Which countries can enter Iran without a visa?

Are you planning a visit to Iran, wondering whether obtaining an Iran visa is required?
Fortunately, citizens from certain countries can visit Iran without a visa, simplifying their journey significantly. In this article, we will delve into which countries can go to Iran without a visa, providing a comprehensive list of these nations and outlining the necessary guidelines for visa-free travel.

We’ll also cover what to do if you need to stay beyond the allowed duration, explore the benefits of Iran’s Free Trade Zones for visa-free entry, and offer reassurance to those whose countries are not on the list. Whether you’re seeking information on which countries do not require a visa for Iran or looking to understand the broader visa requirements, this guide will help streamline your travel planning and ensure a smooth visit to Iran.

List of Countries That Can Visit Iran Without Visa

If you wonder which countries do not require Iran visa, the names of these countries are listed below:

• Armenia – 90 days
• Oman – 90 days
• Turkey – 90 days
• Syria – 90 days
• Georgia – 45 days
• Lebanon – 30 days
• Iraq – 30 days
• Bolivia – 30 days
• Hong Kong – 21 days
• Macao – 21 days
• China – 21 days
• Egypt – 20 days
• Venezuela – 15 days
• Azerbaijan – 14 days
• Kazakhstan – 14 days
• Malaysia – 14 days

Also, according to an official report from the consulate general of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ordinary passport holders from additional countries can visit Iran without a visa as of February 4, 2024.

which countries can enter Iran without a visa:

• Saudi Arabia – 15 days
• Qatar – 15 days
• United Arab Emirates – 15 days
• Bahrain – 15 days
• Kuwait – 15 days
• Uzbekistan – 15 days
• Kyrgyzstan – 15 days
• Tunisia – 15 days
• Tanzania – 15 days
• Mauritania – 15 days
• Zimbabwe – 15 days
• Mauritius – 15 days
• Seychelles – 15 days
• Japan – 15 days
• Indonesia – 15 days
• Singapore – 15 days
• Cuba – 15 days
• Vietnam – 15 days
• Cambodia – 15 days
• Brunei – 15 days
• Brazil – 15 days
• Mexico – 15 days
• Peru – 15 days
• Croatia – 15 days
• Serbia – 15 days
• Bosnia and Herzegovina – 15 days
• Belarus – 15 days
• India – 15 days

Visitors from mentioned countries are allowed to enter Iran twice a year, or every six months, under the new visa-waiver program, and stay for 15 days each time. As the designated 15 days may not be extended, visitors who want to stay longer must apply for a visa.

The waiver for Indian passport holders applies exclusively to those entering Iran by air, and those who want to enter Iran through land borders must obtain visas.

It is important to emphasise that the waiver only applies to ordinary passport holders visiting Iran for tourism purposes. For other types of visits, such as business or medical visits, obtaining visas is required.

How to Stay More Than the Allowed Days

Many people wonder whether they can remain longer than their initial visa permits. Fortunately, you are allowed to extend your visa twice in Iran, with a maximum extension of 90 days. This means you can stay in Iran for 90 days with a 30-day visa and two extensions.

Please note that the 15-day stay is not extendable; visitors intending to stay longer must apply for a visa.

The extension process is simple and can be completed in one morning at the immigration & passport police office in several cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz, Rasht, Tabriz, and Bandar Abbas

Make sure to begin the visa extension procedure 1 or 2 days before your expiration date. Additionally, see if there are any holidays that could impact office hours on the calendar. This will help you avoid any possible issues.

The number of days you are allowed will be specified on your visa if you have a different kind of visa, such as a business or medical visa. It can be difficult to get these visas extended unless you can prove that you really need to stay longer.

You will be asked a few questions about your reason for the extension, number of days you want to stay in Iran, accommodation, job, and purpose of your visit to Iran. Then, the Immigration office will decide whether to approve your extension.

Addresses for offices in different cities of Iran are listed below:

• Tehran
Address: Kooh e Noor St, Shahid Motahari St, Tehran, Tehran Province
Phone: +9821 7394 8912

• Mashhad
Address: Pirouzi Boulevard, Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province
Phone: +9851 3822 5280

• Isfahan
Address: Rudaki Bypass, Isfahan, Isfahan Province
Phone: +9831 3218 4547

• Yazd
Address: Ferdowsi Street, Yazd Province
Phone: +98903 238 48 50

• Shiraz
Address: Modarres Boulevard, Shiraz, Fars Province
Phone: +9871 3725 0028

• Qom
Address: Golha Boulevard, Qom Province
Phone: +9825 3772 3838

Important Guidelines for Visa-Free Travel to Iran

If you are a citizen of one of the countries you can visit Iran without a visa and prepare for a visit to Iran, there are some important guidelines you should be aware of beforehand:

1. Although in a visa-free visit to Iran, you do not need a visa but you should carry essential travel documents such as your passport, ensuring it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Additional documentations including your accommodation and return tickets, may be asked at the point of entry.

2. As mentioned, different countries may be granted Iran visa-free entry for different number of days. Make sure you are aware of the allowed duration, as overstaying could result in fines or legal issues.

3. As medical treatment may not be covered for foreign visitors without proper insurance, It’s important to make sure your health is in good condition and get travel insurance.

4. Iran visa-free travel is typically for tourism or family visit purposes. Obtaining an Iran visa in advance may be required for engaging in activities beyond these purposes, such as employment.

Iran Free Trade Zones: Go to Iran Without a Visa

Travellers in Iran also can explore some amazing, beautiful, and historically rich locations ranging from popular islands to ancient cities without a visa. There are several Free Trade Zones where you can stay visa-free for up to two weeks (14 days).

These free trade zones include:

• Kish Island
One of the most beautiful islands in the world, located in southern Iran

• Qeshm
The largest island of Iran, located in southern Iran

• Anzali
It is located in north-western Iran, along the Caspian Sea

• Arvand
It is located in south-western Iran

• Aras
It is located in north-western Iran, near the borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.

• Maku
It is located in north-western of Iran, near the Turkish border

• Chabahar
It is located in south-eastern Iran

These Free Trade Zones are well-connected by international airports and frequent flights, making travel easy.

If you want to explore further inland excluding these free trade zones, you must apply for an Iran visa.

Please note that citizens of a few countries will need a visa to enter these zones. Here is a list of which countries need a visa for Iran:

• US
• UK
• Colombia
• Jordan
• Nepal
• Afghanistan
• Somalia
• Canada
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan

Don’t worry if You Are Not From the countries on the list

If your country is included in the list above, don’t worry; you can still enter Iran and enjoy the beauty of this country. All you need is to apply for a visa in advance. Tourist visa is the most common type of visa for travellers. You can apply online for an e-visa or through an Iranian consulate in your country. The visa usually allows you to stay in Iran for up to 30 days, which allows you to take your time and explore without haste.

It is also recommended to read this article about Iran visa rejection reasons and be informed of the ways to reduce the risk of your Iran visa being rejected.

Conclusion

Until a few months ago, only the citizens of a few countries were allowed to travel to Iran without a visa. However, the officials have recently waived the visa requirement for additional countries, and they no longer need a visa for entering Iran. Today, citizens of 44 countries can visit Iran without a visa and experience an unforgettable trip.

This waiver program represents a significant step forward for Iran’s tourism industry. By opening its doors to visitors from countries that do not require a visa for Iran, Iran gets a chance to showcase its cultural treasures and reap substantial economic benefits. Understanding which countries can go to Iran without a visa will help attract more tourists and enhance the country’s international appeal.

Whenever you decide to visit Iran, don’t forget to check out Irun2Iran various exciting tours that are suited to every budget. By choosing one of these tours, you will turn your visit to Iran into an exciting and unforgettable experience, making every moment of your journey filled with adventure and lasting memories.