Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.
Yes — US tourists need a visa (a Kish Island exception exists but is not confirmed in detail). The State Department says Do Not Travel because of the risk of wrongful detention of Americans.
Book a travel clinic appointment 6–8 weeks before you fly.
Required only if you're travelling from — or transiting through — a country with active transmission.
Certificate required if arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Not required for entry — advised by NHS / CDC for most travellers.
Recommended — food & water borne.
Recommended, especially for longer stays or rural travel.
Consider for rural travel, cyclists, and long trips.
Which countries require the certificate, timing, cost, and the 10-day validity rule.
Not medical advice. Always confirm with your GP, travel nurse, or a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — requirements change and can vary based on where you're arriving from.
The State Department says US citizens need a tourist visa for Iran, except for Kish Island. We have not verified how the Kish exception works, so confirm it with Iranian authorities rather than treating it as a visa-free holiday. This is not a general entry ban, but the State Department places Iran at Level 4: Do Not Travel because of the risk of wrongful detention of Americans. There is no US embassy in Iran.
For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.
| Passport | US passport |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism (other purposes have separate rules) |
| Visa required | Yes — visa required |
| Maximum stay | As set on your visa — not confirmed in the sources we checked |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months after arrival, with 1 blank page for entry |
| Return/onward ticket | Not confirmed in the sources we checked |
| Arrival form | Not confirmed in the sources we checked |
| Last checked | 22 July 2026 |
eVisa before travel (federal Iraq). Kurdistan-only trips have other options that don't allow travel outside the region. The State Department says Do Not Travel.
Read the dossierDo not travel. A visa is required and the State Department advises against all travel to Russia.
Read the dossierHuman-checked
Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 22 Jul 2026.
Auto-monitored
An hourly job re-scans official sources for changes. Anything fishy triggers a manual review.
Not legal advice
Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.