Have you ever been concerned about customs regulations when traveling abroad or entering Iran? Every country has specific rules for importing and exporting goods and currency, so it is best to familiarize yourself with these regulations before traveling.

Below, we review customs regulations regarding passenger-accompanied goods, which are essential for all travelers entering or leaving the country. These regulations differ depending on whether the traveler is entering or exiting Iran.

Customs Regulations for Departing Passengers

Departing passengers, whether Iranian or foreign, can carry Iranian goods up to the specified limit allowed for incoming passengers, provided that the goods are not for commercial purposes.

Foreign nationals who have officially worked or studied in Iran can take their personal belongings with them upon completing their work or study period without requiring a permit or a commercial card, as long as the items are within reasonable limits.

Customs Regulations for Specific Goods

Dried Fruits and Nuts

• The export of dried fruits, such as spices, tea, pistachios, and saffron, is allowed as long as it is not for commercial purposes.
• The maximum allowed export is 10 kg of pistachios and 150 g of saffron per passport.
• Iranian travelers heading to Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia are prohibited from carrying these goods, but this restriction does not apply to foreign tourists.

Carpets and Kilims

• Passengers can carry up to 20 square meters of hand-woven carpets, with no limit on the number of pieces.
• Carpets can be exported via air, land, and sea borders.
• The export of antique carpets with historical or cultural value is prohibited.
• Carrying carpets to Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia is not allowed.

Currency Regulations

• According to Central Bank regulations, travelers can carry up to 5,000 euros (or its equivalent in other currencies) in cash when leaving the country.
• Carrying currency in the form of bank traveler's checks is also permitted.

Gold and Silver

• Passengers can carry up to 150 grams of personal gold jewelry.
• The export of silverware and silver artifacts as gifts and souvenirs is allowed up to 3 kg, provided they are not considered cultural and historical artifacts.
• The export of any type of gold coins is prohibited.

Artworks and Antiques

• The export of antiques, original artworks, handwritten books, calligraphy pieces, valuable coins, and other historical and cultural heritage items is strictly prohibited.

Customs Regulations for Arriving Passengers

Iranian and foreign travelers entering Iran from abroad or free trade-industrial zones can bring, once a year, goods worth up to $80 without paying customs duties. For goods exceeding this value, customs duties and double the commercial profit tax must be paid.

Import of Gold, Silver, and Currency

• The import of currency, bank securities, and bearer bonds up to 10,000 euros (or its equivalent) is permitted. Amounts exceeding this must be declared to the National Bank located at entry points.
• Importing personal jewelry within reasonable limits (up to 150 grams) is allowed, but higher amounts require a permit from the Central Bank.

Helicopters and Drones

• Importing helicopters, drones, and similar equipment requires legal permits. If these items are taken out of the country, the relevant customs regulations must be observed.

Medications

• The import of medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, and protein or sports supplements requires legal permits from the Ministry of Health.

Tobacco Products

• Each traveler can bring a maximum of one box of cigarettes (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars) and up to 250 grams of tobacco.

Special Regulations for Workers and Iranian Expatriates

Tools and Equipment for Workers

Hand tools and used professional equipment belonging to travelers are exempt from customs duties, provided that:

1. The traveler’s profession is confirmed by Iranian consular authorities.
2. The goods arrive at customs within one month before or up to nine months after the traveler’s arrival.
3. The items do not include machinery or industrial equipment.
   
   

Personal Belongings of Iranian Expatriates

Used household items and personal belongings of Iranian expatriates who have lived abroad for over a year can be imported, provided that:

1. The goods are shipped from the country of residence and arrive at customs within one month before or up to nine months after the traveler’s arrival.
2. The items are not for commercial purposes.

3. The traveler has not used this exemption in the past five years.

General Import and Export Prohibitions

According to Iran’s customs regulations, the import and export of certain goods are strictly prohibited:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Gambling equipment
• Cold and firearms, explosives, and incendiary materials
• Narcotics
• Publications, images, films, and other items contrary to national and religious values
• Goods that are legally or religiously restricted

Restrictions on Bulky Goods

• Refrigerators, fridge-freezers, freezers, televisions, and audio equipment (except portable radios) are no longer eligible for customs exemption.
• Importing these goods is permitted with the payment of customs duties if they are non-commercial.

Special Regulations for Certain Goods

• Importing pets requires a veterinary health certificate.
• Importing wild animals requires a permit from the Environmental Protection Organization.
• Importing telecommunications equipment, such as cordless phones, requires a permit from the Ministry of Communications.
• Importing plants, seeds, flowers, and seedlings requires a phytosanitary certificate.
• Importing live fish is only allowed with a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.

By familiarizing yourself with these regulations, you can plan your trip without concerns about customs issues.