Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide for tourists and is not affiliated with any government body. Always confirm current rules with Iranian authorities before travel.
Overstaying an Iran eVisa results in a reported fine of approximately $50 per day, potential detention, and possible re-entry bans. UK citizens face additional restrictions including mandatory organised tour arrangements and limited consular access.
Resolving an Iran eVisa overstay requires visiting the Immigration and Passport Police office, presenting specific documents, paying the calculated fine, and obtaining exit clearance before departure. The process applies to all visa types, including the 15-day visa-free stay for 27 eligible countries.
Iran eVisa overstay penalties include a daily fine of approximately $50 per day, potential detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban. To resolve an overstay, visit the Immigration & Passport Police office, pay the fine, and obtain exit clearance before departing Iran.
What Happens If You Overstay Your Iran eVisa?
Iran eVisa overstay triggers financial fines, possible detention by Iranian Passport Police, deportation, and a re-entry ban.
Legal Consequences of Overstaying an Iran eVisa
Iran eVisa overstay is a visa violation punishable by fine (approx. $50/day), detention, deportation, and an entry ban of 6 months to 2 years or permanent. The UK’s FCDO advises against all travel to Iran (gov.uk); British nationals detained for overstay face limited consular help. Embassy staff can visit, contact family, and list lawyers, but cannot negotiate fines or secure release. Furthermore, Iran eVisa overstay rules can lead to informal blacklisting, resulting in automatic rejection of future eVisa applications.
Overstay Duration and Severity Escalation
Iran eVisa overstay penalties escalate based on the exact duration of the visa violation:
- 1 to 3 days: Financial fine.
- 7 to 14 days: Higher fine and increased scrutiny.
- 30+ days: Risk of detention.
- 90+ days: Detention and a formal re-entry ban.
How Much Is the Fine for Overstaying an Iran eVisa?
The reported Iran eVisa overstay fine is approximately $50 per day, set by the Iranian Passport Police and payable in USD or IRR. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir) does not publish a fine schedule; traveller reports consistently cite approximately $50 per day, but this is not a legal guarantee (source: uppersia.com).
How to Calculate Your Overstay Penalty
Iran eVisa overstay fines are calculated by multiplying the number of overstayed days by the daily penalty rate. No maximum penalty cap has been published. For overstays exceeding 90 days, consequences may escalate from financial penalties to detention and formal re-entry bans.
| Overstay Duration | Estimated Fine (USD) | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | ~$150 | Low |
| 7 days | ~$350 | Moderate |
| 14 days | ~$700 | Moderate |
| 30 days | ~$1,500 | High |
| 90+ days | ~$4,500+ | Severe – detention risk |
How to Resolve an Iran eVisa Overstay: Step-by-Step Guide
Iran eVisa overstay resolution requires visiting the Immigration & Passport Police office, presenting documents, paying the calculated fine, and obtaining exit clearance before departure.
Report
Report to the nearest Immigration & Passport Police office immediately.
Submit
Submit original documents for verification.
Calculate
Calculate the fine based on overstayed days.
Pay
Pay the fine in USD or IRR.
Obtain
Obtain exit clearance stamp from Immigration & Passport Police.
Depart
Depart with the overstay fine receipt at the airport checkpoint.
Where and How to Pay Your Overstay Fine
Iran eVisa overstay fines can be paid in USD or IRR at the airport Immigration & Passport Police office or via bank transfer. A receipt is issued upon payment and must be retained for the exit checkpoint. Attempting voluntary departure without exit clearance may result in denial of departure.
Document Checklist for Overstay Regularisation
- Passport (original)
- Passport photos: headscarf mandatory for women and girls aged 10+
- Original visa grant notice
- Flight ticket or booking confirmation
- Hotel registration records
- Bank payment voucher
- Medical documentation (if applicable)
Bring originals and cash for on-site payment.
How to Extend Your Iran eVisa Before It Expires
Apply for an Iran eVisa extension at the Immigration & Passport Police office at least 7 days before expiry, up to 90 days maximum stay. The standard single extension grants 30 to 45 days, and a second extension is permitted, bringing the maximum cumulative stay to up to 90 days in total. The Passport Police holds final decision authority on every application. Submit your request well before the current visa expires to allow for processing time.
Overstaying the 15-Day Visa-Free Stay
Iran eVisa overstay penalties apply equally to the 15-day visa-free regime available to passport holders from 27 eligible countries for tourism purposes. This stay is non-extendable and permitted only once every six months, according to the evisa.mfa.ir portal. Because the base stay is shorter, even three or four extra days beyond the 15-day limit is proportionally significant and triggers the same reported daily fine of approximately $50 per day.
Special Rules for UK Citizens and Consular Assistance
Iran eVisa overstay rules apply with particular severity to UK citizens, US, and Canadian citizens, who must travel on pre-arranged guided tours with a licensed agency and are not eligible for a standard Visa on Arrival. UK travellers must arrange tours at least two months ahead and be accompanied by a certified guide for the entire visit. Only tourist and pilgrimage visas are permitted; independent travel is not allowed, and bringing overland vehicles into Iran is prohibited. As of 8 September 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Iran (gov.uk).
Iran does not recognise dual nationality. British-Iranian dual nationals are treated solely as Iranian citizens, and UK government diplomatic requests on their behalf are highly unlikely to be accepted by Iranian authorities. British passports cannot be issued from inside Iran; application must be made from a neighbouring country.
What Can the British Embassy Do If You’re Detained?
| Embassy CAN | Embassy CANNOT |
|---|---|
| Detention visits | Negotiate fine reductions |
| Contact your family | Intervene in immigration decisions |
| Provide list of local lawyers | Secure your release |
| Override Iranian law |
Dual British-Iranian nationals are treated as Iranian citizens, meaning consular access may be restricted or denied entirely. For overstay queries before travel, contact the Iranian Embassy at
16 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1PT.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs Visa-Free: Do Overstay Rules Differ?
Iran eVisa overstay penalties are generally the same for eVisa, VOA, and visa-free entries, but the exit procedure and departure options may differ. The resolution process is identical for all three: Immigration & Passport Police, fine payment, exit clearance. For a broader comparison of entry options, see our guide on Iran eVisa vs Visa on Arrival.
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Overstay Fine | Resolution Process | Re-entry Ban Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (EU/Schengen) | 30 days | ~$50/day | Immigration & Passport Police | Moderate |
| VOA (airports only) | 30 days | ~$50/day | Immigration & Passport Police | Moderate |
| Visa-free (27 countries) | 15 days | ~$50/day | Immigration & Passport Police | Moderate |
Can Overstayers Leave Iran via Land Borders?
Some land borders (Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan) have Immigration Police offices; others may not. VOA holders entered via airports, so departing via land border adds complexity. Airport departure (e.g., Tehran Imam Khomeini IKA) is recommended for overstayers due to better-equipped facilities. Check with Immigration & Passport Police before attempting land border exit.
Grace Periods, Waivers and Force Majeure Exceptions
No official grace period exists for an Iran eVisa overstay. Even 1 day incurs a fine. De facto leniency for 1 to 3 days is possible if you report immediately to Immigration & Passport Police, but not guaranteed. Flight cancellations or medical emergencies may earn discretionary leniency.
Medical Emergency and Force Majeure Exemptions
An Iran eVisa overstay fine may be reduced or waived if you follow a specific process: visit a hospital, obtain a medical report, have it translated into Farsi, and submit it to the Immigration & Passport Police for review. Processing takes 1 to 2 working days; Passport Police may waive up to 100% of the fine if documentation is accepted.
2026 Israel-Iran Conflict Overstay Waiver
Time-sensitive: Following the Israel-Iran conflict that commenced on 28 February 2026, the penalty for any overstay by affected foreign nationals after that date would be waived. Source: hcilondon.gov.in.
Iran eVisa Overstay FAQ
How many days can you overstay your Iran eVisa without a fine?
No grace period. 1 to 3 day overstay may still be fined; only discretionary leniency possible. Contact Immigration & Passport Police immediately.
How much is the fine for overstaying an Iran eVisa in 2026?
~$50/day. 7 days = ~$350, 30 days = ~$1,500. Rates set by Passport Police and may change.
Can I be banned from re-entering Iran after overstaying?
Yes. Ban may be temporary (6 months to 2 years) or permanent, depending on overstay duration and whether resolved before departure. A re-entry ban of 6 months to 2 years has been reported by overstayers in forum threads, but the Iranian government has not published an official scale. Bans are applied at the discretion of the Passport Police.
How do I pay the overstay fine at the airport in Iran?
Pay at the Immigration & Passport Police office at the airport before departure. Accepted in USD or IRR. Keep the overstay fine receipt for the exit checkpoint.
What documents do I need to resolve an Iran eVisa overstay?
Passport, photos, visa grant notice, flight booking, hotel registration, bank voucher. Bring originals.
Can I extend my Iran eVisa to avoid overstaying?
Yes. Apply at Immigration & Passport Police office at least 7 days before expiry. Maximum stay: up to 90 days total. Requires passport, photos, and valid reason.
Does the type of Iran visa affect the overstay penalty?
Penalties are generally the same for eVisa, VOA, and visa-free. Resolution process may differ. VOA holders cannot depart via land borders.
What can the British Embassy in Tehran do if I’m detained for overstaying?
Visits, family contact, lawyer lists. Cannot negotiate fines or intervene. Dual British-Iranian nationals treated as Iranian citizens. Consular access may be restricted or denied entirely.
Is there a grace period if my overstay is due to a medical emergency?
No formal grace period. You may reduce or waive the fine with hospital documentation translated into Farsi and submitted to Immigration & Passport Police. Not guaranteed.
Can I leave Iran through a land border if I have overstayed?
Some land borders have Immigration Police offices; others may not. Airport departure is generally safer and better equipped. Check with Immigration Police first.
Does travel insurance cover Iran eVisa overstay fines?
Typically no. Most policies contain a “compliance with local laws” exclusion clause. Check policy terms before travel.
