United States passport → Iran

Do American citizens need a visa for Iran?

Visa required in advance

American passport holders need a visa for Iran, applied for in advance at an embassy, consulate or visa application centre.

What this means for your trip

Book an appointment with the embassy, consulate or its visa centre early. Waits can be long in peak season.
Typical documents: application form, photos, bank statements, ITR, employment letter, bookings and travel insurance.
If you already hold certain other visas, a simpler route may apply. Check the section below.

Get trip-ready for Iran

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Iran at a glance

Capital: Tehran
Currency: Iranian rial (IRR)
Languages: Persian (Farsi)
Calling code: +98
Region: Southern Asia

More about Iran →

Iran for other passports

IndiaeVisa
United StatesVisa required
United KingdomVisa required
United Arab EmiratesVisa-free15 days
ChinaVisa-free21 days
SingaporeVisa-free15 days
PakistanVisa required
BangladesheVisa
Sri LankaeVisa
NepaleVisa
NigeriaVisa on arrival30 days
PhilippineseVisa

Nearby in Southern Asia for American passport holders

BangladeshVisa on arrival30 days
MaldivesVisa on arrival30 days
NepalVisa on arrival90 days
Sri LankaVisa on arrival30 days
AfghanistaneVisa
BhutaneVisa
IndiaeVisa30 days
PakistaneVisa30 days

Common questions

Do American citizens need a visa for Iran?

American passport holders need a visa for Iran, applied for in advance at an embassy, consulate or visa application centre.

How long can American citizens stay in Iran?

The allowed stay depends on the visa you are granted. Check the decision letter or entry stamp.

Can American citizens get a visa on arrival in Iran?

Not under the standard rules.

How many countries can American citizens visit without a visa?

152 destinations allow entry without a visa arranged in advance (visa-free, visa on arrival or eTA). The United States passport ranks #12 of 94 (passports with equal scores share a rank).

Source: Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0). Updated weekly. Rules can change, so give the official site a quick look before you fly.