Iran entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cyprus passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Iranian airports, valid for stays up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2024 and applies to tourism and business visits. You'll need to queue at the visa counter before immigration, pay the fee in cash, and receive a sticker in your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on ArrivalYou can get a visa when you land at major airports in Iran, but you need to have a hotel reservation and travel insurance ready. Available at major airports | Citizens of Cyprus can obtain a visa on arrival at Iranian airports. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. The cost is approximately €75-€100, payable in euros or US dollars. You must have a confirmed hotel booking and travel insurance. | Required |
| Passport ValidityYour passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Iran. Minimum 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank Passport PagesYou need at least one empty page in your passport for the visa stamp. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or Onward TicketYou need to show a ticket that proves you will leave Iran before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Iran within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of FundsIt's a good idea to have some cash or proof of funds to show you can support yourself during your trip. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Iran. The exact amount is not specified, but having at least €500 or equivalent in cash or traveler's checks is recommended. | Recommended |
| Travel InsuranceYou need travel insurance that covers medical costs and emergency evacuation in Iran. Coverage for Iran | Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is required for the visa on arrival. Your insurance policy must be valid in Iran. | Required |
| Hotel Booking ConfirmationYou need to show a hotel reservation that covers your entire stay in Iran. Accommodation proof | You must have a confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay in Iran. The booking confirmation must be presented at the visa on arrival counter. | Required |
| Arrival DeclarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before traveling. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for citizens of Cyprus entering Iran. | Not required |
No Israeli stamps allowed
If your passport shows any evidence of travel to Israel (stamps, visas, or even entry/exit stamps from neighboring countries that indicate overland crossing), you will be denied entry to Iran. Get a new passport before traveling.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no Iranian rials. Bring enough to cover the fee plus any unexpected costs.
eSIM recommended
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no airport queue needed. You'll have data immediately for maps, messaging, and showing your hotel booking.
What happens at the border
1
Land at an international airport
Visa on arrival is available at Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ), Isfahan (IFN), and Kish Island (KIH). Do not arrive by land — no visa on arrival at land borders.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
Before immigration, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk. Fill out a short application form (name, passport number, hotel address, flight details). Staff speak basic English.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Pay in euros or US dollars. The fee is approximately €75–€100. Keep the receipt — you'll need it later.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 minutes. They may call your name. If you have a common name, listen carefully.
5
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is a sticker placed on a blank page in your passport. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the visa sticker and your boarding pass. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 (€92)
Requires invitation from Iranian company; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$80 (€74)
Obtained via Iranian embassy or online; avoids airport queue.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, GBP) at airport counter. | $75 (€70) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at local immigration office before current visa expires. | $30 (€28) |
| Exit fee (overland)Paid at land border crossings; not applicable at airports. | $5 (€4.50) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return/onward ticket25%
Previous visa violations in Iran15%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iran
No transit visa needed
Cyprus passport holders transiting through Iranian airports do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsImam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) · Mashhad International Airport (MHD) · Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)
Health & vaccines for Iran
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Severe in major cities, especially Tehran; consider masks.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water; eat well-cooked food.
COVID-19Low risk
No current restrictions, but check updates.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan province; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
General Directorate of Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs
No. 5, Shahid Fallahi St., Valiasr Ave., Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Mashhad
Mashhad Immigration Office
Khorasan Blvd., near Ferdowsi Square, Mashhad
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Practical information for CY travellers
Country basics
CapitalTehran
LanguagePersian (Farsi)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIranian rial (IRR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,279,924.33 IRR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3:30
vs New York+7h30m
vs Los Angeles+10h30m
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is approximately €75–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars). It varies slightly by airport and processing time. Pay in cash — no credit cards.
No. Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're arriving by land from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, you must get a visa in advance from an Iranian embassy.
Up to 30 days. Extensions are possible at immigration offices in major cities (e.g., Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan) for an additional fee. Apply before your visa expires.
No. For tourism, you don't need a sponsor. A hotel booking is sufficient. For business, you may need a letter from an Iranian company — check with your host.
Iran does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli visa or stamp. If your passport shows travel to Israel, you'll be denied entry. Get a new passport before applying.
Yes. Visit the immigration office (اداره اتباع خارجی) in any major city. Extensions are usually granted for 15–30 days and cost around €30–€50. Go early in the morning to avoid queues.
Yes. All women (including tourists) must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs from the moment they step off the plane. Airport staff will remind you if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.