Do France passport holders need a visa to visit IR?

French ordinary passport holders need a visa for Iran. Apply for an Iran e-visa (grant notice) in advance through the official MFA portal, then collect the visa sticker on arrival at the airport (visa-on-arrival counter) or at an Iranian consulate. Independent travel is allowed for French citizens; only US, UK and Canadian nationals currently face a mandatory guided-tour rule. As of 31 May 2026, France (FR) ordinary passport holders cannot enter Iran visa-free. Iran requires a visa for all French/EU tourists. The standard, official channel is the electronic visa (e-visa) applied for through Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (evisa.mfa.ir). Applicants complete the online form, upload a passport scan and photo, and receive an electronic "Grant Notice" / authorization code by email after consular approval (typically 1-3 weeks). The visa sticker is then issued either on arrival at a major international airport (Tehran IKIA, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan) at the Visa-On-Arrival counter, or in advance at an Iranian consulate. Because the electronic application and approval must be obtained before boarding, the best-fit classification is "evisa" rather than a pure walk-up visa-on-arrival. The tourist visa grants a single entry for up to 30 days, extendable twice inside Iran for a total of up to 90 days. Following the August/September 2025 tightening and the October 2025 partial reversal, French citizens are NOT subject to the mandatory escorted guided-tour requirement that still applies to US, UK and Canadian nationals; however, all travelers must provide a rough itinerary and stay only in officially registered accommodation (hotels), not with private hosts. Passport must be valid at least 6 months and proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested. Iran is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Note: an Iranian visa/stamp can complicate later entry to the United States under the ESTA/Visa Waiver Program.