An Iran visa for Canadians is required for every type of trip, from tourism to transit, and the Government of Canada currently advises Canadians to avoid all travel to Iran. Here is what the official advice says, checked on 2 November 2026.
Reviewed by Saye Shams, SURFIRAN.
Contents
1. Canada says avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada’s advice for Iran was last updated on 13 October 2026 and advises against all travel. It warns that Canadians, particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of being arbitrarily questioned, arrested or detained and of having their passport confiscated.
2. Every visa category is required
Canada lists a visa as required for tourist, business, student, pilgrimage, press and transit travel. There is no visa-free entry for Canadian passport holders, so the visa must be arranged before you travel. Check the Government of Canada’s list of foreign representatives for where to apply.
3. Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Iran.
4. Stamps that can lead to refusal
Canadians have been denied entry because their passports carried an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp from a crossing next to Israel.
5. Dual citizens
Iran does not legally recognise dual citizenship. Canadian-Iranian citizens must enter and exit on an Iranian passport, may not be able to leave unless they meet certain conditions, and may be refused Canadian consular access.
6. Overstays and transit passes
Overstaying a visa can lead to detention, imprisonment and fines, and you must remain in Iran until it is resolved. If you enter with a transit pass issued by an Iranian embassy or consulate, you may need to obtain an Iranian passport to leave.
Before you plan
Visa rules and travel advice can change quickly. SURFIRAN cannot guarantee that any visa will be issued; that decision rests with Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the general process, see our Iran visa guide and the latest official travel advice for Iran. Our private tours resume only when official advice allows.
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Iran?
Yes. The Government of Canada lists a visa as required for every type of travel to Iran, including tourist, business, student, pilgrimage, press and transit visits. There is no visa-free entry for Canadian passport holders, so you must arrange the correct visa before you travel.
What does Canada currently advise about travel to Iran?
As of its update on 13 October 2026, Global Affairs Canada advises Canadians to avoid all travel to Iran. It warns of the risk of arbitrary questioning, arrest or detention and passport confiscation, particularly for dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, who face the greatest risk.
How long must a Canadian passport be valid for Iran?
Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Iran. Check the expiry date before you apply, and remember that airlines may refuse boarding if the passport does not meet this requirement on the day of travel.
Can Canadian-Iranian dual citizens use a Canadian passport in Iran?
No. Iran does not legally recognise dual citizenship. Canadian-Iranian citizens must enter and exit Iran on an Iranian passport, may not be able to leave unless they meet certain conditions, and Iranian authorities may refuse them access to Canadian consular services.
Will an Israeli stamp stop a Canadian from entering Iran?
It can. The Government of Canada reports that Canadians have been refused entry because their passports carried an Israeli visa or border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian stamp from a crossing beside Israel, which suggests the traveller entered from Israel.
