PassportSouth Africa

Iran: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Iran. You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Visa required. South Africans must apply online first through Iran's official e-visa system (evisa.mfa.ir). A South African visa agency says documents then go to the Iranian Embassy in Pretoria. Wikipedia says nationals not on Iran's exemption lists must get an e-visa reference, on the basis of which the visa is issued, so arriving without one is not a reliable option. All major Western governments advise against all travel to Iran.453

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

Tourism and other purposes, each by visa type. Kish Island can be visited without a visa, but only with prior approval through a registered Iranian travel agency (UK FCDO).12

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Passport validity

At least 6 months beyond arrival, with at least 1 blank page (UK FCDO and US State Department; GSA says 2 blank pages). Passports with Israeli stamps or issued by Israel may be refused entry.123

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

Apply online at evisa.mfa.ir (Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs), then submit documents to the Iranian Embassy in Pretoria (GSA). Processing about 10 working days. The fee is shown during the online application. Documents listed by GSA: passport valid 6 months with 2 blank pages, digital photo and passport scan, travel itinerary, CV, proof of payment and valid travel insurance. GSA says health tests (HIV, TB, hepatitis B and C, under 1 month old) may be requested. The UK FCDO calls the process long and unpredictable; apply well ahead.13

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Where South Africans apply

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 245 Melk Street, New Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria. Tel 012 001 0555. Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00; collections 09:00 to 12:00 (GSA).3

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Travel insurance

Valid travel insurance is required with the visa application (GSA). The UK FCDO warns that travel insurance may be invalid if you travel against its advice.63

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published. US State Department: you may bring in at most USD 10,000 and take out at most USD 5,000.2

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Iran requires a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from an affected country and a polio certificate if you arrive from a polio-affected country (UK FCDO). Iran is not a yellow fever risk country, so South Africa does not require a yellow fever certificate when you return directly.1

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Arrival forms

Not published by official sources

Extending your stay and overstaying

Extension possible twice by 30 days, up to 90 days in total (Wikipedia). Women travelling with children may need the father's permission for the children to leave Iran (UK FCDO).14

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

A mother travelling with children may need the father's permission for the children to leave Iran (UK FCDO).1

Not yet confirmed by an official source

What changed

13 August 2026UK FCDO advises against all travel to Iran; warns airspace may close without notice after recent strikes and that infrastructure including airports has been damaged.
11 December 2025US State Department: Level 4, Do not travel; US citizens in Iran told to leave immediately.

Sources

Other government

Official advice from other governments

  1. 1UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk
  2. 2US Department of State travel.state.gov
  3. 6UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

  1. 4Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Commercial

Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies

  1. 3The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.