TurkeyIST
Istanbul
Iran's main gateway to the world
OpenNo visa
Visa
Visa-free for Iranian passport holders for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Money and payment
Turkish lira. Exchange cash dollars and euros at exchange offices in the city (not the airport); Iranian cards do not work.
International cards are accepted everywhere. To buy an onward ticket you need a foreign-currency card or help from someone abroad.
Transit tips
- Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) are 80 km apart; allow at least 4 hours to connect between them.
- Your Iranian flight arrives at IST; Pegasus mostly flies from SAW.
- Do not buy the onward ticket until you have reached Istanbul unless the gap is long; delays and cancellations on Iran–Turkey flights are frequent.
- Airport hotels suit long waits; in the city, Taksim and Sultanahmet have good access to the airport.
Onward flights
Turkish Airlines to Europe, North America and Asia; Pegasus is cheaper to Europe from SAW.
Best for
- Europe
- North America
- Middle East
Warnings
- Mahan does not fly from Turkish airports; only Caspian, Iran Air and Qeshm Air.
- Waits of several hours to several days for connections have been reported.
Visa rules and entry conditions for Iranian passport holders change frequently. This guide is based on public information as of the update date and is no substitute for checking with the embassy or the airline. Guides updated 2 November 2026