Iran has officially identified the African countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free entry into the Islamic Republic.
Six African nations made the list of countries whose nationals can travel for tourism without following the usual visa application process.
Information released by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that holders of ordinary passports from the six African countries are among citizens of 27 countries worldwide who are permitted to visit Iran for tourism and remain for up to 15 days without a visa.
The visa-free stay cannot be extended and is restricted to one visit every six months.
African countries granted visa-free access to Iran
The six African countries included on the official list are:
• Tunisia
• Mauritania
• Tanzania
• Zimbabwe
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
Citizens of these countries who hold ordinary passports may enter Iran for tourism without securing a visa before departure, provided they comply with the conditions established under Iranian law.
Beyond Africa, the complete list of 27 eligible countries covers several regions.
It includes Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, alongside Asian countries including Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
The list also features Latin American nations such as Brazil, Peru, Cuba, and Mexico.
How Iran’s entry policy works
Iran applies different entry rules depending on a traveller’s nationality. Some countries have separate bilateral agreements that provide full visa waiver arrangements, allowing their citizens to enter under fewer restrictions.
Meanwhile, nationals of Lebanon, Venezuela, and Malaysia are covered by a different policy that allows them to receive the necessary travel permits at designated entry points upon arrival instead of completing the application process before travelling.
For citizens of countries that do not appear on any of these lists including most African nations, the standard visa application process remains mandatory.
Eligible applicants can submit their requests online through Iran’s official eVisa platform, which is operated via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
