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🇮🇷IranHK-IR

Hong Kong (SAR China) to Iran visa requirements

Holders of an ordinary HKSAR (Hong Kong) passport can enter Iran visa-free for tourism for up to 21 days. No advance visa, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival fee is required for a stay within this limit; just arrive with a passport valid for at least 6 months. For stays longer than 21 days you would instead use Iran's eVisa / visa-on-arrival. Iran granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders with effect from 2 August 2019, and the arrangement remains in force as of 2026. Ordinary HKSAR passport holders may enter Iran without a visa and stay up to 21 days per visit for tourism or short visits. Iran appears on the Hong Kong Immigration Department's official list of countries/territories offering visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Entry is normally by air through international airports such as Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, and should carry proof of onward/return travel and accommodation. Iran is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. If a longer stay is needed (beyond 21 days), HKSAR holders are not entitled to the visa-free channel and must instead obtain a tourist eVisa / visa-on-arrival (typically up to 30 days, extendable), which carries a visa stamp fee. Because final admission is always at the discretion of Iranian immigration, and U.S./UK/Canadian passport rules differ, travelers should confirm current conditions with the Iranian Consulate-General in Hong Kong before departure. Note also that Iran often does not stamp foreign passports, which can be relevant for later travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
VISA-FREETOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe Hong Kong (PR)Living in Hong Kong (SAR China) as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free entry (no visa required for short stay)
Maximum stay
Up to 21 days per visit
per entry
Entries
Single entry per visa-free admission
from issue date
Visa fee
0 (no fee for visa-free entry)
consular fee only
Processing time
None - admission decided on arrival
standard track
Validity
Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport eligibility
Ensure you hold an ordinary HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) passport. The visa-free arrangement applies to this passport; document of identity holders and other travel documents are not covered.
· Ordinary HKSAR passport· Not for DI/CI documents
/02
Check passport validity and blank pages
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iran, with at least one blank page.
· 6 months validity· 1+ blank page
/03
Prepare supporting documents
Carry proof of onward or return air ticket, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds. Immigration officers may ask to see these on arrival.
· Return ticket· Hotel booking· Funds
/04
Arrange travel insurance valid for Iran
Buy travel medical insurance that explicitly covers Iran. It is commonly required and may be checked or sold on arrival at the airport.
· Iran-valid policy· Medical cover
/05
Arrive by air at an international airport
Enter Iran by air through an international airport such as Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Present your HKSAR passport at immigration for visa-free admission of up to 21 days.
· IKA Tehran· Up to 21 days
/06
If staying longer than 21 days, get an eVisa instead
For stays beyond 21 days you are not covered by the visa-free channel. Apply for a tourist eVisa via Iran's MFA e-visa portal or obtain a visa-on-arrival, which carries a stamp fee.
· evisa.mfa.ir· Over 21 days
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Hong Kong (SAR China) -> Iran · Visa-free entry (no visa required for short stay)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredOrdinary HKSAR passport valid 6+ months beyond stay
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward air ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking / host details)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredTravel medical insurance valid in Iran
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredSufficient funds for the stay (cash; foreign bank cards do not work in Iran)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredStay within the 21-day visa-free limit
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedItinerary / contact details for accommodation
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedPhotocopy or digital copy of passport bio page
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
recommended
RecommendedConfirm current rules with Iranian Consulate-General in Hong Kong before travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Hong Kong Immigration Department - Visa-free access to Iran for HKSAR passport holders (press release)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visa-free entry (stay up to 21 days)0No visa or government fee for the visa-free short stay
Travel medical insurance (mandatory)EUR 15-30Iran-valid policy; can be purchased online or at the airport
eVisa stamp fee (only if staying beyond 21 days)EUR 60-80Visa-on-arrival stamp ~EUR 80; consulate stamp ~EUR 60. Not needed for the 21-day visa-free entry
eVisa service / grant-notice fee (only if applying)EUR 36-54Optional pre-arrival processing for longer stays
Total estimate0EUR 30incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

eVisa grant notice (only for stays over 21 days)
7-10 working days (standard); 3-5 working days (express)
Apply through Iran's MFA e-visa portal before travel; collect visa stamp on arrival or at a consulate.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Bilateral visa-free arrangement
Iran granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders effective 2 August 2019, allowing stays of up to 21 days without any visa.
High
/02
Listed on official HK Immigration visa-free list
Iran appears on the Hong Kong Immigration Department's published list of countries/territories offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to HKSAR passports.
High
/03
Short tourist stay fits the 21-day allowance
Typical tourist visits are well within the 21-day visa-free window, so no visa is required.
High
/04
Entry by air at international airports
The visa-free channel is used by arriving at international airports such as Tehran IKA, where HKSAR holders are admitted without a visa.
Medium
/05
Longer stays still need an eVisa
Visits beyond 21 days fall outside the visa-free arrangement and require a tourist eVisa or visa-on-arrival with a stamp fee.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
HK to Iran route verified
Verified that ordinary HKSAR passport holders enter Iran visa-free for up to 21 days, against the Hong Kong Immigration Department press release and visa-free list and Iran visa policy sources.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa for Iran?
No. Ordinary HKSAR passport holders can enter Iran visa-free for up to 21 days for tourism or short visits. A visa is only needed if you intend to stay longer than 21 days.
How long can I stay in Iran visa-free?+
Does Iran stamp my passport?+
Do I need travel insurance to enter Iran?+
Can I use my bank or credit cards in Iran?+
Is Iran part of the Schengen area or ETIAS?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Hong Kong (SAR China) passport

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