Treatment in Iran for Patients from the Gulf: Visa, Flights, Arabic Support, Mashhad Pilgrimage and Payment

Visas: the tourist waiver and the medical visa

According to a foreign ministry notice published by Iran's consulate in Hong Kong, from 4 February 2024 ordinary passport holders from 28 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, are exempt from visas for tourism. Each stay is 15 days and cannot be extended, and entry is allowed once every six months. The notice stresses that visits for other purposes require visas.

Iran's foreign ministry e-visa portal describes the T (medical) visa as being for people with an approval letter from an authorised medical centre. Rules can change, so check current conditions with Iran's embassy in your country. LSevin does not issue visas.

Flights

Direct flights between Gulf cities and Tehran or Mashhad may be available, but schedules can change suddenly. Canada's travel advisory warns of possible flight cancellations linked to regional tensions. Recheck close to your travel date, and ask your doctor when you can fly home after surgery.

Arabic support

A 2023 study in Health Scope reported verbal communication problems between international patients and care teams. Tell us during the consultation that you prefer Arabic, and LSevin arranges Arabic support and a medical interpreter where available. Ask for your medical summary and discharge instructions in a language you understand.

Combining treatment with a visit to Mashhad

In August 2024 a Mashhad health tourism official listed Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman among the city's top 10 source countries for patients, and said 46 hospitals and specialised clinics in Mashhad were licensed to accept health tourists.

Ziyarat usually involves walking and crowds, so many patients visit the shrine before surgery and return afterwards only with their doctor's approval. If treatment is the main purpose of your trip, apply for a medical visa.

Payment and currency

GOV.UK says non-Iranian debit and cash cards do not work in Iran, getting cash is extremely difficult, and changing money on the street is illegal. Agree the payment method and currency before travel as part of a written quote. LSevin does not publish fixed prices.

Choosing a licensed facility

According to the Ministry of Health announcement, the list of IPD-licensed centres is published on iht.behdasht.gov.ir, and patients should not be referred to unlicensed centres.

• Check the facility's name on the official list.
• Ask before travel about the doctor's specialty and the language of communication.
• Get all costs and the follow-up plan in writing.

Travel advisories (checked 27 October 2026)

As of 27 October 2026 the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, and the Government of Canada advises avoiding all travel to Iran. Citizens of Gulf countries should read their own government's latest guidance. LSevin does not declare travel safe.