Iran visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Iranian Visa is not required for Kenyans

Stay Duration: 30 days

Entry Requirements

  • Kenya nationals visiting Iran can stay for a duration of 30 days without a visa.
  • Visitors can gain entry into Iran by applying for an e-visa. The processing time for the e-visa is 5 days.
  • Kenyans can also pay for a visa on arrival at any of the following airports in Iran:
    • Bandar Abbas International Airport (Bandar Abbas)
    • Isfahan International Airport (Isfahan)
    • Kish International Airport (Kish Island)
    • Mashhad International Airport (Mashad)
    • Qeshm International Airport (Qeshm Island)
    • Shiraz International Airport (Shiraz) Tabriz International Airport (Tabriz)
    • Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)
    • Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran)
    • Urmia Airport (Urmia)
    • Ahvaz International Airport (Ahvaz)
    • Kerman Airport (Kerman)
    • Larestan International Airport
  • Tourists can also extend their stay by applying to the Immigration Department before their initial validity date expires. Overstaying the stay duration will attract a fine.
  • Prospective visitors must possess a passport valid for 6 months on entry into Iran. On both entry and exit from the country, passports will not be stamped.
  • Admission will be refused to women not wearing Islamic head cover, scarf, long sleeves and stockings 
  • In Iran, import of local currency up to IRR 500,000 is allowed. Amounts exceeding IRR 500,000 must be deposited at Bank Melli or Bank Sepah, at the airport. Visitors with foreign currency above $10,000 will be required to declare it.
  • Export of local currency up to IRR 500,000 is allowed for Kenyans. Foreign currencies may be exported by Kenyans up to the amount declared on arrival or obtained via Bank Melli. Bank receipt and Bank stamp in the passport must be shown on departure to prove the balance of the amount declared on arrival.
  • Tourists are required to have a return or onward ticket and proof of enough funds to spend during their stay.
  • Confirmation of accommodation during the stay is needed.
  • Prospective visitors hoping to travel to Iran can do so from any international airport in Kenya. There are international airport Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.
  • Airlines that intending visitors can board from Kenya to Iran include Kenya Airways, Ethiopia Airways, Qatar Airways, Fly540 and Emirate Airlines.
  • The estimated flight time from Nairobi to Tehran, Iran is 8 hours, 55 minutes, 12 hours, 10 minutes from Kisumu, and 10 hours, 9 minutes from Mombasa.
  • The official language of Iran is Persian. It is spoken by about 50% of the population. However, Seven other indigenous languages are recognized and widely spoken and they include, Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Lori, Mazandarani, Gilaki, Balochi and Arabic.
  • The Iranian Rial is the official currency used in Iran. Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various banks and exchange outlets in the country.
  • Islam is the official religion in Iran. Sunni and Shi'i are the two largest branches of Islam, with the overwhelming majority of Iranians practising Shi'i Islam.
  • Iran has a hot, dry climate, characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters.
  • Visitors can move around in Iran with buses, taxis, car rentals and train. 
  • Iran uses the Iran Daylight Time (GMT+4:30), which puts Iran an hour and thirty minutes ahead of Kenya.
  • The power and socket plug used in Iran is of Type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Hiking and skiing in the Alborz, are some of the activities tourists can engage in to enjoy their stay in Iran.
  • Kebab, Khoresht (Iranian Stew), Fesenjan (Fesenjoon), Zereshk Polo, Dizi / Abgoosht (Stone Pot Iranian Stew) are some of the delicacies enjoyed in Iran.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need any vaccination to enter Iran?

No. Iran immigration does not explicitly demand any particular kind of vaccination before granting access into the country. However, tourists are advised to vaccinate against common illnesses before travelling.


Do Kenyans require a visa to travel to Iran?

Kenyans intending to travel to Iran can obtain a visa on arrival at various airports in the country or an e-visa prior to their travel date.


Is it safe to travel to Iran?

Iran is generally a safe place to travel to. According to the 2019 Travel Risk Map showing the risk level in the world, Iran is as safe as many of the European countries.


Can I extend my visa to Iran?

Yes, tourists can extend their visa two times by applying at the immigration department. The duration for each visa extension is for 30 days.


What currency is used in Iran?

The Iranian Rial is the official currency used in Iran. However, visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various banks and exchange outlets in the country.


I am a Kenyan citizen planning to travel to Iran,can I apply for visa when I arrived in Iran??