IranVisits and short stays

Iran transit visa: requirements for crossing Iran

Transit visa (G) and driver visa

In short

The G transit visa lets foreigners cross Iran without staying for another purpose, for example drivers, tourists and merchants on their way to a third country. The MFA asks applicants to show the visa for their destination. The e-visa form also has a separate driver visa option for professional drivers.

Apply on Iran MFA e-visa (evisatraveller.mfa.ir) checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
As printed on the visa; the Berlin embassy fee table lists transit visas for 7 days
Fee
€40Example only: single-entry 7-day transit visa for German passport holders at the Berlin embassy (EUR 60 urgent; double entry EUR 60), plus EUR 10 insurance.
Processing time
About 10 business days after email verification
Work
No
Path to permanent residence
No
Where to apply
Online on the MFA e-visa portal, collected at a mission

Who needs a transit visa

The MFA defines the G visa as a visa that allows a foreigner to pass through Iran with no purpose of stay, and names drivers, tourists and merchants as typical applicants. It is typically used by people crossing Iran overland between neighbouring countries. Nationals covered by Iran's visa waivers, such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq or Türkiye, can transit under the waiver within its limits.

Professional drivers can also choose the "Driver visa" option on the e-visa form. Carriers transporting goods and passengers are also named among the applicants for the A entry visa.

What the application needs

The MFA lists two requirements: the visa application and proof of the visa for your destination country. Have your passport (six months of validity left), a digital photo, a passport scan and your route through Iran ready. If you cross by land, your onward visa should be valid for the date you will reach that border.

Required documents

Identity

  • Digital personal photo meeting the portal photo standard
  • Digital image of the passport data page meeting the portal standard

Travel

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned travel date
  • Visa or entry permission for the destination country

Other

  • Working email address, verified during the application

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Travel

  • Planned route and border crossings through Iran

Fees

Transit fees depend on nationality and mission. As an example, the embassy in Berlin lists for German passport holders EUR 40 for a single-entry 7-day transit visa and EUR 60 for a double-entry one (EUR 60 and EUR 80 urgent), plus EUR 10 travel insurance; Afghan passport holders and refugee travel document holders pay EUR 50 and EUR 75.

How to apply

Apply on the MFA e-visa portal, choose "Transit" (or "Driver visa") and the mission where you will collect the visa. Answer in English letters, verify your email within three days and keep the tracking code. The portal expects a decision within about 10 business days unless an interview is required. The visa must be used within the validity printed on the sticker, otherwise you have to apply again.

  1. Get the prerequisite for this visa ready: obtain the visa for the country you are travelling to after Iran.
  2. Open the online non-immigrant visa application on the MFA e-visa portal, choose the visa type, your nationality and the mission where you will collect the visa.
  3. Fill in every field in English letters only, upload the photo and passport scan, then review the answers before submitting.
  4. Enter the verification code sent to your email within 3 days, then print the confirmation page and note the tracking code.
  5. Wait for the decision (the portal works with about 10 business days) and attend an interview if the mission asks for one.
  6. Collect the transit visa at the mission and cross Iran within the period it allows.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay on an Iranian transit visa?

The period printed on the visa applies. The Berlin embassy fee table, for example, lists transit visas valid for 7 days.

Do I need the onward visa before applying?

Yes. The MFA lists the visa for your destination as one of the two requirements of the G visa.

Is there a special visa for truck drivers?

The e-visa form offers a "Driver visa" option alongside the transit visa. Carriers of goods and passengers are also listed among A entry visa applicants.

Do visa-waiver nationals need a transit visa for Iran?

No. Nationals of the ten waiver countries can transit under their waiver within its limits; Turkish passport holders, for example, may stay up to 90 days within 180 days.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Iran

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Full waiver countries: as set by each agreement (Türkiye: 90 days within 180 days). 15-day waiver countries: 15 days once every six months. Visa holders: as printed on the visa.
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: As printed on the visa

Business and self-employment

Study and training

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: As printed on the visa; the stay is then covered by residence and a work permit

Family

Online travel permits

  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: As printed on the visa issued at the airport

Protection

Iran visa guide