Not all passport holders can apply for an Iran eVisa through the official online portal. As of 2026, citizens of 48 countries are eligible for the electronic visa system. This page lists all eligible nationalities, explains restrictions, and clarifies the options available to those who cannot use the standard eVisa route.
Countries Eligible for Iran eVisa in 2026
The following nationalities can apply for an Iran eVisa at evisa.mfa.ir:
Europe
- Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine
Asia and Pacific
- Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Americas and Africa
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela; and select African nations including South Africa and Egypt
Countries NOT Eligible for Iran eVisa
Citizens of the following countries cannot use the standard Iran eVisa portal and must apply through a different route:
United States
US citizens are not eligible for the Iran eVisa. Travel to Iran for US passport holders requires either applying through the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., or – in practice – traveling with an organized government-approved tour group. For detailed guidance, see our Iran eVisa for US Citizens page.
United Kingdom
UK citizens also face restrictions. Like US citizens, they must apply through consular channels and cannot travel independently to Iran. UK travelers must join a licensed tour group or obtain special authorization. See our Iran eVisa for UK Citizens page for current guidance.
Canada
Canadian citizens are in a similar position – they must apply through consulates or arrange an organized tour. Independent travel without consular visa is not permitted for Canadians.
Israel
Israeli citizens cannot enter Iran. Entry is denied to all Israeli passport holders. Additionally, if your passport (of any nationality) contains clear evidence of travel to Israel, entry may also be denied.
Other Restricted Nationalities
Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka are excluded from the visa on arrival scheme (though eVisa eligibility differs – check the official portal for the latest list).
Visa-Free Entry to Iran
A small number of nationalities enjoy visa-free access to Iran for short stays:
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Georgia, Malaysia, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela – visa-free for tourist purposes
Citizens of these countries do not need to apply for any visa in advance.
Visa on Arrival as an Alternative
For eligible nationalities, Iran also offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major international airports. However, since 2022, some airlines have required travelers to hold a pre-issued visa before boarding. Applying for an eVisa in advance is strongly recommended. For a full comparison, see our Iran eVisa vs Visa on Arrival page.
How to Check Your Eligibility
For the most up-to-date list, always check the official evisa.mfa.ir portal. Visa policies can change based on diplomatic relations. When in doubt, contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate for your nationality.
If you’re eligible, proceed to our How to Apply for Iran eVisa guide to start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries are eligible for the Iran eVisa?
As of 2026, approximately 48 countries are eligible for the Iran eVisa through the official online portal at evisa.mfa.ir.
Can dual nationals apply for an Iran eVisa?
Dual nationals should be cautious. If you hold Iranian-American, Iranian-British, or Iranian-Canadian dual nationality, Iran may not recognize your foreign passport and treat you as an Iranian citizen, which creates complex legal situations. Consult legal advice before traveling.
My country isn’t on the list – what are my options?
If your nationality is not eligible for the online eVisa, you may still be able to apply for a visa through the nearest Iranian embassy, or check if you qualify for a visa on arrival. Some organized tour operators can also facilitate visa authorization for a wider range of nationalities.
Do EU citizens all qualify for Iran eVisa?
Most EU citizens qualify – with the exception of certain dual nationals and any EU citizen who also holds UK citizenship. Check the official portal for your specific nationality.
