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ImmersiveIran > Travel Guide > Easy Entry to Iran

Hassle-Free Entry to Iran for International Tourists

1

No Iran Stamp on Your Passport

The great news is that Iran does NOT stamp the passports of tourists upon entry or exit. So, there will be no record of your trip to Iran on your passport. Instead, you receive a separate visa slip, called an e-visa paper.

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2

Easy Visa Options

2.1. Visa-Free Entry to Iran

  • For 45 nationalities, entry to Iran is very easy, as they are visa-free.
    Find the list of these nationalities here.
  • There are also some free-trade zones where tourists from all around the world (with the exception the US, the UK, and Canada) can enter without a visa. These zones include Kish Island, Qeshm Island, Arvand, Aras, and Chabahar Free Trade Zones. You can stay at these regions without a visa for 14 days.
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2.2. The e-Visa Process: Quick and Convenient

  • If you are not visa-free to Iran, and you are not from the three special countries, you can easily apply for Iran e-visa online. If you’d like to make this process even easier and minimize the risk of rejection, apply via a licensed agency like ImmersiveIran.
  • If you are from the US, the UK and Canada, your visa application must be done via an Iranian travel agency, visa requirements are a bit more detailed, and your visa process takes a bit longer.
Read more here about Iran Visa
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3

Regular Entry Procedures

3.1. Arrival at the Airport

  • After landing, you’ll head towards the travel insurance and immigration area. Major airports, like Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), have clear signage in English directing you to the immigration, insurance, and customs sections.
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3.2. Travel Insurance

  • We recommend that you purchase Iranian insurance before arrival to Iran.
  • Since most international insurances are not valid in Iran, this Iranian insurance is obligatory.
  • If you haven’t purchased it before arrival, you need to do it on arrival at the airport.
  • The cost of insurance varies depending on the duration of your stay and the coverage, but it’s generally very affordable. Have some cash (in EUR or USD) with you for the purchase.
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3.3. Immigration Check

  • At the Immigration Desk/Passport Control, you’ll present the printed e-visa approval letter (or a digital copy, though printed is safer) along with your passport.
  • If you are visa-free, you’ll only present your passport and answer a few questions.
  • The immigration officer will verify your e-visa/passport details in their system.
  • If you are eligible for a visa, you will also make payment for the visa fee, which varies by nationality.
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3.4. Baggage Claim

  • Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. There are clear signs guiding you to the correct carousel.
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3.5. Customs Check

  • After collecting your luggage, you will go through customs.
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3.6. Transportation and Arrival Services

  • If you are traveling with us, your guide will be waiting for you at the arrivals lounge with a sign.
  • Currency exchange offices and SIM card providers are usually available in the arrivals lounge.
  • Transportation options include airport taxis, online taxi apps (like Snapp and Tapsi), and pre-arranged transfers.

4

Easier Entry Procedures (CIP Services)

With CIP services at the international airports in Iran,
you will leave some of the above procedures to the CIP staff.

  • The CIP team handles all boarding procedures, including: Managing luggage, issuing flight cards, and transferring passengers to/from the boarding bridge in private cars.
  • CIP passengers skip the usual entry and exit procedures, such as waiting in long queues for flight cards and luggage.
  • You can relax in the comfortable CIP Hall before or after your flight, enjoying cold/hot drinks, and a complimentary buffet.
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5

Variety of Entry Options:

Via International Airports, Sea or Overland Borders

Iran is an easily accessible destination with multiple entry options for international travelers, including airports, land borders, and sea borders.

5.1. Airports

Iran is connected to the world through several international airports, making air travel the most convenient entry method.

Key Airports:

  • Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran (main hub for international flights).
  • Shiraz International Airport (popular for Persian Gulf travelers).
  • Mashhad International Airport (serving religious tourists).
  • Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kish Airports also operate international flights.

Airlines:

Major international airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates, along with Iranian airlines (including Iran Air and Mahan Air), operate regular flights to and from Iran. We will be happy to book you flights to/from Iran with Iranian Airlines, which have less price and shorter flight time as compared with international airlines.

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5.2. Land Borders

Iran shares land borders with seven countries, offering various routes for travelers arriving by car, bus, or train.

Popular Land Entry Points:

  • Turkey: Bazargan border is the most active route, connecting Europe to Iran.
  • Armenia: Norduz border for travelers exploring the Caucasus region.
  • Azerbaijan: Astara and Jolfa borders for cross-border travel.
  • Iraq: Mehran and Khosravi borders, popular for pilgrims heading to Iran's holy cities.
  • Pakistan: Mirjaveh border for those traveling from South Asia.
  • Turkmenistan: Sarakhs and Bajgiran borders for Silk Road explorers.
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5.3. Sea Borders

Iran’s southern coastline along the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea allows entry via ferries and boats.

Key Ports:

  • Bandar Abbas: A major hub for international ferries.
  • Kish Island and Qeshm Island: Accessible by ferries from neighboring Gulf countries like the UAE and Oman.

Ferry Routes:

  • Regular ferries operate between the UAE (Dubai/Sharjah) and southern Iranian ports.
  • These routes are ideal for travelers from the Gulf region.
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Some General Tips for Easy Entry to Iran

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Have a little cash on you for payment for the visa (if applicable) and Iranian insurance, as international credit cards do not work in Iran.

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Ladies: dress modestly and have a scarf/shawl at hand to cover your hair with upon landing.

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Men: Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops.

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Buy Iranian insurance in advance to save time.

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Print out your visa grant notice (if applicable), Iranian insurance, and travel itinerary.

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Prohibited items like alcohol and certain publications will be confiscated.

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