Iran entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 16, 2026·View sources
eVisa or on arrival
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
As a Malta passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Iran or apply for an e-visa beforehand. You'll be allowed to stay for up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You cannot enter Iran without a valid visa; apply well in advance to avoid delays. Visa required for Maltese citizens | Maltese passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. You may apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a visa on arrival at designated Iranian airports, subject to approval. The visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran within the 30-day visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of financial means can help avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iran, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Malta passport holders entering Iran. | Not required |
Active conflict — commercial flights suspended
Iran is currently in an active military conflict with the US (escalated July 2026, strikes near Tehran and Semnan province). Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport has suspended all scheduled commercial flights, and aviation authorities (EASA) advise against operating in Iranian airspace at all. Do not plan travel to Iran right now — check your government's official travel advisory and live flight status before making any arrangements. The visa information on this page describes the standard peacetime policy and may not be practically usable at the moment.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Iranian immigration will deny entry if your passport is valid for less than 6 months from your arrival date. Even if you have an approved e-visa, you'll be turned away. Check your passport now and renew if needed.
Visa is not extendable
The e-visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days, and it cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential trouble at the airport. Plan your itinerary to fit within the 30-day window.
Apply early — don't cut it close
Processing can take up to 10 working days, but it can be longer during holidays or peak travel seasons. Submit your application at least 3 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into one of the major international airports that offer visa on arrival for Maltese citizens. The most common is Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival desk
After you get off the plane, follow the signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Issuance'. This is usually before passport control. You'll fill out a form and present your passport, return ticket, and any other required documents.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). The officer will issue your visa, which is usually a stamp or a separate visa sticker. Then you can proceed to passport control.
4
Passport control
Present your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll check your details and stamp you in. You're now in Iran!
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 16, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
For overland transit through Iran; must have confirmed onward travel.
student visa
Iran Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $57 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in an Iranian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Iran Work Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $114 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from an Iranian employer and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa)Single-entry, valid for 30 days from issue; processing takes 7-10 working days. | $75 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at major airports for citizens of Malta; must have confirmed hotel booking and return ticket. | $75 |
| Visa extensionUp to 30 days extension, applied at local police offices in Iran. | $30 |
| Airport tax / exit feeNo separate exit fee for most international flights. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Transit visa required
Malta passport holders need a transit visa to leave the airport or stay overnight in Iran. Airside transit without a visa is allowed for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of Malta can obtain a transit visa on arrival at certain airports if they have a confirmed onward ticket and no prior visa refusals.
Transit hubsTehran Imam 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 yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria)Low risk
Low risk in most urban areas; present in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in major cities like Tehran; may affect those with respiratory issues.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in southeastern provinces.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tehran
Tehran Immigration Office
No. 1, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Shiraz
Shiraz Immigration Office
Fars Province, Shiraz, Modares Blvd
Sat–Wed 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the south.
Practical information for MT 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
Yes, Maltese citizens are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival at major Iranian airports. Just make sure you have the required documents and cash for the fee.
The fee varies by nationality and can change. It's typically around €50-€100, but you should check with the Iranian embassy or recent traveler reports. Have extra cash to be safe.
No, it's optional. You can get a visa on arrival. However, some travelers prefer to apply for an e-visa in advance to avoid potential queues or issues at the airport.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa before you travel.
You may be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration wants to see proof that you'll leave Iran. Have a confirmed onward or return ticket ready.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to check your government's travel advisories. Be aware of local laws and customs, and avoid any political demonstrations.
The visa fee must be paid in cash, and US dollars, euros, or British pounds are accepted. Iranian rials are not accepted for this payment.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.