Iran Visa RequirementsFor Spain passport holders
Spanish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Iran at major airports for USD $75, valid for 30 days. However, following the US-Israel military offensive against Iran (Operation Epic Fury, February 28, 2026), Spain advises against all travel to Iran. The security situation is extremely volatile.
Spain passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Iran ports of entry.
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, Mashhad, and Shiraz airports for Spanish passport holders. The fee is USD $75 payable in cash (USD or EUR). Duration is 30 days. However, obtaining a visa on arrival is academic given the current conflict. The Spanish Embassy in Tehran may have limited operations following evacuations of other European missions.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, visa on arrival or e-visa, travel insurance valid in Iran, return ticket. Women must wear hijab from arrival.
Fines and potential complications at departure.
Current Travel Situation
Spain to Iran: What You Need to Know
Spain and Iran maintain diplomatic relations and Iran grants Spanish passport holders visa on arrival access. Historically, Spain has been a popular source of tourists visiting Iran due to shared architectural heritage (Moorish Spain and Persian influences) and cultural interest. However, the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran military conflict in February 2026 has fundamentally changed the travel landscape. Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026 saw coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran retaliated with missile strikes across the region. Multiple European embassies have evacuated their staff from Tehran, including several EU member states.
How to Get There
Direct flights from Spain to Iran operate via Mahan Air and occasionally Iberia codeshares via Istanbul, but commercial air routes to Iran are severely disrupted following the February 2026 conflict. Land routes via Turkey are the only viable option for those transiting through the region. Within Iran, domestic flights, trains, and intercity buses connect major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, and Mashhad.
Money & Banking
Iran uses the Iranian Rial (IRR), though prices are often quoted in Tomans (1 Toman = 10 Rials). International bank cards including Visa and Mastercard do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Spanish travelers must bring sufficient cash in USD or EUR to exchange locally. Daily budget for budget travelers is approximately USD $30 to $50; mid-range USD $70 to $100. ATMs dispensing foreign currency are not available to international visitors.
Practical Tips
Do not travel to Iran as of March 2026. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) advises against all travel to Iran. The ongoing military conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran poses extreme risks to all foreign nationals in the country. If you are currently in Iran, contact the Spanish Embassy in Tehran immediately and seek to depart safely. Monitor maec.gob.es for the latest travel advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will visiting Iran affect my US visa?
Yes, visiting Iran affects ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) eligibility for the USA. After visiting Iran, you must apply for a regular US visa instead of using ESTA. This doesn't prevent getting a US visa but adds time and cost. Consider this before traveling if you plan future US visits.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa to enter Iran?
Spanish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Iranian airports for USD $75, valid for 30 days. However, given the active military conflict in Iran as of 2026, travel is strongly inadvisable regardless of visa availability.
Do women have to wear hijab in Iran?
Yes, all women (including foreign visitors) must wear hijab in Iran by law. A headscarf covering hair and loose clothing covering arms and legs are required in public spaces. Many Iranian women push boundaries with loose scarves, but tourists should err on the conservative side, especially at religious sites.
Is it safe to travel to Iran from Spain right now?
No. The Spanish government advises against all travel to Iran following the US-Israel military offensive (Operation Epic Fury, February 2026) and ongoing conflict. The situation is extremely dangerous.
Can I use credit cards in Iran?
No, international credit and debit cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring all money in cash (EUR or USD). Exchange at official exchange offices (not banks) for better rates. Some tours can arrange prepaid Iranian debit cards. This is a major logistical consideration.
Will my Spanish credit or debit card work in Iran?
No. International bank cards do not function in Iran due to international sanctions. You must bring sufficient cash in USD or EUR to exchange locally for the duration of your stay.
What should I see in Iran?
Iran offers extraordinary attractions: Isfahan's Imam Square and bridges, Persepolis ancient ruins, Shiraz's poetry gardens, Yazd's desert architecture, Tehran's museums and palaces, the deserts of central Iran, and the Caspian coast. The country has 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Two weeks barely scratches the surface.
Are there direct flights from Spain to Iran?
Commercial air routes to Iran are severely disrupted following the February 2026 conflict. Historically, Mahan Air operated flights between Tehran and Madrid or Barcelona. Check current airline status before planning any travel.
Is Iran safe for tourists?
For tourists, Iran is generally safe with very low crime. Iranians are extraordinarily hospitable to visitors. However, political tensions create unpredictable risks. Avoid protests and political discussions. Border regions with Iraq and Afghanistan are dangerous. Dual nationals (Iranian heritage) face particular risks including detention.
What should Spanish citizens do if they are already in Iran?
Contact the Spanish Embassy in Tehran immediately. Monitor maec.gob.es for guidance. Seek to depart Iran safely via the most secure available route, which may include land crossings to neighboring countries.
Can I use my Spanish phone in Iran?
Roaming service is limited in Iran as many international operators do not have agreements with Iranian carriers. Local SIM cards are available but internet access is heavily filtered and restricted within Iran.