Treatment in Iran for Patients from Iraq: Visa, Borders and Flights, Mashhad or Tehran, Ziyarat and Payment

Do Iraqi citizens need a visa for treatment in Iran?

Iran's foreign ministry e-visa portal (evisa.mfa.ir) lists Iraq among the countries under visa waiver rules. The permitted stay is set at the point of entry, and for longer treatment you must obtain an extension before it ends.

Visa rules can change. Before you travel, check current conditions on evisa.mfa.ir or with Iran's embassy and consulates in Iraq. LSevin does not issue visas.

Land borders and flights

According to Tasnim News Agency (July 2026), the head of Iran's Central Headquarters for Arbaeen said the Shalamcheh, Chazzabeh, Mehran, Khosravi, Bashmaq and Tamarchin crossings in western Iran were ready for Arbaeen pilgrim traffic. Opening status and hours can change, so check before you travel.

Direct flights between Iraqi cities and Tehran or Mashhad may be available, but schedules can change quickly, so recheck close to your travel date. For a patient travelling after surgery, a shorter route and a pre-arranged transfer are usually easier.

Mashhad or Tehran?

The right city depends on your treatment, your doctor and your companions' plans.

Combining treatment with ziyarat

Ziyarat usually involves walking and crowds. Many patients therefore make their visit before surgery and return to the shrine afterwards only with their doctor's approval. If companions want to visit while the patient recovers, choose a hotel near the hospital or shrine to suit the treatment plan.

Payment and currency

GOV.UK says non-Iranian debit and cash cards do not work in Iran, getting cash is extremely difficult, changing money on the street is illegal, and selected currencies can be exchanged at some exchange offices. Find out before you travel how and in which currency you will pay.

Agree the payment method before travel as part of your written quote. LSevin does not publish fixed prices; you receive a quote after the consultation.

Arabic support and avoiding brokers

A 2023 study in Health Scope reported verbal communication problems between international patients and care teams, and brokers at the border who demand large sums from patients.

• Tell us during the consultation that you prefer Arabic, and we arrange Arabic support and a medical interpreter where available.
• Deal only with an IPD-licensed facility and an authorised facilitator.
• Do not rely on strangers at the border or airport offering to recommend a doctor.
• Get all costs in writing before you travel.

Travel advisories (checked 27 October 2026)

As of 27 October 2026 the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran and carries additional warnings for border areas. Read the latest official advice before booking. LSevin does not declare travel safe.