Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Iran? (2026 Entry Requirements)
Last checked: July 19, 2026 · Next review: August 2026 · Sources: IATA Travel Centre + Official government websites
Quick Answer
🔴 Visa required for most nationalities · 4 require traditional visa · Passport must be valid 6+ months
About Entry to Iran
This page lists the entry and visa requirements for all passport holders traveling to Iran. 13 nationalities can enter Iran visa-free or with simplified entry procedures. Requirements range from visa-free access and electronic travel authorizations (eTA) to eVisas, visas on arrival, and traditional embassy visas. Data is sourced from verified open-source passport datasets. Always verify entry requirements with the official embassy of Iran before traveling.
Quick Answer — Common Passports
Scroll down for the complete table of all 199+ passport holders.
Travel Preparation Guide for Iran
Safety Tips
Security situation varies by country — check travel advisories. Respect local customs and dress modestly. Political tensions exist. Photography of military sites is often prohibited. Carry your passport.
Cultural Tips
Conservative Muslim culture — dress modestly. Hospitality is legendary — accept tea and coffee when offered. Remove shoes when entering homes. Avoid political and religious discussions. During Ramadan, respect fasting customs. Photography restrictions may apply.
Getting Around
Domestic flights connect major cities. Buses serve intercity routes. Taxis and ride apps available in cities. Car rental available but driving standards vary. Some metro systems. Limited rail networks.
Things to Know Before You Go
Check travel advisories — security situation varies. Respect Islamic customs and dress modestly. Photography restrictions may apply. Alcohol may be restricted or prohibited. Friday is the holy day. Carry your passport at all times.
Complete Entry Requirements by Passport
All passport holders traveling to Iran, listed alphabetically. Click any passport origin to see its full global mobility profile.
| Passport Origin | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Visa Required | N/A |
| Albania | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Algeria | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Andorra | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Angola | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Argentina | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Armenia | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Australia | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Austria | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Azerbaijan | Visa Free | 14 days |
| Bahamas | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Bahrain | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Bangladesh | Visa Required | N/A |
| Barbados | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Belarus | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Belgium | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Belize | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Benin | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Bhutan | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Bolivia | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Botswana | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Brazil | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Brunei | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Bulgaria | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Burkina Faso | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Burundi | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Cambodia | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Cameroon | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Canada | Visa Required | N/A |
| Central African Republic | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Chad | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Chile | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| China | Visa Free | 21 days |
| Colombia | Visa Required | N/A |
| Comoros | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Congo | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Costa Rica | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Croatia | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Cuba | Visa Free | 15 days |
| Cyprus | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Czech Republic | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| DR Congo | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Denmark | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Djibouti | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Dominica | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Dominican Republic | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Ecuador | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Egypt | Visa Free | 21 days |
| El Salvador | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Equatorial Guinea | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Eritrea | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Estonia | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Ethiopia | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Fiji | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Finland | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| France | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Gabon | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Gambia | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Georgia | Visa Free | 45 days |
| Germany | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Ghana | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Greece | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Grenada | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Guatemala | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Guinea | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Guinea-Bissau | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Guyana | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
| Haiti | Visa on Arrival | N/A |
Common Reasons for Iran Visa Rejection
Understanding why visa applications get rejected can help you avoid common mistakes. The most frequent reasons for Iran visa denials include:
Missing required documents (bank statements, employment letters, itinerary, or hotel reservations) is the #1 reason for rejection worldwide.
You must demonstrate you can financially support your stay. Most countries require 3-6 months of bank statements showing adequate balance.
Inability to prove intent to return (job, property, family ties) raises suspicion of overstay. Provide employment verification and return ticket.
Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond your travel dates with at least 2 blank visa pages. Torn or water-damaged passports may be rejected.
Previous overstays, deportations, or visa fraud create a permanent record that significantly reduces approval chances.
Discrepancies between your application, supporting documents, and interview answers (dates, purpose, sponsor details) lead to immediate denial.
This is general guidance. Iran's specific requirements may differ — always consult the official embassy for current criteria.
Visa Waiver Conditions Checklist for Iran
13 nationalities can enter Iran without a visa — but visa-free does NOT mean requirement-free. Make sure you meet ALL of these conditions:
Even with visa-free access, border officials can deny entry if any condition is not met. Always carry printed copies of supporting documents.
Popular Destinations
Compare entry requirements across popular travel destinations.
Visa Application Process for Iran
If your nationality requires a visa to enter Iran, follow these steps to apply. Processing times and requirements vary by passport — always confirm with the nearest Iran embassy or consulate.
- steps
- processing_time
- cost
- embassy_link
⚠️ Visa policies change frequently. The steps above are general guidance only. Always check the official government immigration website of Iran for the most current requirements before submitting your application.
This entry requirements data for Iran is programmatically parsed from verified open-source passport datasets, including the Passport Index Dataset maintained by ilyankou. Our data engine aggregates visa policies, entry requirements, and stay durations for all passport-holding nationalities. Data is periodically cross-referenced against official government immigration websites and international travel accords. EntryPolicies is an independent educational database and is not a licensed immigration advisor or government agency. Visa policies change rapidly — always verify directly with the official embassy or consulate of Iran before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Iran
Do I need a visa to visit Iran?
What is the best time to visit Iran?
What currency is used in Iran?
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What language is spoken in Iran?
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