ExploEntry rules · United States → Iran
Do American citizens need a visa for Iran?
Yes. American citizens need to get a visa in advance for Iran.
- Entry rule
- Visa required
- Allowed stay
- Set by the permit
- American passport
- 32nd of 197 · 116 visa-free
Before you go
- You need a visa before you travel. Apply through the embassy or consulate, or the visa centre it names.
- Expect to provide documents such as your passport, a photo, an itinerary and proof of funds, and sometimes an invitation. Biometrics may be taken in person.
- Processing often takes several weeks. Apply early and avoid non-refundable tickets until the visa is approved.
- Pick the visa type that matches your purpose: tourism, business, transit or study.
See also: the six-month passport rule and visa-free, visa on arrival, eTA and e-Visa explained.
Iran at a glance
- Capital
- Tehran
- Currency
- Iranian rial (﷼, IRR)
- Languages
- Persian (Farsi)
- Calling code
- +98
- Drives on the
- right
- Power plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V · 50 Hz
Right now in Tehran
Next public holidays
More from United States in Asia
How other passports get into Iran
- United KingdomVisa required
- IndiaVisa-free
- CanadaVisa required
- AustraliaVisa on arrival
- GermanyVisa on arrival
- FranceVisa on arrival
- ItalyVisa on arrival
- SpainVisa on arrival
All passports for Iran · Going the other way: Iranian citizens to the United States
Questions
Do American citizens need a visa for Iran?
Yes. American citizens need to get a visa in advance for Iran.
How long can American citizens stay in Iran?
The length of stay is set by the visa you receive, so check it when you apply. It is commonly 30 to 90 days for tourism, but it varies by country and permit type.
How do I apply for a Iran visa?
Apply through the embassy or consulate of the destination, or the visa centre it names, usually with your passport, photo, itinerary and proof of funds. Start several weeks before you travel.
How long must my passport be valid for Iran?
Many countries want at least 3 to 6 months of validity beyond the day you leave, and some also ask for blank pages. Our data does not list the rule for each country, so confirm it with the official immigration site before you book.
How up to date is this information?
Entry rules come from the open Passport Index dataset by Ilya Ilyankou (MIT), last updated 18 February 2026. Governments change rules often, so treat this as a guide and check with the embassy or the official immigration site before you book.
Read before you go
Entry rules · 4 min readHow to check visa requirements before you book a tripA step-by-step way to check entry rules for your passport: what to look up, which sources to trust, and the details people only discover at the airport.
Planning · 4 min readHow to choose the best time to visit anywhereWeather is only one part of it. Learn how to weigh seasons, crowds, prices and events, with real examples of the best months for popular destinations.
Planning · 3 min readPublic holidays and travel: how to plan around themLocal holidays can close shops, fill trains and raise prices, or give you the best week of your trip. Here is how to check them and what to do about them.
Keep Iran and every other country on one map
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Get the appSource: Passport Index dataset by Ilya Ilyankou (MIT), updated 18 February 2026. Always check official rules before you travel.