Iran: what to know before you go
Last verified: June 2026 (mfa.ir / US CBP sources)
What should you know before traveling to Iran?
Five essentials, beyond the visa: (1) US ESTA — any stay in Iran since 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA (you'll need a regular US visa); it's the travel that counts, not the stamp (Iran doesn't stamp the passport). (2) Iranian insurance mandatory. (3) Money: foreign Visa/Mastercard don't work — bring cash (euros). (4) Headscarf compulsory for women from arrival at the airport. (5) No Israeli stamp/visa or evidence of travel to Israel. For the visa itself, see the Tourism tab.
Official source: evisa.mfa.ir
At a glance
- US ESTA
- Lost after any travel to Iran (since 1 Mar 2011)
- It's the travel
- Not the stamp (Iran doesn't stamp)
- Insurance
- Iranian mandatory
- Bank cards
- Foreign ones unusable → cash (euros)
- Headscarf
- Compulsory for women from arrival
- Israel
- No stamp / travel evidence
- Pre-travel biometrics
- None
- Visa
- See the Tourism tab
Required documents
- Passport with no Israeli stamp or visa
- Iranian travel insurance (mandatory)
- Cash in euros (to exchange locally)
- Compliant dress (headscarf for women)
- Iran visa (see the Tourism tab)
How it works, step by step
- 1Check the ESTA impact
If you plan visa-free US travel later, Iran will make you ineligible.
- 2Buy the Iranian insurance
Mandatory; foreign policies are often refused.
- 3Prepare cash (euros)
No foreign bank card works in Iran.
- 4Prepare your dress
Headscarf compulsory for women from the airport.
- 5Get the visa
Online application + visa on arrival (see the Tourism tab).
Fees
| Iranian travel insurance | mandatory (by duration) |
| Cash (euros) | budget for the whole stay |
| Iran visa | see the Tourism tab |
This information complements the visa (Tourism tab). The most important point: travel to Iran since 1 March 2011 makes you permanently ineligible for US ESTA (a regular US visa is then required). Iranian insurance mandatory, euro cash essential, headscarf compulsory for women, no Israeli stamp. Confirm with official sources before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Iran cost you ESTA?
The 2015 US law makes anyone who has traveled to Iran since 1 March 2011 ineligible for the visa-waiver program; a regular US visa is then required.
Is the stamp the trigger?
No, it's the fact of travel. Iran also issues the visa on a separate slip and doesn't stamp the passport.
Can I pay by card in Iran?
No. Bring cash (euros) to exchange locally; foreign cards don't work.
Is the headscarf compulsory?
Yes, for all women, from arrival at the airport, regardless of religion.
Is insurance required?
Yes, an Iranian travel insurance is mandatory; foreign policies are generally refused.
Need the Iran visa?
OuiVisa files your application online and guides you to the visa on arrival — see the Tourism tab.
See the tourist e-Visae-Visa application filed online by OuiVisa — visa stamped on arrival, no pre-travel biometrics. For visas requiring biometrics and physical presence, OuiVisa refers you to a partner agency. Visa issuance is at the Iranian authorities' discretion; approval is not guaranteed.