South Africa
Iran
Iran visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Iran, valid for stays of up to 30 days.
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at southafrica.mfa.gov.ir
Which Iran visa?
Visa on arrival at Iranian international airports
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- As printed on the visa issued at the airport
- Processing time
- Apply online at least 2 days before travel; the visa is printed at the airport counter
Iran’s official site for the visa on arrival is evisatraveller.mfa.ir. Processing time, as Iran states it: Apply online at least 2 days before travel; the visa is printed at the airport counter. Longest stay on the visa on arrival: As printed on the visa issued at the airport.
Iranian citizens travelling to South Africa
IranSouth Africa e-Visa South Africa visa for citizens of Iran
Travel advice for Iran
- US State Department Level 4: Do not travel
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) Advises against all travel to the whole country
- German Foreign Office Travel warning for the whole country (Reisewarnung)
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from South Africa to Iran, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates Iran at Level 4, do not travel (updated 22 October 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Iran (updated 27 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has a travel warning (Reisewarnung) for Iran (updated 29 October 2026).
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in Iran
South African citizens may stay in Iran for up to 30 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to Iran.
How South African citizens apply
South African citizens receive the visa for Iran at the port of entry, so they should have their passport, the fee and any documents the officers may ask for, such as a return ticket.
Iran’s neighbours for South African citizens
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan require South African citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
Iranian citizens travelling to South Africa
Iranian citizens need an e-Visa for South Africa, applied for online before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Iran?
South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Iran, valid for stays of up to 30 days.
How long can South African citizens stay in Iran?
South African citizens can stay in Iran for up to 30 days with a visa on arrival.
Do Iranian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Iranian citizens need an e-Visa for South Africa, applied for online before travel.
Can South African citizens enter Iran visa-free?
No; South African citizens need a visa on arrival in Iran.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.