Iran Visa on Arrival — Airports, Eligibility & Process

Iran visa on arrival (VOA) is available at select international airports, costs €30 to €50 depending on nationality, and grants stays of 15 to 30 days. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are not eligible and must apply for a visa through an embassy or the eVisa portal before traveling. Travelers from more than 60 countries can obtain a VOA stamp at the airport by presenting a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and proof of travel insurance.

What Is Iran Visa on Arrival?

An Iran visa on arrival is a short-stay visa issued at the airport immigration counter when you land in Iran. Unlike the eVisa, which you apply for online before departure, the VOA is processed in person at the airport. The visa is stamped directly into your passport after a brief review of your documents and payment of the fee.

The VOA is a tourist-type visa (Type B). It is suitable for sightseeing, visiting family, and short cultural trips. It does not permit employment, journalism, or long-term study. If you need a different visa category, you must apply through an Iranian embassy or consulate before arrival.

The VOA system was introduced to simplify entry for tourists arriving by air. It is managed by the Iranian Bureau of Immigration and Passport Police at each designated airport. Approval is not guaranteed – immigration officers have the authority to deny a VOA at their discretion.

Who Is Eligible for Iran Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of approximately 60+ countries are eligible for the Iran VOA. The most common eligible nationalities include:

Countries NOT eligible for VOA:

• United States – must apply through an embassy or via the MFA eVisa portal; guided tour mandatory
• United Kingdom – must apply in advance through an embassy
• Canada – must apply in advance; no embassy in Canada, apply through the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C.
• Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Colombia, Somalia, Iraq – citizens of these countries must obtain a visa from an Iranian embassy before travel
• Israel – Israeli passport holders are denied entry to Iran entirely

If your country is not on the eligible list, you must apply for a visa at an Iranian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before departure.

Which Airports Issue Visa on Arrival?

The Iran visa on arrival is available at seven international airports:

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran is the primary and most reliable airport for VOA processing. Most international flights arrive at IKA, and it has the most experienced immigration staff handling VOA applications. If you are flying into a smaller airport, confirm VOA availability with your airline before departure – smaller airports may not have VOA counters staffed at all hours.

Important: The VOA is only available at airports. There is no visa on arrival at land borders or seaports. If you are entering Iran overland from Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Turkmenistan, you must have a visa already stamped in your passport.

Iran Visa on Arrival Cost (2026)

The VOA fee depends on your nationality and is paid in euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD) at the airport counter. Credit cards are generally not accepted – bring cash.

Additional costs:

• Travel insurance – mandatory, costs €10-€15 if purchased at the airport counter. If you already have valid travel insurance covering Iran, present proof at the counter to avoid this charge.
• Entry/exit stamps – no additional fee, but some nationalities may need to pay a departure tax when leaving Iran.

Payment method: Cash only in EUR or USD. Some travelers report that euros are preferred by immigration staff. ATMs at Iranian airports dispense Iranian rials and generally do not accept foreign cards due to international sanctions. Bring enough cash for the VOA fee, insurance, and initial expenses before you can exchange currency in the city.

Documents Required for Iran VOA

Prepare these documents before you land to speed up the VOA process:

1. Valid passport – minimum 6 months validity from your date of entry into Iran. At least 2 blank pages available for the visa stamp and entry stamp.
2. Passport-sized photo – one recent color photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm), white background. Some counters accept a digital scan, but a physical print is safer.
3. Travel insurance – proof of valid travel insurance that covers Iran. If your existing policy excludes Iran, purchase insurance at the airport counter (€10-€15).
4. Return or onward flight ticket – printed confirmation showing your planned departure from Iran within the VOA validity period.
5. Hotel reservation or host address – a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Iran. Immigration officers may ask for your accommodation details.
6. VOA application form – provided at the airport counter. Fill it out while waiting in line. The form asks for basic personal information, your occupation, purpose of visit, and accommodation address.
7. Cash for VOA fee – EUR or USD, exact amount preferred.

Pro tip: Carry two copies of your passport photo page, insurance document, and hotel booking. Immigration may keep one copy and return the other. Having copies ready prevents delays.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Iran Visa on Arrival at the Airport

The VOA process at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) typically takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on queue length and time of day. Nighttime arrivals (after midnight flights from Gulf countries) tend to have shorter queues.

Step 1: Arrive at the VOA counter
After deplaning, follow signs for “Visa on Arrival” or “Visa Counter” before you reach passport control. The VOA counter is in a separate area from the regular immigration lanes.

Step 2: Fill out the application form
Pick up the VOA application form from the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport information, occupation, purpose of visit, and accommodation in Iran. Use black or blue pen.

Step 3: Submit documents and pay
Hand your completed form, passport, photo, insurance proof, and flight ticket to the immigration officer. Pay the VOA fee in cash (EUR or USD).

Step 4: Wait for processing
The officer will review your documents, check your nationality eligibility, and may run a brief background check. This usually takes 20-45 minutes. You will be asked to wait in a designated seating area.

Step 5: Receive your visa stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps a VOA sticker or stamp into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.

Step 6: Proceed to passport control
With the VOA stamp in your passport, join the regular immigration queue for entry processing. Collect your luggage and proceed through customs.

How Long Is the Iran VOA Valid?

The VOA validity period depends on your nationality:

The VOA is a single-entry visa. If you leave Iran, the visa expires and you cannot re-enter on the same stamp. You would need to apply for a new visa (eVisa or embassy visa) to return.

Extension: You can extend your VOA at the Bureau of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs offices in major cities (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad). Extensions are typically granted for an additional 15 or 30 days, up to a maximum total stay of 60 days. The extension fee is approximately €30-€40 in rial equivalent. Apply before your current visa expires – overstaying results in fines and potential future visa denial.

Iran VOA vs eVisa: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the eVisa if:
– You want guaranteed entry approval before booking flights
– You are entering overland (no VOA at land borders)
– You plan to stay longer than 30 days
– Your nationality is eligible for eVisa but not VOA

Choose the VOA if:
– You are flying in and want a fast, on-the-spot process
– You are from an eligible nationality with a straightforward travel history
– You prefer not to deal with the online application system in advance
– You have a spontaneous trip and cannot wait for eVisa processing

Can Indian Citizens Get Iran Visa on Arrival?

Yes. Indian passport holders are eligible for the Iran visa on arrival at designated airports. The VOA for Indian citizens has these specifics:

• Fee: €30 (lower than most other nationalities)
• Stay duration: 15 days (shorter than the 30 days given to European nationals)
• Extension: Can be extended for an additional 15 days at immigration offices in major cities
• Documents required: Same as the general list above, plus Indian citizens should carry proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or cash)

Indian travelers frequently use the VOA for short religious pilgrimages to Mashhad and Qom. The VOA at Mashhad International Airport (MHD) is well-practiced for Indian pilgrimage groups and processing is usually smooth.

Alternatively, Indian citizens can apply for the eVisa online, which may offer a longer validity period (30 days vs. 15 days for VOA) and eliminates the risk of airport denial.

Can Pakistani Citizens Get Iran Visa on Arrival?

No. Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for the Iran visa on arrival. Pakistani citizens must apply for a visa through:

1. The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, or Lahore
2. The MFA eVisa portal at evisa.mfa.ir (for eligible visa types)

Processing times for Pakistani citizens typically range from 5 to 15 business days through the embassy. The eVisa portal may be faster for tourist and pilgrimage visas. Pakistani citizens traveling for Ziarat (pilgrimage) purposes should apply for the pilgrimage visa, which has a separate fee structure.

Common Reasons VOA Is Denied

The Iran immigration officer has full discretion to approve or deny a VOA. Common reasons for denial include:

1. Passport validity less than 6 months – this is a hard rule with no exceptions
2. Israeli stamps or visa stickers in passport – any evidence of travel to Israel will result in denial
3. Incomplete documents – missing photo, no insurance proof, no hotel booking
4. Nationality not eligible – citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and several other countries are excluded from VOA
5. Previous overstays in Iran – if you overstayed a prior visa, expect denial or additional questioning
6. Journalism or media purposes – VOA is for tourism only; journalists must apply for a separate media visa through an embassy
7. Name matches security watchlist – standard background check may flag individuals with common names

If your VOA is denied, you will be placed on the next available flight back to your departure point. You will not receive a refund for the VOA fee. To avoid this scenario, apply for an eVisa in advance – it provides approval before you fly.

Travel Insurance for Iran VOA

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Iran visa on arrival. The immigration officer will not process your VOA without proof of insurance.

Options:

1. Purchase at the airport – An insurance desk operates near the VOA counter at IKA and other major airports. Basic coverage costs €10-€15 for the duration of your stay. Coverage includes medical emergencies, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.
2. Bring your own policy – If your existing travel insurance covers Iran specifically, present the policy document (printed) at the VOA counter. Some international insurers exclude Iran due to sanctions – check your policy wording carefully.
3. Buy online before travel – Specialized Iran travel insurance providers (e.g., Iran Insurance, Saman Insurance) sell policies online that are recognized by Iranian immigration.

Critical: Insurance from providers that exclude Iran is not accepted. Your policy must explicitly list Iran as a covered destination. Standard European travel insurance policies (e.g., from Allianz, AXA, or World Nomads) may or may not cover Iran – verify before relying on them.

Tips for a Smooth Iran VOA Experience

• Arrive with clean cash – Crisp EUR or USD bills. Old, torn, or marked bills may be rejected by the payment counter.
• Use Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) – The most reliable VOA processing. Smaller airports may have limited hours or less experienced staff.
• Dress appropriately – Iran has a dress code. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) upon arrival. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
• Have a local contact – A phone number for your hotel or host in Iran can speed up processing if the officer needs to verify your accommodation.
• Print everything – Do not rely on phone screenshots for insurance, hotel bookings, or flight tickets. Paper copies are preferred and sometimes required.
• Be patient and polite – The VOA process can be slow. Immigration officers respond well to patience and respect. Do not argue or demand faster processing.
• Avoid Friday arrivals – Friday is the weekend in Iran. Government offices, including some immigration support services, may operate at reduced capacity.

FAQs About Iran Visa on Arrival