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Iran Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Chinese citizens can enter Iran visa-free for stays of up to 21 days under Iran's tourism visa-exemption arrangement for Chinese passport holders; longer or non-tourist stays require an e-visa via e_visa.mfa.ir.

Guide last updated October 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address) for the visa-free stay
  • No visa, approval code, or online application is required for stays within the 21-day visa-free window
  • Travel health insurance valid in Iran is required at the border; it can be purchased on arrival at the airport insurance counter if not held already
  • No biometrics collection for visa-free entry

Visa types

  • Visa-free tourist entry — up to 21 days, single entry, for tourism purposes only, no work permitted
  • Tourist e-visa — for stays longer than 21 days or for group tours, applied for in advance at e_visa.mfa.ir, typically valid for a 30-day stay
  • Business visa — requires an invitation from an Iranian host company, arranged through the Iranian embassy or an approved travel agency
  • Student and work visas require a local sponsor and are not available as visa-free or e-visa options

Entry conditions

  • Chinese passport holders may stay up to 21 consecutive days per visit without a visa, for tourism purposes only
  • No paid work or business activity is permitted on the visa-free entry
  • On arrival, present your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation to immigration; purchase mandatory travel insurance at the airport counter if needed
  • Extension beyond 21 days is not available under the visa-free scheme — travellers needing longer stays should apply for the tourist e-visa before travel instead
  • Re-entry within a short period may be scrutinised by immigration to prevent circumvention of the stay limit

Fees & processing time

  • Visa-free entry: no fee for the entry stamp itself
  • Mandatory travel insurance at the airport: approx. USD 15-20 for the duration of the visit
  • Tourist e-visa (if needed for longer stays): approx. USD 50-70 depending on nationality reciprocity fees, processing 3-5 business days
  • No service or VFS fees apply since visa-free entry does not involve a third-party application centre
  • Total cost for a standard visa-free visit: approx. USD 15-20 (insurance only)

Tips for China travelers

  • Carry a printed or digital copy of your return ticket and hotel booking, as immigration officers may ask for them even though no visa is required
  • Budget time to buy mandatory travel insurance at the airport if you do not already have a policy valid for Iran
  • If your trip may exceed 21 days, apply for the tourist e-visa before departure rather than risking an overstay
  • Credit and debit cards from Chinese banks generally do not work in Iran due to international sanctions — carry sufficient cash (USD or EUR) to exchange locally
  • Check current bilateral travel advisories before departure, as entry rules can change with limited notice

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.