The Iran Transit Visa (Type G) lets travelers pass through Iran on their way to another country, with a maximum stay of 7 days. Whether you are flying through Tehran with a layover or driving overland from Turkey to Pakistan, this visa covers short stays when Iran is not your final destination. This guide explains who needs it, what documents to gather, and how to apply.
What Is the Iran Transit Visa (Type G)?
Iran classifies its visas using letter codes assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Transit Visa, coded as Type G, is designed for foreign nationals who need to cross Iranian territory to reach a third country. It is not intended for tourism or extended stays.
Key characteristics of the transit visa:
- Maximum duration: 7 days from the date of entry
- Not extendable: You cannot renew or extend a transit visa while in Iran
- Purpose: Crossing Iran by air, land, or sea en route to another destination
- Entry type: Usually single-entry, though double-entry may be issued in rare cases
The transit visa is one of the less common Iran visa types, but it plays an important role for overland travelers, truck drivers, and anyone with a multi-country itinerary that routes through Iran.
Who Needs an Iran Transit Visa?
Not every traveler passing through Iran needs a transit visa. The requirement depends on your nationality, your mode of travel, and whether you leave the international transit area of the airport.
Air Travelers in Transit
If you are flying through an Iranian airport and staying in the international transit zone (not passing through immigration), most nationalities do not need a transit visa. However, if your layover requires you to:
- Collect and re-check luggage
- Switch airports (e.g., from Mehrabad to Imam Khomeini)
- Leave the transit area for any reason
…then you will need a valid visa. In these cases, the transit visa is the appropriate choice if your stay will be brief and you have proof of onward travel.
Overland Travelers and Truck Drivers
The transit visa is especially popular among overland travelers. Common routes include:
- Turkey to Pakistan via Iran (a classic overland route)
- Turkey to Afghanistan or Central Asia
- Iraq to Pakistan or India overland
- Cycling or motorcycling across Iran on round-the-world trips
Professional truck drivers transporting goods through Iran also use the transit visa regularly. They typically receive multiple-entry transit visas valid for longer periods to accommodate repeated crossings.
Nationalities That Can Transit Without a Visa
A small number of nationalities can enter Iran without a visa for short stays. Citizens of certain countries – including Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bolivia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Malaysia – may enter Iran visa-free for periods ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on bilateral agreements. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you do not need a transit visa to cross Iran.
For all other nationalities, a transit visa or another visa type is required. You can check your specific eligibility through the Iran e-Visa portal.
Iran Transit Visa Requirements
Before applying, gather the required documents. The transit visa has a shorter document list than the tourist visa, but every item is mandatory.
Documents Needed
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application form (available online through the MFA e-Visa system)
- Two passport-size photographs (recent, white background, 4×6 cm)
- Valid visa for the destination country (if required) – this proves you are genuinely in transit
- Proof of onward travel – flight booking, bus ticket, or travel itinerary showing your exit from Iran
- Travel insurance covering Iran for the duration of your transit
Proof of Onward Travel
This is the most critical requirement for a transit visa. Iranian consular officers need to see that you have a clear plan to leave Iran within the 7-day window. Acceptable proof includes:
- A confirmed flight booking departing from Iran
- A bus or train ticket to a neighboring country
- A valid visa for your next destination (if applicable)
- A letter from your employer or travel organizer explaining the transit route
Without convincing proof of onward travel, your application may be rejected or you may be directed to apply for a tourist visa instead.
How to Apply for an Iran Transit Visa
You have three main pathways to obtain a transit visa. The best option depends on your nationality, location, and how much time you have before your trip.
Through the e-Visa Portal
The MFA’s electronic visa system allows you to apply for a transit visa online. The process works as follows:
- Visit the Iran e-Visa application portal
- Create an account and select “Transit Visa (Type G)” as your visa type
- Fill in personal details, travel dates, and your transit route
- Upload scanned copies of your passport, photo, and onward travel documents
- Submit the application and wait for approval (typically 5-10 business days)
- Once approved, collect your visa at the Iranian embassy or consulate you selected during the application
The e-Visa system does not issue the visa itself electronically for transit purposes in most cases – you still need to visit a consulate to get the physical visa stamp. However, pre-approval through the portal speeds up the process significantly.
At an Iranian Embassy or Consulate
You can apply directly at any Iranian diplomatic mission. Bring all required documents in person. Processing times vary by location:
| Location | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Tehran e-Visa pre-approved | 1-3 business days at consulate |
| Direct application (no pre-approval) | 5-15 business days |
| Border countries (Turkey, Pakistan) | 3-7 business days |
Some consulates, particularly in Istanbul, Ankara, and Damascus, are experienced with transit visa applications and may process them faster.
Visa on Arrival (Limited Cases)
Iran offers visa on arrival (VOA) at major international airports, but this option is not recommended for transit purposes. VOA is primarily intended for tourist visas, and there is no guarantee that a transit visa will be issued on arrival. Additionally, citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are not eligible for VOA under any circumstances.
If you need a transit visa, apply in advance through the e-Visa portal or at an embassy. Relying on VOA for transit is risky and may result in being denied boarding by your airline.
Iran Transit Visa Fee
Transit visa fees are generally lower than tourist visa fees. The exact cost depends on your nationality and where you apply.
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Transit visa (Type G) | EUR 30 – 50 |
| Travel insurance (mandatory) | EUR 10 – 15 |
| Service fee (if using an agency) | EUR 20 – 40 |
| **Total estimated cost** | **EUR 40 – 105** |
Fees are typically collected in the local currency of the consulate where you apply. Some consulates accept only cash, while others may accept bank transfers. Always confirm the payment method before your visit.
For a detailed breakdown by nationality, see our Iran Visa Fee guide.
Transit Visa vs. Tourist Visa – Key Differences
If your stay in Iran will be short, you might wonder whether a transit visa or tourist visa makes more sense. Here is a side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | Transit Visa (Type G) | Tourist Visa (Type B) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 7 days | 30 days (extendable to 90) |
| Extendable in Iran | No | Yes |
| Purpose | Passing through | Sightseeing, visiting |
| Requires onward travel proof | Yes | No |
| Typical fee | EUR 30-50 | EUR 40-75 |
| Available as VOA | No (not reliably) | Yes (at airports) |
| Best for | Overland transit, short layovers | Tourism, longer visits |
Choose the transit visa if you are genuinely passing through Iran and will leave within 7 days. Choose the tourist visa if you want flexibility, plan to explore, or are unsure about your exact departure date.
For a full comparison of all visa categories, see our Iran Visa Types guide.
Important Rules and Restrictions
Keep these rules in mind when traveling on an Iran transit visa:
- Do not overstay. Overstaying even by one day can result in fines, detention, and future visa bans. The 7-day limit is strictly enforced.
- Stay on your declared route. The transit visa is issued for a specific entry and exit point. Deviating significantly from your stated itinerary may cause problems at checkpoints.
- Register at the border. Your entry and exit will be recorded. Make sure your passport is stamped correctly on both ends.
- Carry your documents. Keep your passport, visa, insurance, and onward travel proof with you at all times during transit.
- No work permitted. The transit visa does not authorize any form of employment in Iran.
- US, UK, and Canadian citizens face additional restrictions. These nationalities may need to book a guided tour or obtain special authorization even for transit. Check the latest requirements before applying.
- Israeli passport holders and travelers with Israeli stamps in their passport may be denied entry entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a transit visa if I am just changing planes in Tehran?
If you stay inside the international transit zone and do not pass through immigration, you typically do not need a visa. However, if you must collect luggage, change terminals, or leave the transit area, you will need a visa.
How long does it take to get an Iran transit visa?
Processing times range from 3 to 15 business days depending on whether you pre-apply through the e-Visa portal and which consulate you use. Pre-approval through the portal can reduce the in-person processing time to 1-3 days.
Can I extend my transit visa once I am in Iran?
No. The transit visa (Type G) cannot be extended. If you need more time in Iran, you must apply for a tourist visa instead, which allows extensions up to 90 days.
Can I travel anywhere in Iran on a transit visa?
Technically, the transit visa allows you to cross Iranian territory. While there are no internal checkpoints preventing movement within most of Iran, your visa is issued based on a declared route. Some border areas and restricted zones require separate permits regardless of visa type.
Is the Iran transit visa available at the border?
Visa on arrival is available at major Iranian airports, but it is primarily for tourist visas. Transit visas are not reliably issued on arrival. Apply in advance through the e-Visa portal or at an embassy.
What happens if I overstay my transit visa?
Overstaying results in daily fines (approximately EUR 30-50 per day), potential detention, and possible bans on future entry to Iran. Immigration authorities take overstays seriously. Plan your transit carefully to leave within the 7-day limit.
Can truck drivers get a multi-entry transit visa?
Yes. Professional truck drivers and freight carriers can apply for multiple-entry transit visas with longer validity periods. These are typically arranged through the trucking company or a specialized visa agency with established relationships at the relevant consulate.
