Trip checklist: Iran

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

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Visa requirement

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Iran.

Permitted stay

You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Before you go

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• Travelling with children

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

• Confirm with the embassy

  Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran/entry-requirements

Research sources

1. 1. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran/entry-requirements
2. 2. US Department of State (Other government, travel.state.gov) https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iran.html
3. 3. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran
4. 4. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Iran
5. 5. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
6. 6. The GSA (South African visa agency) (Commercial, thegsa.co.za) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2750-iran-country-guide

From doineedavisa.co.za/iran. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.