Who Can Enter Iran Without a Visa in 2026: Rules and Entry Arrangements

In 2026, citizens of over 30 countries can enter Iran without a visa, ranging from 15-day unilateral tourist waivers to 90-day bilateral agreements. UK, US, and Canadian passport holders are excluded from all visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements and must obtain a visa in advance through an organised tour. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with 2 free pages.

Last updated: 8 September 2026. This article is researched using government sources (gov.uk, evisa.mfa.ir) and is not affiliated with the Iranian government or any embassy. Verify all details before travel.

In 2026, citizens of 27 countries can enter Iran visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, including Japan, Brazil, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Bilateral agreements grant 30-90 day visa-free stays to Turkey, Armenia, Oman, Iraq, and Georgia. UK, US, and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance – visa-free entry and visa on arrival are not available to them.

UK Passport Holders & Dual Nationality Rules

UK passport holders cannot enter Iran visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. A pre-arranged e-Visa through a tour operator is mandatory; independent travel is prohibited by the Iranian MFA. British citizens must travel on a pre-booked guided tour (group or tailor-made individual tour) with a confirmed itinerary, flights, and hotels. The recommended lead time is at least 10 weeks before planned entry. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Iran.

Iran does not recognise dual nationality. Iran’s visa exemption policy treats British-Iranian dual nationals exclusively as Iranian citizens, requiring an Iranian passport for both entry and exit. UK consular access is highly unlikely to be accepted by Iranian authorities. Persons with an Iranian father, and women married to Iranian men, are considered Iranian nationals regardless of their British passport. A British passport or valid UK visa in an Iranian passport is needed to return to the UK. British passports cannot be renewed inside Iran; applications must be made in neighbouring countries via HM Passport Office.

Who Can Enter Iran Without a Visa – 2026 Country List

Visa-exempt nationalities fall into four regime types: bilateral long-stay agreements, a unilateral 15-day tourism waiver (implemented 4 February 2024), special entry permits on arrival, and tour-group-only arrangements. The Iran visa waiver rules permit stays from 14 days to 90 days depending on nationality and regime.

Overland visa-free entry is confirmed at the Turkey (Bazargan) and Armenia (Nordooz) borders. Syria and India require air-only arrival. Iraq allows 30-day visa-free access at the Mehran land border. For the 27-country waiver group, check land-border applicability with the nearest Iranian embassy; the MFA portal does not specify crossing types.

Iran Visa on Arrival & e-Visa Alternatives

For excluded nationalities, two 2026 alternatives exist: visa on arrival (VOA) and the e-Visa portal.

1. VOA at 12 international airports: Imam Khomeini International (Tehran), Mehrabad International (Tehran), Isfahan International, Mashhad International, Shiraz International, Tabriz International, Kish International, Kerman International, Bandar Abbas International, Orumiyeh International, Konarak (Chah-Bahar), Dayrestan (Qeshm Island). Air arrivals only, 30-90 minutes processing, up to 30 days. Excluded nationalities: UK, US, Canada, India, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Jordan, Somalia. Israeli citizens refused entry under all circumstances. Lebanon citizens receive VOA free of charge.
2. Airport documents: passport with 2 free pages and 6 months validity; health insurance explicitly stating “Iran” (USD 18 / €14 on site). No onward ticket or ID photo required.
3. e-Visa via MFA portal:
   1

   Submit application
   Apply at evisa.mfa.ir

   2

   Verify email
   Confirm your email address

   3

   Receive reference number
   Get your application reference

   4

   Wait for authorisation code
   5-10 days; valid 45 days for embassy collection

4. Tour-operator route: UK, US, and Canadian citizens must use the embassy route with a tour-operator authorisation code (1-3 day processing). Embassy visas: 30, 60, or 90 days. Agency fee: $49 (free on tour packages). Lead time: at least 8 weeks.

Passport Requirements & No-Stamp Policy

Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond arrival and have 2 blank pages (not necessarily consecutive). Iran’s visa exemption policy requires this for all eligible travellers.

• British passport renewal: impossible inside Iran; UK citizens must apply through HM Passport Office in a neighbouring country.
• Israeli stamps: entry may be refused; Israeli citizens are refused entry under all circumstances.
• No-stamp policy (implemented June 2019): Iran’s visa exemption policy means most nationalities receive no passport stamp on entry, avoiding US sanctions on individuals who visited Iran. Exceptions: US, Canadian, and UK passport holders may still be stamped.

Special Entry Arrangements for Group Tours

US, UK, and Canadian passport holders must travel on a pre-booked guided tour with confirmed itineraries, flights, and hotels, applying at least 10 weeks in advance. Iran’s visa exemption policy bars them from both visa-free entry and VOA.

Russian citizens: groups of 5-50 with a tour operator representative may stay up to 90 days within 180 days, distinct from the unilateral 15-day waiver.

For solo female travellers, women-only tours fulfil the guide requirement while simplifying logistics.

Border Documentation, Health Insurance & Island Entry

VOA applicants must have health insurance explicitly stating “Iran”. If none held, a compliant policy is available at the airport for USD 18 / €14. Generic worldwide cover may be rejected.

Travellers staying in private accommodation (friends, family, or Couchsurfing) must complete Amaken police registration with the local police within a set timeframe. Non-compliance risks problems at departure.

Iran’s visa exemption policy extends to Kish and Qeshm Islands under special free-trade zone rules. Visitors must book through an Iranian travel agency, with the agency notifying the MFA at least 2 weeks before travel. A hotel reservation is required before departure, and the tour guide must submit confirmation to the Kish Airport immigration office at least 48 hours before arrival and meet the traveller upon landing. Travellers are occasionally denied entry without explanation.

FAQ About Iran Visa-Free Entry in 2026