By Dan Forteza
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I visited Iran in September 2019 and managed to get my Iran visa on arrival with no issues at Imam Khomeini International Airport (in Tehran). The beautiful and hospitable Middle Eastern country has been growing in popularity for tourists, and the government is making it simpler for people to visit. Here is my guide on how to get a visa on arrival for Iran.
Read also my Tehran itinerary and travel guide.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN IRAN VISA ON ARRIVAL?
Holders of normal passports traveling as tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days (extendable) at major international airports. Note: As of 2026, eligibility is subject to the latest MFA regulations, and most nationalities (including the Philippines) remain eligible for VOA.
- Bandar Abbas International Airport
- Isfahan International Airport
- Kish International Airport
- Mashhad International Airport
- Qeshm International Airport
- Shiraz International Airport
- Tabriz International Airport
- Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)
- Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran)
IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS
Visa on arrival is NOT applicable to nationals of the following countries, who must obtain a visa in advance:
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, UK, and USA.
Escort Requirement: UK, Canadian, and US citizens are required to be escorted by a government-approved guide at all times. Independent travel for these citizens is not permitted.
- Israel: Citizens of Israel are banned from entry. Passports containing Israeli stamps (issued within the last year) will result in denied entry.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR AN IRAN VOA (TEHRAN)
Have these items printed rather than just on your phone:
- Onward Transport: A confirmed flight ticket out of Iran. Airlines at your departure point (like Oman Air) often check this before boarding.
- Accommodation: A confirmed booking for at least your first night. I recommend HostelWorld for Iran, as Booking.com and Agoda often don’t list Iranian properties.
- Travel Insurance: Must explicitly mention coverage for “Iran.” If yours doesn’t, you can buy it at the airport for approximately 15-20 EUR.
No Stamping Policy: To ease concerns about US sanctions, Iran no longer stamps passports or affixes physical stickers. Your visa is handled digitally/electronically.
GET YOUR IRAN VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS
STEP 1: GO TO THE VISA SECTION
After landing, head to the “Visa Section” before immigration. Tip: Women must wear a headscarf upon exiting the plane, and long pants are preferred for all genders.
STEP 2: PURCHASE INSURANCE
If you don’t have a printed insurance policy that mentions Iran, buy one at the counter. As of 2026, the fee is roughly 18-20 Euro.
STEP 3: FILL OUT THE FORM
Complete the basic info (Address in Iran, occupation, etc.). Pro-tip: If you are a blogger, consider listing your formal profession (like Engineer) to avoid unnecessary questions.
STEP 4: PAY THE FEE
Pay the fee in Cash (Euros or USD). For Philippine passport holders, the fee is approximately 65 USD (inclusive of bank commission). Remember: Foreign debit/credit cards do not work in Iran.
STEP 5: WAIT FOR YOUR NAME
Wait 20-30 minutes for processing. Once called, you will receive your passport back. Since there is no stamp, you can proceed directly to immigration.
SUMMARY:
- Visa Type: Tourist Visa
- Validity: 30 Days
- Visa Fee: ~65.00 USD (for Philippines)
- Insurance Fee: ~18.00 Euro
Dan Travels 