Treatment in Mashhad: Licensed Hospitals, Hotels and Pilgrimage Planning

Last reviewed: October 26, 2026

Treatment in Mashhad is a common choice for patients from Iraq, the Gulf and Afghanistan who want to combine care with a visit to the shrine of Imam Reza. Tehran Times reported in 2024 that 46 hospitals and specialist clinics in Mashhad held licences to accept health tourists. LSevin helps you coordinate a licensed facility, a hotel near the hospital or shrine, and the timing of your ziyarat in one plan.

Why Mashhad?

Mashhad is home to the shrine of Imam Reza, and many patients combine treatment with pilgrimage. According to Tehran Times (August 2024), the top ten source countries for Mashhad's health tourists were Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman and Turkey.

Mashhad in official figures

Reported figures on medical tourism in Mashhad
Period	Figure	Source
Iranian year 1400 (2021-22)	24,300 foreign patients, inpatient and outpatient	Mashhad University of Medical Sciences via Tehran Times and IMTJ
First half of 1401 (2022)	About 23,000 foreign patients, up 50% year on year	Tehran Times (November 2022)
First quarter of 1403 (2024)	Over 20,500 health tourists: about 10,500 inpatients and 10,000 outpatients	Tehran Times (August 2024)
2024	46 licensed hospitals and clinics; 12 more seeking licences	Tehran Times (August 2024)
2024	140 licensed health tourism companies under Mashhad University of Medical Sciences	Tehran Times (August 2024)

Common treatments in Mashhad

Reports citing Mashhad University of Medical Sciences list these among the services licensed centres provided to foreign patients. Your treating physician must confirm that any treatment suits you after reviewing your records.

Ophthalmology (eye care and surgery)
Cardiology and heart surgery
Gynaecology and obstetrics
Orthopaedics
Plastic and cosmetic surgery

Licensed facilities

Only facilities with a Ministry of Health IPD licence may admit international patients, and the list is published at iht.behdasht.gov.ir. LSevin coordinates only with these facilities and with licensed health tourism companies.

Combining ziyarat and treatment

A shrine visit usually involves walking and crowds. Many patients therefore make their ziyarat before surgery and return to the shrine afterwards only with their doctor's approval. ASPS also advises avoiding extensive touring during recovery.

Arrival day: rest at the hotel and first consultation.
After the consultation and before surgery: ziyarat and any required tests.
Surgery and recovery days: stay in a hotel near the hospital or with care services.
Once your doctor agrees: a short shrine visit and a final check-up before you fly home.

Hotel near the shrine or near the hospital?

For outpatient treatment, a hotel near the shrine is convenient. If you are having surgery with frequent check-ups, a hotel near the hospital or one with care services is the better fit. LSevin shows the distance to both the shrine and the hospital, and you can book family rooms for companions.

Visa, flights and travel status (checked 26 October 2026)

According to the foreign ministry's e-visa portal, citizens of Iraq and Oman fall under visa waiver rules. Citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE may stay visa-free for tourism for a non-extendable 15 days, so ask the embassy which visa applies if treatment will take longer. Afghan and Pakistani patients need a visa. The Iranian embassy in Bern requires a hotel booking in Qom or Mashhad for a pilgrimage visa, but travelling for treatment calls for a treatment visa.

Regional flight schedules can change at short notice, so recheck them close to your travel date. As of 26 October 2026, the UK and Canada advise against all travel to Iran. Read your own government's advisory; LSevin does not declare travel safe.

Plan your Mashhad treatment and ziyarat together

In a free consultation, LSevin coordinates a licensed facility, your hotel and the timing of your shrine visit around your treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I combine ziyarat and surgery in one trip?

Yes, with careful planning. Ziyarat usually comes before surgery, and afterwards only with your treating physician's approval.

How many hospitals in Mashhad are licensed for foreign patients?

Tehran Times reported 46 licensed hospitals and specialist clinics in 2024. The current list is published at iht.behdasht.gov.ir.

Are Arabic interpreters available?

Some facilities have Arabic-speaking staff or interpreters. Tell us your language in the consultation and LSevin will arrange an interpreter where available.

Do Iraqi patients need a visa for Mashhad?

The foreign ministry's e-visa portal lists Iraq under visa waiver rules. If treatment runs long, you must extend your stay.

How much does treatment in Mashhad cost?

It depends on the treatment, the facility and the length of stay. LSevin sends a written quote covering treatment and accommodation after reviewing your records.

Can I book a hotel near the shrine with nursing care?

Some hotels allow nurse visits or hospital transfers to be added where available and when your doctor recommends them. Ask when you book.

This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. The treating physician decides whether a treatment is suitable.