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🇮🇷IranRU-IR

Russian Federation to Iran visa requirements

Russian ordinary passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at Iran's international airports for a tourist stay of up to 30 days, after submitting the electronic application at least 2 days before travel. A full visa-free entry exists ONLY for organized tour groups of 5-50 people; independent tourists need the VOA or an eVisa in advance. For tourism, a Russia (RU) ordinary passport holder does NOT enjoy general visa-free entry to Iran as an individual. Iran's visa policy grants Russians visa-free stay only when traveling as part of an accredited tour group (5-50 people) with an operator representative. An independent Russian tourist is eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA) at major Iranian international airports (e.g., Tehran IKA, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan), valid for up to 30 days and extendable inside Iran. Russia is NOT on Iran's VOA-excluded nationality list. The current MFA process requires applicants to complete the electronic visa form on the official portal (evisa.mfa.ir) at least 2 days before arrival and present the printed Grant Notice at the airport VOA counter; many travelers instead obtain the full eVisa in advance to avoid airport delays. Mandatory Iranian travel insurance must be purchased (at the airport if not already held). Iran is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Passports must be valid at least 6 months and must NOT contain Israeli stamps. Verdict: visa on arrival for the individual tourist case.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE 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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa on arrival (tourist) at international airports; individual travelers. Visa-free only for accredited tour groups of 5-50.
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days, extendable twice inside Iran (up to ~90 days total)
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. EUR 75 airport visa fee (varies ~EUR 20-150 by nationality) plus mandatory insurance EUR 25-45
consular fee only
Processing time
Issued at the airport; e-form must be lodged at least 2 days before travel
standard track
Validity
Visa valid for entry within 3 months of issuance; 30-day stay from entry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eligibility and passport validity
Verify your Russian passport is valid at least 6 months beyond entry and contains no Israeli visas/stamps from the last 12 months. Russia is eligible for Iran VOA (not on the excluded list).
· 6-month validity· No Israeli stamps
/02
Complete the electronic pre-application
At least 2 days before travel, fill in the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the official MFA portal (evisa.mfa.ir / evisatraveller.mfa.ir) and upload a passport photo and passport bio page.
· Min 2 days ahead· Official MFA portal
/03
Print the Grant Notice
Once approved, print the Visa Grant Notice. Airlines may ask to see it before boarding the flight to Iran.
· Required for boarding
/04
Buy mandatory Iranian travel insurance
Purchase compulsory Iran-valid travel insurance (online beforehand or at the airport terminal). Foreign policies are usually not accepted.
· EUR 25-45· Mandatory
/05
Pay the visa fee on arrival
At the airport VOA counter, present the Grant Notice and pay the visa fee in euros via the banking terminal (cards may not work for foreign accounts; bring cash EUR).
· Pay in EUR· Bring cash
/06
Receive visa and clear immigration
Collect the visa sticker/stamp and proceed through passport control. Keep proof of onward/return ticket and accommodation handy.
· Onward ticket· Hotel proof
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Russian Federation -> Iran · Visa on arrival (tourist) at international airports; individual travelers. Visa-free only for accredited tour groups of 5-50.
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredRussian passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredNo Israeli visas or stamps in the passport (last 12 months)
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredElectronic visa pre-application submitted (min. 2 days before travel)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredPrinted Visa Grant Notice for boarding and airport counter
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredPassport-style photo (white background, headscarf for women)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredMandatory Iran-valid travel insurance certificate
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedSufficient euros in cash for visa fee and insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
OptionalAlternative: obtain full eVisa in advance to skip airport queues
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
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.
Official sourcesVisa policy of Iran (Wikipedia)Iran e-Visa - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (official portal)Visa requirements for Russian citizens (Wikipedia)
Application link included: Visa policy of Iran (Wikipedia)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Airport visa-on-arrival fee~EUR 75Paid in euros at airport terminal; ranges ~EUR 20-150 by nationality
Mandatory travel insuranceEUR 25-45Required if you lack an Iran-recognized policy; covers up to 45 days
eVisa fee (if applying in advance, tourism)EUR 10 (+ service fee)MFA tourist eVisa government fee; agency service fees may apply
Total estimateEUR 50 — EUR 120incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa on arrival (e-form + airport)
Same day at airport; e-form min. 2 days before travel
Submit the online form, get the Grant Notice, then pay and receive the visa at the airport counter.
eVisa in advance (online)
Approx. 3-7 working days
Apply through the official MFA portal and receive an approved eVisa/authorization code before departure to skip airport queues.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
No general individual visa-free entry
Iran grants Russians visa-free entry only as part of an accredited tour group (5-50 people); independent tourists are not covered.
High
/02
Russia eligible for visa on arrival
Russia is not on Iran's VOA-excluded nationality list, so individual Russian travelers can obtain a VOA at major airports.
High
/03
Mandatory pre-application and insurance
The MFA requires an electronic application at least 2 days ahead and compulsory Iran-valid travel insurance, which trips up unprepared travelers.
Medium
/04
Israeli stamp / passport validity issues
Entry is refused for passports with recent Israeli stamps or under 6 months validity.
Medium
/05
Bilateral visa-waiver still group-only
Russia-Iran visa-free talks for individuals are ongoing but not yet in force, so individuals still need a visa.
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
Russia to Iran route verified
Confirmed via Iran MFA eVisa portal and Wikipedia visa-policy sources that individual Russian tourists need a visa on arrival (or advance eVisa); full visa-free entry remains limited to accredited tour groups of 5-50 people. Iran is not in the Schengen area, so ETIAS/90-180 rules do not apply.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Russian tourist enter Iran without any visa?—
Only when traveling as part of an accredited tour group of 5-50 people with an operator representative (up to 90 days). Independent tourists need a visa on arrival or an advance eVisa.
How long can I stay on the visa on arrival?+
How much does the Iran visa on arrival cost for Russians?+
Do I need to do anything before flying?+
Will an Israeli stamp in my passport be a problem?+
Does the Schengen 90/180 rule or ETIAS apply to Iran?+
/11 — Passport tools

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