Know the transit cities before you fly

Iran's main gateway to the world

Visa-free for Iranian passport holders for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

• Europe
• North America
• Middle East

Close, visa-free and reachable overland

Visa-free for Iranian passport holders for up to 90 days.

• Europe on low-cost carriers
• Russia
• Overland travel

Daily and cheap, mostly for pilgrims

Iranians usually get a visa on arrival; during Arbaeen entry has been free. Ask about the current conditions before travelling.

• Pilgrimage
• Turkey and the Persian Gulf by an alternative route

The reopened route to India and Southeast Asia

Iranian passport holders need an Oman e-visa; a short transit without leaving the airport usually needs no visa. Check before travelling.

• India
• Southeast Asia
• Europe with Oman Air

Visa-free on a tour, e-visa for independent travel

Group tour travel is visa-free; independent travel needs an e-visa, valid up to 16 days for Iranian passport holders. Check before travelling.

• Asia
• Central Asia
• Russia

Currently the best route to Australia

Iranian passport holders get up to 15 days visa-free; an e-visa for longer stays. Check before travelling.

• Australia
• Southeast Asia
• East Asia

Gateway to China and East Asia

Iranian passport holders need a Chinese visa, and the 240-hour transit exemption does not cover Iran. Get the visa in advance.

• China and business travel
• Australia
• East Asia

Closed to Iranian passports: no entry, no transit

Since 1 April 2026 Emirates, flydubai and Etihad refuse Iranian citizens for entry to and transit through the UAE, including holders of UAE residence or visit visas; only UAE Golden Visa holders are reported exempt. The UAE government calls reports of a blanket ban inaccurate, but airlines apply it at check-in. Do not route through Dubai or Abu Dhabi on an Iranian passport.