Iran entry requirements for Cyprus 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
Cyprus passport holders can enter Iran with an e-visa or a visa on arrival, valid for up to 30 days. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to have your documents ready and meet the passport validity requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Iran visa (e-Visa or on arrival)You must have a valid visa to enter Iran. Cyprus passport holders can get one online or upon arrival. e-Visa or visa on arrival | Cyprus citizens are eligible for an Iran e-Visa or a visa on arrival for tourism, valid for a stay of up to 30 days. Apply for the e-Visa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at designated Iranian airports. The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Iran. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport, so a blank page is necessary. 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 proof that you will leave Iran before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Iran within the 30-day permitted stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Iran (e.g., cash, credit cards, or bank statements). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Cyprus citizens 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.
Apply early — no exceptions
The e-visa is mandatory and there's no visa-on-arrival for Cyprus passport holders. Don't risk it — apply at least 2 weeks before your flight. Processing times can stretch, especially around Iranian holidays.
Keep your confirmation handy
You'll need your e-visa confirmation at multiple points: airline check-in, passport control, and possibly at your hotel. Print it and also save a PDF on your phone — just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport and head to the visa desk
After landing at an international airport like Tehran Imam Khomeini, follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs. You'll find a bank-like counter where you fill out a visa application form.
2
Submit your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, photos, accommodation proof, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars). The officer will process your application, usually within 15-30 minutes.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then go through passport control, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day entry permit.
Download Iran Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus 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 (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80–$150
Requires invitation letter from an Iranian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
Validity3 months
Cost$30–$50
For overland transit through Iran; must have confirmed onward travel.
Journalist visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100–$200
Requires official accreditation from Iranian authorities; processing may take several weeks.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iran eVisa (tourist visa on arrival via evisa)Single-entry, valid for 30 days; fee payable online or at airport. | $35–$75 (depending on nationality and processing) |
| Airport visa on arrival (if not pre-arranged)Available at major international airports; requires confirmed hotel booking and return ticket. | $50–$75 |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Aliabad Police Department in Tehran or local police offices; extension fees vary. | Approx. $30–$50 |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Some land border crossings may charge a small exit fee. | Included in airline ticket for most flights; otherwise approx. $10–$15 |
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
Transit visa required
Cyprus citizens transiting through Iran generally require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within a short window. However, Iran does not have a formal airside transit exemption for most nationalities, so a transit visa is recommended.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports with bilateral agreements
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 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
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Iran within 30 days. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential issues with future travel to Iran.
If you're transiting and staying in the airport, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or an e-visa. Check with your airline for transit requirements.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. This is recommended to avoid airport queues. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and must be obtained before travel.
You can provide the address of a friend or relative you're staying with. If you have no accommodation, immigration may ask for a detailed itinerary. It's best to have at least a first-night booking.
Iran is generally safe for tourists, but you should check your government's travel advisories. Be aware of local laws and customs, and avoid any political gatherings. The visa process is straightforward, but always stay informed.
The visa fee is usually accepted in euros or US dollars. Bring cash in small denominations. Credit cards are not accepted for visa fees, and ATMs may not work with foreign cards due to sanctions.
No, visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you plan to enter by land from Turkey, Armenia, or other neighboring countries, you must obtain an e-visa or a visa from an Iranian embassy before travel.
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.