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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for Iran?

Visa required

United Kingdom citizens need a visa to enter Iran. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
United Kingdom → Iran
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Everything for your trip to Iran

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United Kingdom vs Iran: passport comparison

United Kingdom

118

visa-free countries

Global rank: #31 · mobility 167.6

Iran

13

visa-free countries

Global rank: #190 · mobility 66.9
11

countries both United Kingdom and Iran can enter visa-free together

United Kingdom + Iran: passport compatibility

32%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where United Kingdom and Iran travel together — by entry type:

11 both visa-free
20 both visa on arrival
18 both e-visa / eTA
15 both need a visa
133 access differs

Where United Kingdom and Iran can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Both visa-free (11)

Sort by max stay or the destination's passport strength (tap a header), and filter by region.

Only Iran is visa-free (2)

How the entry rule changed: United Kingdom → Iran

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The United Kingdom → Iran rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

3rule changes for the United Kingdom passport, 2 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

Iran: good to know

Tehran

Capital

Iranian Rial (IRR)

Currency

Iran Standard Time (UTC+3:30)

Time zone

+98

Calling code

Where else United Kingdom goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Iran

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for Iran?
United Kingdom citizens need a visa to enter Iran. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — United Kingdom or Iran?
The United Kingdom passport is stronger: 118 visa-free countries versus 13. Global rank: United Kingdom #31, Iran #190.
Where can United Kingdom and Iran citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 11 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Iran?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between United Kingdom and Iran?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

United Kingdom passport ranking

Where else the United Kingdom passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport