ImmersiveIran > Travel Guide > Easy Entry to Iran
The new 2025 regulations emphasize better coordination between tour operators and immigration authorities.
Travelers entering by land, air, or sea will find border procedures faster — especially when their visa and itinerary are filed in advance through the eVisa platform.
Travelers driving into Iran with their own vehicles (car or motorcycle) can now pre-register their route and vehicle documents digitally, ensuring quicker clearance at border points.
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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 to have an easy entry to Iran.
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For over 35 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 of 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.
If you are not visa-free to Iran, and you are not from the three special countries, you can easily enter Iran via applying for Iran e-visa online. If you’d like to make this process even easier and shorter, 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.
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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.
Since most international insurances are not valid in Iran, this Iranian insurance is obligatory.
If you need to get a visa, an Iranian insurance will automatically get issued for you with your visa grant notice. If you're visa-free, We recommend that you purchase Iranian insurance before entry to Iran.
If you haven’t purchased it before entry to Iran, 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.
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.
Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. There are clear signs guiding you to the correct carousel.
After collecting your luggage, you will go through customs.
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.
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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 upon entry to Iran, 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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Iran is an easily accessible destination with multiple entry options for international travelers, including airports, land borders, and sea borders.
Iran is connected to the world through several international airports, making air travel the most convenient Iran 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 usually offer less price and shorter flight time as compared with international airlines.
Iran shares land borders with seven countries, offering easy entry to Iran considering the 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.
The country’s southern coastline along the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea allows entry to Iran 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.
Pablo
from Spain
If you’re looking for off the beaten track experiences they are the right team to design your trip in Iran. Zahra was extremely helpful and flexible with all my travel needs and truly quick on responses. Highly recommend!
Luba & Friends
from Russia
Every day in the cities of Iran is beautiful with its sophistication and kind attitude of the locals. We were lucky that your company organized this tour and everything was done accurately. my gratitude to you.
Plamen
The decision to visit Iran was honesty quiet spontaneous. But I was more than pleasantly surprised with everything I saw and extremely glad to have met so many kind people! Would love to visit Iran again! You will not regret it!
Mark
from Malta
From Pre To During And Post Trip The Attention Was Exceptional. Zahra Was Great In Crafting A Nice Itinerary Focusing On My Points Of Interest. Would Definitely Recommend ImmersiveIran To Travellers Looking At Discovering Iran.
Fayyaz Family
from UAE
Great and awesome agency. The support is step by step. The trip was smooth and adventurous. Five stars from our side!
Marcel
from Netherlands
It was a real pleasure to plan my trip in cooperation with ImmersiveIran. It is a very professional organization. They are very friendly, and responsive and have a good network of guides.
Rolf Family
from Germany
Perfect Organization, Great Communication, Very Professional, and Caring Guides. Thank You All For Giving Us A Great Time!
Miki
from New Zealand
I did the Ashura tour and it was very interesting. My very kind guide, who spoke perfect English, showed me all Ashura ceremonies. I also learned the story of Karbala. All of it was very exciting. I recommend Immersive Iran to tourists.
Ciprian & Radu
from Romania
The High Standard Services, Friendliness of The Staff, The Competitive Price, The Diversity of the Itinerary Objectives, and the Birthday Cakes .We really enjoyed our trip. Thank you.
Jorge & Laura
(Cooking Class in Tehran)
Our experience in Iran included cooking and Iranian Birthday as one of its picks. We enjoyed spending time in such a deep Iranian atmosphere. Thank you again for this wonderful experience!
Dr. Zambia & Dr. Muna
from UK
The tour was EXCELLENT and we really felt we had an insight into Iran and its history. This was because we had the best team. We also had the best tour guides – Iman really made a difference and made the trip phenomenal.
Andrezj & companions
from Poland
The trip was amazing! My group loved Iran, tasty foods, a perfect weather, but the key to success was Omid, our guide. We just love him. He is a genuine guide, well-educated and warm, with a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you very much!
David
from Canada
Fabulous. Mehdi was an excellent host and guide. We had good fun!
Alberto & Friends
from Spain
Mehriyar is a very professional and nice guide. Thanks for this wonderful 2 weeks!
Junsunke
from Japan
It was great to be able to visit various ancient ruins. I’m really thankful for your warm hospitality!
Mr. Yamamoto
from Japan
Thank you for your support and consideration. One of my dreams (seeing Persepolis) is over.
Hoang & Companions
from Vietnam
The company could satisfy our requests and Payment process was flexible. Thanks
Henry
from Singapore
Responsive staff. Guides are professionals. Thanks
Zohaib & Family
from US
I think ImmersiveIran is the best decision I made when making this itinerary. The 24/7 service, the hospitality and honesty of the team, and professionality of the guides convinced us that Iran is way more beautiful and loving than what the media shows.
Sabrina & Francesco
from Italy
We Booked A Tour with ImmersiveIran and They Were So Kind, and Available to Fit All Our Needs and Requests. The Tour Was Very Well Planned, Everyone Was on Time, and the Guides were Very Professional. We Strongly Recommend You to Make Amazing Experiences in Iran!
Miklos & Jessika
from Hungary
Everything went very well! Thank you for your support!
Valeria
from Chile
My tour to Chak Chak was amazing. Thank you
Nataliya & Friends
from Russia
The tour was amazing! The guide is the best!
Ferideh & Sahin
from Turkey
We love Maral our guide. She is the best actually. Her Turkish is perfect. Sahar and Mohsen, our dinner hosts are great couple. Your hospitality made us happy. Thank you very very much.
Zoe & Izzie
from China
The tour was great! Ali is a very good guide!
Luba & Friends
from Russia
From the ancient sights to the loving nature of Iran, I cannot appreciate the efforts of ImmersiveIran enough, since they made the journey everlasting in our memories by their top-notch services. Everything from the guides and drivers to the tour management team was perfect!
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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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Keep a copy of your passport and visa documents separate from the originals in case of loss.
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Follow local customs and regulations, such as treating officials politely and respecting cultural norms.
