anything at immigration.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering Iran, and potential legal issues. Leave before your 15 days are up.
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.